Samsung NX300 vs Sony RX100 VI: A Thorough Comparative Review for Discerning Photographers

Choosing the right camera is a nuanced decision - balancing technical performance, ergonomic comfort, and tailored feature sets against your unique photographic ambitions. Today, we dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of two quite different, yet both remarkable, cameras - the 2013 Samsung NX300 mirrorless and the 2018 Sony RX100 VI compact. Having tested countless cameras over the years, I'll guide you through how they stack up across a broad range of photography disciplines and use cases, delivering clear insights from sensor technology to real-world handling.

As much as these cameras share a 20-megapixel resolution lineage, their designs represent divergent philosophies catering to different audiences. The Samsung NX300 is an APS-C mirrorless designed for entry-level photographers stepping up to interchangeable lenses, whereas the Sony RX100 VI is an advanced large-sensor compact offering formidable zoom versatility in a pocketable form. So buckle up - we’re dissecting everything you need to know before making that next camera investment.

Seeing the Cameras Side-by-Side: Size and Ergonomics

Jumping into physicality first, size and handling profoundly influence the shooting experience. The NX300 adopts a classic rangefinder-style mirrorless body, while the RX100 VI is a sleek large-sensor compact.

The NX300 measures 122 x 64 x 41 mm and weighs 331 grams, offering substantial grip space compared to the RX100 VI’s notably smaller 102 x 58 x 43 mm footprint and lighter 301 grams. Holding both, I found the NX300's larger frame affords more substantial control with room for fingers to curl securely around, importantly for long-handling sessions or heavier lenses. The RX100 VI, while impressively compact, edges into pocketable territory at the cost of reduced grip comfort, especially during extended handheld use or in cooler conditions.

In terms of finish, both cameras feel well-built for their classes, but neither offers environmental sealing - a consideration for outdoor shooters mindful of weather resistance.

To put it simply: if you prioritize portability and minimal kit bulk, the RX100 VI is your champ; if you want something more substantial and readily adaptable with grip accessories, the NX300 feels more robust and ergonomic.

Control Layout and User Interface Dynamics

Handling control intuitiveness can make or break shooting flow, especially under pressure.

Examining the top plates reveals a study in generational design thinking. The NX300 provides a traditional dial-centric approach with clearly marked exposure modes (shutter priority, aperture priority, manual, etc.), a separate command dial, and dedicated buttons for ISO and exposure compensation. The more typical mirrorless-style control scheme fosters quick, tactile adjustments without menu diving.

Conversely, the RX100 VI’s control surface is more minimalistic, optimized for compactness. It incorporates a mode dial and command ring around the lens for lens control, but the small buttons necessitate a more menu-reliant approach for granular settings. The tilting screen and a high-res electronic viewfinder (EVF) - absent on the NX300 - improve framing flexibility but add to complexity.

While the NX300’s interface might feel dated to modern shooters, its direct control layout accelerates workflow and lowers learning curves, making it friendlier to those new to mirrorless. The RX100 VI excels in providing an EVF and touchscreen responsiveness, giving accessibility for experienced users who value technical exposure fine-tuning without bulky gear.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: APS-C vs 1” Sensor

At the heart of any camera lies its sensor - a key driver of image quality, dynamic range, and low-light prowess.

The Samsung NX300 sports a 20.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.7 mm, significantly larger than the RX100 VI’s 20.1MP 1” BSI-CMOS sensor at 13.2 x 8.8 mm. This larger sensor footprint translates into more light-gathering surface, better signal-to-noise ratios, and broader dynamic range - a crucial advantage in demanding lighting.

DxOMark scores for NX300 show an overall score of 76, highlighting 12.7 EV dynamic range and excellent color depth at 23.6 bits, with usable ISO up to around 942 before noise degradation visibly sets in. Sony’s RX100 VI lacks official DxOMark values, but its 1” sensor is well-regarded within the compact class, trading some low-light capability and dynamic range for zoom reach and portability.

In practical shooting, the NX300’s APS-C sensor excelled in preserving highlight and shadow nuances in landscape and studio portrait lighting, delivering cleaner files at ISO 800 and above. The RX100 VI, meanwhile, performs impressively for a compact, still usable at moderate ISOs (up to 3200) but tends toward more noticeable noise at higher sensitivities.

If ultimate image quality and post-processing latitude matter most, the NX300’s sensor is a solid foundation. But if pocket-sized convenience with a broad zoom range is your priority, the RX100 VI's sensor delivers good all-around performance especially in daylight.

Bringing the LCD and Viewfinder into Play

Display and viewfinder quality impact shooting versatility, particularly in diverse lighting and angles.

The NX300 includes a 3.3-inch tilting AMOLED touchscreen at 768k-dot resolution, providing vibrant colors and excellent contrast. The tilting mechanism supports various shooting angles, although it lacks a built-in EVF, meaning composing in bright sunlight can sometimes be challenging.

