Samsung NX300M vs Sony WX300: A Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing a camera can often feel like standing in a candy store as an adult: so many flavors, so many shiny bells and whistles, yet what truly matters is what’s under the wrapper - how well it performs in your real-world shooting scenarios. Today, we're diving into a somewhat classic - but still intriguing - matchup between the Samsung NX300M, an entry-level mirrorless camera announced in early 2013, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX300, a compact superzoom from the same era. While they've been on the market for a decade, these models still resonate with many emerging photographers or those seeking an affordable secondary camera for travel and casual use.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras over my career, I’m excited to unpack their real-world performance, technical nuances, and see who comes out on top in various photography genres. Buckle up - a deep dive awaits!

Getting Acquainted: Form Factor and Ergonomics

Right off the bat, the Samsung NX300M and Sony WX300 couldn't be more different in body type. The former is a traditional rangefinder-style mirrorless camera, while the latter is a pocketable compact superzoom, designed for grab-and-go practicality.

The NX300M, measuring around 122×64×41 mm and weighing 331 grams, feels substantial in the hands - pleasantly solid yet not bulky. The Samsung NX mount lends it versatility with 32 available lenses, offering a path from basic kits to specialized optics. The lack of an electronic viewfinder might irk some, but the 3.3-inch AMOLED tilting touchscreen serves comfortably for composing shots and reviewing images.

Conversely, the Sony WX300 is a featherweight at 166 grams and ultra-compact at 96×55×25 mm, perfect for slipping into a jacket pocket. It boasts a fixed 25-500mm (35mm equivalent) lens, giving an impressive 20x optical zoom range, a typical hallmark of superzooms tailored for travel or casual wildlife shooting. However, this compactness does mean squeezing in fewer manual controls and a non-tilting LCD.

Hands-on, the NX300M feels more deliberate to shoot, rewarding those who want to experiment with lenses and manual settings. The WX300 wins for stealth and convenience - great for street photography or snaps where you want to stay low-profile.

Sensor Showdown: Size, Resolution, and Image Quality Fundamentals

Now to the heart of the camera: the sensor. The Samsung NX300M sports a 20.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, sized 23.5x15.7 mm, which is traditionally a serious advantage in image quality, dynamic range, and noise performance due to larger photodiodes gathering more light.

The Sony WX300 features a tiny 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor, roughly 6.17x4.55 mm, with 18 megapixels. While this is impressive pixel count for such a small sensor, physically, it’s about 13 times smaller than the NX300M’s APS-C sensor, which inherently limits image quality and low-light performance.

In practical testing, the NX300M delivers noticeably superior image quality, particularly in challenging lighting. It handles higher ISO settings up to 25600 with less noise and more detail retention compared to the WX300's max ISO 3200. The NX300M’s sensor also provides richer color depth and wider dynamic range, handling highlights and shadows gracefully - a boon for landscape and portrait shooters wanting nuanced results.

The WX300 tries to compensate with a solid BSI (Backside Illuminated) design, which improves light sensitivity in small sensors, but it still can’t match the level of tonal gradation or noise control. I’d say the WX300 serves perfectly well for daylight, casual shooting but starts to struggle as light levels drop or in high-contrast scenarios.

User Interface and Handling: Controls, Screens, and Workflow

For a photographer, interface and control accessibility can make or break the shooting rhythm. The NX300M uses a tilting 3.3-inch Active Matrix OLED touchscreen with a resolution of 768k dots, making for vivid and responsive image preview and easier manual focusing. Its touch interface supports autofocus point selection and menu navigation fluidly.

The WX300 offers a fixed 3-inch LCD at 460k dots, which feels less crisp and isn’t touch-enabled. This might frustrate those used to intuitive touchscreen operations, but for quick snapshots, its straightforward interface holds its own.

The NX300M prejudices towards enthusiasts with its extensive manual control set: shutter/aperture priority, full manual exposure, exposure compensation, and customizable white balance. Sony’s WX300 focuses on automation - no shutter or aperture priority modes, limited exposure compensation options, and no manual focus ring. That said, the WX300 does offer face detection autofocus, which works reliably in everyday use cases.

From a connectivity standpoint, both cameras have built-in Wi-Fi, but only the Samsung supports NFC, easing pairing with compatible devices. The NX300M provides HDMI output (an essential for tethered shooting or external monitors), whereas the WX300 lacks HDMI, a disadvantage for serious on-site review or video monitoring.

Autofocus and Burst Performance: Catching Fast Action

Let’s talk speed - the heartbeat of wildlife, sports, and street photography.

The Samsung NX300M employs an advanced hybrid autofocus system combining phase detection and contrast detection across 247 focus points. This achieves quick, accurate autofocus with face detection and continuous AF modes, especially impressive for a 2013 camera.

The Sony WX300 uses contrast detection AF only, which although decent for most static or slow-moving subjects, can lag behind in tracking rapid movement. It does feature face detection as well but lacks the sophisticated focus area selection of the NX300M.

Burst shooting is interesting: the WX300 edges out with a 10 fps burst speed, slightly faster than Samsung’s 9 fps. However, the NX300M’s larger buffer and faster processing allow longer burst sequences before slowing down - a factor that matters hugely when photographing sports or wildlife moments in succession.

In live testing, the NX300M’s autofocus locks more consistently on eyes and moving subjects, making it a better tool for portraits, street candid shots, and wildlife. The WX300 is great when you don’t have the luxury of time to fiddle - pull out, zoom in, and shoot.

Lens Compatibility and Zoom: Tools for Every Shooting Style

This is where the cameras diverge sharply.

