• APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 1 inch 115.3mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800

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Differences

Samsung NX3000 advantages over Nikon S2

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.29 vs 2.85 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 370 vs 270 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/180 vs 1/60 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    20.3 vs 14.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 30 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon S2 advantages over Samsung NX3000

  • Less expensive
    $450 vs $529 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Slower slow-motion
    1200 fps vs 120 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    29 mm vs 39 mm
    Thinner
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    60.0 fps vs 5.2 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Buy the Samsung NX3000

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Buy the Nikon S2

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Samsung NX1100

Samsung NX3000
Samsung NX1100
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Shoots 24p video
  • Higher-res screen
Nikon S2
Samsung NX1100
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Pentax Q7

Samsung NX3000
Pentax Q7
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $380
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon S2
Pentax Q7
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $380
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Fujifilm X-M1

Samsung NX3000
Fujifilm X-M1
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $993
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
Nikon S2
Fujifilm X-M1
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $993
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking

Compared to Sony A6000

Samsung NX3000
Sony A6000
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • Slow-motion videos
  • $659
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
Nikon S2
Sony A6000
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Thinner
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $659
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking

Compared to Pentax Q-S1

Samsung NX3000
Pentax Q-S1
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $350
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon S2
Pentax Q-S1
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $350
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
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