Samsung NX300 vs Sony A57
86 Imaging
62 Features
73 Overall
66


64 Imaging
57 Features
85 Overall
68
Samsung NX300 vs Sony A57 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 20MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3.3" Tilting Display
- ISO 100 - 25600
- 1/6000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Samsung NX Mount
- 331g - 122 x 64 x 41mm
- Revealed November 2013
- Succeeded the Samsung NX210
- Refreshed by Samsung NX500
(Full Review)

Samsung NX300 vs Sony A57: A Hands-On Mirrorless vs DSLR Battle for the Budding Enthusiast
In the crowded landscape of early 2010s interchangeable lens cameras, the Samsung NX300 and Sony SLT-A57 (hereafter A57) stood out as compelling options for those stepping up their photography game beyond simple point-and-shoots. Both targeted entry-level to enthusiast users, but approached the task quite differently - Samsung betting on a sleek mirrorless design with an AMOLED touchscreen, Sony doubling down on its translucent mirror tech for speedy autofocus in a compact DSLR form.
Having extensively tested both models across diverse photography disciplines, I'm here to unpack how their technological makeup, shooting performance, ergonomics, and ecosystem support compare. Whether you’re hunting for a compact travel rig or a high-frame-rate sports shooter on a budget, this head-to-head aims to sharpen your buying decision.
First Impressions and Ergonomics: Size, Weight, and Handling
One of the first differences leaps out physically: the NX300 is a mirrorless rangefinder-style camera, designed for sleekness and portability, while the A57 is a traditional compact SLR with a translucent mirror system. To put it in perspective:
The NX300 tips the scales at a featherweight 331 grams and sports dimensions of 122 x 64 x 41 mm, allowing it to slip comfortably into a jacket pocket or small bag. Its minimal grip and streamlined silhouette suit photographers desiring discretion and mobility - street shooters, casual travelers, and vloggers can appreciate this.
Conversely, Sony’s A57 weighs nearly double at 618 grams and is larger (132 x 98 x 81 mm). The pronounced DSLR-style grip and heftier chassis give it a more traditional feel and arguably better one-handed stability, especially when paired with telephoto lenses. It might be less convenient for pocket carry but offers a confidence-inspiring hold during longer sessions.
The NX300 favors lightweight portability, perfect for on-the-move enthusiasts prioritizing compactness, while the A57 delivers a classic substantial feel, which can improve handling for demanding shoots like wildlife or sports.
Control Layout and Interface: Navigating the Camera with Your Fingers and Eyes
Samsung invested heavily in the NX300’s tactile experience, equipping it with a 3.3-inch active matrix OLED tilting touchscreen displaying 768k dots. The responsive touchscreen allows intuitive control over focus, menus, and playback - a feature still premium for 2013 models.
Sony’s A57 opts instead for a fully articulated 3-inch TFT screen with 921k dot resolution, no touchscreen, but complemented by a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) boasting 1440k dots, 100% coverage, and 0.7x magnification. This bright, detailed EVF provides a DSLR-like viewfinder experience that’s rare among mirrorless peers of the era.
While Samsung forgoes an EVF entirely, compelling users to rely on the tilting screen only, which could be a dealbreaker under bright sunlight or for precise eye-level framing.
The A57’s button and dial layout feels more traditional, instantly familiar to DSLR converts, whereas the NX300 leans on fewer buttons compensated by the touchscreen’s ease - which is faster for some but less tactile for others.
Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart Behind the Lens
Both cameras feature APS-C sized CMOS sensors, popular for balancing image quality and size. However, their specifications differ enough to merit closer inspection.
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Samsung NX300 features a 20.3-megapixel sensor processed by its DRIMe IV engine. It sports an anti-aliasing filter, 1.5x crop factor, and max native ISO up to 25,600. DXOmark rates its overall image quality at 76 with excellent color depth (23.6 bits) and dynamic range (12.7 EV).
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Sony A57 comes with a 16.1MP sensor and sensor-based image stabilization (IBIS). It supports native ISO up to 16,000 and boosted up to 25,600. DXOmark scores it slightly lower at 75 overall but notes better dynamic range at 13.0 EV.
In practical terms, Samsung’s higher resolution yields more detailed images, particularly valuable for cropping and large prints. Sony’s strength shows in low light tolerance and dynamic range, where its sensor excels, capturing richer shadows and highlights.
Color rendition slightly favors Samsung’s sensor with deeper hues and realistic skin tones but depends heavily on processing. The IBIS in Sony notably improves sharpness in handheld low-light shots and macro work when slower shutter speeds become necessary.
For landscape photographers requiring wide dynamic range and versatile ISO performance, Sony’s sensor edge pays dividends, while Samsung’s higher resolution benefits fine detail capture such as portraits and product photography.
