Samsung NX300M vs. Sony FX30: A Deep Dive into Two Generations of Mirrorless Cameras

Choosing the right camera can feel a bit like time traveling: do you want a classic with a vintage vibe or the latest tech marvel with cutting-edge prosumer features? Today, I'm putting under the microscope two mirrorless cameras from vastly different eras and market niches - the 2013 Samsung NX300M and the 2022 Sony FX30. Both are APS-C mirrorless bodies with rangefinder-style handling, but beyond that, they couldn’t be more different in their ambitions, capabilities, and user experience.

Having tested thousands of cameras over more than 15 years, I’ll share with you hands-on insights, practical comparisons, and honest assessments that you won’t find just by reading specs sheets or manufacturer's sales pitches. Whether you’re a photo enthusiast contemplating a budget-friendly entry-level mirrorless or a serious creator seeking solid video and hybrid performance, this comparison will help you understand what each camera brings to the table - and where compromises might lie.

Let’s kick off our journey with the physical presence and build since that shapes how you fundamentally interact with these devices.

Feeling the Difference: Ergonomics and Physical Design

The first thing that strikes you when holding the Samsung NX300M beside the Sony FX30 is how much smartphone-influenced compactness has evolved into more grip-friendly, sturdier bodies suited for hybrid shooters.

The NX300M is the quintessential 2013 entry-level mirrorless - small, lightweight (331g), and discreet with simple controls. The 122 x 64 x 41 mm dimensions make it pocketable in larger coats but expect to hold it in hand or attach to a belt pouch. It follows that Samsung targeted casual users and photography neophytes who wanted to jump into interchangeable-lens systems without heft or complicated controls.

By contrast, the Sony FX30 weighs 646g and measures 130 x 78 x 85 mm. It’s noticeably chunkier, built with video production in mind. Its increase in size isn’t just for bulk - it provides more robust grip, tailored button placement for quick video operation, and space for advanced connectivity and dual card slots. Its magnesium alloy chassis offers partial environmental sealing, a nod to professional reliability demands.

Speaking of controls, the NX300M leans heavily on touchscreen interaction and minimalist button layout, while the FX30 sports a more advanced top-deck selection of dials and customizable buttons designed for one-handed adjustments during shooting.

If you’re nitpicking design nuances, note how the FX30’s fully articulated screen and heftier handgrip cater to videographers and photographers shooting handheld for extended sessions.

Under the Hood: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Now that we’ve established their look and feel, the heart of any camera - the sensor - deserves careful scrutiny. Different generations, sensor types, and resolutions make this comparison fascinating.

Both cameras use APS-C sized sensors, a sweet spot for balancing portability and image quality. The Samsung NX300M’s 20-megapixel CMOS sensor measures 23.5 x 15.7 mm, using a DRIMe IV processor standard in Samsung’s mid-2010s models. Meanwhile, the Sony FX30 boasts a more modern 26-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor (backside illuminated) sized 23.5 x 15.6 mm, paired with today’s advanced electronics.

The FX30’s sensor offers a more current technology stack. Backside illuminated sensors improve light gathering, providing better dynamic range and low-light performance - a critical factor for astrophotography, event work, and video. Furthermore, Sony’s sensor handles a slightly higher max native ISO of 32,000 (expandable to 102,400) compared to the NX300M’s max 25,600 ISO.

In practical shooting tests, you’ll notice that images from the FX30 have more punch in shadow details and cleaner files at high ISOs. The NX300M holds its own in good lighting, producing pleasing color depth and sharpness, but image noise becomes apparent much earlier as light fades, limiting night and low-light handheld work.

Resolution-wise, the 26 MP FX30 yields sharper prints and more cropping flexibility than the 20 MP NX300M. For landscape photographers craving pixel-peeping detail or pro photographers needing crop space for client use, the difference is meaningful.

Live View and Rear LCD: Touchscreen and Articulation Exploration

An often underestimated element is how you compose and review images - through the rear LCD or an EVF. Neither camera has a built-in electronic viewfinder (no EVF), so the rear LCD quality and usability become indispensable for framing and review.

The NX300M's 3.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen offers vibrant colors and good viewing angles. Its tilting mechanism (tilts upward but not fully articulating) facilitates selfies and low/high-angle shots but is somewhat limited for vlogging or more flexible video framing positions.

The FX30’s 3-inch fully articulating LCD, with its 2,360k-dot resolution, offers a hugely improved level of detail for focus checking and menu navigation. The fully articulated design lets you face the camera easily - a must-have for solo video shooting and creative angles. The touchscreen interface on the FX30 also integrates more sophisticated touch features, making menu and focus control more intuitive without having to fumble with buttons.

In other words, if you value flexible compositional viewing or want to experiment with video work, the FX30’s screen clearly outshines the older NX300M.

Autofocus Systems: Precision, Speed, and Tracking

Autofocus (AF) is where these two cameras dramatically diverge, reflecting nearly a decade of technological leaps.

