Samsung SL30 vs Sony RX1: A Deep Dive Into Two Compact Cameras Worlds Apart

Choosing between two cameras vastly different in price, capability, and design like the Samsung SL30 and Sony RX1 is no trivial task. Each represents a distinct era and philosophy of compact camera making: the SL30, launched in early 2009, is a budget-friendly small-sensor point-and-shoot, while the RX1, released in 2013, targets professionals and serious enthusiasts craving large-sensor image quality in a fully fixed-lens compact. Having extensively tested both, I’ll guide you through their detailed comparisons across all major photography disciplines and use cases, explaining performance nuances grounded in real-world experience and technical analysis. Along the way, you’ll see where compromises lie and which camera suits your creative ambitions and budget.

When Size Matters: Ergonomics and Physical Design

First impressions count - and often your camera’s handling dictates how often it’ll come out to play. The SL30 is slim and pocket-friendly, surprisingly light at 140 grams, measuring just 94x61x23 mm. The RX1, weighing 482 grams and sized at 113x65x70 mm, is notably chunkier and heavier for a compact - a logical trade-off for its complex full-frame sensor and superior optics.

While the SL30’s slim profile is perfect for shoehorning into tiny bags or coat pockets, the RX1’s heft translates into better balance and grip, especially when using it for extended shoots or with heavier lenses in similar Sony large sensor compacts. The RX1’s build feels more solid, mainly metal, lending durability and a premium tactile presence absent from the SL30’s plastic shell.

The SL30 offers minimal physical controls - largely automated with simplified menus - meaning you generally leave it on auto or basic scene modes. The RX1, in contrast, ditches bulk for substance: it features manual focus rings, aperture control, and a well-designed control layout enabling nuanced photographic workflows.

Those accustomed to DSLR or mirrorless ergonomics will appreciate the RX1’s control scheme with dedicated dials and buttons, while the SL30’s sparse interface might frustrate anyone wanting hands-on exposure or focus tweaks. As a long-time user, I find the tactile feedback and direct control of the RX1 irreplaceable for creative photography.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

No comparison is complete without assessing the image sensor, the chief determinant of photo quality. Here, the gulf between the two cameras couldn’t be wider.

The SL30 opts for a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring 6.08 x 4.56 mm, about 27.72 mm². It captures 10 megapixels at a maximum resolution of 3648x2736, with an ISO range up to 1600. This sensor size is standard for basic compacts but suffers from reduced dynamic range, higher noise at elevated ISOs, and perceptibly less depth of field control.

The RX1 sports a full-frame 35.8 x 23.8 mm CMOS sensor, a massive 852.04 mm² surface area, producing 24 megapixels with a maximum resolution of 6000x4000 and ISO sensitivity soaring to 25,600. This large sensor delivers stellar dynamic range (DxOMark rates it 14.3 EV), admirable color depth, and excellent noise performance at high ISOs.

In practice, this means the SL30’s photos are serviceable under good lighting but falter as soon as shadows deepen or light dims. The RX1 thrives in challenging lighting, from expansive landscapes requiring high detail retention to nighttime shots where noise can wreck lesser sensors. Portraits taken with the RX1 show exquisite skin tone gradient and creamy backgrounds thanks to its sensor size and lens aperture.

LCD and Viewfinder: Crafting the User Interface

Despite the RX1’s advanced internals, some compromises exist, particularly in the user interface.

The SL30 uses a modest 2.5-inch LCD with 230k resolution - basic but adequate for framing in bright conditions. The RX1 improves this with a 3-inch 1229k resolution “Xtra FineTFT” LCD providing sharp, color-accurate previews and improved outdoor visibility.

Additionally, the SL30 provides no electronic or optical viewfinder, requiring sole reliance on the LCD, which can be limiting in bright sun or for precision composition. The RX1, meanwhile, supports an optional electronic and optical viewfinder, an invaluable asset for detailed framing and stability, especially during long exposure or telephoto shooting.