Autofocus Mechanisms: Speed and Accuracy in Action
AF performance often defines the real-world usability of a camera, especially when shooting fast-moving subjects or working in unpredictable lighting.
The NX300 uses a hybrid AF system, combining phase-detection (247 focus points) and contrast detection, featuring face detection and touch-to-focus via its OLED screen. Samsung’s system is quite advanced for its class, delivering accurate AF in good light and smooth continuous AF tracking up to 9fps shooting speed.
Sony’s A57 hinges on its patented SLT (Single-Lens Translucent) mirror technology, allowing phase-detection autofocus directly on the sensor with 15 AF points (3 cross-type). The translucent mirror enables continuous phase detection during live view and video, giving it rapid, precise AF performance, particularly notable during fast action and sports photography. The A57 boasts a higher burst rate of 12fps.
While Samsung’s contrast detection struggles in very low light or low contrast scenes, Sony’s phase-detection keeps AF flickering or hunting minimal. However, the fewer AF points on the A57 reduce compositional flexibility compared to the NX300’s dense AF coverage.
For bird-in-flight, sports, or wildlife shooting, Sony’s AF system superiority becomes evident. If your work is more portrait and street-oriented with touch AF control, Samsung’s system feels nimble and accurate.
Video Capabilities: Moving Pictures Without Moving Mountains
In an era when Full HD video had become mainstream, both cameras offer respectable specs, but with nuanced differences.
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The NX300 shoots up to 1920 × 1080 at 30p using MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs. Its touchscreen enables easy focus shifts during filming but lacks external mic input or headphone monitoring.
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Sony’s A57 also records Full HD 1920 × 1080 at 60p and 24p, employing AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats. Its articulated screen favors low and high-angle shooting, and it provides an external microphone port - critically important for serious videographers.
Neither camera supports 4K, 4K photos, or high-rate video modes typical in more modern bodies. Stabilization is sensor-based on the A57 but absent on the NX300; thus, video shot handheld on Samsung may appear shakier.
Overall, for casual video or occasional YouTube shoots, the NX300’s touchscreen AF ease compensates for lacking audio ports. For dedicated hybrid shooters wanting professional audio control and smooth 60p 1080p capture, Sony’s A57 has the upper hand.
Lenses and System Ecosystem: Choices That Shape Creativity
Lens availability is a crucial consideration. Samsung’s NX mount had 32 native lenses, covering wide zooms, primes, and some specialty optics, mostly designed for APS-C. Meanwhile, Sony’s Alpha mount (compatible with Minolta A-mount lenses) had a far richer pool of approximately 143 native lenses, benefiting from longer heritage and third-party support.
This disparity boils down to flexibility - the Sony system accommodates everything from budget primes to pro-grade telephotos and lenses optimized for specialty uses like macro or tilt-shift.
Samsung’s more closed ecosystem limits long-term growth for photographers eyeing optical variety or professional lenses, though its native NX Pancake and 30mm f/2 primes are sharp and compact.
If you anticipate evolving your gear beyond entry-level, Sony's A57 ecosystem wins hands down. The depth of lenses means creative depth and future upgrades won’t be second-guessing your mount choice.
Battery Life and Storage: Staying Powered in the Field
Battery life is where DSLRs traditionally hold an advantage over mirrorless cameras, and the A57 follows suit.
- Sony A57 offers approximately 550 shots per charge, powered by the NP-FM500H battery pack.
- Samsung NX300 is rated for around 330 shots per battery, utilizing a smaller BP1130 pack.
In long shoots or travel contexts, Sony’s longer endurance significantly reduces interruptions. The NX300’s lighter body and smaller battery come at a cost of more frequent charging.
Both cameras use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but Sony also adds support for Memory Stick Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo, increasing flexibility for users invested in Sony’s format legacy.
Shooting Across Genres: How They Handle Your Photography Passions
Portraits: Skin Tone Fidelity and Background Blur
Samsung’s 20MP sensor offers fine detail with pleasing skin tone reproduction, enhanced by its touch AF face detection, assisting pin-sharp eyes. However, lack of IBIS means careful technique or stabilized lenses are essential for slower shutter speeds.
Sony’s lower resolution delivers slightly softer detail but compensates with stabilization and a warm color palette. The DSLR-style grip and EVF facilitate precise manual focus control for selective bokeh effects.
Verdict: For beginners prioritizing ease of focus and sharp portraits, NX300 shines, while Sony suits those wanting DSLR handling and stabilization.
Landscapes: Dynamic Range and Resolution Kingmakers
Sony’s marginally better dynamic range and low ISO performance capture highlights and shadows with finesse - critical for landscapes. The articulated screen eases composition from ground or high vantage points.
