Samsung NX300M vs Sony NEX-3N: A Deep Dive into Entry-Level Mirrorless Excellence

In the bustling world of entry-level mirrorless cameras, the choice often boils down to subtle yet impactful differences that influence your photographic journey and outcomes. Today, we put two contemporaneous competitors under the microscope: Samsung NX300M and Sony NEX-3N. Both launched in early 2013 within months of each other, these rangefinder-style mirrorless cameras reflect their manufacturers’ distinct design philosophies and technology priorities.

Drawing on extensive hands-on testing and panoramic real-world use cases, this comparison unpacks everything from sensor and autofocus performance through ergonomics and video capabilities to practical shooting considerations. Whether you’re a budding enthusiast upgrading from smartphone snaps, a content creator dabbling in video, or a professional seeking a capable secondary body, this guide aims to illuminate the strengths and compromises of each camera, empowering you to choose wisely based on rigorously evaluated facts.

First Impressions: Size, Weight & Ergonomics

Before diving into sensor specifications and image results, the physical feel and handling of a camera can dramatically shape your user experience, influencing comfort during marathon shoots and ease of portability.

Physically, the Samsung NX300M measures 122 x 64 x 41 mm and weighs roughly 331 grams with battery, making it slightly larger and heavier than the Sony NEX-3N, which is 110 x 62 x 35 mm and tips the scale at 269 grams. This size difference is subtle but perceptible - the NX300M embraces a bit more hand-filling heft attributed partly to its robust DRIMe IV processor and a slightly larger grip. Conversely, Sony’s NEX-3N boasts a famously compact form factor emphasizing portability, a boon for street and travel photographers prioritizing unobtrusive setup.

The NX300M’s ergonomics reflect Samsung’s focus on button accessibility and tactile responsiveness. Its rangefinder-style body provides a confident hold for extended shooting sessions, and although the camera forgoes a built-in viewfinder, its well-considered button layout (discussed further below) helps maintain meaningful control without reliance on the rear touchscreen alone.

Sony's NEX-3N channels simplicity, with fewer physical controls ahead of reliance on menu navigation - this lowers the learning curve for newcomers but can prove a bit limiting when swift adjustments are needed during dynamic scenes.

Control Layout and Handling: Surface Level Through the Lens

Examining the top plate, buttons, and interface pathways reveals each brand’s ergonomic priorities in operation speed and customization.

The NX300M offers a more detailed control setup, including an explicit mode dial, dedicated exposure compensation buttons, and a touchscreen interface that supports intuitive on-screen focus point selection and menu navigation. Samsung’s implementation of an Active Matrix OLED tilting screen with high resolution (768k dots) allows for precise framing even in bright conditions, while the touchscreen accelerates workflows for portrait and macro shooters who benefit from rapid adjustments.

In contrast, the NEX-3N adopts a more minimalistic top deck. It replaces the mode dial with a command dial that cycles through basic modes but lacks the direct exposure compensation dial found on the NX300M. Its tilting LCD lacks touchscreen support and sports a modest 460k dot resolution, somewhat limiting visibility outdoors and responsiveness in composition tweaking.

One notable absence from both models is a dedicated electronic viewfinder, an expected trade-off in entry-level mirrorless systems of their era but a potential drawback for those preferring eye-level shooting or bright daylight viewfinding.

Sensor Precision and Image Quality: The Heart of Every Shot

Image quality and sensor capability are paramount, determining the potential fidelity, dynamic range, and noise performance that shape your final photographs.

Both cameras feature APS-C sized CMOS sensors approximately 23.5 x 15.6 mm - standard for mirrorless entry-level models - but diverge in resolution and processing strategies:

• Samsung NX300M: 20-megapixel resolution (5472x3648 pixels), with a 1.5x crop factor, incorporating an anti-aliasing filter to combat moiré. The higher pixel count supports larger prints and finely detailed landscapes or portraits. It maximizes ISO sensitivity up to 25600 (native) but actual low-light usability beyond ISO 3200 starts to degrade, as expected.

• Sony NEX-3N: 16-megapixel sensor (4912x3264 pixels), also with a 1.5x crop, equipped for native ISO up to 16000. Sony’s sensor technology here emphasizes balanced color depth (22.8 bits) and solid dynamic range (12.5 stops measured in DXOmark testing), delivering natural tones and noise control that favor well-lit scenes and moderate low-light work.

While both support RAW capture for maximum post-processing latitude, the Samsung’s higher pixel count delivers sharper files when used with high-quality lenses, beneficial for landscape photographers and enthusiasts focused on large-format output. However, Sony’s sensor excels in maintaining color fidelity and dynamic range in midrange ISO settings, which may appeal to portrait shooters seeking skin tone nuance under variable lighting.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking Capabilities in Practice

For many, autofocus performance is the difference between capturing the decisive moment or missing it outright. This is especially true in genres demanding fast, repeatable focus such as wildlife or sports.