The Samsung uses the NX lens mount, giving access to a variety of 32 lenses ranging from primes with wide apertures for creamy bokeh (think 30mm f/2 or 45mm f/1.8) to telephoto zooms suitable for wildlife or portraiture. This lens freedom is invaluable if you plan to grow your photographic toolkit and master various genres. The lack of in-body image stabilization (IBIS) is a caveat, so choosing lenses with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) can compensate.

On the flip side, the Sony WX300 lumps you into a one-lens-fits-all world with its fixed 25-500 mm zoom lens (35mm equivalent), aperture range f/3.5-6.5, and optical image stabilization. This expansive zoom range is a definite plus for travel and casual telephoto needs, but the variable aperture limits low-light shooting and depth-of-field control.

Durability and Weather Resistance: Should You Bring Them on That Rainy Hike?

Neither camera boasts environmental sealing, waterproofing, or shockproofing, which is not surprising given their entry-level and consumer-focused designs.

Samsung’s NX300M feels sturdier in the hand due to its mirrorless rangefinder form factor, but no official weather sealing. Sony WX300’s compact body is slightly more vulnerable to the elements but compensates with sheer portability.

If you’re looking for ruggedness, neither is the champion here; better to consider specialized outdoor cameras or add protective housings accordingly.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long and How Much Can You Shoot?

The Samsung NX300M uses the BP1130 battery pack, rated for approximately 330 shots per charge under CIPA standards. It supports single SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, which are standard and readily available.

The Sony WX300 runs on the smaller NP-BX1 battery with less clearly defined battery life but typically manages around 300-350 shots per charge. It supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards as well as Memory Stick Pro Duo, a nice feature for those with Sony accessories.

Neither excels for marathon shooting days but both are adequate for casual outings. Spare batteries are advisable for extended sessions.

Video Capabilities: Moving Pictures in the Mix

The NX300M records Full HD video at 1920x1080 resolution in MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs, with frame rates up to 30p. Unfortunately, it lacks microphone and headphone jacks, limiting external audio control.

The WX300 matches Full HD recording but pushes up to 60 fps, encoded in AVCHD format, which can deliver smoother motion. It offers a built-in flash - useful for video fill light in dark scenes, unlike the NX300M.

Neither camera provides 4K video or advanced stabilization beyond the WX300’s optical lens stabilization in video mode.

Performance by Photography Style: Where Each Camera Shines

Let’s break down how these cameras fare across specific genres:

For a quick visual guide:

Overall Performance and Value: Which Camera Delivers More?

Let’s sum up their overall scoring and value proposition.

The Samsung NX300M scores higher overall due to its superior sensor, autofocus system, manual controls, and lens interchangeability. It appeals to enthusiasts ready to learn, experiment, and grow in photography.

The Sony WX300 positions as a perfect everyday camera for those prioritizing portability and zoom range, particularly casual shooters, travelers, and fans of straightforward point-and-shoot operation.

Real-World Image Gallery: Seeing Is Believing

What do images from these two shooters look like side by side? Check out this comparative sample gallery revealing their footprint on color fidelity, detail, and bokeh.

Samsung NX300M screen back Sony WX300 front Sony WX300 screen back

Notice how the NX300M renders skin tones with warmth and smooth gradations in foliage, while the WX300 shows more noise and less vivid color in shadows but holds its own well in bright daylight.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy the Samsung NX300M or Sony WX300?

In my experience, solid camera choice comes down to your shooting style and priorities.

• Choose the Samsung NX300M if you:

  • Are stepping into mirrorless photography and crave creative control
  • Want better image quality and the option to swap lenses
  • Shoot portraits, landscapes, and casual wildlife requiring good autofocus
  • Value a touchscreen interface and full manual exposure modes
  • Don't mind carrying a slightly bigger camera to get better results

• Choose the Sony WX300 if you:

  • Need an ultra-compact, pocketable camera with a massive zoom range
  • Prefer a simple, no-fuss point-and-shoot experience with decent image quality
  • Are a traveler or street photographer prioritizing stealth and convenience
  • Mostly shoot daylight or video clips where high ISO performance isn’t critical
  • Want a cost-effective camera without investing in multiple lenses

Wrapping Up - The Verdict from a Veteran’s Lens

Having personally used both these cameras in diverse environments - be it the hustle of urban street scenes, lush landscapes, or indoor portrait sessions - I’ve found the Samsung NX300M to still hold a special place for budding enthusiasts hungry for growth and technical satisfaction. Yes, it requires learning and investment in lenses, but it rewards patience multiplicatively.

The Sony WX300, on the other hand, is a charming companion for those who want quick shooting, significant zoom versatility without bulk, and worry-free maintenance. It's the modern-day "throw it in my pocket" camera when every gram counts.

So, if image quality and creative flexibility come first, the NX300M deserves a serious look. If ultimate portability with a powerful zoom tickles your fancy, the WX300 remains a contender.

Whichever you pick, you’re getting a capable tool from a bygone but rich era of camera evolution - offering reliable performance without breaking the bank.

Technical Appendix: How We Tested Them

• Image quality analyzed via real-world shooting across ISO ranges, lighting conditions, and subject types.
• Autofocus tested on static and dynamic subjects, including face and eye detection reliability.
• Ergonomics assessed through prolonged shooting sessions and menu navigation speed.
• Video functionality tested with controlled indoor/outdoor clips evaluating stabilization and framing.
• Battery endurance measured using continuous shooting cycles and Wi-Fi operations.
• Lens versatility explored through adapted optics on the NX300M versus fixed zoom practicality for the WX300.

These lenses-through-the-eyes assessments ensure recommendations reflect true operational strengths and weaknesses rather than marketing fluff.

Have more questions or want sample RAW files for side-by-side editing? Drop a comment below or connect on Twitter - let's geek out about gear together!