Samsung NX5 vs Sony HX30V

Choosing between the Samsung NX5 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V involves delving into two distinct beasts: an early APS-C mirrorless camera designed for entry-level enthusiasts and a compact superzoom bridge camera aimed at travelers and casual shooters craving reach. Both were introduced around the same era but cater to fundamentally different photographic approaches. Having spent years testing cameras precisely like these, I’m eager to guide you through their nuances - covering everything from sensor tech to user experience - to help you make an informed choice tailored to your photographic journey.

A Matter of Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: The Feel Before the Frame

Before snapping a single photo, the way a camera feels in hand can influence your shooting comfort and creativity. The Samsung NX5 operates within the SLR-style mirrorless domain, boasting a traditional, robust grip and a solid body. The Sony HX30V, meanwhile, is a compact superzoom which trades bulk for pocketability and versatility in focal length.

From my hands-on experience, the Samsung NX5’s 499 grams and dimensions of 123x87x40mm give it a more substantial grip - better suited for prolonged shoots and lens swapping. It feels like a "serious" camera, inviting you to hold it steady for portraits or landscapes.

Conversely, the HX30V weighs half that (254 grams) and slips more discreetly into a coat pocket. Its compactness is a boon for street shooters or travelers who prioritize size and convenience over manual control heft.

Ergonomically, the NX5 benefits from a more pronounced, thumb-rest style grip, enhancing stability, especially with longer lenses. The HX30V’s compact body inherently limits handhold comfort but compensates with user-friendly control layouts on a smaller scale. If you prefer a tactile, camera-like handling experience, the NX5 is preferable; if discretion and travel-friendliness top your list, the HX30V is a worthy contender.

A Top-Down Look: Control Layouts and Usability in Action

Diving deeper into operation, control placement and interface intuitiveness determine how quickly you can change settings mid-shoot without fumbling.

The Samsung NX5 boasts an SLR-inspired dial on the top plate with dedicated buttons for mode selection, exposure compensation, and a thumb dial. This layout facilitates quick access to shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual modes - a significant advantage for photographers who prefer granular exposure control and on-the-fly adjustments.

The HX30V lacks dedicated exposure mode dials, reflecting its superzoom compact design philosophy; manual exposure is possible but less seamlessly accessed. Instead, it relies on menu systems and small buttons that might feel cumbersome for active mode-swapping.

For those who shoot in varied conditions or genres demanding precise settings - landscapes at golden hour or portrait sessions - the NX5’s physical controls provide an edge. The HX30V’s streamlined interface serves casual shooters well, especially when maximizing zoom reach without fiddling with complex menus.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

The sensor is arguably the most pivotal component affecting image quality. Let’s contrast these two cameras on this front.

The Samsung NX5 features an APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions 23.4 x 15.6 mm, a respectable 15 megapixels, and an anti-aliasing filter. APS-C sensors are known for their superior light-gathering capability, lower noise at high ISOs, and better bokeh potential owing to larger pixels and sensor surface area.

By contrast, the Sony HX30V employs a 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm) with 18 megapixels. While the resolution appears higher, the tiny sensor struggles more in low-light scenarios and yields less dynamic range - common for small-sensor superzooms.

In practical shooting tests, the NX5’s larger sensor yields cleaner shadows, more natural skin tones, and richer color depth. Its native ISO tops out at 3200, suitable for modest low-light scenarios. The HX30V extends ISO to 12800 but at a significant noise penalty.

If your priority is image quality, subtle gradations, or large prints, the NX5 sensor is a clear winner. The HX30V excels when zoom reach is more important than pixel-level fidelity.

Viewing Your Shots: LCDs and Viewfinders

How you frame and review your images dramatically affects shooting confidence and workflow efficiency.

The NX5 offers a fixed 3-inch active matrix OLED screen at 230k dots and a 100% coverage electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 0.57x magnification. This EVF is indispensable for shooting in bright sunlight where LCD glare is a challenge, also offering eye-level comfort akin to DSLRs.

The HX30V relies solely on a fixed 3-inch TFT LCD screen with brighter 922k dots but no EVF. Its “XtraFine TruBlack” display is good for viewing rich blacks and color accuracy, but outdoor performance falters under direct sunlight.

For outdoor photographers or those who prefer composing with their eye to the camera, the NX5’s EVF clearly sets it apart. Walk-and-shoot or casual shooters in less challenging lighting won’t be put off by the HX30V’s LCD-only approach.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tone Rendering, Autofocus, and Bokeh

Portraits demand accurate colors, reliable face detection, and shallow depth-of-field mastery.