• Samsung NX300M: Boasts an advanced hybrid AF system combining phase-detection and contrast-detection methods, featuring 247 focus points - a remarkable count for an entry-level mirrorless camera. It includes face detection and continuous autofocus capable of respectable subject tracking. The responsive touch AF interface enhances selective focus accuracy, especially valuable in portrait and macro contexts.

• Sony NEX-3N: Employs contrast-detection autofocus with 25 focus points but lacks phase detection and tracking autofocus capabilities. Face detection is not supported either, which restricts ease-of-use in rapid portrait or event shooting. Continuous AF exists but is more rudimentary, often leading to hunting issues in low contrast or fast-moving scenarios.

In field tests, the Samsung NX300M’s autofocus system demonstrated significantly higher locking assurance in challenging lighting or moving subjects, affirming its advantage for wildlife and sports enthusiasts compared to the slower, less versatile Sony NEX-3N AF.

Build Quality and Environmental Durability

At this price and category, both cameras are fashioned primarily from sturdy plastics with no weather sealing or ruggedization.

Samsung explicitly does not offer dust or moisture resistance for the NX300M, nor does Sony with the NEX-3N. Neither is waterproof, shockproof, or freezeproof - factors worth considering for outdoor photographers working in challenging climates or travel scenarios.

Neither camera equipped with fully sealed controls or compartments means protective measures should be taken, such as weatherproof bags or careful handling to preserve longevity.

Display and Viewfinder Experience

The rear screen is vital for framing, reviewing, and menu navigation. Neither camera features a built-in electronic viewfinder, a limiting factor for some.

Samsung’s 3.3-inch OLED touchscreen with 768k pixels offers excellent viewing angles, brightness, and color accuracy, complemented by touch-to-focus and intuitive menu swiping. Its tilting mechanism enables comfortable overhead or low-angle shots without strain.

Sony’s NEX-3N comes with a slightly smaller 3-inch LCD with lower resolution (460k dots) and no touchscreen. While the screen tilts upward for selfies, it is less readable in vivid sunlight and lacks interactive focusing capabilities, potentially slowing creative workflows.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Your Creative Reach

Lens availability is a critical factor; it can define creative potential for portraiture, wildlife, macro, and beyond.

Samsung’s NX mount supports a modest selection of roughly 32 native lenses - including primes and zooms catering to macro, portrait, and telephoto needs - but the ecosystem is limited compared to Sony’s.

Sony’s E-mount, by contrast, is highly expansive, with over 120 native lenses from first-party and third-party manufacturers. This includes specialized macro lenses, fast primes, extensive telephoto zooms, and versatile travel zooms essential for all photography styles. The abundant lens choices make the NEX-3N highly adaptable across genres.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery endurance can dictate shooting endurance, a vital consideration for travel and event photographers.

• Samsung NX300M is rated for approximately 330 shots per charge, somewhat modest for a mirrorless system relying on constant LCD use but acceptable for casual shooting.

• Sony NEX-3N impresses with 480 shots per charge, benefiting from efficient power management and lower resolution screen demands, helpful for extended outings without spare batteries.

Both models accommodate a single storage card: SD card for Samsung, SD and Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick Pro Duo for the NEX-3N, offering ample but not dual redundancy.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Wireless connectivity increasingly defines modern camera usability - especially for instant sharing and remote control.

Samsung’s NX300M includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, facilitating easy image transfer to smartphones and remote shooting apps, a considerable bonus for social media enthusiasts and event photographers requiring quick delivery.

Sony’s NEX-3N lacks Wi-Fi, NFC, or Bluetooth connectivity, significantly limiting wireless flexibility and tethering. Users must rely on wired USB or HDMI outputs for data transfer.

Video Recording Capabilities

For hybrid shooters or vloggers, video specs remain foundational.

Both cameras shoot Full HD 1080p video at different bit rates and codecs:

• Samsung NX300M records in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats with 1920 x 1080 max resolution, but lacks microphone or headphone ports, limiting audio flexibility. It has no in-body stabilization, so video relies on stabilized lenses, and the touchscreen aids manual focus pulling.

• Sony NEX-3N records 1080p in MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats. It lacks external microphone support and image stabilization as well. The absence of touchscreen hampers focus changes during recording, but Sony’s processing produces relatively clean video at base ISO.

Neither offers 4K or advanced video features, expected for their generation.

Real-World Usage Scenarios: Comprehensive Photography Genres Comparison

Assessing both cameras across specific photography disciplines reveals their intrinsic suitability clearly.

Samsung NX300M screen back Sony NEX 3N front Sony NEX 3N screen back

Portrait Photography

Samsung’s higher resolution sensor combined with an extensive autofocus system featuring face detection supports compelling portraits with sharp subject isolation and creamy bokeh potential when paired with fast, quality lenses. The touchscreen enhances selective focus accuracy on eyes and faces.

