Samsung NX1 vs Sony A7R III

The Samsung NX1 and the Sony Alpha A7R III are two enthusiast cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in September 2014 and October 2017. Both the NX1 and the A7R III are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on an APS-C (NX1) and a full frame (A7R III) sensor. The Samsung has a resolution of 28 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 42.2 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Samsung NX1		Sony A7R III
Mirrorless system camera		Mirrorless system camera
Samsung NX mount lenses		Sony E mount lenses
28 MP, APS-C Sensor		42.2 MP, Full Frame Sensor
4K/30p Video		4K/30p Video
ISO 100-25600 (100-51200)		ISO 100-32000 (50-102400)
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)		Electronic viewfinder (3686k dots)
3.0" LCD, 1036k dots		3.0" LCD, 1440k dots
Tilting touchscreen		Tilting touchscreen
15 shutter flaps per second		10 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization only		In-body stabilization
Weathersealed body		Weathersealed body
500 shots per battery charge		650 shots per battery charge
139 x 102 x 66 mm, 550 g		127 x 96 x 74 mm, 650 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Samsung NX1 and the Sony Alpha A7R III? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison: Samsung NX1 vs Sony A7R III

The physical size and weight of the Samsung NX1 and the Sony A7R III are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A7R III is notably smaller (14 percent) than the Samsung NX1. However, the A7R III is markedly heavier (18 percent) than the NX1. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

The battery packs of both cameras can be charged via USB, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, just use the right or left arrows in the table to switch to the respective camera. Alternatively, you can also navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from the full list of cameras there.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Samsung NX1»	139 mm	102 mm	66 mm	550 g	500	Y	Sep 2014	1,499	-		Samsung NX1
	Sony A7R III«	127 mm	96 mm	74 mm	650 g	650	Y	Oct 2017	3,199			Sony A7R III
	Fujifilm X-Pro2« »	141 mm	83 mm	46 mm	495 g	350	Y	Jan 2016	1,699			Fujifilm X-Pro2
	Fujifilm X-T2« »	133 mm	92 mm	49 mm	507 g	340	Y	Jul 2016	1,599	-		Fujifilm X-T2
	Leica Q Typ 116« »	130 mm	80 mm	93 mm	640 g	300	n	Jun 2015	4,249	-		Leica Q Typ 116
	Leica SL« »	147 mm	104 mm	39 mm	847 g	400	Y	Oct 2015	7,450			Leica SL
	Nikon D7200« »	136 mm	107 mm	76 mm	765 g	1110	Y	Mar 2015	1,199	-		Nikon D7200
	Panasonic GH4« »	133 mm	93 mm	84 mm	560 g	500	Y	Feb 2014	1,499	-		Panasonic GH4
	Samsung NX500« »	120 mm	64 mm	43 mm	287 g	370	n	Feb 2015	799	-		Samsung NX500
	Sony A7 III« »	127 mm	96 mm	74 mm	650 g	610	Y	Feb 2018	1,999			Sony A7 III
	Sony A9« »	127 mm	96 mm	63 mm	673 g	650	Y	Apr 2017	4,499			Sony A9
	Sony A99 II« »	143 mm	104 mm	76 mm	849 g	490	Y	Sep 2016	3,199			Sony A99 II
	Sony A6500« »	120 mm	67 mm	53 mm	453 g	350	Y	Oct 2016	1,399			Sony A6500
	Sony A7R II« »	127 mm	96 mm	60 mm	625 g	290	Y	Jun 2015	3,199	-		Sony A7R II
	Sony A7S II« »	127 mm	96 mm	60 mm	627 g	370	Y	Sep 2015	2,999			Sony A7S II
	Sony RX10 II« »	129 mm	88 mm	102 mm	813 g	400	Y	Jun 2015	1,299	-		Sony RX10 II
	Sony A7« »	127 mm	94 mm	48 mm	474 g	340	Y	Oct 2013	1,699	-		Sony A7
Convert to Imperial
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The NX1 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 53 percent) than the A7R III, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison: Samsung NX1 vs Sony A7R III

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Samsung NX1 features an APS-C sensor and the Sony A7R III a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the A7R III is 134 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with BSI-CMOS (Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors.

