Sony Alpha a5000 vs Samsung NX300 – Detailed Review

In today’s review, we will be comparing two mirrorless-type cameras: Sony Alpha a5000 vs Samsung NX300.

If you need to make a rather quick decision, the next three sections will get you the information you seek.

However, do try to read to the end, if you can. In the last two sections, we tell you what customers who have used these cameras think about them, as well as our take on them.

PS: you might also like to check out our Sony Alpha a5000 vs Samsung NX3000 comparison article.

Comparison Overview – Sony Alpha a5000 vs Samsung NX300

This section is divided into subsectors to help you better understand this summary. Without further ado, let’s zoom right in.

Where Do They Both Get It Right – Sony Alpha a5000 vs Samsung NX300?

First off, each coming with a 20 megapixels APS-C CMOS sensor, these cameras – Sony Alpha a5000 vs Samsung NX300 – have pretty great maximum sensor resolutions.

Second, they afford you flexible shooting positions. This is because the LCD on the two cameras are articulating screens. This means that they can be moved independently of the camera body.

If you are all for having as much image data as possible, these two cameras have you covered.

With the RAW support feature of the Sony Alpha a5000 and the Samsung NX300, your images are sure to be stored in the most unprocessed forms possible.

Furthermore, shooting portraits or films with a lot of people in them will be super effective with the cameras under review. Reason being that both of them come with face detection automatic focusing system.

When it comes to shooting in tricky lighting conditions, you can rely on the automatic exposure bracketing of the Sony Alpha a5000 and the Samsung NX300.

Finally, and of equal importance, is wireless connectivity. Thanks to this feature on each of these cameras, you will be able to share your images to nearby devices without cables.

A Sony Alpha a5000 Demonstration Video – Sony Alpha a5000 vs Samsung NX300

Where Do They Both Get It Wrong – Sony Alpha a5000 vs Samsung NX300?

One major flaw of the Sony Alpha a5000 and the Samsung NX300 is the absence of an image stabilizer. What this means is that you might be getting blurry images whenever there is a movement in the camera’s position.

This is because they lack what is needed to automatically stabilize their lenses against movements and vibrations in their positions.

Another major flaw observed is that neither of the two cameras under review comes with a viewfinder.

The last major flaw is the lack of environmental sealing. Because of this, you will need to be extra cautious so water and dust particles don’t creep into your cameras when you shoot outdoors.

How Do They Differ From Each Other – Sony Alpha a5000 vs Samsung NX300?

Although both cameras are of moderate body weight, the Sony Alpha a5000 is the lighter of the two.

Concerning battery life, the Sony Alpha a5000 offers you 90 shots more than the Samsung NX300’s 330 shots per charge.

In low-lighting conditions, the built-in flash of a camera comes in handy. This is a feature that only the Sony Alpha a5000 comes with.

This means that you will need to rely entirely on external flash support when shooting with the Samsung NX300.

On ease of use, the Samsung NX300 is the leader, in that, of the two cameras, it is the only one with a touch-sensitive screen.

Also, the Samsung NX300 provides 222 more focus points than the Sony Alpha a5000.

And then, while you can remotely control the Samsung NX300 with a smartphone, the Sony Alpha a5000 does not allow that.

A Samsung NX300 Demonstration Video – Sony Alpha a5000 vs Samsung NX300

https://youtu.be/kGIGitmJG9E

What’s The Price/Value Like – Sony Alpha a5000 vs Samsung NX300?

Comparing camera prices is somewhat easier than comparing value because camera needs differ from photographer to photographer.

It is important to point out here that the Samsung NX300 is the more expensive camera here by a couple of hundred bucks. And we think that both prices are justified for the value the cameras offer.

Brand Strength – Sony Alpha a5000 vs Samsung NX300

Sony and Samsung are both top Asian brands offering top-notch products used globally.

Both brands are not restricted to the imaging and optics sector but have a large share in the electronics industry. 

These two brands’ quest for the top makes them put their best product forward. And so, it is not so much of a surprise that these cameras we are looking at are high quality.

Comparison Table – Sony Alpha a5000 vs Samsung NX300

	Sony Alpha a5000	Samsung NX300
Announcement date	January 2014	January 2013
Weight	269 grams (with battery)	331 grams (with battery)
Touch-sensitive screen	None	Yes
Built-in wireless connection	Yes	Yes
ISO range	100 – 16000	100 – 25600
DxOMark Overall Score	79	76
External flash shoe	None	Yes
Built-in flash	Yes	None
NFC connectivity	Yes	Yes
Maximum shutter speed	1/4000 seconds	1/6000 seconds
Video formats	MPEG-4, AVCHD	MPEG-4, H.264
LCD screen size	3.0 inches	3.31 inches
LCD screen resolution	460k dots	768k dots
Continuous shooting	4.0 frames per second	9.0 frames per second
Number of focus points	25	247
Battery life	420 shots per single charge	320 shots per single charge
Smartphone remote control	Yes	No

Which Situation Is Each Best Suited For – Sony Alpha a5000 vs Samsung NX300?