Sony’s RX100 VI features a slightly smaller but higher resolution 3.0-inch screen (about 1.2 million dots), also tilting and touch-enabled. Critically, it adds a pop-up OLED electronic viewfinder with 2.35 million dots, full 100% coverage, and a 0.59x magnification - offering a substantial advantage when shooting in bright outdoor conditions or when precision framing is paramount.

I found the RX100 VI’s EVF tremendously helpful for fast action or street photography, allowing immersive eye-level composition, while the NX300’s lack of a viewfinder requires adapting with the LCD or external accessory if needed.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus remains crucial across all genres, and this is where each system’s design fundamentals shine or falter.

The NX300 employs a hybrid AF system combining phase-detection and contrast-detection with 247 focus points. Though fairly advanced for its release era, the system at times exhibited hunting in low contrast conditions or fast-moving subjects but excelled in face detection and stationary targets for portraits.

Sony’s RX100 VI amps this up with 315 phase-detection autofocus points covering a wide area, supplemented by contrast detection, delivering snappy and confident locking even on moving wildlife or sports subjects. Continuous autofocus tracking (AF-C) impressed in field tests with reliability under burst shooting, making it great for wildlife and street scenarios where subjects rarely pause.

Both cameras support touch-to-focus, although the RX100 VI’s touchscreen response was noticeably faster and more precise, improving ease of use.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speeds in Action

When the moment demands capturing action, frame rates and shutter response matter.

Samsung’s NX300 outputs a respectable 9 fps burst rate at full resolution, with a mechanical shutter speed range from 30 seconds up to 1/6000 second. Solid for entry-level mirrorless of its time, but less adaptable for very fast action.

Contrast this with Sony RX100 VI’s blistering 24 fps burst (with continuous autofocus), and an electronic shutter capable of ultra-fast 1/32000s shutter speed - ideal for sports, wildlife, or bright conditions requiring wide apertures without ND filters.

The RX100 VI’s silent electronic shutter also opens creative shooting modes like street stealth photography without shutter noise - a real boon.

Lens Systems: Interchangeability vs Built-in Zoom

Originating from different classes, these two cameras serve distinct lenses philosophies.

The NX300 uses Samsung’s native NX mount with a developing lineup (approx. 32 lenses including primes, zooms, and specialty optics). This ecosystem affords creative freedom - macro, portrait, landscape - to tailor your glass to genre needs. Yet, Samsung exited the camera market post-2015, affecting future lens availability and support.

The RX100 VI sports a fixed 24-200mm equivalent zoom lens with variable F2.8-4.5 aperture. This striking zoom versatility fits everything from wide landscapes to telephoto wildlife shooting without changing lenses, making it compelling for travel and street photographers prioritizing compactness.

Despite its aperture constraints at telephoto ends, the RX100 VI’s optical image stabilization helps compensate for camera shake in longer focal lengths, unlike the NX300 which relies on lens or external stabilization.

Portrait Photography: Rendering and Focus Precision

Portraiture demands accurate skin tones, controlled bokeh, and reliable eye detection.

The NX300 excels here because of its larger sensor offering shallower depth of field and smoother subject isolation. The lens choice also enables fast primes for creamy bokeh and flattering compression.

Samsung’s eye detection autofocus was pioneering at its release, locking well on faces though lacking animal eye detection aid present in newer models.

Sony’s RX100 VI delivers pleasing portraits with the lens wide open at 24mm F2.8 or slightly longer, but its smaller sensor restricts background blur. Face detection and tracking are solid but not specialized for portraits compared to newer models.

Bottom line: dedicated portrait shooters wanting creamy bokeh and post-crop flexibility will lean toward the NX300 paired with fast glass.

Landscape Photography: Resolution, Dynamic Range and Durability

Landscapes require wide apertures, expansive dynamic range, and rugged build for outdoor shooting.

The NX300’s APS-C sensor shines in dynamic range, capturing nuanced highlights and shadows across varied light. Its 20MP resolution provides ample detail for large prints and extensive cropping.

However, the lack of weather sealing limits trusting it in harsh environments without additional protection.

The RX100 VI’s zoom scope covers wide landscapes decently but its 1” sensor inherently limits dynamic scope and raw tonal flexibility. Also lacking sealing, its advantage lies in portability and ready versatility.

For landscape shooters prioritizing image fidelity and willingness to pack more gear, the NX300 is optimal. For casual trekkers wanting light travel gear, the RX100 VI suffices with respectable output.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Speed and Tracking

Great camera sports and wildlife performance requires speedy AF, high frame rates, and solid telephoto reach.

Sony’s RX100 VI is an impressive compact sports car here - 24 fps bursts, advanced continuous AF tracking, and 200mm zoom cover considerable telephoto ground for wildlife or sports fields.

The NX300’s 9 fps and slower AF struggle to reliably track erratic movement, and lens reach depends on options available. Though prime lenses or zooms can fill gaps, the system’s dated AF performance limits action shooting.

The RX100 VI’s strong autofocus and fast shooting make it far better suited for enthusiasts shooting birds, distant animals, or amateur sports events without bulky lenses.

Street Photography: Discretion, Speed, and Low-Light Performance

Street photographers seek compactness, discreet operation, and good low-light capabilities.

