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Samsung NX30 vs Sony A3000

The Samsung NX30 and the Sony Alpha A3000 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in January 2014 and August 2013. Both the NX30 and the A3000 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are equipped with an APS-C sensor. The Samsung has a resolution of 20 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 19.8 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Samsung NX30
versus
Sony A3000
Samsung NX30   Sony A3000
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Samsung NX mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
20 MP – APS-C sensor 19.8 MP – APS-C sensor
1080/60p Video 1080/60i Video
ISO 100-25,600 ISO 100-16,000
Electronic viewfinder (2359k dots) Electronic viewfinder (202k dots)
3.0" LCD – 1036k dots 3.0" LCD – 230k dots
Swivel touchscreen Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
9 shutter flaps per second 2.5 shutter flaps per second
360 shots per battery charge470 shots per battery charge
127 x 96 x 58 mm, 375 g 128 x 91 x 85 mm, 411 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Samsung NX30 and the Sony Alpha A3000? 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.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Samsung NX30 and the Sony A3000 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Samsung NX30 vs Sony A3000
Compare NX30 versus A3000 top
Comparison NX30 or A3000 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A3000 is somewhat smaller (4 percent) than the Samsung NX30. However, the A3000 is markedly heavier (10 percent) than the NX30. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the NX30 nor the A3000 are weather-sealed.

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 want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Samsung NX30 127 mm 96 mm 58 mm 375 g 360 n Jan 2014 999ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A3000 128 mm 91 mm 85 mm 411 g 470 n Aug 2013 329ebay.com
3.
 
Canon M5 116 mm 89 mm 61 mm 427 g 295 n Sep 2016 979ebay.com
4.
 
Canon M3 111 mm 68 mm 44 mm 366 g 250 n Feb 2015 679ebay.com
5.
 
Canon T6s 132 mm 101 mm 78 mm 565 g 440 n Feb 2015 649ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-E3 121 mm 74 mm 43 mm 337 g 350 n Sep 2017 899ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D5500 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 470 g 820 n Jan 2015 899ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D3300 124 mm 98 mm 76 mm 430 g 700 n Jan 2014 499ebay.com
9.
 
Samsung NX500 120 mm 64 mm 43 mm 287 g 370 n Feb 2015 799ebay.com
10.
 
Sony A6400 120 mm 67 mm 50 mm 403 g 410 Y Jan 2019 899 amazon.com
11.
 
Sony A6000 120 mm 67 mm 45 mm 344 g 360 n Feb 2014 599ebay.com
12.
 
Sony RX1R 113 mm 65 mm 70 mm 482 g 270 n Jun 2013 2,799ebay.com
13.
 
Sony NEX-6 120 mm 67 mm 43 mm 345 g 360 n Sep 2012 999ebay.com
14.
 
Sony NEX-7 120 mm 67 mm 43 mm 400 g 430 n Aug 2011 1,349ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
padding

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. 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 A3000 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 67 percent) than the NX30, 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

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and 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 tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the A3000 is 3 percent smaller. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Samsung NX30 and Sony A3000 sensor measures

With 20MP, the NX30 offers a slightly higher resolution than the A3000 (19.8MP), but the NX30 nevertheless has marginally larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.30μm versus 4.25μm for the A3000) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the NX30 is a somewhat more recent model (by 4 months) than the A3000, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the NX30 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The NX30 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Samsung NX30 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha A3000 are ISO 100 to ISO 16000 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

NX30 versus A3000 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The Overall DXO ratings for the two cameras under consideration are close, suggesting that they provide similar imaging performance. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Samsung NX30 APS-C 20.0 5472 36481080/60p23.512.4101476
2.
 
Sony A3000 APS-C 19.8 5456 36321080/60i23.712.8106878
3.
 
Canon M5 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.412.4126277
4.
 
Canon M3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.811.8116972
5.
 
Canon T6s APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.612.091570
6.
 
Fujifilm X-E3 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p23.913.3176482
7.
 
Nikon D5500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0143884
8.
 
Nikon D3300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.312.8138582
9.
 
Samsung NX500 APS-C 28.0 6480 43204K/30p24.813.9137987
10.
 
Sony A6400 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.013.6143183
11.
 
Sony A6000 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.113.1134782
12.
 
Sony RX1R Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p25.013.6253791
13.
 
Sony NEX-6 APS-C 16.0 4912 32641080/60i23.713.1101878
14.
 
Sony NEX-7 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60i24.113.4101681
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the NX30 provides a higher frame rate than the A3000. It can shoot video footage at 1080/60p, while the Sony is limited to 1080/60i.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The two cameras under consideration are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the NX30 offers a substantially higher resolution than the one in the A3000 (2359k vs 202k dots). The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Samsung NX30, the Sony A3000, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Samsung NX302359 n3.0 / 1036 swivel Y 1/8000s 9.0/s Y n
2.
 
Sony A3000202 n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y n
3.
 
Canon M52360 n3.2 / 1620 tilting Y 1/4000s 9.0/s Y n
4.
 