Sony Alpha a5000	Samsung NX300
You would probably be having much more fun shooting with this camera compared to its counterpart in today’s comparison. This is the only one that can be remotely controlled with a smartphone. And if that isn’t fun, what then is?	With 9 frames per seconds in burst mode, and a fast shutter speed, the Samsung NX300 will do quite well in sports photography. More so, although not coming with a built-in flash, this one still proves to be the better camera for flash photography. And that is because it is the only one of the two cameras with an external flash hot shoe.

What Do They Have In Common – Sony Alpha a5000 vs Samsung NX300?

Since we are done with giving you a quick summary, we will move headlong into more details from this point on.

In this section, we will focus on some of the features which Sony Alpha a5000 and Samsung NX300 have in common.

Some of these features will be the same, while others may differ slightly.

Maximum Sensor Resolution

Seeing as sensor resolution is one of the first things most photographers look out for to determine a camera’s worth, it’s quite understandable that we start here.

Considering a camera’s sensor resolution is especially important if you are into large prints, as you will not want to give up high image details.

Both the Sony Alpha a5000 and the Samsung NX300 have good sensor resolution – 20 megapixels each.

The Sony Alpha a5000 has a 23.2 x 15.4 millimeter-sized CMOS sensor and features the BIONZ X processor, while the Samsung NX300 has a 23.5 x 15.7 millimeter-sized CMOS sensor and features the DRIMe IV processor.

Light Body Weight

The cameras under review will not be burdens to you, in fact, far from it.

The Sony Alpha a5000 weighs 269 grams, which proves to be even lighter than the Samsung NX300 which weighs 331 grams.

Apart from being lightweight, Sony Alpha a5000 and Samsung NX300 are also pretty compact as they have a thickness of 36 millimeters and 41 millimeters respectively.

RAW Support

When you take RAW images, the feature ensures that the images are stored as uncompressed files that contain slightly processed image data from the camera’s image sensor.

This means that the images are stored such that no data will be lost when you intend to carry out post-processing.

On the other hand, when you shoot in JPEG, the stored images are compressed, and so, you lose a lot of image data.

It is, however, important to point out that RAW files are usually larger than JPEG files, so, for quality, you would have to sacrifice storage space.

Also, you will have to process the RAW files and convert them to JPEG or other suitable image formats before they can be printed or shared online.

Looking at the brighter side, having a camera with RAW support affords you access to any of those formats whenever you need them. And the two cameras under review come with RAW support.

Automatic Exposure Bracketing

It gets confusing when you need to set the best exposure for your image, but are unable to do so because of the tough lighting conditions. It’s in such situations that exposure bracketing becomes essential. 

Exposure bracketing involves shooting one image at a particular exposure and then adjusting the exposure for subsequent shots.

This can be automatically set up on cameras that come with the automatic exposure bracketing (AEB) feature – like the ones in today’s review.

Articulating Screen

An LCD screen that isn’t fixed, but can be turned in several directions independent of the camera body is called an articulating screen.

Both these cameras in comparison have this. The Samsung NX300’s screen can only be tilted up to 90 degrees upwards and 45 degrees downwards.

The Sony a5000’s screen, on the other hand, can be tilted 180 degrees, making it the only selfie-friendly camera of the two.

Face Detection Focus

A camera with the face detection autofocusing system can automatically set its focus and exposure for a shot once it detects human faces within the frame.

This feature is present in both the Sony Alpha a5000 and the Samsung NX300, making them good camera choices for shooting portraits and for filming people.

Wireless Connectivity

The built-in wireless connectivity of both cameras enables you to conveniently transfer images directly to compatible devices without any physical connection.

Near Field Communication (NFC)

The near field communication feature promotes easy wireless connectivity with compatible devices simply by touching them against each other.

In-camera Battery Charging

The batteries of the two cameras under review are rechargeable. One key thing to note is that both cameras allow in-camera charging, by way of USB cables.

While the Sony Alpha a5000 uses an NP-FW50 battery pack, the Samsung NX300 uses a BP1130 one.

How Different Are They From Each Other – Sony Alpha a5000 vs Samsung NX300?

Here, we will look at some distinct features of both cameras. We will also look at what differentiates them in instances where they share a common feature.

Touch Screen

Having a camera whose screen is touch-sensitive facilitates ease of use. Of the two cameras under review, however, only the Samsung NX300 comes with a touch screen.

