• APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 250.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Samsung NX300 advantages over Panasonic ZS100

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.29 vs 2.41 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Fast startup
    ~1.20 vs 2.3 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Higher effective ISO
    942 vs 559 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Panasonic ZS100 advantages over Samsung NX300

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/180 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • More dots on screen
    1040k vs 768k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    9.9 fps vs 8.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 14 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    9.5 fps vs 7.1 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    14 vs 5 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/6000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Samsung NX300

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic ZS100

Review Excerpt

  • Stylish "retro modern" design in two color schemes; attractive 3.3-inch AMOLED tilting touchscreen; new APS-C CMOS sensor with on-chip phase detection AF; better image quality, particularly in low light at high ISOs; faster all-around performance; improved Wi-Fi connectivity.

  • Camera feels more plasticky than expected when you pick it up; slower shot-to-speeds compared to rivals; poor buffer depth with raw files; aggressive anti-noise processing destroys detail in high ISO shots; display smudges easily and is rather dim; no EVF support.

  • Compact camera body; versatile 10x zoom lens; relatively good high ISO performance; fast autofocus; many good 4K video and photo features.

  • Soft lens at longer focal lengths; no tilting display; small electronic viewfinder; slippery finish on the camera body.

The Competition

Compared to Sony NEX-7

Samsung NX300
Sony NEX-7
  • $1200
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $1248
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Panasonic ZS100
Sony NEX-7
  • $498
  • 1 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1248
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Fujifilm X-E1

Samsung NX300
Fujifilm X-E1
  • $1200
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Panasonic ZS100
Fujifilm X-E1
  • $498
  • 1 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Fujifilm X-E2

Samsung NX300
Fujifilm X-E2
  • $1200
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $1059
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Panasonic ZS100
Fujifilm X-E2
  • $498
  • 1 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1059
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony RX100 VI

Samsung NX300
Sony RX100 VI
  • $1200
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $949
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic ZS100
Sony RX100 VI
  • $498
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $949
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Sony RX100 VII

Samsung NX300
Sony RX100 VII
  • $1200
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1298
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic ZS100
Sony RX100 VII
  • $498
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $1298
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Tiltable Screen
Compare Other Cameras?