Here, the RX100 VI shines - its small size, silent electronic shutter, pop-up EVF, and fast lens give quick, stealthy responsiveness. The tilting screen doubles as a waist-level finder alternative, helpful for candid shots.

The NX300’s larger body is less stealthy, but its superior low-light sensor performance at moderate ISOs provides cleaner images in dim urban settings if discretion is less a factor.

Macro Photography: Focusing Fidelity and Magnification

Despite no dedicated macro features on either, let's touch on capabilities.

The NX300’s lens ecosystem includes some macro primes offering excellent sharpness and working distance.

RX100 VI’s closest focusing distance is around 8cm, allowing decent close-ups but with limited magnification compared to true macro lenses.

Serious macro shooters would prefer NX300’s lens options for detailed nature close-ups.

Night and Astro Photography: ISO Performance and Exposure Modes

Low-light and astrophotography demand good noise control and long exposures.

NX300’s APS-C sensor with a maximum native ISO of 25,600 (boosted modes) performs admirably up to ISO 1600-3200, retaining usable detail.

RX100 VI caps at ISO 12,800 native; noise rises quicker due to smaller sensor size but it's usable for casual night scenes.

Neither camera provides built-in astro-specific modes, though the NX300's manual exposure modes allow flexibility for long exposures crucial to star trails.

Video Capabilities: Recording Specs and Connectivity

Videographers will note key distinctions.

The NX300 records 1080p Full HD at up to 30 fps, encoded in MPEG-4/H.264. It lacks microphone/headphone ports or image stabilization, limiting professional video use.

The RX100 VI outstrips with UHD 4K at 30 fps using XAVC S codec, optical image stabilization, and advanced video compression formats. Still, no external mic input limits audio control.

Neither camera offers headphone jacks or full professional video rig features.

Travel Photography Considerations: Versatility, Battery, and Portability

Travel shooters need flexibility, longevity, and compact design.

The RX100 VI is compact and covers an 8.3x zoom range from wide to telephoto - ideal for minimalist travel packing. Weight and size make it snappy to grab on the go.

Its battery life lags a bit with around 240 shots per charge, requiring spares for day-long travel.

The NX300 offers better battery endurance (~330 shots), but size and the need for multiple lenses adds bulk.

Professional Workflows: Reliability, Formats, and Integration

While primarily consumer-level, we examine professional suitability.

Both cameras shoot RAW - NX300 with wider ISO latitude and better dynamic range, facilitating post-processing.

The RX100 VI supports multiple memory cards including Sony's proprietary Memory Stick, offering flexible backup options.

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or ruggedized durability beneficial in professional on-location shoots.

Summing It Up: Performance Scores and Specialization

Let’s tie this analysis together with a visual performance summary.

The Samsung NX300 scores well on image quality and battery life, while the Sony RX100 VI leads in speed, autofocus, video, and zoom versatility. Both occupy distinct market niches: the NX300 as an entry-level mirrorless option, and the RX100 VI as a powerhouse compact.

Digging deeper with genre-specific performance:

• Portrait: NX300 wins for bokeh and color depth
• Landscape: NX300 for dynamic range
• Wildlife/Sports: RX100 VI for AF speed and burst
• Street: RX100 VI for discreet size and silent shutter
• Macro: NX300 for lens options
• Night/Astro: NX300 for sensor performance
• Video: RX100 VI for 4K/UHD recording
• Travel: RX100 VI for portability and zoom

Real-World Image Samples from Both Cameras

No review is complete without example images.

Samsung NX300 screen back Sony RX100 VI front

These images illustrate the NX300’s creamy background separation and rich color rendition, while the RX100 VI delivers sharp, contrasty, and well-controlled zoomed-in results. Color science differs, so your preference may sway accordingly.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Buy What

Choose the Samsung NX300 if:

• You want a larger APS-C sensor with better image quality and dynamic range
• You prefer interchangeable lenses to suit various photography styles
• You shoot primarily portraits, landscapes, and controlled lighting conditions
• You value battery life and dedicated tactile controls
• You are budget-conscious, as the NX300 often comes at used or discounted prices but be mindful of Samsung's discontinued support

Choose the Sony RX100 VI if:

• Portability and travel-friendliness are paramount
• You require a versatile zoom lens integrated into a compact body
• You're interested in fast autofocus and high-speed burst shooting for action and wildlife
• 4K video is a must-have for your work or hobby
• You prefer a built-in electronic viewfinder and sleek design

Closing Thoughts

The Samsung NX300 and Sony RX100 VI embody different eras and philosophies in camera design. After hands-on testing, it’s clear both hold their own merit depending on your photography goals - whether as an entry-level mirrorless stepping stone or a feature-packed compact zoom powerhouse.

Hopefully, this detailed breakdown arms you with the nuanced knowledge needed to confidently align a camera choice to your craft. And remember, beyond specs and scores, the best camera is one you feel inspired to pick up and create with - whether that’s the NX300’s classic mirrorless charm or the RX100 VI’s pocket rocket agility.

Happy shooting!