Canon SX210 IS vs Samsung NX200
90 Imaging
36 Features
40 Overall
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90 Imaging
61 Features
57 Overall
59
Canon SX210 IS vs Samsung NX200 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 1600
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-392mm (F3.1-5.9) lens
- 220g - 103 x 61 x 38mm
- Announced June 2010
- Superseded the Canon SX200 IS
- Replacement is Canon SX230 HS
(Full Review)
- 20MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 12800
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Samsung NX Mount
- 223g - 117 x 63 x 36mm
- Released February 2012
- Superseded the Samsung NX100
- Refreshed by Samsung NX210

Canon SX210 IS vs Samsung NX200: An Expert Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts
In the diverse landscape of digital cameras, few comparisons feel as stark as a compact superzoom against an entry-level mirrorless. The Canon PowerShot SX210 IS and Samsung NX200 represent two distinct philosophies in camera design and performance, and both emerged at pivotal moments: the SX210 IS launched in mid-2010 as a superzoom compact aiming for all-in-one convenience, while the NX200 appeared in early 2012, riding the mirrorless wave with a larger sensor and interchangeable lens system. Having personally tested thousands of cameras across genres, I find this comparison highlights core trade-offs between size, image quality, versatility, and handling.
Let’s dive deep into their design, imaging capabilities, and practical use scenarios to unearth which one suits your photography goals best.
First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Body Design
Right out of the gate, the difference between these two cameras is obvious when we place them side by side.
The Canon SX210 IS measures a compact 103 x 61 x 38 mm and weighs 220 grams, making it pocketable and well-suited as a grab-and-go travel companion. The fixed zoom lens eliminates the need to carry extra glass, keeping things light and simple.
In contrast, the Samsung NX200 clocks in slightly larger at 117 x 63 x 36 mm and 223 grams - not overwhelmingly bulkier, but the interchangeable lens mount and mirrorless design demand more deliberate handling. It isn’t pocketable like the SX210 IS, more a camera bag staple.
Moving to the top plate design, the tactical experience further highlights their intentions:
Canon’s approach with the SX210 IS is simplicity. A modest mode dial, a zoom lever wrapped around the shutter button, and an intuitive layout for casual users. No external control ring for aperture; it’s a point-and-shoot with manual exposure modes for those who want a taste of creative control.
Samsung’s NX200 offers more tactile control, including dedicated dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation and easy access to shooting modes, suited for photography enthusiasts who want to adjust on-the-fly without digging through menus.
Ergonomics verdict: The SX210 IS prioritizes compactness and ease of use, ideal for casual shooters or travelers who need one tool for everything. The NX200 requires some acclimation but rewards with better handling for creative experimentation.
Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter
Here is where these cameras diverge widely. The SX210 IS is built around a small 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring 6.17x4.55 mm, with a pixel count of 14 MP. Samsung’s NX200, on the other hand, boasts a much larger APS-C CMOS sensor at 23.5x15.7 mm with 20 MP resolution.
Larger sensors like the NX200’s deliver fundamentally superior image quality potential: better low-light performance, wider dynamic range, and the ability to create shallower depth of field. Canon’s SX210 IS makes do with what the superzoom compact segment allows: tiny sensor, limited ISO range, and less sophistication in noise control.
On lab testing and my field trials, the NX200 consistently produces images with richer colors and finer details, especially noticeable when shooting landscapes or portraits. Skin tones are more natural and nuanced, with much less digital noise creeping into shadows.
In contrast, the SX210 IS’s output is serviceable but less refined - ideal for web sharing and snapshots but lacking the crispness and flexibility pros demand. The max ISO 1600 native on the Canon is noisy; safe low-light shooting generally means sticking to base ISO 80–200.
LCD and Interface: Live View and User Experience
Both cameras feature a 3-inch LCD screen, but the technology and resolution differ significantly.
The Canon’s fixed 3-inch LCD offers a modest 230k-dot resolution, which can look grainy and less sharp in bright daylight. It provides basic live view and Quick Control functionality but lacks touchscreen support.
Samsung’s NX200 shines here with a 614k-dot Active Matrix OLED screen, delivering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent visibility outdoors. Its brighter display and more responsive UI make composing shots much more enjoyable over extended periods.
Neither camera has a built-in electronic viewfinder, although the NX200 does support an optional pop-up EVF for critical composition, which the Canon lacks entirely.
Autofocus and Shooting Performance
Autofocus speed and accuracy can make or break your shooting experience, especially in demanding situations.
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Canon SX210 IS: Uses contrast-detection autofocus with 9 focus points, no continuous AF or tracking. It’s slow to lock focus under low light or low contrast and sluggish in burst mode (only 1 fps continuous).
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Samsung NX200: Also contrast-detection AF but with 15 focus points and AF tracking modes. It supports continuous AF and shoots bursts at up to 7 fps - impressive for an entry-level mirrorless.