Neither camera has a touchscreen, which in 2024 might feel dated; however, the RX1 compensates with responsive physical controls and reliable menu logic designed for serious photographers.

Autofocus Capabilities: Speed, Precision, and Tracking

Autofocus performance deeply influences usability across genres - from fleeting wildlife action to decisive street moments.

The SL30 uses contrast-detection AF with face detection but offers only single-point AF, no continuous AF or tracking. Its fixed-lens, moderate 3x zoom lens (38–114 mm equivalent, f/2.8–5.7) limits versatility and depth-of-field control, especially at telephoto.

The RX1 also relies on contrast-detection AF but features 25 focus points, center-weighted metering, and advanced tracking modes. While not blazing-fast compared to modern phase-detection systems, its autofocus is accurate and reliable, particularly suited for deliberate compositions rather than high-speed subjects. Autofocus speed is acceptable for portraits and landscapes but less ideal for sports or wildlife fast tracking.

Exploring Photography Disciplines Through Real-World Use

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Eye Detection

Portrait artists will find the RX1 a clear winner. The large full-frame sensor, combined with a bright f/2.0 Zeiss 35mm lens, allows beautifully isolated subjects with smooth bokeh and natural skin tones. Face detection AF aids sharp focus on eyes, vital for emotional portraits.

In contrast, the SL30’s small sensor and less capable lens deliver more limited shallow-depth-of-field effects and skin rendering often marred by softer details. The slower lens (f/2.8-5.7) and fixed focus points make catching precise eye focus tricky - especially in complex lighting.

Landscape Photography: Resolution and Dynamic Range

Landscape photographers demand wide dynamic range and high resolution to capture intricate textures across vast tonal ranges.

The RX1’s 24MP sensor excels here, preserving highlight and shadow detail with a wide ISO range and offering 3:2 or 16:9 aspect ratios. Its 35mm focal length can handle vast scenes with known wide-angle framing, plus manual focus ensures critical focus at hyperfocal distances. Unfortunately, the RX1 lacks environmental sealing; use caution in harsh weather.

The SL30’s smaller sensor offers limited resolution and dynamic range, with a narrower ISO ceiling. The 38mm starting focal length covers moderate wide-angle but delivers less peripheral coverage than typical landscape primes.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Autofocus and Burst Rates

Here the SL30 and RX1 face challenges. Neither camera features high continuous burst rates or advanced phase-detection AF systems prized by wildlife and sports shooters.

The SL30’s intermittent AF and 3x zoom lens offer minimal reach and speed, inadequate for fast-moving subjects or distant wildlife. The RX1’s 5 FPS burst rate and 25 focus points help but still lag behind modern mirrorless systems. Its fixed 35mm lens limits subject isolation from afar.

If shooting sports or wildlife is your passion, neither camera is ideal, but the RX1 fares better for slower-paced subjects or controlled studio sports portraiture.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Low Light Handling

Street photographers prize stealth, rapid operation, and low-light ability.

The SL30 slips into pockets easily but struggles in dusk or night conditions, plus autofocus speed limits readiness for candid moments.

The RX1, while heavier, features silent operation and a discreet design compared to bulky DSLRs, with high ISO performance delivering usable images even after sunset. Its quiet aperture and shutter settings fit street photography’s demand for subtlety.

Macro Photography: Focusing Precision and Magnification

Close-up shooters will find the SL30 can focus down to 5cm macros, decent for simple flower or insect snaps given its casual focus system.

The RX1 doesn’t specify dedicated macro focus range, but its manual focus and depth-of-field control permit creative close-up shots with excellent detail.

Neither camera includes optical stabilization, so tripod use or steady hands are recommended.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure

The RX1’s large sensor and high native ISO make night photography rewarding, capturing rich star fields and extended dark scenes with minimal noise.

Conversely, the SL30’s max ISO 1600 and smaller sensor ultimately restrict low-light usability; long shutter speeds (up to 1.5s) mitigate but raise the risk of blur without stabilization.

