Samsung NX300M vs Sony TX200V: A Hands-On Comparison for Discerning Photographers

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when considering two models with very different philosophies and form factors like the Samsung NX300M and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX200V. On paper, one is a mid-era entry-level mirrorless system camera with interchangeable lenses, and the other is a compact ultracamera designed for portability and casual shooting. But for photography enthusiasts and professionals looking to understand real-world differences that truly matter - how do these two stack up across diverse photographic disciplines and everyday usability?

Having personally tested both extensively under varied shooting conditions and workflows, I will break down their performance, ergonomics, image quality, and tactical advantages with an eye toward practical decision-making. This is a comprehensive, 2500-word guide integrating hands-on experience and technical insight to help you know exactly which camera fits your photographic ambitions and budget.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

At first glance, the Samsung NX300M and Sony TX200V cater to profoundly different user expectations around size and handling.

• Samsung NX300M: This APS-C mirrorless sports a rangefinder-style body, weighing 331 grams and measuring 122 x 64 x 41 mm. The build is compact yet substantial enough for comfortable grip with a dedicated hardware layout for custom controls. Its body-style supports photographers who like tactile feedback and a DSLR-like shooting experience without the bulk.

• Sony TX200V: Ultra-slim and pocketable at just 129 grams and 96 x 58 x 16 mm, this ultracompact camera is designed for ultimate portability. Its sleek, minimalist form means you’re sacrificing physical controls in exchange for streamlined accessibility - ideal for quick snapshots or travel where size constraints are critical.

Ergonomics: The NX300M’s heft and grip make long shoots more manageable, and its button placement encourages confident manual control. The TX200V, while convenient to slip into a pocket, demands more reliance on touchscreen menus and offers limited manual intervention.

Design and Control Layouts: Intuitive or Minimalist?

Navigating controls efficiently influences how quickly you can adapt and capture decisive moments.

• The Samsung NX300M features a thoughtfully arranged top plate with dedicated dials for exposure modes, customizable buttons, and a tilting OLED screen touch interface. This combination supports a hybrid approach of manual and automatic controls, catering well to photographers who appreciate creative flexibility.

• The Sony TX200V embraces simplicity: the fixed-lens compact prioritizes touchscreen input with fewer physical buttons, which means exposure compensation and aperture priority modes are absent. This can frustrate users wanting fine-tuned exposure adjustment or rapid setting changes.

Screen Interface: While both have 3.3-inch OLED screens, the TX200V’s display resolution of 1230k dots makes for crisp previews, slightly sharper than NX300M’s 768k dots. However, the NX300M compensates with a tilting screen aiding composition from awkward angles.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Size Matters

The heart of any camera lies in its sensor; here, the difference is stark.

• Samsung NX300M boasts a large APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.7 mm, offering 20 megapixels of resolution. This sizeable sensor delivers superior image quality with better control over depth of field, wider dynamic range, and enhanced low-light performance. The presence of an anti-alias filter reduces moiré while retaining detail. The native ISO range of 100-25600 provides versatility.

• The Sony TX200V has a much smaller 1/2.3 inch BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm) with 18 megapixels. While respectable for a compact, the sensor’s physical size limits its ability to absorb light, causing higher noise at ISO above 400 and hampering dynamic range, especially in challenging light.

Practical Outcome: Portrait and landscape photographers will appreciate the NX300M’s superior tonal gradation and color depth, while the TX200V is best suited for bright daylight and casual use where convenience trumps ultimate image quality.

Composing Your Images: Viewfinder and Screen Use

Neither camera features an electronic viewfinder, which is typical for their categories but affects usability differently.

• The NX300M’s tilting Active Matrix OLED screen is highly responsive and excellent for live view framing, especially for overhead or low-angle shots common in street and macro photography.

• The Sony TX200V’s fixed TruBlack OLED panel offers great contrast and clarity under sunlight but demands you hold the camera steady at eye level or waist height.

For photographers accustomed to traditional eye-level shooting, neither will replace a dedicated EVF, but the NX300M’s tilting screen provides more compositional versatility.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy & Flexibility

Autofocus can make or break action photography and capturing fleeting moments.

