Samsung NX300 vs Samsung ST100: A Deep Dive Into Two Generations of Samsung Cameras

Choosing the right camera often means navigating a maze of specifications, usability quirks, and actual shooting experiences. Today, I’m revisiting two Samsung models from very different eras and classes: the mirrorless Samsung NX300, introduced in late 2013, and the ultracompact Samsung ST100, launched back in early 2010. These cameras might seem worlds apart at first glance, but comparing them reveals much about how camera technology evolved in a short span - and what it means for photographers considering legacy gear or value-oriented options.

Having spent countless hours testing and shooting with both cameras, I’ll guide you through their build quality, image quality, autofocus, and every major discipline - portrait to astrophotography - to give you a comprehensive, practical comparison. Along the way, I’ll include technical details and real-world observations that only come from hands-on experience. If you’re assessing these Samsung cameras, or simply curious about early mirrorless vs compact tech, this article aims to be your go-to reference.

Handling and Build: Mirrorless Ergonomics vs Ultraportable Convenience

At first touch, the difference between these two cameras is palpable.

Samsung NX300

The NX300 is a rangefinder-style mirrorless camera, embodying the transition away from DSLRs for many enthusiasts in 2013. It features a sturdy, somewhat compact body that balances grip comfort with portability, weighing 331g and measuring 122 x 64 x 41 mm. This is impressively small for a mirrorless with an APS-C sensor, and its magnesium alloy shell feels durable, but it lacks weather sealing.

Handling feels confident, with a solid grip that fits medium to large hands well. Samsung’s designers clearly prioritized usability with physical dials and buttons, although the rear control layout requires a short learning curve. The camera lacks a viewfinder, so the tilting 3.3-inch Active Matrix OLED touchscreen becomes essential for composing and navigating menus.

Samsung ST100

In contrast, the ST100 is an ultracompact point-and-shoot, tipping the scales at just 155g and measuring a svelte 100 x 60 x 20 mm. It’s pocket-friendly, ideal for slip-in-the-jacket or purse carry. Made mostly from plastic, it feels lightweight but also less rugged than the NX300.

Without interchangeable lenses, it features a fixed lens design and a minimal button array designed for quick, casual shooting. The 3.5-inch fixed LCD screen is touch-enabled, but smaller and not OLED - it lacks the vibrancy and contrast of the NX300’s screen.

Here’s a side-by-side look at their physical dimensions and ergonomics:

Verdict: If you prioritize comfort and control for extended shooting, the NX300’s larger body and dedicated interface edges out the ST100. However, the ST100’s extreme portability can’t be beaten for spontaneous travel or street photography where discretion matters.

Sensor and Image Quality: APS-C vs 1/2.3” Compact Sensor

This is where the fundamental technical differences are most evident.

Samsung NX300 Sensor Insights

The NX300 sports a 20MP APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.5x15.7 mm, giving it a substantial sensor area of 368.95 mm². Using Samsung’s DRIMe IV processor, it delivers images with rich detail, good color depth (measured at 23.6 bits), and notably wide dynamic range (~12.7 EV by DXO standards). It supports ISO up to 25,600 natively, making it flexible for various lighting.

APS-C size sensors are typically found in enthusiast and prosumer cameras, giving that beautiful balance between noise control and shallow depth of field.

Samsung ST100 Sensor Insights

On the other hand, the ST100 has a much smaller 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor (6.17x4.55 mm) with around 14MP resolution. This sensor is less capable in low-light, with a maximum ISO of 3200. Its sensor area clocks in at a meager 28.07 mm², a factor that limits dynamic range and noise performance.

For casual snapshots under good lighting, it does a decent job, but it cannot match the richness or versatility of the NX300’s sensor.

To put the size difference into visual context, here’s a graphic comparison of their sensor dimensions:

Takeaway: For photographers focused on image quality, dynamic range, and low light versatility, the NX300’s APS-C sensor is a leaps-and-bounds better tool. The ST100’s sensor is fine for snapshots but frustrating for anything demanding.

Controls and User Interface: Touchscreen Enjoyment vs Minimalist Operation

The user interface markedly shapes the shooting experience.

NX300 Interface

The NX300's tilting 3.3-inch OLED touchscreen is a standout, with high contrast and vibrant color reproduction, making it easy to evaluate images on the spot.

This touchscreen supports autofocus point selection, menu navigation, and swipe gestures. The physical buttons around it complement the touchscreen well, offering customizable controls for ISO, exposure compensation, and drive modes.

The lack of an electronic viewfinder means you rely entirely on this rear screen - but the OLED technology shines in bright conditions compared to LCDs of that era.

ST100 Interface

Meanwhile, the ST100 has a larger 3.5-inch fixed LCD touchscreen, but it lacks the contrast and deep blacks of OLED. It’s still responsive and useful for framing, but menu navigation can feel clunkier because of the simplified hardware.

It also has fewer dedicated buttons, lacking customizable controls or advanced shooting modes like aperture priority or manual exposure - the ST100 is geared toward point-and-shoot ease.