The Samsung NX5 delivers skin tones with a pleasing warmth and natural rendition, thanks largely to its APS-C sensor’s qualities and DRIM engine processing. Its contrast-detection AF system offers face detection and 15 focus points, facilitating decent subject tracking, though no eye or animal eye AF in this early model. The NX5 also supports aperture priority and manual exposure enabling selective background blur control for better bokeh.

In contrast, the HX30V’s small sensor and smaller apertures (f/3.2-5.8) limit bokeh potential. Face and tracking AF functions are present, but autofocus speed is moderate. Additionally, the HX30V’s fixed lens limits creative framing options compared to the interchangeable-lens NX5.

If you primarily shoot portraits and want natural skin tones with artistic control over background separation, the NX5 is preferable. The HX30V works in a pinch for casual portraits, especially with zoom flexibilities.

Landscapes and Nature: Dynamic Range and Durability Considerations

Landscape photographers prize sensor dynamic range, resolution, and robustness.

The NX5’s APS-C sensor not only offers better dynamic range than the HX30V’s small sensor but also boasts RAW shooting - a must for post-processing latitude. Its resolution (4592x3056) allows generous cropping or large prints. While it lacks weather sealing, the sturdier body feels more robust for outdoor use. A built-in flash is handy for fill light.

The HX30V shines with its massive 20x optical zoom (25-500 mm equivalent), great for remote nature shots. However, it lacks RAW support and weather sealing. Its lower max shutter speed (1/1600s) and smaller sensor restrict landscape clarity and highlight recovery compared to the NX5.

If you’re committed to landscape photography with post-processing and image quality priorities, the NX5 is the better toolkit. For casual nature hikers seeking zoom versatility in a pocket camera, the HX30V offers a tempting compact choice.

Speed and Wildlife: Autofocus and Burst Rate Analysis

Wildlife and fast-action shooters need quick autofocus and frame rates.

The NX5’s 3 fps continuous shooting with contrast-detection AF limits its utility for rapidly moving subjects, though its 15 AF points and face detection provide some reliability indoors or relaxed wildlife scenes.

The HX30V doubles that speed at 10 fps but suffers from less precise AF due to fewer focus points (9) and reliance on contrast detection with moderate tracking. Its lens offers excellent telephoto reach for distant wildlife, a notable strength.

Neither camera provides phase-detection or hybrid AF systems that would excel with agile subjects. For serious wildlife action, specialized cameras outperform both, but in this matchup, HX30V’s faster burst and longer zoom give it a slight edge in capturing elusive critters at a distance.

Sports Photography: Tracking and Low-Light Performance

Sports demand sharp, fast autofocus and high frame rates in challenging lighting.

Here, the NX5’s slower 3 fps and less advanced autofocus hamper capturing fast-moving athletes. Its ISO ceiling of 3200 limits low-light flexibility in indoor or evening sports.

The HX30V’s 10 fps burst is beneficial, but autofocus precision and low-light noise challenges impose constraints. Its maximum shutter speed of 1/1600 sec might also restrict freezing very fast action.

Both cameras are more suited for casual sports photography rather than dedicated sports shooters who need advanced AF tracking and high frame rates.

Street Photography: Discretion, Responsiveness, and Practicality

Street photographers often demand unobtrusive, lightweight cameras capable of snapping decisive moments.

The HX30V’s compact size, silent shutter option, and zoom versatility from wide-angle to telephoto make it great for blending in and reaching out without changing lenses.

The NX5’s mirrorless form factor is more visible and requires lens changes that may draw unwanted attention. However, it offers superior image quality and control for dedicated photographers willing to sacrifice stealth.

For street photography fans prioritizing discretion and zoom flexibility, the HX30V has clear advantages. If image quality and creative control are more important and street shooting is occasional, the NX5 remains compelling.

Macro Close-Ups: Magnification, Focus Precision, and Stabilization

Macro shooters need precision focus and often benefit from image stabilization.

The NX5, combined with Samsung’s macro lenses, offers true close-focus ability with good manual focus options - ideal for flower and insect photography. Unfortunately, it lacks in-body image stabilization, so paired lenses with IS or tripods are advisable.

The HX30V impresses with a minimum focus distance of 1 cm and optical image stabilization, enabling handheld close-ups at long zoom focal lengths - a rare and practical feature for casual macro enthusiasts.

If macro work is a core interest and you want effortless close-ups especially on the go, the HX30V is surprisingly well equipped. For more deliberate macro photography with lens choices and manual focus, the NX5 excels.

Night and Astro: High ISO and Exposure Support

Low-light and astrophotography challenge sensors and exposure capabilities alike.

The NX5, with its larger APS-C sensor, produces cleaner images up to ISO 3200, manageable for moonlit or urban astro shots. Manual exposure modes and shutter speeds up to 1/4000 sec provide scope for long exposure techniques.