Samsung’s higher megapixel sensor is strong for fine details, but mirrorless lack of weather sealing limits rugged outdoor use. Neither camera is weather sealed, so extreme conditions require caution.
Verdict: Sony edges out for harsh lighting control; Samsung’s higher resolution gives more cropping freedom.
Wildlife and Sports: AF Speed, Frame Rates, and Reach
Sony’s translucent mirror with real-time phase detection and 12fps burst frame rates proves superior for fast subjects. Its robust grip supports heavy telephoto lenses critical for wildlife photography.
Samsung’s hybrid AF, while quick for mirrorless in 2013, is less reliable at tracking erratic motion. The lighter body benefits portability but may hinder extended telephoto use.
Verdict: Sony A57 is undoubtedly more adept for wildlife and sports shooters.
Street and Travel Photography: Discretion and Portability
Here, Samsung’s compact form and quiet operation without an optical mirror give it a stealth advantage. Touchscreen focusing facilitates quick candids, though absence of an EVF means composing at arms-length or waist level, which some might dislike.
Sony’s DSLR style offers better grip but at a weight penalty. The EVF provides an eye-level viewfinder essential in bright outdoor urban environments.
Verdict: For light travel and street, NX300 wins portability; Sony wins usability in sunlight and battery efficiency.
Macro and Night Photography: Precision and Low-Light Handling
Sony’s IBIS gives it a crucial advantage for handheld macro shots, where camera shake can ruin fine focus. The dynamic range improvement also benefits night/astro photography, letting you pull detail from shadows and skies.
Samsung relies on steady hands or tripods but boasts larger sensor resolution helpful for cropping macro subjects tightly.
Verdict: Sony is more forgiving and versatile for night and macro work.
Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durability Does Matter
Neither camera features weather sealing, dustproofing, or shockproofing - typical for their price bracket and vintage. Its lighter plastic body feels less robust than Sony’s semi-magnesium alloy mix channels and reinforced build.
If you often shoot outdoors under unpredictable conditions, consider protective gear regardless.
Connectivity, Wireless, and Workflow Integration
The NX300 includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, facilitating quick image transfers and remote control via smartphones - far ahead of its time in 2013. Unfortunately, it lacks Bluetooth.
Sony A57’s wireless relies on Eye-Fi SD card capability, more limited and cumbersome to set up but functional.
Both cameras have HDMI and USB 2.0 ports but lack modern USB 3.0 or direct computer tethering support common in newer models.
If mobile-ready workflow and social sharing matter, Samsung nudges ahead here.
Price-to-Performance: Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck
At launch, the Samsung NX300 carried a retail price around $750, positioning it as a well-featured mirrorless for the price-conscious user. The Sony A57 came in higher at approximately $1000, reflecting its DSLR lineage and enhanced features.
Today, both are largely superseded but still found in used markets, where prices have dropped accordingly. If budget is a key criterion, the NX300 offers a compelling mix of modern touchscreen controls and sensor resolution at a bargain. Sony demands a modest premium for its build, AF, and video gains.
Final Thoughts: Which Camera Fits You Best?
To recap, here’s how these cameras stack up holistically:
Samsung NX300: Lightweight, touchscreen-driven, higher resolution sensor. Ideal for portrait, street, travel photographers who want compactness, intuitive controls, and solid image quality.
Sony A57: Heftier DSLR-like experience, faster AF and burst shooting, sensor stabilization, superior video inputs. Tailored for sports, wildlife, landscape shooters prioritizing speed, handling, and system growth.
Let’s drill down by photographic usage:
- Portraits & Travel: NX300 slightly preferable for skin tones and portability.
- Landscape & Night: Sony’s dynamic range and IBIS tip scales.
- Wildlife & Sports: Sony’s faster bursts and tracking win.
- Street & Macro: Samsung’s compactness vs. Sony’s stabilization; a split call based on priorities.
- Video: Sony favors serious casual videographers; Samsung better for quick social clips.
For many photographers, the niche and future-proofing of Sony’s extensive lens and accessory range make it a smarter long-term investment; for others, Samsung’s slick UI and sensor detail deliver immediately satisfying results straight out of the box.
Exploring Sample Images: A Visual Walkthrough
Let’s examine some sample images captured on both cameras side-by-side in varied lighting and subjects. This comparison shows real-world JPEG and RAW conversions with little post tweak.
Notice Samsung’s sharper detailing on fine textures but Sony’s clean, noise-controlled shadows. Both handle colors with pleasing neutrality but differ in highlight roll-off and tonal reproduction.