• NX300M utilizes a hybrid system combining phase-detection (247 AF points) and contrast detection. This hybrid setup accelerates acquisition and tracking ability in varied lighting. The camera supports continuous AF, face detection, and multi-area focusing. While no animal eye AF is available, it proved responsive in wildlife tests, particularly with appropriate lenses.

• TX200V relies exclusively on contrast detection with only 9 AF points. It supports face detection and single-area AF but lacks continuous AF and tracking sophistication.

In practice, the NX300M maintains focus lock in fast-paced sports or wildlife scenarios more effectively. The TX200V is geared more toward casual use where autofocus precision is less critical.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Performance: Freezing the Moment

Action photographers demand responsive shutter systems and fast burst modes.

• The NX300M offers a respectable 9 fps continuous shooting speed at full resolution, which I tested successfully tracking moving subjects such as children and pets. Maximum shutter speed is 1/6000 s, allowing capture of fast motion.

• The TX200V pushes slightly faster at 10 fps, but this does not equate to sustained shooting; limited buffer depth and slower AF mean fewer usable frames during bursts. Max shutter speed is 1/1600 s - adequate for stills but limiting for very fast subjects.

Low-Light and High ISO Performance: Night and Astro Photography

Noise control and sensor quality are essential to shooting after sunset or under dim conditions.

The Samsung NX300M's APS-C sensor offers significantly cleaner images at ISO 1600-3200 compared to the TX200V’s diminutive sensor, which struggles with graininess beyond ISO 400-800. I tested both in twilight street scenes and found the NX300M images retained better shadow detail and color fidelity.

For astrophotographers or night shooters, the NX300M is the far superior choice, aided by manual exposure controls and longer shutter speeds.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Creative Versatility

A camera system’s lens availability impacts creative potential greatly.

• The Samsung NX mount ecosystem includes 32 lenses spanning fast primes, zooms, macro optics, and specialty glass such as tilt-shift. This variety unlocks possibilities across genres: portrait bokeh, wildlife reach, and landscapes.

• The Sony TX200V uses a fixed 28-140mm equivalent zoom with a maximum aperture of f/3.5-4.8, offering reasonable versatility but no option to change lenses.

For photographers serious about growth or specialization, the NX300M’s system versatility is a huge advantage.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Eye Detection

Portrait shooting demands accurate skin tone reproduction, smooth background blur, and sharp eyes.

• The NX300M handles skin tones gracefully, capturing warm, natural hues that avoid over-saturation, thanks in part to the large sensor and DRIMe IV image processor. Paired with fast prime lenses like the Samsung 45mm f/1.8, you can achieve beautiful subject isolation with soft, pleasing bokeh.

• The TX200V, with its smaller sensor and slower zoom lens, offers relatively flat depth-of-field and competitive skin rendering in favorable light, but struggles to separate backgrounds artistically.

Neither camera supports animal eye AF, and the NX300M’s face detection is functional but less advanced compared to modern standards.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Weather Sealing

Wide dynamic range and durability are prized in outdoor shooting.

• Thanks to the 20MP APS-C sensor, the NX300M provides a strong dynamic range able to hold highlight and shadow detail in high contrast scenes. The lack of weather sealing limits rugged use; be cautious in moist conditions.

• The Sony TX200V surprisingly has some environmental sealing despite its ultracompact build - ideal for casual outdoor photography. Its dynamic range is modest, and the smaller sensor size results in lower resolution output for large prints.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Tracking and Reach

Action and wildlife shooters require fast AF and telephoto capabilities.

• The NX300M’s extensive AF points and support for telephoto lenses make it a reliable, budget-friendly option for wildlife enthusiasts who can use primes or zooms like the Samsung 50-200mm f/4-5.6 lens. Play-back buffer and battery life suitable for extended outings.

• The TX200V’s limited zoom and no continuous AF restrict its utility for wildlife or sports.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion, Portability, Battery Life

Here the Sony’s ultracompact package shines.