Sony’s more basic 16MP sensor captures sufficient detail, but autofocus limitations and lack of face detection reduce confidence for solo or candid portraiture. Still, paired with Sony’s prime lenses, it delivers pleasing skin tones.

Landscape Photography

The Samsung’s 20MP files enable large prints and fine detail capture, beneficial for expansive landscapes; however, its limited dynamic range compared to Sony can impact highlight and shadow preservation.

Sony’s superior dynamic range (12.5 stops) and color depth shine in this genre, fostering rich tonality and natural color gradients critical for landscape photographers, albeit at slightly lower resolution.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Fast autofocus and high burst rates define success here. The Samsung’s 247-point hybrid AF system and 9 FPS continuous shooting vastly outperform Sony’s 25-point contrast-detection with 4 FPS max. The NX300M is better suited to tracking moving subjects and capturing peak action moments.

Sony’s NEX-3N struggles with focus accuracy and speed in these high-stakes scenarios, more appropriate for static or slow-moving subjects.

Street Photography

Sony’s smaller size, lighter weight, and minimalist controls favor candid street shooters desiring discretion and portability. Its quiet operation enables unobtrusive shooting.

Samsung is bulkier, though its touchscreen aids rapid focus amidst bustling urban environments. Lack of viewfinders on both may challenge shooting in bright conditions.

Macro Photography

Macro enthusiasts benefit from Samsung’s autofocus point density and touchscreen for precise focusing on minuscule subjects paired with NX mount macro optics.

Sony’s macro options are wider lens-wise but focusing accuracy is less reliable without phase detection.

Night and Astrophotography

Higher ISO capabilities theoretically favor Samsung’s 25600 max, but noise tends to spike beyond ISO 3200. Sony’s superior color depth and dynamic range improve low-light detail rendition, making it a strong competitor in this niche despite lower max ISO.

Neither boasts specialized astro features like bulb timers or intervalometers.

Video and Hybrid Use

Samsung’s touchscreen and built-in Wi-Fi/NFC advantage streamline mobile sharing and manual focusing during video capture, albeit with limitations in audio control.

Sony's AVCHD support produces smooth footage, but lack of wireless connectivity and touchscreen limits ease of video-centric workflows.

Travel and Everyday Versatility

Sony’s lighter weight, smaller size, and longer battery life make it the premier choice for travelers needing a compact yet capable shooter.

Samsung’s superior autofocus speed and higher pixel count appeal to those prioritizing image quality over weight, though with increased bulk.

Professional Workflows

Samsung supports exposure bracketing, live view face detection, and RAW support facilitating professional post-processing workflows. However, its limited lens ecosystem is a bottleneck.

Sony offers an extensive lens lineup and robust RAW files but foregoes reliable autofocus tracking and bracketing at this level.

Summary Scores and Ratings: Quantifying Performance

Evaluating the cameras against a composite scale balancing autofocus, image quality, ergonomics, and features places the Samsung NX300M marginally ahead in core photographic prowess and autofocus sophistication, while Sony NEX-3N scores higher in portability, battery life, and dynamic range.

Final Verdict: Who Should Choose What?

Choose Samsung NX300M If You:

• Prioritize higher resolution images with finer detail for portraits or landscapes
• Need a hybrid autofocus system for wildlife, sports, or fast-paced shooting
• Value touchscreen control, Wi-Fi for mobile workflow, and comprehensive manual modes
• Don’t mind a slightly larger and heavier camera for better handling

Choose Sony NEX-3N If You:

• Prefer a lightweight, discreet camera ideal for street and travel photography
• Appreciate longer battery life for all-day shooting without frequent recharge
• Want access to a broad lens ecosystem for extended creative options
• Are comfortable with a more basic autofocus system and no touchscreen

Conclusion

Both the Samsung NX300M and Sony NEX-3N serve as well-rounded entry-level mirrorless cameras reflecting early 2010s innovation. Samsung edges ahead with sensor resolution, AF sophistication, and connectivity, appealing to image-quality-conscious enthusiasts. Sony shines in accessibility, portability, and battery performance, blending well with travel and casual shooting.

Ultimately, your choice pivots on your photographic priorities. If advanced autofocus, raw resolution, and wireless capabilities resonate, the NX300M commands attention. If compactness, extended battery life, and lens options weigh heavier, the NEX-3N remains a pragmatic contender.

Careful assessment of activity types and shooting styles combined with this comprehensive, experience-backed analysis will steer you to the ideal match and a fulfilling photographic journey.

Thank you for exploring this detailed comparison. We invite you to leverage this guide alongside hands-on field trials - nothing replaces the personal feel and creative chemistry with your next mirrorless camera.

Happy shooting!