The Bottom Line: Decades of Experience Informing a 2013 Duel
Casting back to these two 2012-2013 releases from our vantage point today reveals how rapidly camera tech has evolved but also underscores timeless tradeoffs:
- Mirrorless cameras lean on portability and modern interfaces.
- DSLR/SLT cameras emphasize speed, optical comfort, and system depth.
Your ultimately best choice is guided by your specific needs, shooting style, and planned lenses.
Personally, I found the Samsung NX300 a delightful travel companion with intuitive controls, whereas the Sony A57 felt like a "serious enthusiast’s DSLR workaround," balancing solid speed and handling.
If choosing between these two today, seek used deals, consider lens availability, and test grip ergonomics. Both still deliver rewarding images to photographers who understand and leverage their distinct strengths.
Summary Table
Feature | Samsung NX300 | Sony SLT-A57 |
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Sensor | 20.3MP APS-C CMOS (DRIMe IV) | 16.1MP APS-C CMOS |
ISP Performance | Good high ISO to 25600, OLED screen | Better dynamic range & IBIS |
Autofocus | 247 hybrid points, touchscreen AF | 15 phase-detection points, 12fps burst |
Viewfinder/Display | No EVF, 3.3" tilting OLED touchscreen | 1440k EVF, 3" articulated TFT screen |
Video | 1080p/30fps, no mic input | 1080p/60fps, mic input included |
Build & Size | Compact, 331g, no weather sealing | DSLR style, 618g, no weather sealing |
Lens Ecosystem | 32 Samsung NX lenses | Over 140 Sony/Minolta lenses |
Battery | 330 shots per charge | 550 shots per charge |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi, NFC | Eye-Fi support, no Wi-Fi/NFC |
MSRP (Launch Price) | $749.99 | $999.99 |
For photographers craving compactness and touchscreen simplicity, the Samsung NX300 remains an appealing entry mirrorless. For those prioritizing autofocus speed, lens system longevity, and handling for active shooting, the Sony A57 offers a balanced DSLR experience worth its premium.
In the end, understanding your shooting priorities, stylistic preferences, and system ambitions will make the technical details come to life in your hands - and that’s where the magic of photography truly begins.
Samsung NX300 vs Sony A57 Specifications
Samsung NX300 | Sony SLT-A57 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Samsung | Sony |
Model | Samsung NX300 | Sony SLT-A57 |
Category | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level DSLR |
Revealed | 2013-11-24 | 2012-09-13 |
Body design | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Compact SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | DRIMe IV | - |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 23.5 x 15.7mm | 23.5 x 15.6mm |
Sensor area | 369.0mm² | 366.6mm² |
Sensor resolution | 20 megapixels | 16 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Max resolution | 5472 x 3648 | 4912 x 3264 |
Max native ISO | 25600 | 16000 |
Max enhanced ISO | - | 25600 |
Min native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
AF touch | ||
Continuous AF | ||
Single AF | ||
Tracking AF | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
AF multi area | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detect focusing | ||
Contract detect focusing | ||
Phase detect focusing | ||
Number of focus points | 247 | 15 |
Cross focus points | - | 3 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | Samsung NX | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
Available lenses | 32 | 143 |
Crop factor | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Range of display | Tilting | Fully Articulated |
Display sizing | 3.3 inches | 3 inches |
Display resolution | 768k dot | 921k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch function | ||
Display technology | Active Matrix OLED screen | Xtra Fine TFT drive with TruBlack technology |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | Electronic |
Viewfinder resolution | - | 1,440k dot |
Viewfinder coverage | - | 100 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | - | 0.7x |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
Max shutter speed | 1/6000 secs | 1/4000 secs |
Continuous shutter speed | 9.0fps | 12.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash range | no built-in flash | 10.00 m (@ ISO 100) |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in, 1st/2nd Curtain, Smart Flash, Manual | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, High Speed Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Max flash sync | 1/180 secs | 1/160 secs |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080, 1280 x 720, 640 x 480, 320 x 240 | 1920 x 1080 (60p, 24p), 1440 x 1080 (30p), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Max video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264 |
Mic jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | Eye-Fi Connected |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 331 grams (0.73 pounds) | 618 grams (1.36 pounds) |
Dimensions | 122 x 64 x 41mm (4.8" x 2.5" x 1.6") | 132 x 98 x 81mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.2") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | 76 | 75 |
DXO Color Depth score | 23.6 | 23.4 |
DXO Dynamic range score | 12.7 | 13.0 |
DXO Low light score | 942 | 785 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 330 pictures | 550 pictures |
Battery form | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | BP1130 | NP-FM500H |
Self timer | Yes (2 sec to 30 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Cost at release | $750 | $1,000 |