Samsung NX300 vs Sony RX1R: An In-Depth Comparison for Serious Photographers

Choosing your next camera can feel overwhelming, especially when two models come from distinct design philosophies yet share a commitment to image quality and creative potential. The Samsung NX300 and Sony RX1R, both introduced in 2013, showcase different takes on compact, highly capable cameras. As seasoned reviewers who have tested thousands of cameras, we break down their features, performance, and practical use cases so you can decide which suits your photography journey.

First Impressions: Size, Shape, and Handling

Understanding the physical dimensions and ergonomics is crucial. How a camera feels in your hands impacts how comfortable and quick your shooting experience becomes.

The NX300 is lighter and slimmer, emphasizing portability and flexibility with interchangeable lenses. It’s designed for hobbyists who appreciate a rangefinder-style grip and faster operation. The RX1R, although compact, is noticeably heftier and thicker - largely due to its full-frame sensor and 35mm prime lens built-in.

In practice:

• The NX300 offers a more familiar DSLR-like grip, which helps during extended shoots.
• RX1R’s “large sensor compact” concept packs serious image quality but sacrifices some handling ease, especially if you have larger hands or prefer physical controls.

Dive Into Controls: How They Help You Shoot

Button layout and menu usability have a real impact on how intuitive your shooting experience is, especially in fast-changing scenarios like street or wildlife photography.

The NX300 offers a more traditional control experience with touch-enabled LCD for quick focus and menu browsing. For beginners transitioning to mirrorless cameras, this is a significant time-saver.

The RX1R emphasizes simplicity. It limits physical controls to lightweight essentials and omits touchscreen capability, which might slow down accessing some settings. Its menus lean toward enthusiasts who prefer tactile adjustment over touch.

Real-world tip: If you often shoot in fast-paced environments, NX300’s tactile dials and touchscreen might keep you ahead of the action. However, RX1R’s minimalist design benefits thoughtful, deliberate shooting, common among fine-art or portrait photographers.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Performance

The sensor is the foundation of image quality, and these two cameras couldn’t be more different - APS-C vs. full-frame. Understanding raw sensor specs helps manage expectations about noise, dynamic range, and resolution.

The RX1R’s full-frame sensor significantly outperforms the NX300 on almost every image quality metric, especially in dynamic range and noise at high ISO values. The absence of an anti-aliasing filter on the Sony sensor also means sharper images and more detailed textures - a huge draw for professional use.

That said, the NX300’s APS-C sensor remains competent and captures excellent detail in good lighting, making it ideal for those who want versatility without the full-frame size and cost.

Key takeaways:

• For portraits with creamy bokeh and richly detailed landscapes, RX1R delivers.
• For outdoor enthusiasts needing faster burst rates with good daylight image quality, NX300 suffices.

Photographer’s Interface: Screens and Viewfinders

When composing your shots, the viewing system matters. Both cameras lack a built-in electronic viewfinder, but the RX1R optionally supports an external finder.

The NX300’s tilting OLED touchscreen enhances flexibility - you can shoot from low or high angles effortlessly and navigate menus quickly.

The RX1R’s higher-resolution fixed screen is great for critical focusing but doesn’t provide the angle or touch benefits. Serious shooters will likely rely on the optional external viewfinder for eye-level compositions.

Practical advice: If you enjoy shooting in a variety of physical positions or want to quickly change settings on the fly, the NX300’s screen wins. For meticulous framing in portrait or landscape work, the RX1R’s screen and viewfinder are more precise, but less flexible.

Lens Ecosystem: Adaptability Versus Fixed Optics

Lens choice is often a deciding factor in a camera system’s utility.

• Samsung NX300: Uses the Samsung NX mount with over 30 native lenses available ranging from wide-angle to telephoto zooms, including macro and prime lenses. This variety allows adapting the camera system to your shooting style.
• Sony RX1R: Has one fixed 35mm f/2.0 Carl Zeiss prime lens. While an excellent performer optically, it limits you to a single focal length.

For photographers who want the freedom to switch lenses for different genres - whether wildlife telephoto shooting or macro - NX300 excels.

RX1R users must embrace the creative discipline of one lens but benefit from flawless image quality and compactness this combination delivers.

Performance in Various Photography Genres

Portrait Photography

The RX1R’s full-frame sensor and sharp 35mm lens provide excellent subject isolation with smooth background blur, ideal for stunning portraits. Its limited AF points reduce focus tracking flexibility but eye detection helps lock on.

NX300 offers faster, more flexible autofocus with many points and face detection, great when shooting groups or moving subjects.