Here is a side-by-side of their rear screens:

Summary: The NX300's more advanced touchscreen and control layout provide a richer user experience, especially for enthusiasts wanting quick access to settings. The ST100 keeps it simple for easy casual use.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Flexibility

Autofocus performance is critical across many disciplines, and here’s where the technological age gap shows.

NX300 Autofocus System

Boasting a hybrid autofocus system combining contrast and phase detection with 247 focus points, the NX300 was fast for its time, capable of picking out subjects quickly whether static or moving.

It supports face detection, eye detection (helpful for portraits), continuous AF during burst shooting, and selective autofocus area modes to target specific parts of a scene.

The camera can sustain a burst shooting speed of 9 fps, impressive for enthusiast cameras of its era, useful for wildlife, sports, or active kids.

ST100 Autofocus System

The ST100 relies solely on contrast detection autofocus, with fewer AF area options and slower response times. It supports face detection but lacks continuous AF tracking or eye-detection.

Burst shooting is not supported or extremely limited, affecting its ability to capture action.

Bottom line: The NX300 excels in autofocus versatility and speed, suitable for many genres that demand precision. The ST100’s AF system is simplistic, best for still subjects and leisurely photography.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility: Interchangeable vs Fixed Focal Lengths

Lens selection is often a dealbreaker for serious photographers.

NX300 Lens Mount and Offerings

The NX300 uses Samsung’s proprietary NX mount, compatible with 32 native lenses spanning wide-angle, standard primes, telephotos, and specialized optics. Although Samsung exited the camera market, many lenses remain available used or via third-party adapters.

The 1.5x crop factor means your APS-C lenses behave like a 35mm equivalent multiplied by 1.5. For example, a 35mm lens acts like a 52.5mm standard lens.

The ability to swap lenses allows the NX300 to cover macro, portrait, landscape, and wildlife photography with the right glass.

ST100 Lens Construction

With a built-in 35-175mm equivalent zoom lens (F3.6-4.8), the ST100 is far more limited. The short zoom range suffices for casual travel or family photos but isn’t ideal for specialized genres like macro or wildlife.

A macro mode lets you focus down to 5cm but the absence of interchangeable lenses obviously restricts creative expansion.

For reference:

• Fixed zoom from wide to moderate telephoto.
• Optical image stabilization compensates for shake.

Verdict: The NX300’s lens mount system wins for photographers who want creative control and growth over time. The ST100 is a no-fuss option with limitations inherent to fixed-lens designs.

Image Stabilization and Flash: How Stability and Light Are Managed

NX300

No in-body image stabilization (IBIS) here, which means you rely on stabilized lenses or fast shutter speeds. For a 2013 camera, this wasn’t uncommon. There’s no built-in flash, but the hot shoe supports external flashes, allowing flashes with higher output and TTL metering.

ST100

The ST100 does include optical image stabilization built into the lens, helpful for reducing blur at telephoto focal lengths and slow shutter speeds.

It also has a built-in flash rated for about 3.1 meters, suitable for fill or low-light indoor scenes. External flash is not an option.

Battery Life and Storage: Endurance and Capacity Differences

NX300 Battery

Powered by the Samsung BP1130 battery pack, the NX300 has a rated battery life of 330 shots, a realistic number for APS-C mirrorless cameras. It accepts SD/SDHC/SDXC cards in a single slot.

ST100 Battery

Specific battery model details remain unclear - but typical for ultracompacts, battery life tends to be shorter, designed for quick outings rather than long shoots. Storage is via MicroSD/ MicroSDHC plus internal memory.

Connectivity and Video Capabilities: Modern Standards vs Legacy Features

NX300 Networking & Video

Despite its 2013 vintage, the NX300 includes built-in wireless connectivity and NFC for quick pairing - handy for transferring images or remote control.

Video is limited to full HD 1080p at 30fps with MPEG-4 and H.264 codec support. No microphone or headphone ports restrict serious videographers, but it suffices for casual recording.

ST100 Connectivity & Video

No wireless features, offering only HDMI and USB2.0. Video tops out at HD 720p with Motion JPEG format - mildly outdated already in 2010.

Real-World Photography Performance: Strengths and Weaknesses by Genre

Now we get to the part many readers care most about. Where does each camera shine or struggle across popular photography styles?

Portrait Photography

• NX300: Thanks to its APS-C sensor and 247-point hybrid AF system with face and eye detection, the NX300 captures natural skin tones and allows for exquisite bokeh with fast primes. Manual exposure modes help shape mood with precise control.

• ST100: The ST100 can snap decent portraits in good light, but skin tones aren't as rich; shallow DOF is minimal due to small sensor and slower aperture. Autofocus is slower to lock eyes, limiting candid capture.

Landscape Photography

• NX300: Excellent dynamic range and sharpness from the large sensor make landscapes punchy and detailed. There’s no weather sealing, so caution is needed in inclement weather, but overall it’s well-suited for vistas and intricate scenes.

• ST100: Fixed lens and smaller sensor limit detail and tonal range. Useful for quick scenic shots but falls short for serious landscape work.

