Samsung NX300 vs Sony W230

Below is a thorough review of the Samsung NX300 versus Sony W230, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Samsung and Sony. There exists a huge gap between the sensor resolutions of the NX300 (20MP) and W230 (12MP) and the NX300 (APS-C) and W230 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The NX300 was announced 4 years later than the W230 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Samsung NX300 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony W230 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief summation of how the NX300 grades versus the W230 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Samsung NX300 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230. The whole galleries are available at Samsung NX300 Gallery and Sony W230 Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera, you will need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Samsung NX300 comes with external dimensions of 122mm x 64mm x 41mm (4.8" x 2.5" x 1.6") along with a weight of 331 grams (0.73 lbs) and the Sony W230 has dimensions of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs).

Examine the Samsung NX300 versus Sony W230 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have attached at the time. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the NX300 and the W230.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the NX300 and W230 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Normally, it can be hard to envision the contrast between sensor measurements just by reading through a spec sheet. The photograph here will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the NX300 and W230.

Clearly, both of these cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The NX300 with its larger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Samsung NX300 will give you greater detail with its extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The younger NX300 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.