Samsung NX3000 vs Samsung NX mini

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Samsung NX3000 and the Samsung NX mini, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Samsung NX3000 was introduced in May 2014 and Samsung NX mini was introduced in March 2014. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Samsung NX3000 Highlights

      • 20.3 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 25,600 Native ISO
      • 35 Focus Points (35 Cross-type)
      • 3.0" 461k dot Tilting Screen
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 20 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-In Wi-Fi

      Samsung NX mini Highlights

      • 20.5 MP 1-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
      • 160 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 21 Focus Points (21 Cross-type)
      • 3.0" 461k dot Tilting Screen
      • 6.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Built-In Wi-Fi

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Samsung NX3000 and Samsung NX mini.

      PROS

      Samsung NX3000

      Samsung NX mini

      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Light - 230 g (0.51 lb / 8.11 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Touch Screen
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/16000 sec
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Light - 196 g (0.43 lb / 6.91 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Samsung NX3000

      Samsung NX mini

      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 370 shots
      •   Small Sensor
      •   160 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Samsung NX3000

      Samsung NX mini

      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.3 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   35 Focus Points
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.5 Megapixel
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   21 Focus Points
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Electronic) - 1/16000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   Battery Life - 650 shots

      Advantage of Samsung NX3000

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Samsung NX3000 over Samsung NX mini.

      Samsung NX3000 vs Samsung NX mini
      Larger Sensor APS-C vs 1-inch
      Lower Native ISO 100 vs 160
      Higher Native ISO 25,600 vs 12,800
      More Focus Points 35 vs 21
      More Cross-type Focus Points 1 vs 0
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Built-in Microphone Stereo vs Mono

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Samsung NX3000.

      Advantage of Samsung NX mini

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Samsung NX mini over Samsung NX3000.

      Samsung NX3000 vs Samsung NX mini
      Cheaper $479 (w/20-50mm lens and flash), $529 (w/16-50 PZ lens and flash) vs $449 / €399 (with 9mm lens), $549 / €499 (with 9-27mm lens, external flash)
      Sensor Type CMOS vs BSI-CMOS
      Higher Sensor Resolution 20.3 Megapixel vs 20.5 Megapixel
      Touch-to-Focus vs
      Touch Screen vs
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/4000 sec vs 1/16000 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps vs 6.0 fps
      Built-in Flash vs
      Microphone Input vs
      Lighter 230 g (0.51 lb / 8.11 oz) vs 196 g (0.43 lb / 6.91 oz)
      Longer Battery Life 370 shots vs 650 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Samsung NX mini.

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Samsung NX3000 Samsung NX mini
        Cheap$479 (w/20-50mm lens and flash), $529 (w/16-50 PZ lens and flash)$449 / €399 (with 9mm lens), $549 / €499 (with 9-27mm lens, external flash)
        Video Capture
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        HDMI Output Micro
        Built-In Wi-Fi
        Light230 g (0.51 lb / 8.11 oz)196 g (0.43 lb / 6.91 oz)
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Samsung NX3000 Samsung NX mini
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Cross-type Focus Points10
        No Image Stabilization
        Low Resolution Screen461k dot461k dot
        No Viewfinder
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801920 x 1080
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen

      Screen

      Samsung NX3000 and Samsung NX mini have 3.0" Tilting screens with 461k dot resolution. Tilting screen makes cameras very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting. Samsung NX mini also features touchscreen which has advantages such as easy menu navigation, intuitive controls, quick setting adjustment and most importantly a Touch-to-Focus functionality (available only on Samsung NX mini) allowing users to select a specific point on the screen where they want the camera to focus. This feature can be helpful for achieving precise focus in both photo and video recording.

      Image cannot be displayed Image cannot be displayed

      Samsung NX3000 and Samsung NX mini with Tilting screen

      Sensor

      Samsung NX3000 features a 20.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.7 mm and a total area of 369 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 25,600. Samsung NX mini features a 20.5 megapixel 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with dimensions of 13.2 x 8.8 mm and a total area of 77.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 160 - 12,800 and expands to 100 - 25,600 in boosted mode.