Landscape Photography

Both cameras have no weather sealing, so shooting in tough elements requires caution.

The RX1R’s advantage is superior sensor dynamic range and resolution, capturing expansive tonal graduations and subtle detail, which landscape photographers prize.

The NX300’s interchangeable lens system allows specialized wide-angle or tilt-shift lenses, which is an edge for advanced landscapes.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

The NX300’s much faster burst shooting and hybrid autofocus give it an edge in capturing fast-moving subjects like birds or athletes. Swapping in telephoto zoom lenses is essential here.

RX1R is less suited out-of-the-box for fast action, though its image quality makes for stunning wildlife portraits with static subjects.

Street and Travel Photography

The RX1R’s compact yet solid build makes it appealing for street shooters valuing discretion and image quality over fast autofocus.

The NX300’s lighter weight and tilting screen are strong for travel and casual street shooting - plus interchangeable lenses give adaptability.

Macro Photography

• NX300: Access to macro lenses with close focusing distances, offering high flexibility.
• RX1R: Limited by fixed 35mm lens and no close-focusing ability, making close-up shooting challenging.

Night and Astrophotography

RX1R’s full-frame sensor shines in night and astro work with less noise and wider dynamic range. NX300 is competent but can introduce more noise at very high ISOs.

Video Capabilities

The RX1R supports external microphones, making it better for serious video creators wanting higher audio quality. The NX300 lacks mic input but has a responsive touchscreen, easing focus during recording.

Build Quality and Durability

Both cameras lack weather sealing or ruggedized features. The NX300’s plastic-heavy body is light but less durable, while the RX1R has a more solid, metal chassis providing better feel and reliability.

Connectivity and Storage

The NX300’s integrated WiFi and NFC offer modern, easy image transfer and remote control, ideal for social media photographers. The RX1R relies on Eye-Fi cards for wireless, which may feel dated.

Battery Life and Portability

You get roughly 330 shots per charge with NX300 and about 270 shots with RX1R under CIPA testing.

If charging options are limited during travel, the NX300 edges out with longer battery life and the bonus of a lighter pack.

Pricing and Value: Balancing Budget and Ambitions

The RX1R commands a premium price justified by its full-frame sensor, Zeiss optics, and build quality. It’s an investment for those who want top-end image quality in a pocketable form factor.

The NX300 provides excellent bang for your buck, especially if you value interchangeable lenses and quick handling.

Summarizing Camera Scores and Genre Strengths

Sample Images - A Visual Story

To truly grasp the differences, look at these images shot under varied conditions with both cameras. The RX1R’s sharper details and cleaner high-ISO performance compete well against the versatile, vibrant imagery of the NX300.

Samsung NX300 screen back Sony RX1R front Sony RX1R screen back

Who Should Consider the Samsung NX300?

• Enthusiasts or beginners who want a lightweight interchangeable lens mirrorless system.
• Those prioritizing quick burst rates and good autofocus in action, wildlife, or sports.
• Photographers seeking a budget-friendly camera capable of excellent daylight images and versatile lens options.
• Individuals appreciating touchscreen controls and wireless sharing convenience.

Who Needs the Sony RX1R?

• Professionals or advanced enthusiasts specializing in portrait, landscape, or fine art photography needing full-frame image quality in a compact form.
• Photographers who prefer a high-quality prime lens and value tactile shooting over quick autofocus.
• Creators who shoot in low light or demanding environments where high ISO performance is critical.
• Video shooters requiring microphone input and 1080p60fps capabilities.

Final Thoughts: Matching Camera to Your Creative Goals

From our extensive hands-on testing, these two cameras serve markedly different creative needs.

The Samsung NX300 stands as a versatile and budget-conscious gateway into mirrorless photography, enabling you to explore multiple genres with an array of lenses and user-friendly features.

The Sony RX1R is a specialized tool, prized for uncompromising image quality in a remarkably compact package, perfect for disciplined shooters who prioritize quality over speed or flexibility.

We encourage you to handle both cameras if possible - personal comfort and interface preferences often sway the final decision as much as specs do.

Recommendations to Get Started

• If you gravitate towards wildlife or sports, grab the NX300 and a telephoto zoom lens to test your tracking and burst skills.
• For street and travel where discretion and quality matter, test the RX1R with its 35mm prime to master framing and light.
• Consider upgrading accessories like external flashes for low light or filters for landscapes based on your chosen camera.

By taking time to understand your style and priorities, you’ll harness either camera’s strengths to create stunning images and have fun doing it. Happy shooting!