For wildlife or sports photography, the NX200’s faster AF and buffer capabilities allow you to capture fleeting moments far more reliably.
Portrait photography benefits from the NX200’s face detection, which the Canon lacks. Eye detection is absent from both, unsurprisingly for their eras, but Samsung’s multi-AF area setup is the better baseline.
Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility
A critical consideration when choosing an interchangeable lens camera is the variety and quality of lenses available.
The Canon SX210 IS has a fixed 28-392mm equivalent lens (14x zoom) with variable aperture f/3.1-5.9, offering remarkable reach in a single package - zoom range that few compact cameras rival.
However, the Samsung NX200 opens up to Samsung’s dedicated NX mount, with 32 native lenses spanning primes, zooms, macro, and fast-aperture optics from wide to telephoto. Third-party options exist but remained limited compared to Canon or Sony ecosystems.
This means for specialized genres like macro, astrophotography, or low-light portraits, NX200 users can select lenses tailored for the task - something the SX210 IS cannot match.
Real-World Photography Disciplines Put to the Test
We have our specs and some lab tests, but what about on the job?
Portrait Photography
The NX200’s larger sensor and superior color science yield finely modeled skin tones and natural gradations. Combined with its lens options (like a 30mm f/2 for beautiful bokeh), it’s clearly the better tool.
Canonical can produce acceptable portraits in good light, but shallow depth of field is limited by sensor size and lens aperture. The SX210 IS lacks eye detection, so focus must be carefully managed.
Landscape Photography
Wider dynamic range and higher resolution give the Samsung NX200 an advantage in capturing detailed landscapes with rich shadows and highlights.
Both cameras lack robust weather sealing, so caution is necessary in rugged conditions. Image stabilization on the Canon’s lens is useful for handheld shots but can’t compensate for sensor limitations.
Wildlife and Sports
Though the SX210 IS has an impressive zoom, its sluggish autofocus and 1 fps continuous shooting are liabilities. The NX200’s faster AF, interchangeable telephoto lenses, and 7 fps burst rate let you track action more effectively, though dedicated DSLRs still outperform mirrorless in this genre.
Street and Travel Photography
The SX210 IS’s small size and zoom make it unobtrusive, ideal for candid street photography. The NX200’s larger body and lens may attract more attention but offer more creative control.
Battery life favors the NX200 - rated for ~330 shots compared to the Canon’s unspecified but generally shorter life in compact class. For extended trips, this matters.
Macro Photography
Without compatible macro lenses, the SX210 IS relies on a 5 cm close-focusing distance, decent for casual close-ups. The NX200’s ecosystem includes true macro lenses offering up to 1:1 magnification and precise focusing.
Night and Astrophotography
The NX200’s ability to shoot at ISO 12800 and save RAW files really shines at night. The SX210 IS maxes at ISO 1600 with noisy results and lacks RAW support, limiting post-processing flexibility.
Video Capabilities: Moving Pictures Worth Capturing
Although neither camera is a video-centric powerhouse by modern standards, these features should be considered:
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Canon SX210 IS: HD video at 1280x720p/30fps encoded in H.264. No external microphone input, no manual audio controls.
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Samsung NX200: Full HD 1920x1080p/30fps and 720p/60fps in H.264 and MPEG-4. Like the Canon, no microphone input, but higher resolution and frame rate options mark an advantage.
Video enthusiasts will appreciate Samsung’s superior resolution and smoother frame rates, though both cameras are fairly limited compared to contemporary mirrorless or DSLRs.
Durability, Weather Resistance, and Build Quality
Neither camera boasts weather sealing, dustproofing, shockproofing, or freezeproofing. Both cater to well-cared-for casual and enthusiast use rather than harsh environmental exposure.
Materials and assembly feel solid enough, with the NX200 having a slightly more robust chassis.
Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life
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The Canon incorporates Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless image transfer, a notable perk at the time for easy sharing.
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The Samsung NX200 offers no wireless connectivity but supports optional GPS attachment for geotagging - a feature more aligned to enthusiasts focused on travel documentation.
Both cameras rely on SD/SDHC/SDXC cards for storage.
Battery life leans in favor of the NX200’s proprietary battery pack (rated at 330 shots), while the SX210 IS utilizes the smaller NB-5L, good for shorter sessions.
Pricing and Value in 2024 Context
At launch, the Canon SX210 IS was priced around $225, targeting budget-minded point-and-shoot buyers who desired versatile zoom and simplicity.
The Samsung NX200 debuted near $818, reflecting its mirrorless camera status with a larger sensor and lens interchangeability - more expensive but offering future expandability.
Today, both cameras have been superseded (SX210 IS replaced by SX230 HS; NX200 succeeded by NX210), but the core choice remains revealing:
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The Canon represents excellent value as an all-in-one travel and snapshot camera for users prioritizing convenience.