      Samsung NX mini has BSI-CMOS sensor, short for Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor sensor. In traditional CMOS sensors, the wiring and circuitry are located on the front side of the sensor, which can block some of the incoming light. BSI technology flips this design by placing the photosensitive elements (pixels) on the backside of the sensor, allowing more light to reach the pixels. This significantly enhances light sensitivity and improves low-light performance. BSI-CMOS sensors are particularly effective in low-light conditions, as they can capture more light, resulting in brighter and less noisy images. This makes them well-suited for indoor and night photography. BSI-CMOS sensors deliver a higher SNR and reduced cross-talk.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Samsung NX3000 can take pictures up to 5472 x 3648 resolution. Samsung NX mini can take pictures up to 5472 x 3648 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 5472 x 3080, 3648 x 3648, 3888 x 2592, 3712 x 2088, 2640 x 2640, 2976 x 1984, 2944 x 1656, 2000 x 2000, 1728 x 1152, 1920 x 1080, 1024 x 1024 with 1:1, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Samsung NX3000 has Samsung NX lens mount and Samsung NX mini has Samsung NX-M lens mount. Due to APS-C sensor in Samsung NX3000 its crop factor is equal to 1.5x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5. Due to 1-inch sensor in Samsung NX mini its crop factor is equal to 2.7x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 2.7.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Samsung NX3000 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Samsung NX mini nothing can be done. On Samsung NX mini it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Samsung NX3000 nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in Wi-Fi

      Cameras have built-in Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n, 2.4 GHz) which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.


      NFC

      Cameras have Near Field Communication (NFC) technology which simplifies the process of pairing it with other NFC-enabled devices like smartphones or tablets. It allows to quickly transfer photos and videos or remotely control the camera from compatible device. NFC can also be used for authentication and security purposes. It can verify your identity before accessing certain features or transferring sensitive data. It can be used with NFC-enabled accessories as well, such as lenses, flashes and GPS devices.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Samsung NX3000 has a Micro HDMI and Samsung NX mini has an HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Samsung NX3000 and Samsung NX mini come with B740 battery pack with battery life of 370 shots on Samsung NX3000 and with battery life of 650 shots on Samsung NX mini.


      External Storage Slots

      Cameras have a single MicroSD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Samsung NX3000, and up to 1/16000 sec on Samsung NX mini. Samsung NX3000 can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps. Samsung NX mini can shoot continuously up to 6.0 fps.


      Flash

      Samsung NX mini has a built-in flash and also accepts external flash which can be connected via Proprietary. Samsung NX3000 has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Hot Shoe. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/200 sec on Samsung NX mini.

      Physical Parameters

      Samsung NX3000 body has dimensions of 117 x 66 x 39 mm (4.61 x 2.6 x 1.54") and Samsung NX mini body has dimensions of 110 x 62 x 23 mm (4.33 x 2.44 x 0.91"). Samsung NX3000 weighs 230 g (0.51 lb / 8.11 oz) and Samsung NX mini weighs 196 g (0.43 lb / 6.91 oz).

      Samsung NX3000

      Samsung NX mini

      117 mm

      66 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      110 mm

      62 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      66 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      62 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      39 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      23 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Samsung NX3000 and Samsung NX mini

      Samsung NX3000 and Samsung NX mini for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Samsung NX3000

      Samsung NX mini

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Samsung NX3000

      Samsung NX mini

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   35 Focus Points
      •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 370 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      71
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   21 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Battery Life - 650 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Samsung NX3000

      Samsung NX mini

      AVERAGE
      56
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   35 Focus Points
      •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 370 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   21 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Battery Life - 650 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Samsung NX3000

      Samsung NX mini

      GOOD
      78
      •   35 Focus Points
      •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      80
      •   Small Sensor
      •   21 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Samsung NX3000

      Samsung NX mini

      GOOD
      82
      •   35 Focus Points
      •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 230 g (0.51 lb / 8.11 oz)
      GOOD
      84
      •   Small Sensor
      •   21 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 196 g (0.43 lb / 6.91 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Samsung NX3000

      Samsung NX mini

      GOOD
      84
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 230 g (0.51 lb / 8.11 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 370 shots
      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 196 g (0.43 lb / 6.91 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 650 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Samsung NX3000 and Samsung NX mini and give them scores of 60 and 67 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Samsung NX3000

      Samsung NX mini

      OVERALL
      60
      OVERALL
      67

      Sensor

      Samsung NX3000

      Samsung NX mini

      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.3 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   25,600 Highest Native ISO
      AVERAGE
      67
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.5 Megapixel
      •   160 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Samsung NX3000

      Samsung NX mini

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/16000 sec
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Electronic) - 1/16000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 6.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec

      Video

      Samsung NX3000

      Samsung NX mini

      BAD
      15
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      BAD
      14
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080

      Focusing

      Samsung NX3000

      Samsung NX mini

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   35 Focus Points
      •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      75
      •   21 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Touch-to-Focus
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Samsung NX3000

      Samsung NX mini

      AVERAGE
      62
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      GOOD
      77
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Touch Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Samsung NX3000

      Samsung NX mini

      GOOD
      79
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Samsung NX3000

      Samsung NX mini

      POOR
      44
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 230 g (0.51 lb / 8.11 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 370 shots
      POOR
      47
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 196 g (0.43 lb / 6.91 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 650 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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