With 42.2MP, the A7R III offers a higher resolution than the NX1 (28MP), but the A7R III nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.52μm versus 3.63μm for the NX1) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the A7R III is a much more recent model (by 3 years and 1 month) than the NX1, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Sony A7R III implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the A7R III for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 39.8 x 26.5 inch or 101 x 67.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 31.8 x 21.2 inch or 80.8 x 53.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 26.5 x 17.7 inch or 67.3 x 44.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Samsung NX1 are 32.4 x 21.6 inch or 82.3 x 54.9 cm for good quality, 25.9 x 17.3 inch or 65.8 x 43.9 cm for very good quality, and 21.6 x 14.4 inch or 54.9 x 36.6 cm for excellent quality prints.

Unlike the NX1, the A7R III has the capacity to capture high quality composite images by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Samsung NX1 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 100-51200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha A7R III are ISO 100 to ISO 32000, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-102400.

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the A7R III offers substantially better image quality than the NX1 (overall score 17 points higher). The advantage is based on 1.8 bits higher color depth, 1.5 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.4 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, and both provide the same movie specifications (4K/30p).

Feature comparison: Samsung NX1 vs Sony A7R III

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The two cameras under review are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the A7R III offers a substantially higher resolution than the one in the NX1 (3686k vs 2360k dots). The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Samsung NX1 and Sony A7R III in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The NX1 has one, while the A7R III does not. While the built-in flash of the NX1 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the A7R III is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Samsung NX1 and the Sony A7R III both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The NX1 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the A7R III uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The A7R III features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the NX1 only has one slot. Both the NX1 and the A7R III support UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s) on the first slot and UHS-I cards (104 MB/s) on the second one.

Connectivity comparison: Samsung NX1 vs Sony A7R III

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Samsung NX1 and Sony Alpha A7R III and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Sony A7R III (unlike the NX1) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The A7R III is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Sony. In contrast, the NX1 has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). There has not been a direct replacement model for the NX1 from Samsung. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Samsung and Sony websites.

Review summary: Samsung NX1 vs Sony A7R III

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Samsung NX1 and the Sony A7R III? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Advantages of the Samsung NX1:

• Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (15 vs 10 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 100g or 15 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (53 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in September 2014).

Reasons to prefer the Sony Alpha A7R III:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (42.2 vs 28MP), which boosts linear resolution by 23%.
• High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
• Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (17 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
• Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (1.8 bits more color depth).
• More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (1.5 EV of extra DR).
• Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (1.4 stops ISO advantage).
• More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (3686k vs 2360k dots).
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.78x vs 0.69x).
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1440k vs 1036k dots).
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• More compact: Is smaller (127x96mm vs 139x102mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (650 versus 500) out of a single battery charge.
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
• Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
• More modern: Reflects 3 years and 1 month of technical progress since the NX1 launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the A7R III is the clear winner of the contest (16 : 6 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Samsung NX1 and the Sony A7R III place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the NX1 or the A7R III perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews: Samsung NX1 vs Sony A7R III

This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Samsung NX1»	-	87/100	5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Sep 2014	1,499	-		Samsung NX1
	Sony A7R III«	+ +	90/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Oct 2017	3,199			Sony A7R III
	Fujifilm X-Pro2« »	+	83/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2016	1,699			Fujifilm X-Pro2
	Fujifilm X-T2« »	+ +	86/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Jul 2016	1,599	-		Fujifilm X-T2
	Leica Q Typ 116« »	-	80/100	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Jun 2015	4,249	-		Leica Q Typ 116
	Leica SL« »	-	84/100	4.5/5	4/5	4/5	Oct 2015	7,450			Leica SL
	Nikon D7200« »	+ +	84/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Mar 2015	1,199	-		Nikon D7200
	Panasonic GH4« »	+ +	85/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Feb 2014	1,499	-		Panasonic GH4
	Samsung NX500« »	-	81/100	5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	799	-		Samsung NX500
	Sony A7 III« »	+ +	89/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Feb 2018	1,999			Sony A7 III
	Sony A9« »	+ +	89/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Apr 2017	4,499			Sony A9
	Sony A99 II« »	-	85/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2016	3,199			Sony A99 II
	Sony A6500« »	+ +	85/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2016	1,399			Sony A6500
	Sony A7R II« »	+ +	90/100	5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Jun 2015	3,199	-		Sony A7R II
	Sony A7S II« »	+	-	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Sep 2015	2,999			Sony A7S II
	Sony RX10 II« »	+ +	82/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4/5	Jun 2015	1,299	-		Sony RX10 II
	Sony A7« »	+ +	80/100	5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Oct 2013	1,699	-		Sony A7
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (-) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

Specifications: Samsung NX1 vs Sony A7R III

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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