Samsung NX300 vs Samsung NX300M

Samsung NX300 vs. NX300M: A Detailed Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

In the rapidly evolving entry-level mirrorless camera market, Samsung’s NX series has attracted attention for blending advanced features with accessible ergonomics. Among this series, the Samsung NX300 (announced late 2013) and Samsung NX300M (early 2013) are often compared due to their similar specifications and positioning. Both cameras aim to serve photography enthusiasts and professionals seeking a compact APS-C sensor system without downsizing on imaging potential.

While the spec sheets of the NX300 and NX300M closely resemble each other, subtleties in feature implementation, usability, and performance necessitate a deeper, empirical comparison. Drawing upon hands-on experience with each model across multiple photographic disciplines and technical testing, this article offers an exhaustive analysis to elucidate where each model shines or falls short.

Understanding the Physical Footprint: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

At first glance, both the NX300 and NX300M share almost identical dimensions (122 x 64 x 41 mm) and weight (~331g body-only, excluding lens), confirming Samsung’s commitment to a portable, mirrorless form factor. However, subtle ergonomic differences can influence long shooting sessions and handling versatility.

• Grip and Control Placement: Both cameras adopt a rangefinder-style mirrorless body with minimal protrusions. The grip is modest but sufficient for medium to large hands, providing a secure hold without fatigue. The NX300 exhibits slightly refined button contours and a marginally better textured grip surface, aiding security in challenging conditions.

• Build Quality: Neither camera features weather sealing, dustproofing, or shock resistance, limiting their use in harsh outdoor environments - a significant consideration for landscape or wildlife photographers.

• Top View Control Layout: Differences emerge in button assignments and control dials on the top plate, which we examine next.

Top-Plate Design and Interface: Navigating Controls

Both cameras forego built-in electronic viewfinders and rely exclusively on their rear screens for composition and feedback. The absence here impacts work in bright sunlight and for users preferring eye-level framing.

• Dedicated Dials: The NX300 integrates a dedicated mode dial atop the body, facilitating quick access to aperture priority, shutter priority, manual, and other exposure modes without menu navigation. The NX300M lacks this physical mode dial, requiring mode selection through the touchscreen interface - a process less efficient for rapid shooting scenarios such as street or sports photography.

• Customizability: NX300’s physical controls support clearer tactile feedback and faster manual overrides. For professionals accustomed to reflex camera habits, this equates to better operational reliability, especially when the eye is not fixed on the screen.

• Connection Ports: Both models support HDMI output and have a USB 2.0 port. Neither includes microphone or headphone jacks, limiting external audio options during video capture.

Sensor Specifications and Image Quality Potential

Central to the imaging capabilities of both cameras is Samsung’s APS-C CMOS sensor with a resolution of approximately 20 megapixels (5472 x 3648 pixels). The sensor’s 23.5 x 15.7 mm dimensions place it firmly in APS-C territory, delivering a 1.5x crop factor relative to full-frame.

• Image Processing: Equipped with Samsung’s DRIMe IV processor, both cameras benefit from similar raw processing pipelines and noise reduction profiles.

• Dynamic Range and Color Depth: Although DxOmark data is available only for the NX300 (overall score 76), the sensor’s performance is competitive in its class. A color depth rating of 23.6 bits and dynamic range around 12.7 EV deliver excellent tonal gradation, vital for landscape photographers demanding subtle highlight and shadow detail.

• Low Light Sensitivity: The native ISO range from 100 to 25600, coupled with a low-light ISO rating of 942 (NX300), permits flexible shooting in challenging light conditions. Noise performance is commendable up to ISO 1600, with noticeable degradation beyond ISO 3200.

• Anti-Aliasing Filter: Presence of an optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter reduces moiré at the expense of some fine detail resolution - a balanced choice for general-purpose photography.

Both cameras lack significant sensor differences; actual image quality disparities arise mainly from software refinements and firmware updates post-release.

Rear Display and User Interface: Touchscreen Experience

The Samsung NX300 and NX300M are equipped with identical 3.3-inch tilting Active Matrix OLED touchscreens at 768k-dot resolution. The touchscreen responds accurately to taps and swipes, providing a modern interactive experience uncommon in earlier mirrorless systems.

• Tilting Mechanism: The screen tilts upwards roughly 90 degrees from the body, suitable for composing shots from waist level or high angles but does not articulate downward, limiting overhead or low-angle flexibility.

• Interface Design: The NX300’s interface benefits from enhanced responsiveness and a more intuitive menu flow compared to the earlier NX300M. This interface optimization reduces startup delays and streamlines key functions such as exposure compensation, white balance adjustments, and autofocus point selection.

• Viewfinder Absence: Lack of an EVF encourages reliance on the rear screen, which remains problematic in bright conditions, suggesting users invest in optional external viewfinders or compose via live-view in shaded environments.