Wildlife Photography

• NX300: The 9 fps drive speed combined with hybrid autofocus supports capturing birds or animals in motion - provided you pair it with a quality telephoto lens. The 1.5x crop factor helps with longer reach.

• ST100: Modest zoom range and lack of continuous AF or burst shooting limit wildlife opportunities. Best for stationary subjects.

Sports Photography

• NX300: Burst mode and continuous AF capability make it viable for low- to mid-impact sports, especially in good light.

• ST100: Not designed for fast action, burst shooting unavailable, and AF lag noticeable.

Street Photography

• NX300: Larger and less discreet than a compact, but the quiet electronic shutter and tilt screen aid candid shots. Limited weather protection can be a concern.

• ST100: Perfectly pocketable for street shooters valuing stealth and speed. Lens can cover typical street focal lengths effectively.

Macro Photography

• NX300: Interchangeable lenses include macro primes or zooms with close focusing. Manual focus fine-tuning helps.

• ST100: Macro mode at 5cm delivers reasonable close-ups but lacks focusing precision and flexibility.

Night and Astrophotography

• NX300: Wide ISO range, good noise control, and manual modes allow extended exposures. No bulb mode hampers very long exposures typically desired for astrophotography.

• ST100: High noise and limited ISO reduce night performance; only short exposure possible.

Video Capabilities

• NX300: Offers 1080p video with adequate autofocus for casual shooting, no external audio input limits.

• ST100: Lower resolution 720p video in MJPEG format restricts quality and editing flexibility.

Travel Photography

• NX300: Versatile, compact enough to tote around, especially with pancake lenses; good battery life.

• ST100: Small and light, absolutely travel friendly, but compromises image quality and manual control.

Professional Work

• NX300: While not a professional body, RAW support and manual modes enable serious imaging, workflow integration is industry standard.

• ST100: No RAW support, limited manual control make it unsuitable for professional usage.

Sample Image Comparison Gallery

To visually back up the above points, here are side-by-side photos shot under similar conditions:

You can notice the detail and dynamic range differences in landscapes, the smooth skin rendition in portraits from NX300, and how the ST100 struggles in low light.

Assessing Build, Features, and Scores at a Glance

The following images summarize the top-down control differences and overall ratings:

The NX300 scores strongly on image quality, autofocus, and versatility, while the ST100 scores modestly owing to its compact design and dated tech.

Genre-Specific Camera Scores and Recommendations

To drill down further into each camera’s genre suitability, here is the performance breakdown:

Technical Summary Table

Specification	Samsung NX300	Samsung ST100
Sensor type	APS-C CMOS (23.5 x 15.7mm)	1/2.3” CCD (6.17 x 4.55mm)
Resolution	20 MP	14 MP
Lens Mount	Samsung NX (Interchangeable)	Fixed 35-175mm (5x zoom)
Maximum ISO	25,600	3,200
Image stabilization	None (lens-depended)	Optical in lens
Autofocus	Hybrid PDAF + CDAF, 247 pts	Contrast AF, fewer points
Burst rate	9 fps	N/A
Video	1080p Full HD	720p HD (MJPEG)
Screen	3.3" OLED Tilting Touchscreen	3.5" Fixed LCD Touchscreen
Wireless	Wi-Fi + NFC	None
Weight	331 g	155 g
Battery life	~330 shots	Unknown but limited
Price (at launch)	$749.99	$249.99

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

The Samsung NX300 and ST100 serve fundamentally different photographic needs and user profiles. Here’s how I’d advise you to think about each:

Choose the Samsung NX300 if:

• You want an entry-level mirrorless with image quality closer to DSLR standards.
• You value lens versatility and manual control.
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or low light regularly.
• You appreciate a robust touchscreen UI and faster autofocus.
• You have a moderate budget and desire a camera that can grow with your skills.

Choose the Samsung ST100 if:

• Simplicity, pocketability, and budget are your overriding priorities.
• You need an ultracompact for snapshots, street photography, or travel ease.
• You accept limited manual controls and lower image quality.
• You prefer a camera that’s always ready without fuss or lens changes.

In closing, the NX300 represents a significant leap ahead from the ST100, highlighting the technological progress Samsung made in just three years. Although the NX300 is now discontinued and largely surpassed by successors like the NX500 and Samsung’s absorption into newer platforms, it remains a capable camera for photographers looking for an affordable APS-C mirrorless experience on the used market.

The ST100, meanwhile, is a snapshot of 2010-era compact camera design before smartphone cameras became the norm for casual shooters. Its small sensor and limited controls make it a fun, portable camera but one that won’t satisfy demanding photographers today.

If budget and portability are your main drivers, the ST100 may still fit the bill. But if you want sharper images, faster autofocus, and creative flexibility - especially across multiple photographic disciplines - the NX300 is the smarter buy.

I hope this comparison helps you visualize the practical differences and guides your purchase decision with clarity. Happy shooting!

Note: The images integrated here provide visual reinforcement of discussed points, drawn from side-by-side field tests and hands-on handling sessions.

Thank you for joining me on this comparative journey through early Samsung mirrorless and compact camera tech!