Samsung NX300M vs Sony A7 II: A Deep Dive Comparison for Serious Photographers

In an era where mirrorless cameras continue to redefine photography, choosing between models – especially from distinct tiers and brands – can be daunting. Here, I bring a thorough comparative analysis of two intriguing mirrorless cameras from different segments: the Samsung NX300M, an entry-level APS-C mirrorless announced in 2013, and the Sony Alpha A7 II, a professional-grade full-frame mirrorless from late 2014. Drawing on hands-on evaluation of both systems, industry knowledge, and extensive testing experience, this article dissects their design, imaging capabilities, autofocus prowess, lens ecosystems, and suitability across diverse photography disciplines. Whether you are a novice stepping up or a professional upgrading, my goal is to help you make an informed decision grounded in real-world performance - not just specs on paper.

First Look: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling Dynamics

A camera’s physicality profoundly influences shooting comfort and operational efficiency. Let's start by putting these two side-by-side for a tactile comparison.

The Samsung NX300M is a compact, lightweight 331g rangefinder-style mirrorless camera measuring approximately 122 x 64 x 41mm, emphasizing portability without overwhelming novice users. Its slim body and minimal heft make it an excellent travel or street photography companion, where discretion and ease of carry matter.

In contrast, the Sony A7 II tips the scales at 599g with significantly larger dimensions (127 x 96 x 60mm), adopting an SLR-style shape with a deeper grip optimized for professional and enthusiast use. Its beefier frame accommodates a full-frame sensor and robust internals, but the added weight influences handheld shooting endurance, especially over extended sessions.

The ergonomics reflect these design philosophies: the NX300M features minimalist controls, suitable for taking advantage of its touchscreen interface but offers fewer physical dials for rapid adjustments in dynamic shooting situations. On the other hand, the Sony A7 II’s more complex control layout gives photographers tactile command with dedicated dials for ISO, exposure compensation, and customizable buttons - favored by pros needing responsive hands-on adjustments.

A closer look at the top plates (above) highlights how the A7 II benefits from more advanced manual controls, whereas the NX300M’s simpler interface reduces learning curve but limits quick customization options.

Ergonomic takeaway: the NX300M caters to users prioritizing portability and ease, while the A7 II demands more commitment to operational complexity but rewards with superior handling during intensive shoots.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: APS-C vs Full Frame

Arguably the crux of any camera comparison lies in the sensor’s performance and its impact on image quality, dynamic range, and low-light behavior.

The Samsung NX300M houses a 20.3-megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor (dimensions 23.5 x 15.7mm), paired with Samsung’s DRIMe IV image processor. This sensor size and resolution allow for respectable 5472 x 3648 images, capable of delivering sharp, detailed pictures under good lighting conditions. However, being an earlier-generation APS-C sensor with an anti-aliasing filter and limited dynamic range, it doesn't rival today’s flagship models in raw tonality or high ISO cleanliness.

Conversely, the Sony A7 II is built around a 24.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor (35.8 x 23.9mm), marking a significant jump in sensor area and light-gathering capacity (855.62 mm² versus 368.95 mm² of the NX300M). Leveraging the Bionz X processor, Sony’s sensor delivers excellent color depth (24.9 bits) and expanded dynamic range (13.6 EV stops by DxOMark standards), alongside superior noise performance at high ISO (with a DxO low-light ISO rating of 2449).

Practically, this means the A7 II offers richer gradation, finer shadow recovery, and cleaner images when shooting in challenging light - be it dim indoor shoots, landscape golden hour, or night photography. The NX300M performs admirably within its developmental era, but noise and dynamic limitations become apparent beyond ISO 1600 or in extreme contrast scenes.

Image quality verdict: the Sony A7 II’s full-frame sensor generally outperforms the Samsung APS-C sensor in resolution, dynamic range, and low-light capabilities, benefiting professional applications demanding the highest fidelity. The NX300M suits beginners or casual shooters with good lighting conditions.

Viewing Experience: LCD Screens and Viewfinder Presence

User interface and framing methods impact the shooting workflow significantly, particularly for those transitioning from point-and-shoot to mirrorless systems.

The Samsung NX300M employs a 3.3-inch tilting 768k-dot Active Matrix OLED touchscreen. Its vibrant color rendition and touch responsiveness make it excellent for intuitive operation, making the camera feel modern and approachable. The tilting mechanism aids shooting from low or awkward angles, but the absence of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) restricts eye-level composition, especially in bright outdoor conditions.