Samsung’s NX300M features a hybrid AF system with 247 contrast and phase detection points. It supports face detection and has decent continuous AF performance for the era. However, this system isn’t exactly lightning fast or consistently accurate for moving subjects, especially in challenging lighting.

The Sony FX30, on the other hand, wields a state-of-the-art hybrid AF system with 759 phase detection points covering almost the entire frame, along with Eye AF for humans and animals - a lifesaver for portrait and wildlife photographers alike.

Its AF tracking is incredibly fluid and precise for sports and wildlife, locking focus on fast-moving animals or athletes without hunting. The FX30’s Real-time Eye AF and animal eye tracking help keep sharp focus on subjects’ eyes even when partially obscured or moving erratically - something the NX300M can’t match.

Consequently, for action, wildlife, or fast-paced event photography, the FX30 provides a massive advantage. The NX300M’s AF is still serviceable for static subjects and casual portraiture but won’t keep up with demanding autofocus scenarios.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tone Rendering and Bokeh Qualities

Portrait lovers will want to know how each camera treats skin tones, bokeh, and eye-detection during real-world shoots.

The NX300M captures warm, slightly saturated skin tones with pleasing color and overall natural rendering - reflective of its Samsung color science. Its lens ecosystem, while limited to 32 native Samsung NX lenses, includes several fast primes capable of creamy bokeh thanks to the APS-C sensor.

The Sony FX30, paired with the vast Sony E-mount lens catalog (close to 187 lenses), opens worlds of glass options from ultra-fast primes to specialist portrait optics. With its larger pixel count and improved sensor, portraits have higher resolution and better tonal gradation.

Crucially, the FX30’s Eye AF system vastly improves portrait focus accuracy, especially in candid or dynamic situations where manual focus would otherwise be tricky.

If you prefer a simple, straightforward camera for casual portraits, the NX300M delivers decent results. But if you’re after pro-level skin tone rendering, precise eye detection, and versatile lens options, Sony’s FX30 is the clear favorite.

Landscape and Nature: Dynamic Range, Weather Resistance, and Resolution

Landscape photographers often prize resolution, dynamic range, and weather sealing to handle the rigors of outdoor adventures. Here, the cameras differ beyond just sensor specs.

Although the NX300M offers a decent dynamic range for its time, modern sensors have widened this gap significantly. The FX30's BSI-CMOS sensor and newer processing deliver more dynamic range, letting you retain detail in bright skies and shadowy foregrounds simultaneously.

The NX300M lacks any weather sealing, making it vulnerable to dust, moisture, and cold conditions often encountered outdoors. The FX30 tries to bridge that gap with partial environmental sealing - dust and splash resistant - though not fully waterproof or freeze-proof.

In terms of resolution, that 26 MP advantage tilts the scales in FX30’s favor for large prints and cropping.

Price-wise, you’ll pay a premium for the FX30’s rugged build and superior sensor, but if you photograph outdoors often in unpredictable environments, investing in this enhanced durability and image quality pays off.

Sports and Wildlife: Autofocus, Buffer Depth, and Burst Rates

Shooting fast action demands a camera that can keep focus, shoot quickly, and handle large bursts without slowdown.

Samsung’s NX300M offers a respectable 9 fps continuous shooting rate, using a mechanical shutter up to 1/6000 sec. This was excellent for an entry-level mirrorless camera in 2013. However, its AF tracking is less reliable and prone to “hunting” in fast-moving scenarios.

Sony FX30 can shoot at 10 fps mechanical shutter, but more importantly, the autofocus system’s 759 detection points and Real-time tracking provide a huge leap forward. Coupled with a larger buffer - bolstered by dual SD/CFexpress Type A storage slots - the FX30 can capture long action bursts without dropping frames or choking.

Wildlife shooters will furthermore celebrate the animal eye AF on the FX30, addressing a key frustration in the NX300M where no animal focus was available.

If your primary focus is capturing wildlife or sports in challenging conditions, the FX30’s modern tech delivers clear advantages.

Street Photography and Travel: Discretion, Portability, and Battery Life

Street and travel photographers often prioritize discretion, light weight, compactness, and battery longevity for all-day shooting.

The NX300M’s small size and near-silent operation (no electronic shutter max speed, but quiet mechanical shutter) mean it offers a low profile suitable for street work. Its battery life of 330 shots per charge is modest but sufficient for lightweight travel packs.

The FX30 is heavier and chunkier, doubling the weight of the NX300M. However, it delivers an excellent battery life rated at 570 shots per charge and supports USB charging, a boon for travel photographers using portable power banks.

The fully articulated screen on the FX30 aids in vlogging or capturing interesting low/high angles on the street - a feature missing from the NX300M.

So, while the NX300M wins on unobtrusiveness, the FX30 offers more versatility and longer shooting endurance at a weight penalty. Depending on your priorities, either could suit street or travel use, but be mindful of the increased heft on FX30.

Macro and Close-up: Focusing Precision and Stabilization

Macro photographers require precise manual focusing, often paired with stabilization to aid sharp detail capture.