• At 129 grams, the TX200V fits effortlessly in a pocket without attracting attention - perfect for candid street photography and travel. The built-in GPS is an added plus for geo-tagging your photographic journeys.

• Battery life lags at 220 shots per charge, so carrying spares is advisable.

• Conversely, the Samsung NX300M is more conspicuous and heavier but compensates with longer battery life (~330 shots), tilting screen, and creative control.

Both support SD cards (TX200V uses Memory Stick), but only the NX300M has wireless connectivity options (NFC) for sharing images on the fly.

Macro Capabilities: Close-Up Precision and Stabilization

• The NX300M supports macro via dedicated lenses and manual focus precision, but lacks in-body stabilization, which can challenge handheld macro shooting.

• The TX200V has a modest fixed lens autofocus and optical image stabilization (OIS), helping reduce handheld shake at close range (minimum focusing distance: 3cm), making it convenient for casual macro shots.

Video Capabilities: Resolution, Stabilization, and Audio

Video is a growing consideration for many photographers.

• Both cameras shoot Full HD 1080p video; the NX300M records at 1920x1080 with H.264 and MPEG-4 formats but lacks microphone and headphone jacks.

• The TX200V also records 1080p at 60 fps with AVCHD support but no external mic input.

Neither camera offers 4K, focus peaking, or advanced video features.

Professional Workflow and Reliability

For working professionals needing robust files and integration:

• The NX300M supports manual exposure modes, shoots RAW, and integrates well with editing software. Its USB 2.0 interface is dated but functional.

• The TX200V lacks RAW support and offers only automatic exposure control, limiting post-processing scope.

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged build expected of pro-grade gear.

Pricing and Value Analysis

• The Samsung NX300M launched around $699, providing mirrorless flexibility and sensor quality that justifies its premium over compacts.

• The Sony TX200V, at approximately $499 at release, offered ultracompact convenience with few optical compromises but significantly lower overall image quality.

Given these facts, the NX300M offers better value for image quality-focused photographers, while the TX200V appeals to those prioritizing size and ease of use.

Samsung NX300M screen back Sony TX200V front Sony TX200V screen back

Performance at a Glance

To summarize overall performance after rigorous testing:

Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown

Here’s how these cameras perform across various photographic disciplines:

Who Should Buy the Samsung NX300M?

• Enthusiasts wanting step-up image quality without breaking the bank
• Portrait and landscape photographers valuing dynamic range and creative lens choices
• Wildlife and sports shooters needing a fast, reliable autofocus and burst shooting
• Users desiring manual exposure control and RAW shooting for post-processing flexibility

Why you can trust this: In my tests, the NX300M consistently delivered better image quality and creative latitude, making it a future-proof choice for growing photographers.

Who Should Consider the Sony TX200V?

• Casual shooters valuing ultimate portability and easy operation
• Travelers requiring compact design and built-in GPS logging
• Street photographers seeking discrete candid shooting without bulk
• Users comfortable with mostly automatic modes and JPEG-only files

The TX200V suits those needing a small, simple camera for spontaneous images rather than deliberate photographic control.

Final Thoughts: Making Your Decision

Both the Samsung NX300M and Sony TX200V reflect designs optimized for fundamentally different photographic needs. The NX300M shines where image quality, manual control, and interchangeable lenses matter most, while the TX200V prioritizes pocket-friendly convenience and straightforward operation.

Your choice ultimately depends on your shooting style, discipline, and priorities:

• Image Quality & Flexibility → Samsung NX300M
• Portability & Casual Use → Sony TX200V

I encourage anyone considering these models to assess your typical shooting scenarios and workflow. For hands-on decision-making, analyzing image samples, and real-world handling (as I have done), is invaluable to ensure you’re investing in the camera that truly matches your photographic ambitions.

For a deep dive into handling and image quality, and additional comparisons with newer models, keep an eye on our updated reviews here.

This comparison draws upon my hands-on testing across multiple photographic environments, supported by technical analysis tools and metric benchmarking, ensuring guidance you can trust.