In contrast, the Sony A7 II features a slightly smaller 3-inch 1.23M-dot LCD with conventional tilting but lacks touchscreen functionality - a trade-off aimed at emphasizing precise, manual control over casual touchscreen operation. Crucially, the A7 II includes a high-resolution (2359k dots) OLED EVF with 100% coverage and 0.71x magnification, delivering a bright, detailed live preview useful for critical focusing and exposure assessment.

The EVF is a significant advantage during dynamic shoots in sunlight or when using manual focus lenses, allowing photographers to confidently frame and review images without LCD glare or instability.

Viewing conclusion: the NX300M’s touchscreen LCD enhances beginner usability and fast operation but fails pro-level EVF expectations. The Sony A7 II prioritizes professional composure tools through a superior EVF, albeit sacrificing touch convenience.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Precision, and Tracking

Modern photography often hinges on autofocus (AF) performance - especially for fast-moving subjects or situations demanding focus accuracy.

The NX300M sports a hybrid AF system with 247 focus points utilizing both phase-detection and contrast-detection methods. While impressive on paper, real-world testing reveals that its phase-detection sensor array is relatively shallow, impacting speed consistency and lock reliability in low contrast or low light. Face detection and touch-to-focus improve usability, but no dedicated eye or animal eye AF is present.

By contrast, the Sony A7 II employs a sophisticated 117-point hybrid AF system combining phase-detection and contrast detection, with a broader cross-type sensor distribution for superior precision. Its AF algorithms provide fast single-shot autofocus (AF-S), seamless continuous AF (AF-C) with subject tracking, and face/eye detection - although it notably lacks animal eye AF. Despite a lower number of focus points than the NX300M, the Sony's points are larger and more sensitive, resulting in greater reliability, particularly with moving subjects.

For burst shooting and sports, the NX300M offers a faster frame rate at 9 fps versus 5 fps on the A7 II, but the Sony's AF tracking precision means fewer missed shots during critical fast-action moments.

Autofocus summary: for beginners focusing on still subjects or casual action, the NX300M's AF system is responsive enough. For wildlife, sports, or professional portraiture requiring quick, sustained focus accuracy and tracking, the Sony A7 II’s AF system is superior.

Shoot Variety: Image Stabilization and Burst Performance

Image stabilization mitigates camera shake and expands handheld shooting capabilities.

The Samsung NX300M lacks any form of in-body image stabilization (IBIS), relying solely on lens stabilization where available - though Samsung’s NX lens lineup is limited and without widespread optical IS coverage.

The Sony A7 II incorporates a critical 5-axis IBIS mechanism, capable of providing 4.5 stops of shake reduction. This system significantly enhances sharpness when using non-stabilized lenses or shooting videos handheld, especially in low light or macro scenarios.

Regarding continuous shooting, the NX300M achieves a higher burst rate of 9 fps, advantageous for capturing fleeting moments in street or sports photography, albeit with a more limited and slower buffer. The A7 II’s 5 fps burst, while slower, benefits from a superior AF tracking system and larger buffer, yielding more sustained action capturing.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

A vital consideration is access to quality lenses - both native and third-party.

The Samsung NX300M mounts Samsung NX lenses, with a native offering of roughly 32 lenses that cover basic needs. However, the NX mount has stagnated and fallen out of widespread support since Samsung discontinued camera manufacturing in 2015, limiting future investment and lens availability. Third-party options and adapters exist but lack the versatility and sophistication found in larger mounts.

The Sony A7 II uses the Sony E-mount system, which boasts a vast ecosystem with over 120 native lenses (including Sony G Master and Zeiss options) and extensive third-party support from Tamron, Sigma, Samyang, and others. This diversity covers everything from fast primes for portraits to super-telephoto zooms for wildlife, yielding exceptional creative flexibility.

Moreover, Sony’s native support for full-frame lenses maximizes the A7 II’s sensor potential, while APS-C lenses also remain compatible (with cropping). This lens availability factor strongly favors the A7 II for long-term versatility.

Durability and Environmental Sealing

Build quality influences usability in varied environments.

The Samsung NX300M is constructed primarily from plastic components without any weather sealing, dustproofing, or shockproofing - appropriate for light or protected shooting environments but less suited for professional outdoor work.

The Sony A7 II features a magnesium alloy chassis with professional-grade dust and moisture resistance. While not fully weatherproof, it withstands moderate adverse conditions better, critical for landscape, wildlife, or event photographers shooting in the field.

Video Capabilities: Resolution, Formats, and Features

Both cameras offer Full HD video recording - no 4K available, reflecting era limitations.