The HX30V’s higher max ISO (12800) is more nominal than practical; noise overwhelms beyond ISO 800-1600. Manual exposure is possible but shutter speed maxes at 1/1600 sec limit long exposures. Lacking RAW support further constrains post-processing potential.

If night or astro photography appeals, in-camera control and sensor quality make the NX5 a better foundational tool.

Video Capabilities: Resolution, Stabilization, and Audio Options

Video shooting is increasingly important for versatile creators.

The NX5 tops out at 720p HD video at 30 fps using H.264 encoding but lacks microphone or headphone jacks. No in-body stabilization reduces handheld shooting ease.

The HX30V offers Full HD 1080p at 60 fps and includes optical image stabilization. While mic ports are also absent, the video quality and frame rates favor the Sony for casual filmmaking.

If you prioritize video, the HX30V offers more current specs and smoother motion capture. For hybrid stills and basic videos, the NX5 suffices.

Travel Photography: Battery, Versatility, and Weight

Travelers want versatility, endurance, and minimal gear footprint.

The NX5’s interchangeable lens system and larger sensor enable varied shooting styles but add weight and require spare batteries and lenses.

The HX30V’s fixed 25-500 mm lens covers from wide to super telephoto without lens swaps - ideal for packing light and spontaneous shooting. GPS built-in aids geotagging travel memories.

Battery life slightly favors the NX5 (~400 shots vs 320 for HX30V) but both are sufficient for a day’s sightseeing.

For travel, if lightness and all-in-one convenience matter more, choose the HX30V. If image quality and flexibility are priorities worth carrying extra gear, the NX5 wins.

Professional Use: Workflow, Reliability, and File Formats

Professional photographers often require RAW support, file system reliability, and robust build.

The NX5 shoots RAW and JPEG files - critical for workflow integration and color grading. Its SLR-style body and Samsung NX lens ecosystem (about 32 lenses available) cover many professional needs, though build quality and weather sealing are lacking for heavy-duty use.

The HX30V lacks RAW support and has a limited lens system (fixed), which reduces professional utility. However, it stores files on SD cards and offers Wi-Fi for quick image transfer - a convenience but not a professional standard.

For professional work, the NX5 is the clear choice; the HX30V targets enthusiasts and casual users.

Technical Summary: Pros and Cons Side by Side

Samsung NX5 screen back Sony HX30V front Sony HX30V screen back

Which Camera Should You Choose? Final Recommendations

After testing both cameras extensively in various scenarios, here’s how I would advise based on use case:

• For Enthusiast Photographers Seeking Quality and Control: The Samsung NX5 remains an appealing introduction to mirrorless cameras despite its age. Larger sensor, EVF, manual controls, and RAW shooting give you room to grow creatively and technically. Perfect for portrait, landscape, and professional-inspired work.

• For Casual, Travel, and Street Shooters Needing Zoom and Compactness: The Sony HX30V offers an excellent all-in-one superzoom package in pocketable form. It’s ideal if you desire reach, quick shooting bursts, and video capabilities with minimal fuss.

• Budget-Conscious Buyers Wanting Versatility: Both cameras fall into roughly the same price bracket used today. If image quality is your biggest priority and you can tolerate larger gear, pick NX5. Need convenience and versatility without switching lenses? The HX30V serves well.

• Wildlife and Sports Photography: The HX30V’s 20x zoom and faster burst give an edge, but overall, both cameras are limited for serious action photography.

• Videographers on a Budget: The HX30V’s Full HD at 60 fps beats the NX5’s capped 720p output, making it the better compact choice for video.

Overall Performance Scores That Back Up This Analysis

The NX5 scores higher in image quality and build, while the HX30V excels in zoom versatility and video performance.

Specialty Discipline Scores: Where Each Camera Shines

• Portrait & Landscape: Samsung NX5
• Wildlife & Sports (casual): Sony HX30V
• Street & Travel: Sony HX30V (compactness)
• Macro & Night: Samsung NX5 (image quality)
• Video: Sony HX30V (resolution, stabilization)

Wrapping Up: Experience Meets Expertise

Having tested thousands of cameras, my verdict is that the Samsung NX5 and Sony HX30V represent two distinct philosophies: the NX5 champions sensor size and photographic control, while the HX30V bets on zoom reach and portability.

Your ideal pick depends heavily on your priorities. Don’t underestimate the impact of sensor size and manual operation if you value image quality and growth. Conversely, if you want a grab-and-go camera with impressive zoom and integrated connectivity, the HX30V is a remarkably adaptable tool.

Either way, understanding these cameras’ strengths and limitations will help you capture better images and enjoy the photographic process more.

Happy shooting!