Focusing System: Speed, Accuracy, and Versatility

Both models employ hybrid autofocus systems merging phase detection and contrast detection across 247 selectable points covering a wide area of the frame, enabling fast and accurate focusing in diverse scenarios.

• Autofocus Modes: Single AF, continuous AF, face detection, and multi-area AF modes are standard fare, with touch-to-focus support and satisfaction in both models.

• Eye and Animal Detection: Notably absent are dedicated eye-detection or animal eye autofocus features. This omission affects portrait and wildlife photographers who require swift, reliable eye focusing.

• Tracking Performance: In real-world use, continuous AF tracking performs well under static or slow-moving conditions but struggles with fast-moving subjects such as sports or wildlife in flight.

• Low Light Focusing: In dim environments, the hybrid AF system maintains reasonable lock speeds down to approximately EV -1, but hunting and slower acquisition become evident as light diminishes further.

Shooting Performance and Burst Rates

• Maximum Shutter Speed: Both cameras offer a shutter speed range from 1/30s to 1/6000s but do not include electronic or silent shutter capabilities, precluding completely silent shooting required in discreet settings such as weddings or street photography.

• Continuous Shooting: The burst rate is rated at 9 frames per second, a commendable speed for entry-level mirrorless systems and beneficial for capturing fleeting moments in wildlife or sports photography.

• Buffer Depth and Write Speed: Buffer capacity handles approximately 10-12 RAW images at full speed before slowing down, suitable for short bursts but limiting prolonged action shoots.

Video Capabilities: Practical Constraints and Utility

• Resolution and Frame Rate: Both cameras record Full HD video (1920 x 1080 pixels) at standard frame rates, supporting MPEG-4 and H.264 compression. Lower resolutions include 720p and standard definition options.

• Controls: Exposure modes (shutter/aperture priority) and white balance adjustments are accessible during video capture, providing creative flexibility.

• Stabilization and Audio: Neither camera features in-body stabilization, nor do they provide microphone or headphone ports, impairing professional video workflows. Reliance on stabilized lenses or external rigs is necessary.

• Limitations: Absence of 4K or high-frame-rate video modes limits utility for videographers requiring advanced features. No time-lapse recording is supported natively.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations for Extended Usage

• Battery: Both cameras use the Samsung BP1130 battery pack, delivering approximately 330 shots per charge - modest endurance for extended shoots or travel photography - necessitating spares for heavy usage.

• Storage: A single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot accommodates commonly used media types, though the lack of dual-slot redundancy impacts professionals relying on instantaneous backup.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

• Lens Mount: Both NX300 and NX300M use Samsung NX mount lenses, compatible with 32 native lenses available during their market periods.

• Focal Length Multiplier: Crop factor of 1.5x must be considered when selecting lenses intended for full-frame focal lengths.

• Lens Availability: While the lens selection covers a range of focal lengths including macro, telephoto, and wide-angle options, the ecosystem is smaller compared to rivals like Sony E-mount or Micro Four Thirds, potentially limiting system growth and adaptability.

Connectivity and Wireless Features: Modern Needs Addressed

• Wireless: Both cameras incorporate built-in Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities, allowing easy pairing with smartphones and tablets for image transfer and remote control.

• Bluetooth: Absence of Bluetooth restricts battery-efficient pairing and continuous connection scenarios.

• GPS: Optional GPS connectivity is supported, facilitating geotagging essential for travel and landscape photographers.

• Ports: USB 2.0 connectivity offers file transfer but is slower than contemporary USB 3.0 or higher standards.

Genre-Specific Performance: Strengths and Limitations

To provide photographers with meaningful recommendations, below is an assessment of each camera’s suitability across principal photography genres, based on firsthand usage and testing outcomes.

• Portrait Photography: Both cameras deliver accurate skin tone rendering thanks to effective custom white balance and 23.6-bit color depth. The hybrid AF’s face detection improves framing accuracy but falls short without eye detection autofocus. The 247 focus points allow for creative placement of subjects within the frame, but the lack of in-body stabilization requires stabilized lenses or tripods to maximize sharpness, particularly in low light.

• Landscape Photography: The NX300 marginally edges the NX300M due to slightly refined image processor optimizations. Dynamic range near 12.7 EV permits retention of detail in bright skies and shadows. However, no environmental sealing confines use in harsh outdoor conditions. The absence of high-resolution modes limits resolution when printing large formats.

• Wildlife Photography: The 9 fps continuous shooting rate is appreciable, but autofocus tracking limitations and buffer depth restrict performance with erratic fast-moving animals. Lack of telephoto lens options in the ecosystem is a notable practical barrier.

• Sports Photography: Fast shutter speeds and decent burst performance serve amateur sports shooters adequately. Nevertheless, missing eye autofocus and limited AF tracking in low contrast scenarios reduce efficacy in competitive environments.

• Street Photography: The compact size and tilting touchscreen facilitate discreet operation. However, lack of silent shutter and EVF detracts from the ‘stealth’ factor some street photographers prioritize. Portability is good, but the reliance on LCD affects usability under harsh lighting conditions.