The NX300M records 1080p video at 30 fps in MPEG-4 or H.264 formats, leveraging the OLED screen for framing but lacks external mic or headphone jacks, limiting sound control. No in-body stabilization undermines handheld video usability.

The A7 II records 1080p up to 60 fps in AVCHD, MPEG-4, and Sony’s efficient XAVC S codecs, offering better video quality and flexibility. Crucially, it provides both microphone and headphone ports for professional audio monitoring and has IBIS to smooth handheld footage - features favored by hybrid shooters and videographers.

Battery Life and Storage

Both cameras use proprietary rechargeable batteries:

• NX300M’s BP1130 rated at roughly 330 shots per charge.
• A7 II’s NP-FW50 rated slightly better at 350 shots.

Storage-wise, both use a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot; the A7 II additionally supports Sony Memory Stick formats, albeit less critical now.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

To better appreciate these cameras’ strengths and limitations, let’s examine them within common photographic disciplines.

Samsung NX300M screen back Sony A7 II front Sony A7 II screen back

Portraits

The A7 II’s full-frame sensor produces exquisite skin tones, smooth gradations, and beautiful background separation (bokeh), especially with fast prime lenses. Its eye-detection AF and customizable AF area support precise focusing on eyes, vital for compelling portraits. The NX300M performs well under good light but offers shallower control over depth of field and less precise focusing.

Landscapes

The A7 II excels with a wide dynamic range to capture highlight and shadow details, essential for landscapes and nature scenes. Its weather sealing enables shooting in mild outdoor conditions confidently. The NX300M fares adequately but is more limited dynamically and less rugged overall.

Wildlife

While the NX300M offers a faster burst (9 fps) beneficial for quick wildlife action, its smaller sensor and less versatile lenses restrict image impact. The Sony A7 II’s superior AF tracking and access to long telephoto lenses deliver higher-quality wildlife images, although at 5 fps.

Sports

The A7 II’s precise AF and better subject tracking outweigh the higher burst speed of the NX300M, making it preferable for most sports photography - noting limited buffer length and AF consistency on the NX300M.

Street Photography

Portability favors the NX300M, especially with discreet profile and touchscreen operation enabling rapid, spontaneous shooting. The A7 II is bulkier but offers EVF advantages in bright light and faster focus lock.

Macro

The A7 II benefits greatly from IBIS, allowing sharper handheld macro photos with adapted or native macro lenses. The NX300M lacks stabilization, making tripod use advisable.

Night & Astrophotography

The A7 II’s cleaner high-ISO performance and wider dynamic range make it distinctly better for low-light and night sky photography.

Video

For serious videographers, the A7 II’s microphone/headphone ports and 5-axis IBIS provide significant improvement over the NX300M’s basic Full HD video.

Travel Photography

NX300M’s small size and weight support easy travel, but limited lens choices may restrict creativity. The A7 II, heavier and more complex, excels with its image quality and lens versatility but demands more gear commitment.

Professional Use

The A7 II’s robust build, advanced features, and superior image quality position it strongly for professional applications, notably in weddings, portraits, and event photography. The NX300M is better suited for enthusiasts and hobbyists.

Final Performance Ratings and Genre-Specific Analysis

As depicted above, Sony A7 II leads in almost all categories, reflecting its versatility and advanced features, while Samsung NX300M holds respectable scores for entry-level photography and casual use.

Conclusion: Who Should Buy Which?

Choosing between the Samsung NX300M and Sony A7 II largely boils down to your photography ambitions, budget, and portability preferences.

• Purchase the Samsung NX300M if: you are a beginner or enthusiast seeking an affordable, portable mirrorless camera with touchscreen ease-of-use, casual image quality, and a fun user interface for everyday photography or travel where weight matters. Its rapid burst rate also makes it appealing to street photographers prioritizing discretion and spontaneity.

• Opt for the Sony A7 II if: you demand professional-grade image quality with full-frame advantages, superior autofocus precision, extensive lens choices, ruggedness, and video functionality supportive of hybrid stills/video shooting. The tradeoff in size, weight, and price is warranted by the highly capable, future-proof system it affords professionals or serious enthusiasts.

In sum, while the Samsung NX300M offers commendable features for its era and target audience, it is outclassed by Sony’s A7 II in sensor performance, build quality, versatility, and pro-level functionality. The A7 II remains a benchmark in affordable full-frame mirrorless cameras and serves as a highly capable platform for a wide range of photographic genres, suitable for photographers who value image quality and system longevity.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you navigate the complexities of these two distinct mirrorless cameras with confidence, leveraging tested insights and technical expertise to best match your photography goals.