The NX300M’s native lens lineup includes some macro options but lacks advanced stabilization both in-lens and in-body. This means handheld macro shooting is challenging beyond tabletop setups.

The FX30 shines here with 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS), significantly improving handheld macro possibilities. Combined with the massive Sony E-mount lens ecosystem - featuring outstanding macro optics - you get a powerful platform for close-up photography.

Autofocus precision is also improved on the FX30 with its touch-activated AF and face/eye detection modes, even though macro focusing often benefits from manual focus fine-tuning.

If macro is a big part of your photography, the FX30’s stabilization and focusing tools offer a compelling advantage.

Night and Astrophotography: ISO Performance and Exposure Tools

High ISO performance and reliable exposure modes are critical for night and astrophotography.

The NX300M’s max ISO of 25,600 sounds good but image noise and lack of stabilization limit its usability in very dark conditions. You’ll need a tripod for star photography or night landscapes.

The FX30 extends ISO to 32,000 native with a boosted mode stretching to 102,400, allowing cleaner handheld low-light shots. Its IBIS and better dynamic range give you flexibility for night scenes and light painting.

Neither camera features a built-in flashlight, but both support external flashes. The NX300M supports electronic flash modes including smart flash and red-eye reduction, while FX30 lacks a built-in flash entirely but adapts well to pro light modifiers.

The FX30’s advanced video modes (see below) also allow long exposure video and unique astrophotography adaptations like time-lapse recording.

Video: Resolution, Frame Rates, and Stabilization

If you dabble in hybrid photo/video work, video capabilities will influence your choice heavily.

Samsung NX300M records Full HD 1080p up to 30 fps using MPEG-4/H.264 codecs. Audio features are minimal with no microphone input or headphone output. Stabilization is absent, so handheld video needs stabilized lenses or gimbals.

Sony FX30 is a next-level video powerhouse, offering 4K UHD at up to 120 fps with 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording and advanced XAVC codecs, plus Full HD up to 240 fps for slow motion. It includes microphone and headphone jacks for monitoring - essentials for serious vloggers or filmmakers.

Furthermore, FX30 has sensor-based 5-axis stabilization and in-body exposure control modes that support smooth, professional video capture even in dynamic situations.

The FX30 is designed for creators demanding pro video features on a budget; the NX300M is strictly a stills camera with basic video.

Workflow and Connectivity: Storage, Wireless, and Tethering

Storage options on the NX300M are limited to a single SD card slot supporting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. The FX30 courts pros with dual cards: one SD and one CFexpress Type A - favoring speed and redundancy.

Wireless features differ too: NX300M offers built-in Wi-Fi and NFC to transfer images to smartphones, while the FX30 adds Bluetooth for more consistent smart device pairing and USB 3.2 Gen 1 for fast tethered transfers. Both have HDMI outputs, but only FX30 supports clean 10-bit external video output.

Battery models differ, with FX30 using the widely available NP-FZ100, known for prolonged life and widespread aftermarket options.

Summing Up the Strengths and Shortcomings

How to Choose: Who Should Buy Which?

For Enthusiasts and Budget-Conscious Beginners:
If your photography is mostly casual, you appreciate compactness, and your primary output is social media or small prints, the Samsung NX300M remains a surprisingly capable mirrorless from its time. You’ll enjoy easy-to-use touchscreen controls and a decent beginner lens lineup at a lower price point.

For Hybrid Creators, Videographers, and Professionals:
The Sony FX30 is a distinct jump, especially if video features, autofocus speed, and pro workflow matter. Its durable design, in-body stabilization, and comprehensive connectivity make it a versatile tool for portraiture, events, wildlife, and cinematic projects. Despite its higher price, it offers excellent value relative to professional cinema cameras.

Seeing is Believing: Sample Gallery and Performance Ratings

To illustrate what these differences translate to in actual images and video, here is a gallery comparing output from both cameras under varied conditions.

Samsung NX300M screen back Sony FX30 front Sony FX30 screen back

Also, here’s a summarization of my weighted performance ratings based on thorough lab testing and field experience:

Breaking down by photography type, remember that the FX30 dominates in hybrid, wildlife, and video-centric disciplines, while the NX300M stays competitive for entry-level portrait and street work.

Final Thoughts on the Samsung NX300M vs. Sony FX30

These two cameras serve very different purposes reflecting the decade-plus technological progress and shifting market focus - from beginner-friendly stills toward versatile hybrid video solutions.

If you find yourself captivated by cutting-edge autofocus, pro video capabilities, and a robust lens ecosystem, the Sony FX30 is a powerhouse that delivers very high performance for its price. On the other hand, if you want an easy-to-use, lightweight camera with solid image quality for stills without breaking the bank, the Samsung NX300M still holds nostalgic charm and practical usability today.

I’ve spotlighted the key details that matter: sensor tech, AF, ergonomics, lenses, and more - helping you make a well-informed, experience-backed decision for your next camera investment.

Happy shooting, and may your next camera truly inspire creativity wherever you go!