• APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Samsung NX30 advantages over Canon SL2

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.29 vs 3.72 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Thinner
    41 mm vs 69 mm
    Thinner
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.64x vs 0.54x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    8.9 fps vs 5.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    8.8 fps vs 5.1 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    12 vs 5 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Canon SL2 advantages over Samsung NX30

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Fast startup
    ~0.60 vs 0.8 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 650 vs 360 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Newer
    7 years vs 11 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 20.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Both provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Both provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Both provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • 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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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Samsung NX30

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon SL2

Review Excerpt

  • Very good image quality at low to moderately high ISOs; Blazing fast single-shot autofocus; Fast 9fps burst with RAW and JPEG files; Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC; Good build quality; Tilting EVF; Articulating touchscreen monitor; Bundled with Adobe Lightroom 5 software; Excellent value.

  • Dynamic range not as good as the best APS-C models; Slow buffer clearing even with fast UHS-I cards; Buffer depth with RAW files is underwhelming; Native lens selection is still fairly limited.

  • Higher resolution and better image quality than SL1; Much improved dynamic range; Excellent Dual Pixel CMOS AF; Compact body with improved ergonomics; Articulating touchscreen; Full HD movies up to 60p; Better battery life.

  • Shallow buffer depth with RAW files; Dynamic range and high ISO performance still not as good as leading competitors; No 4K video option; OVF only offers 9 AF points.

The Competition

Compared to Fujifilm X-E2

Samsung NX30
Fujifilm X-E2
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
Canon SL2
Fujifilm X-E2
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Fujifilm X-T1

Samsung NX30
Fujifilm X-T1
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • More viewfinder magnification
Canon SL2
Fujifilm X-T1
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Fujifilm X-T10

Samsung NX30
Fujifilm X-T10
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
Canon SL2
Fujifilm X-T10
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Nikon D3500

Samsung NX30
Nikon D3500
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Canon SL2
Nikon D3500
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $623
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup

Compared to Canon SL3

Samsung NX30
Canon SL3
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Shoot 4K video
Canon SL2
Canon SL3
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • NFC
  • $632
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Longer stills battery life
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