The absence of one may not be considered as a major put off if you are familiar with handling a camera.

Continuous Shooting

Shooting in burst mode helps you capture the best possible picture of the moment. The feature enables you to take several rapid shots within a set timeframe before the release of the shutter button.

While the Sony Alpha a5000 affords you 4.0 frames per second, the Samsung NX300 allows you to take 9.0 frames per second.

Built-In Flash

When shooting images in poor lighting, it helps to have the built-in flash in your camera. This is handy especially when you would prefer not to carry an external flash.

However, of the two cameras under comparison, only the Sony Alpha a5000 comes with the built-in flash.

External Flash Shoe

It is important to point out here that the built-in flash cannot be relied upon as the almighty solution to low-lighting challenges.

Hence, it becomes quite needful to improve upon the lighting of images with external flash support.

However, of the two cameras under review today, only Samsung NX300 comes with an external flash shoe, making it the better one for flash photography.

Number Of Focus Points

While the Sony Alpha a5000 offers 25 focus points to choose from, the Samsung NX300 offers a much more 247.

This large gap will surely affect the quality of pictures from these two cameras to a large extent; you get better focused images with the Samsung camera.

Smartphone Remote Control

This feature is what allows you remotely control your camera with your smartphone.

Certain functions such as changing camera settings, viewing the LCD screen, and releasing the shutter, can be carried out using this feature.

What Are The Unique Pros Of Each Product – Sony Alpha a5000 vs Samsung NX300?

What Are The Unique Pros Of The Sony Alpha a5000 – Sony Alpha a5000 vs Samsung NX300?

1. With a battery life of 420 shots per full charge, Sony Alpha a5000 provides 90 more frames than Samsung NX300.
2. Of the two cameras we are comparing today, only the Sony Alpha a5000 comes with a built-in flash. The Sony Alpha a5000 has a flash range of 4.0 meters when shooting at ISO 100.
3. The Sony Alpha a5000 is the only camera of the two that can be controlled remotely with your smartphone.
4. This camera allows you to shoot at Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution. It also comes with AVCHD codec, which delivers impressive Blu-ray picture quality.
5. With the Sony Alpha a5000, you can enhance your photos without being a pro editor. This is possible with the use of the features available on the PlayMemories Camera Apps which this camera supports.

A Sony Alpha a5000 Demonstration Video – Sony Alpha a5000 vs Samsung NX300

What Are The Unique Pros Of The Samsung NX300 – Sony Alpha a5000 vs Samsung NX300?

1. It’s easier to find your way around the Samsung NX300 due to its touch-sensitive screen.
2. With 768k dots, this camera’s screen resolution is about 66 percent higher than that of the Sony Alpha a5000.
3. This camera also has a larger-sized LCD screen. The Samsung NX300 provides a 0.3 inches larger display than the Sony Alpha a5000.
4. Although without a built-in flash, the Samsung NX300 is the only camera of the two that provides an external flash shoe, making it the better option for flash photography.
5. You will be getting better focused images with the Samsung NX300 as it provides you with 222 more focus points than the Sony Alpha a5000.
6. With an amazing 9.0 frames per second, you will taking photos of people or objects in motion with this camera.
7. The Samsung NX300 has a faster maximum shutter speed than the Sony Alpha a5000.

A Samsung NX300 Demonstration Video – Sony Alpha a5000 vs Samsung NX300

What Are The Unique Cons Of Each Product – Sony Alpha a5000 vs Samsung NX300?

What Are The Unique Cons Of The Sony Alpha a5000 – Sony Alpha a5000 vs Samsung NX300?

1. At 461k dots, the LCD screen resolution of the Sony Alpha a5000 is pretty lower than that of the Samsung NX300.
2. Although the touch screen is a desirable feature, the Sony Alpha a5000 lacks it.
3. This camera provides no options for improving image lighting when shooting in low lighting conditions. This is because it is not fitted with an external flash shoe.
4. The Sony Alpha a5000 provides only 25 focus points to choose from, pretty unimpressive, especially when compared to the 247 of the NX300.

What Are The Unique Cons Of The Samsung NX300 – Sony Alpha a5000 vs Samsung NX300?

1. When shooting in low light with this camera, you will have to rely solely on an external flash, as it does not have a built-in flash.
2. Unlike in the case of the Sony Alpha a5000, you will not be able to remote control this camera with your smartphone.

What Pros Are Common To Both Products – Sony Alpha a5000 vs Samsung NX300?