Canon M3optional n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 4.2/s Y n
5.
 
Canon T6soptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
6.
 
Fujifilm X-E32360 n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n n
7.
 
Nikon D5500optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
8.
 
Nikon D3300optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
9.
 
Samsung NX500none n3.0 / 1036 tilting Y 1/6000s 9.0/s Y n
10.
 
Sony A64002359 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/4000s 11.0/s Y n
11.
 
Sony A60001440 n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y n
12.
 
Sony RX1Roptional n3.0 / 1229 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
13.
 
Sony NEX-62359 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/4000s 10.0/s Y n
14.
 
Sony NEX-72359 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/4000s 10.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The NX30 has a touchscreen, while the A3000 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The NX30 has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the A3000 does not have a selfie-screen.

The Samsung NX30 has 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 NX30 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the A3000 uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The NX30 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the A3000 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

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Connectivity comparison

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 NX30 and Sony Alpha A3000 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Samsung NX30Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
2.
 
Sony A3000Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon M5Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
4.
 
Canon M3Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
5.
 
Canon T6sYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
6.
 
Fujifilm X-E3Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
7.
 
Nikon D5500Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
8.
 
Nikon D3300Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
9.
 
Samsung NX500Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
10.
 
Sony A6400Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YYY
11.
 
Sony A6000Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
12.
 
Sony RX1RYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
13.
 
Sony NEX-6Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
14.
 
Sony NEX-7Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
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It is notable that the NX30 offers wifi support, while the A3000 does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

Both the NX30 and the A3000 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. Neither of the two has a direct successor, so they represent the end of the respective camera lines from Samsung and Sony. Further information on the features and operation of the NX30 and A3000 can be found, respectively, in the Samsung NX30 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony A3000 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Samsung NX30 and the Sony A3000? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Reasons to prefer the Samsung NX30:

  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60p versus 1080/60i).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (2359k vs 202k dots).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.64x vs 0.47x).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1036k vs 230k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (9 vs 2.5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
  • More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 4 months after the A3000).

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Arguments in favor of the Sony Alpha A3000:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (470 versus 360) out of a single battery charge.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (67 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in August 2013).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the NX30 is the clear winner of the match-up (16 : 4 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. 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.

NX30 16:04 A3000

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Samsung NX30 and the Sony A3000 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 partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the NX30 or the A3000. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). 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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Samsung NX303/5....77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2014 999ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A30003/5+....4/54/5 Aug 2013 329ebay.com
3.
 
Canon M54/5+4/582/1004/54/5 Sep 2016 979ebay.com
4.
 
Canon M34/5o..75/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2015 679ebay.com
5.
 
Canon T6s5/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 649ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X-E34.5/5+4.5/584/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2017 899ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D55005/5+..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2015 899ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D33003/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2014 499ebay.com
9.
 
Samsung NX5004.5/5....81/1005/54.5/5 Feb 2015 799ebay.com
10.
 
Sony A64004/5+4/585/1004.5/54/5 Jan 2019 899 amazon.com
11.
 
Sony A60005/5+4.5/580/1004.5/55/5 Feb 2014 599ebay.com
12.
 
Sony RX1R5/5......4/54.5/5 Jun 2013 2,799ebay.com
13.
 
Sony NEX-65/5+ +..78/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 999ebay.com
14.
 
Sony NEX-75/5+ +..81/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2011 1,349ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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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. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Samsung NX30 vs Sony A3000

    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.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Samsung NX30 Sony A3000
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Samsung NX mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
    Launch Date January 2014 August 2013
    Launch Price USD 999 USD 329
    Sensor Specs Samsung NX30 Sony A3000
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.5 x 15.7 mm 23.2 x 15.4 mm
    Sensor Area 368.95 mm2 357.28 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.3 mm 27.8 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 20 Megapixels 19.8 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5472 x 3648 pixels 5456 x 3632 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.30 μm 4.25 μm
    Pixel Density 5.41 MP/cm2 5.55 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60p Video 1080/60i Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 25,600 ISO 100 - 16,000 ISO
    Image Processor DRIMe IV BIONZ
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 76 78
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.5 23.7
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.4 12.8
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1014 1068
    Screen Specs Samsung NX30 Sony A3000
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.64x 0.47x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2359k dots 202k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1036k dots 230k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Samsung NX30 Sony A3000
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 9 shutter flaps/s 2.5 shutter flaps/s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards MS or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I no
    Connectivity Specs Samsung NX30 Sony A3000
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI mini HDMI
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Near-Field Communication NFC built-in no NFC
    Body Specs Samsung NX30 Sony A3000
    Battery Type Samsung BP1410 Sony NP-FW50
    Battery Life (CIPA)360 shots per charge470 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 127 x 96 x 58 mm
    (5.0 x 3.8 x 2.3 in)
    128 x 91 x 85 mm
    (5.0 x 3.6 x 3.3 in)
    Camera Weight 375 g (13.2 oz) 411 g (14.5 oz)
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