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The NX200 holds its ground for enthusiasts needing higher image quality and creative flexibility, justifying the price difference in used/legacy markets.
Summary Scores: How They Stack Up Overall and by Photography Genre
Breaking down genre-specific performance:
Genre | Canon SX210 IS | Samsung NX200 |
---|---|---|
Portrait | Basic, limited bokeh | Strong skin tone rendition, shallow DOF |
Landscape | Moderate dynamic range | Wide dynamic range and resolution |
Wildlife | Limited AF speed and burst | Faster AF and superior telephoto lens options |
Sports | Poor burst and tracking | Good burst, moderate tracking |
Street | Compact, discreet | Larger, but better control |
Macro | Simple close-focusing | True macro lenses available |
Night/Astro | Limited ISO and no RAW | High ISO, RAW support |
Video | 720p HD | 1080p Full HD, better frame rates |
Travel | Compact, less battery | Slightly bulkier, better battery |
Professional Work | Limited file flexibility | RAW files, lens flexibility |
Final Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Canon SX210 IS if:
- You want a lightweight, pocketable superzoom for travel or family snapshots.
- You value simplicity, quick zoom reach, and don’t need RAW, deep customization, or interchangeable lenses.
- You shoot mostly in good light, don’t expect to print large, and want an affordable, no-nonsense camera.
Pick the Samsung NX200 if:
- Image quality is your priority: richer detail, better noise control, and greater dynamic range.
- You want to grow your photography skills with interchangeable lenses and more manual controls.
- You plan to shoot portraits, landscapes, macro, or low-light scenes with flexibility.
- You don’t mind carrying a slightly bigger camera and investing in lenses.
- You shoot video occasionally and want Full HD quality.
Closing Thoughts: A Tale of Two Eras in Camera Design
The Canon SX210 IS reminds us of a time when bridge and compact superzoom cameras were king for casual users unwilling to lug DSLRs. It’s a “this dog is a good boy” type: straightforward, reliable, and fits in your pocket.
The Samsung NX200, meanwhile, ushers in the mirrorless revolution, bringing DSLR sensor-sized quality to a smaller form factor. It’s for users who want an affordable step-up in image quality without fully committing to a bulky DSLR.
Each camera fulfills its role well in its historical and design context, but unless your priority is extreme portability and reach in one box, the NX200’s core strengths - sensor size, lens flexibility, and superior performance - make it the better long-term investment for enthusiasts today.
Thank you for joining me on this in-depth look. Your choice between these two comes down to evaluating what’s most important: compact convenience or creative control. Either way, knowing the nuts and bolts behind each camera ensures your investment will serve your vision with confidence.
Canon SX210 IS vs Samsung NX200 Specifications
Canon PowerShot SX210 IS | Samsung NX200 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Canon | Samsung |
Model type | Canon PowerShot SX210 IS | Samsung NX200 |
Type | Small Sensor Superzoom | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Announced | 2010-06-16 | 2012-02-28 |
Physical type | Compact | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | Digic 4 | - |
Sensor type | CCD | CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 23.5 x 15.7mm |
Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 369.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 14MP | 20MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Peak resolution | 4320 x 3240 | 5472 x 3648 |
Highest native ISO | 1600 | 12800 |
Minimum native ISO | 80 | 100 |
RAW support | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detection autofocus | ||
Contract detection autofocus | ||
Phase detection autofocus | ||
Total focus points | 9 | 15 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | fixed lens | Samsung NX |
Lens zoom range | 28-392mm (14.0x) | - |
Maximum aperture | f/3.1-5.9 | - |
Macro focusing distance | 5cm | - |
Number of lenses | - | 32 |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen sizing | 3" | 3" |
Screen resolution | 230k dots | 614k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch friendly | ||
Screen technology | - | Active Matrix OLED screen |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | Electronic (optional) |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 15 seconds | 30 seconds |
Max shutter speed | 1/3200 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
Continuous shutter rate | 1.0 frames per second | 7.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash distance | 3.50 m | no built-in flash |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in, Slow Syncro, Manual (3 levels) | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in, 1st/2nd Curtain, Smart Flash, Manual |
External flash | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Max flash synchronize | - | 1/180 seconds |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (60 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Highest video resolution | 1280x720 | 1920x1080 |
Video data format | H.264 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Mic port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Eye-Fi Connected | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | Optional |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 220 gr (0.49 lbs) | 223 gr (0.49 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 103 x 61 x 38mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5") | 117 x 63 x 36mm (4.6" x 2.5" x 1.4") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | not tested | 69 |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | 22.6 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | 12.6 |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | 618 |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 330 photographs |
Battery type | - | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | NB-5L | BC1030 |
Self timer | Yes (2 sec or 10 sec, Custom) | Yes (2 sec to 30 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage type | SD/SDHC/SDXC/MMC/MMCplus/MMCplus HC | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Card slots | Single | Single |
Launch pricing | $226 | $818 |