Samsung NX300 Pro Reviews

The 20.3-megapixel NX300 is the most fully realized mirrorless, compact system camera Samsung has produced yet and one of the best on the market in its class. Though the camera is slightly bigger and heavier than its predecessors, the NX300's "retro modern" design looks great, and it's still highly portable. While the NX300 has the same resolution as the previous model -- which should be more than enough for most photographers -- the camera's APS-C-sized, CMOS sensor is brand new, adding on-chip phase detection autofocus for quicker and more accurate focusing. Image quality is also better, particularly in low light at high ISOs. The NX300 adds an attractive 3.3-inch AMOLED, tilting touchscreen display, which you'll need to use extensively since there's no viewfinder option for this camera. A new processor has made the NX300 a faster performer than previous models, which were noticeably sluggish, while even better wireless connectivity tools make sharing photos almost as easy as with a smartphone.

Samsung's NX300 is a compact system camera that feels good to use and it can produce excellent overall quality. It has plenty of Wi-Fi features to play with, too, but only a couple of them are useful, and they will drain the battery quickly.

The Samsung NX300 really does earn the title of the flagship NX mirrorless camera. It offers a classic leatherette skin draped over a sleek metal body. It is solid and sturdy--the best made NX of the entire lineup. Its image quality is clean and sharp, only giving way to serious pixel degradation at ISOs above 6400. The Wi-Fi functionality is simple to use and unable to be beat by any other camera except for Samsung's own Galaxy Camera. So far, no other camera company has been able to create an easier Wi-Fi experience. This is great news for those that desire great image quality and want to have their images available on the web with the blink of an eye. In addition to a great camera, Samsung is now packaging the NX300 with Adobe Lightroom giving users $150 worth of free software ($80 value if you already own a previous version of Lightroom). We have found way more pros than cons when it comes to the NX300. Besides a couple issues surrounding the battery, we are very content with the way the NX300 feels and performs. The camera has an MSRP of $800 and includes either the 18-55mm or 20-50mm lens. However, we were able to find deals at B&H and Best Buy for $698 and $650, respectively.


Although we have no complaints in terms of the Samsung NX300's operation and performance, the build quality is one area that could be improved in the future. It's not that the camera isn't finished to a high standard; it just lacks the premium feel that we expect from a flagship model in a company's range. Replacing some of the plastic parts of the camera with metal would help to give the product the premium feel that we feel it deserves. Overall, the Samsung NX300 is an enjoyable CSC to use and it has come on a long way from previous NX-series cameras. It'll make a good choice for those stepping up to a compact system camera from a compact and the good news is, it's not a difficult interchangeable lens camera to use or get familiar with. The NX300 produces great images from its APS-C sensor, offers high-speed shooting and finally has an AF performance to challenge the competition in the compact system camera market.

A luxurious compact system camera with big improvements across the board

Whereas we felt a little underwhelmed by the NX210, the new NX300 is a better-specced and better-performing camera at a significantly lower price-point, enabling it to more than keep-up with the fast-moving competition. Highly Recommended.

The Samsung NX300 is an welcome refresh to the Samsung NX range, with an impressive 3.31 inch touch screen (the largest on any mirrorless camera), and a good range of Wi-Fi features built in. Image quality is impressive with better results than the previous model, the NX210, thanks to improved noise performance, and excellent levels of detail. The Samsung NX300 is introduced at roughly £100 more than the competition, although this can be justified by the inclusion of Adobe Lightroom 4 in the box. However, if you already have photo editing software or aren't interested in using Lightroom, then this may not appeal to you. The Samsung NX series has a growing number of lenses available from Samsung, and Samyang, however there are a larger choice of lenses available for other compact system cameras. There was also an issue with the orientation sensor in the camera setting portrait photos upside-down when viewed on the computer, although hopefully this will be resolved with a firmware update. If you already have Samsung NX lenses, then the NX300 would make a great upgrade from an earlier model, particularly if you're using a model without Wi-Fi. If you're looking for a new mirrorless camera, then the Samsung NX300 with 18-55mm OIS kit lens is highly recommended, however, we wouldn't recommend the 20-50mm kit lens, as its shorter focal range can be limiting, and it costs the same price as the 18-55mm kit.

We have no reservations recommending this camera – especially for people without a collection of lenses from another brand. This would be a great next-step camera for someone who wants high-quality stills and solid videos from an interchangeable lens camera with a large sensor. A state-of-the-art Wi-Fi implementation makes it that more attractive. Given all of this, the Samsung NX300 is a hands-down Digital Trends Editor’s Choice.

There's lots of action right now in the compact system camera (CSC) segment, which pairs compact camera bodies with interchangeable lenses for a DSLR-like experience without the internal mirror or associated bulk. It's an area where Samsung has been making steady headway with an expanding range of lenses that now includes a new 45mm prime lens for shooting 3D stills and movies. It works exclusively with the latest arrival - the faux leather-clad Samsung NX300.

A little bulky, but feature-packed and with dependable image quality, the NX300 has plenty to offer enthusiasts and beginners alike