• Macro Photography: The lens system includes options supporting close focusing but absence of focus bracketing or stacking features reduces creative flexibility. Manual focus remains essential for fine composition. No stabilization complicates handheld macro shooting.

• Night and Astro Photography: ISO sensitivity allows limited handheld night shooting, but long exposures require tripods. The cameras do not include specialized astro modes or bulb exposure for ultra-long shots, constraining astrophotography ambitions.

• Video Production: Full HD capture with basic compression formats sets a foundation for casual video usage. Lack of audio jack connectivity and advanced stabilization restrict labor-intensive or professional videography.

• Travel Photography: The compact form factor, weight, and wireless image sharing capabilities make both models solid travel companions. Marginally better processing speed and UI fluency in the NX300 improve workflow in fast-paced travel conditions.

• Professional Use: As entry-level mirrorless options, both cameras lack dual card slots, weather sealing, and advanced file handling features (e.g., tethering support, extensive RAW controls) typical in professional-grade systems. Their APS-C sensors and lens mounts do provide professional image quality within defined limits.

Overall Imaging Performance and Ratings

Samsung NX300 screen back Samsung NX300M screen back

Analysis of raw and JPEG outputs under varied conditions reveals:

• Consistent color accuracy with pleasing image rendering in daylight.

• Manageable noise up to ISO 1600; beyond this, chroma and luminance noise become pronounced.

• Slight edge to NX300 in image processing speed and refinement, attributed to firmware updates.

Summary of Technical Evaluations

Performance Rating Overview

The NX300 carries a marginal advantage in real-world responsiveness, user experience, and firmware stability, reflecting its later market entry and intended replacement status for the NX210. The NX300M, while an earlier release, shares most core capabilities and remains relevant where budget constraints prevail.

Recommendations by User Profiles

For Enthusiasts Seeking Advanced Entry-Level Mirrorless:
The Samsung NX300’s enhanced control layout with dedicated dials, improved interface fluidity, and latest processing optimizations favor it for users prioritizing speed, versatility, and an immersive shooting experience.

For Budget-Conscious Buyers and Casual Shooters:
The NX300M offers near-identical image quality and performance at a lower price point, making it a compelling value proposition without substantial compromises.

For Portrait Photographers:
Neither model supports eye-detection AF, a critical omission for portrait professionals. However, the NX300’s face detection and accurate color reproduction remain serviceable for studio or controlled conditions.

For Landscape Shooters:
Good dynamic range and resolution combined with RAW support render both cameras suitable, but lack of weather sealing demands caution. The NX300’s refined processing may slightly improve image quality in challenging lighting.

For Wildlife and Sports Enthusiasts:
The 9 fps continuous shooting benefits capturing action but limited autofocus tracking and buffer sizes may frustrate users. Neither system is ideal for rigorous professional sports or wildlife jobs.

For Street and Travel Photography:
The compact bodies and wireless features streamline image transfer during travel. The NX300 provides a more tactile shooting experience, while the NX300M’s touchscreen navigation suffices for casual work.

For Videographers:
Both cameras provide basic Full HD capture but lack features for serious video work. Absence of external mic inputs and advanced stabilization restrict video quality potential.

Final Thoughts: Practicality Versus Technological Limitation

The Samsung NX300 and NX300M exemplify competent early 2010s entry-level mirrorless cameras with competitive APS-C sensors, responsive hybrid AF, and modern OLED touchscreens. While they fall short in modern necessities such as electronic viewfinders, in-body stabilization, and professional-grade video, their strengths lie in delivering solid image quality, good burst rates, and user-friendly controls within a compact form.

Their limited lens ecosystem and lack of rugged weatherproofing constrain their prospects as long-term professional systems, but as platform entry points the cameras provide reasonable performance and usability. The NX300, benefiting from later release refinements, is modestly preferable for those who can justify the price premium.

Prospective buyers should weigh the value offered here against newer mirrorless releases with more comprehensive feature sets and compatibility, particularly in the context of current market pricing and availability.

Images referenced reveal nuanced differences in handling, control layout, sensor performance, image output, and genre-specific scoring, underscoring the necessity for an informed, use case-focused selection process.

Image References:

1. – Shows both camera bodies side by side highlighting build and grip.
2. – Highlights physical control differences which impact workflow.
3. – Diagram comparing sensor sizes and pixel layouts.
4. – Demonstrates touchscreen interface and tilting mechanism.
5. Samsung NX300 screen back Samsung NX300M screen back
   – Side-by-side sample shots from both cameras under identical conditions.
6. – Graphical summary of technical and practical scores.
7. – Bar chart comparing relative performance across photographic disciplines.

Informed purchasing decisions require balancing hardware capabilities with real-world usage scenarios. The Samsung NX300 and NX300M satisfy different user niches within the entry-level mirrorless spectrum, each with distinctive strengths warranting careful consideration.