Video Features: Recording Capabilities and Audio Integration

The RX1 supports Full HD video up to 60 fps in MPEG-4 and AVCHD, with manual exposure control and microphone input - a boon for videographers wanting compact but quality filming.

The SL30 provides basic VGA and low-res 800x592 video at meager frame rates (max 30 fps), with no audio input or stabilization, more a novelty than serious video tool.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery Life

Travelers benefit from light, versatile cameras with robust battery life.

The SL30’s compact form and light weight make it easy to carry, but limited lens reach and image quality reduce its appeal for serious travel work.

The RX1's superior image quality and lens aperture justify extra weight; with about 270 shots per charge, you'll want spares for long days out.

Storage-wise, both rely on SD cards but the RX1 accepts SDXC for larger capacity.

Professional Use: Workflow and Reliability

The RX1, while not weather-sealed, offers RAW capture, accurate color reproduction, and compatibility with common post-processing workflows. Its precise controls and lens quality make it useful as a high-res backup or secondary camera for professional work.

The SL30 lacks RAW support, limiting post-processing flexibility, and its image quality puts it out of professional consideration beyond perhaps casual snaps or documentation.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither camera features Bluetooth or NFC, though the RX1 supports wireless Eye-Fi card connections for image transfer - a handy feature for its time.

USB 2.0 ports on both mean slow tethered file transfers compared to modern standards.

Price-to-Performance Perspective

The Samsung SL30 remains an ultra-budget compact priced under $100, making it an accessible point-and-shoot for casual users. Conversely, the Sony RX1 retails near $2800 - a serious investment justified only by those seeking near-full-frame image quality in a pocketable camera.

Samsung SL30 front Samsung SL30 screen back Sony RX1 front Sony RX1 screen back

For visual context, see the sample images above comparing JPEG outputs from both cameras. The RX1 clearly surpasses the SL30 in detail retention, color fidelity, and dynamic range.

Performance Ratings and Genre Scores

Performance scores below reflect lab, field tests, and real-world usability. The RX1 ranks high in image quality, portraiture, landscape, and travel. The SL30 scores low except for basic snapshots and pocketability.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Should You Choose?

The Samsung SL30 serves admirably as a simple, no-fuss snapshot camera for beginners, those on tight budgets, or as a backup camera for casual day-to-day photography. Its small size and ease of use appeal to point-and-shoot purists, but be prepared for compromises in image quality, autofocus, and creative control.

The Sony RX1 is a specialized tool for serious photographers desiring a small, discreet system capable of delivering DSLR-level image quality. Its fixed 35mm f/2 lens, full-frame sensor, and manual controls enable expressive, professional-grade photographs in varied genres - especially portraits, landscape, and travel. If you’re willing to invest and prioritize image fidelity and control over ultimate portability or speed, the RX1 remains a pioneering compact worth considering.

Recommendations by Photography Type

• Portraits: RX1 for superior bokeh and color depth
• Landscape: RX1 for resolution and dynamic range
• Wildlife/Sports: Neither ideal; consider dedicated mirrorless/DSLRs
• Street: RX1 for discreet operation; SL30 only for casual snapshots
• Macro: RX1 preferred due to manual focus precision
• Night/Astro: RX1 significantly outperforms
• Video: RX1 only, thanks to Full HD and mic input
• Travel: SL30 if extreme portability is key; RX1 if photo quality matters
• Professional: RX1 as secondary or specializing camera; SL30 not suited

I’ve tested well beyond these two cameras in compact categories, and while the SL30 serves as a gentle reminder of how far camera tech has marched forward, the RX1 embodies a milestone in merging large sensor prowess with pocketable design.

If you want my personal takeaway: for casual photography or a budget-friendly compact, pick the SL30 and don’t expect miracles. For serious image quality in a compact form - especially if you shoot RAW and want pro-grade results - the RX1 remains a compelling choice even years after release.

Happy shooting, and may your next camera truly inspire your vision.

End of Comparison