	Sony Alpha a5000	Samsung NX300
High sensor resolution	This camera’s 20 megapixels sensor allows you to shoot at a maximum resolution of 5654 x 3632 pixels with aspect ratios of 3:2 and 16:9.	With this camera, you can shoot at a maximum resolution of 5472 x 3648 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 3:2, and 16:9.
RAW Support	The Sony Alpha a5000 allows you to store files in RAW format, which allows you to retain most image data. This typically affords you more freedom for post processing.	The RAW support feature of the Samsung NX300 enables you to store your images as uncompressed files.
Articulating screen	This camera’s 3 inch fully articulated screen makes it very selfie-friendly. This kind of display is also great for framing low angle shots.	The Samsung NX300’s 3.3-inch sized tilting LCD screen affords you flexible shooting positions. However, this one is not a selfie-friendly camera.
Extend display	The display of the Sony Alpha a5000 can be extended with the use of an HDMI cable.	Same as the Sony Alpha a5000.
Face detection autofocusing	The Sony a5000 comes with the face detection autofocusing feature which makes it a great tool for portrait photography.	This feature is also present in the Samsung NX300, making it a great choice for shooting portraits and filming people.
Automatic exposure bracketing	With the Sony Alpha a5000, you can efficiently shoot in tough lighting conditions, as it comes with automatic exposure bracketing.	The Samsung NX300 also comes with automatic exposure bracketing. In addition to tricky lighting conditions, it comes in handy when shooting high dynamic range (HDR).
Wireless Connectivity	With this camera, you can easily and quickly share photos with compatible devices without needing a physical connection.	This camera comes with a built-in wireless connection too.
Near Field Communication	The Sony Alpha a5000 has the NFC connection feature that facilitates easy wireless connectivity with compatible devices simply by touching them together.	Same as the Sony Alpha a5000.

What Cons Are Common To Both Products – Sony Alpha a5000 vs Samsung NX300?

	Sony Alpha a5000	Samsung NX300
Environmental sealing	This camera is not quite suitable for shooting in tough weather conditions. This is because it does not come with a weather-sealed body that usually provides added protection.	Extreme caution will need to be taken when shooting with this camera due to its lack of a weather-sealed body. The use of this camera in tough weather conditions exposes it to moisture and dust particles.
Built-in Viewfinder	Shooting with this camera will require that you rely entirely on its LCD screen to compose your images. This can pose a problem when shooting under strong lighting that usually reduces the visibility of LCD screens.	The Samsung NX300 does not come with a built-in viewfinder, and in fact, provides no option for an external one. Just like the Sony Alpha a5000, you will need to rely on this camera’s LCD screen.
Image stabilizer	Using longish lenses on this camera without placing it on a rig or tripod can prove challenging. This is because the Sony Alpha a5000 lacks a built-in image stabilizer to help stabilize its lens.	Shooting with this camera can result in blurry images whenever there is a movement in the camera’s position.

What Do People Think About Both Products – Sony Alpha a5000 vs Samsung NX300?

Sony Alpha a5000	Samsung NX300
People could not hide their amazement at the shots produced by this little camera. Due to its size and efficiency, many photographers appear to have agreed that the Sony a5000 is an excellent travel companion. A whole lot of users pointed out that the camera was satisfying as its image quality was amazing for a camera less than 500 bucks. Vloggers were very satisfied with some of this camera’s features, particularly the camera’s high image quality, fully articulating and touch sensitive screen. Many users had no idea that the built-in flash of the a6000 was a pop-up flash, and they were impressed with the aesthetics when they made the discovery.	A lot of photographers love the fast shutter speed of the Samsung NX300, its light bodyweight, as well as its portability. Also, users have commended the good autofocusing features of this camera and pointed out that user focus and more precision are guaranteed. As expected, a lot of photographers – beginners especially – are fund of the touch screen feature, and sing praises about it. This camera’s ability to do the 1080-pixel shooting was another feature some users considered as impressive.
The major complaint by vloggers was the absence of a microphone port and a headphone jack. Another complaint is the absence of environmental sealing on the camera’s body.   Users were displeased because this restricted the use of the camera to capture picturesque moments in tough weather conditions.	One major complaint about this camera is its really poor battery life. Users have been made to pay heavy to get some extra high-quality battery. Another major complaint that users have concerning this camera is its poor live view performance.

What’s Our Take On Them – Sony Alpha a5000 vs Samsung NX300?

Sony Alpha a5000	Samsung NX300
If what you need a camera for is daily photography, vacation, vlogging, events photography, then the Sony a5000 is for you. Plus, we feel that for its price, it is a worthy choice. However, as we always emphasize, it all depends on what you want to get out of your photography.	Looking at the feature set of both cameras, one might say that the Samsung NX300 has a more favorable feature set. We would recommend this one for flash photography, sports photography, tours, and a host of other wonderful stuff. Again, it depends on what you want in a camera.