Battle of the Mirrorless Buddies: Fujifilm X-T100 vs. Samsung NX20 - Which One Wins Your Heart (and Your Shots)?

When diving into mirrorless cameras, especially for those who want bang for their buck without drowning in tech jargon, picking the right model can quickly get overwhelming. Today, I’m rolling up my sleeves to compare two curious contenders from different eras: the 2018 Fujifilm X-T100 and the 2012 Samsung NX20. Both cater to enthusiasts but come with distinct philosophies and features.

Having spent years putting cameras through their paces - from humid rainforest shoots to urban nightscapes - I’ll share hands-on, no-BS insights that go beyond spec sheets. Whether you’re a portrait pro, a landscape lover, or a cheapskate hobbyist dragging a camera globe-trotting, this comparison will clarify what to expect from these two.

Let’s kick off by looking at their physical presence and styling.

First Impressions Matter: Size, Feel & Controls

Looking at these two side-by-side, the Fujifilm X-T100 is noticeably chunkier and heavier at 448 grams versus the Samsung NX20’s lighter 341 grams. The X-T100’s body measures roughly 121x83x47 mm compared to 122x90x40 mm for the NX20, so the Fujifilm feels a bit more solid and grippy. If you prefer something pocketable or ultra-light for street or travel photography, the Samsung edges out here by offering a slimmer profile, though still in a comfortable SLR-style mirrorless body.

The X-T100’s pronounced grip and textured surfaces feel like it was designed with enthusiasts who want clubs for thumbs (meaning robust grip and tactile control), while the NX20 reflects Samsung’s trendier, sleek approach - great if you appreciate a cleaner design without too much bulk.

Moving on to the top deck layout, ergonomics reveal more about usability.

Looking Down on Them: Design and Control Layout

One of the joys I get from handling enthusiast mirrorless cameras is the possibility to switch modes or tweak settings without diving deep into menus. On this front, Fujifilm arguably outclasses Samsung with the X-T100. Ta-da! Dedicated dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation mean your finger muscles don’t have to learn new yoga poses every time you want manual control - a boon especially if you shoot outdoors in bright conditions.

The NX20, while offering core manual modes like shutter and aperture priority, relies more on button combos and menu navigation, which can slow you down (a big no-no for sports or wildlife photography where split seconds matter).

Both cameras sport built-in flashes, but interestingly the NX20’s flash has a longer range (11m vs. X-T100’s 5m), making it better for fill-flash in darker settings. Plus, both support external flashes, opening up creative lighting possibilities.

Sensor Science: The Heart of Image Quality

Now for the nitty-gritty - the sensor. Both share an APS-C sensor sized at 23.5x15.7 mm, providing a 1.5x crop factor. But specs wouldn’t be much use without examining performance.

The Fujifilm X-T100 boasts a 24 MP sensor, newer and with an anti-aliasing filter, while the NX20’s older 20 MP sensor also includes an AA filter. While more pixels mean better details on paper, real-world results depend on sensor tech and image processing pipelines.

I ran both cameras through the usual tests - dynamic range charts, low light noise assessments, and color accuracy checks. Despite its age, the NX20 holds reasonably well in dynamic range (around 12.9 EV) and color depth (23.4 bits) - solid numbers for 2012 (courtesy of DxOMark). However, the X-T100’s newer sensor and processor yield slightly smoother high ISO images and more natural skin tones - critical for portraits where harsh noise destroys subtle gradations.

The X-T100 native ISO ranges from 200 to 12,800, expandable to 51,200 (ISO 50 equivalent boost), whereas the NX20 tops out at ISO 12,800 natively. The expanded ISO modes on the Fujifilm are handy for low light and creative long exposures, though obvious noise penalties apply.

Eye on the Prize: Autofocus and Face Detection

A killer AF system can make or break your shooting experience, especially with moving subjects.

The Fujifilm X-T100 features a hybrid AF system with 91 focus points combining phase and contrast detection, including touch AF and face detection. This setup allows good subject tracking and precise focus in varied light, plus eye detection when enabled, though it lacks animal eye AF.

Samsung’s NX20 sports just 15 contrast-detection focus points and unfortunately no phase detection, limiting its speed and accuracy for fast-moving targets. As someone who’s attempted wildlife hunting with the NX20, it becomes clear - tracking expensive-to-please squirrels or cresting wave surfers is dicey, with missed frames common.

For static subjects like landscapes or posed portraits, this difference narrows, but active shooters seeking burst accuracy and moving subject confidence will favor Fujifilm hands down.

Seeing Clearly: Screen and Viewfinder Experience

Flip around to the back: the X-T100 sports a 3-inch touchscreen panel with 1,040k-dot resolution that's tilting but not fully articulating. Touch controls help with quick AF point selection and menu navigation - a nice modern touch if you’re used to phones or tablets.

The NX20 also has a 3-inch screen but with a lower resolution of 614k dots, and crucially, it offers a fully articulated OLED display. This means you can swivel the screen out and around for unconventional angles or selfie modes - a plus for vloggers or creative street shooters who often shoot from the hip or chest level.

Neither camera has a selfie-friendly touchscreen (the X-T100's touchscreen can drag you partway there but lacks full articulation), so vloggers or selfie fanatics might find both lacking.

Electronic viewfinders (EVF) differ too: the X-T100 EVF offers 2.36M dots at 100% coverage with 0.62x magnification, presenting a bright and detailed image. The NX20’s EVF lacks published resolution data, but its magnification (0.7x) is slightly higher, offering a roomy view despite a lower resolution display panel. In sunlight, though, the X-T100’s EVF feels clearer and more contrasty on account of newer tech.

Fire Away: Shutter Speeds, Burst Rates, and Performance in Action

Speed junkies, unite! The X-T100 maxes out shutter speeds at 1/4000s mechanical and an electronic shutter option at a lightning-fast 1/32000s (silent), great for bright daylight shooting or creative high-speed capture.

The NX20 offers a mechanical max of 1/8000s but no electronic shutter, so silent shooting is off the table.

Burst shooting: The Samsung churns out 8 frames per second (fps), faster than the Fujifilm’s 6 fps. In practice, I found the NX20’s buffer limited to about a second of 8fps shooting before lag kicks in, whereas the X-T100 handles six frames smoothly but can sustain it longer in JPEG mode. This nuance matters when the action is fleeting (think sports or wildlife).

Fujifilm X T100 front Samsung NX20 front Samsung NX20 screen back

How Do They Shoot? Image Samples in the Wild

From my test sessions, horizon-to-horizon, skin tones from the X-T100 were warmer and more true-to-life out of the box, benefiting portrait shooters who loathe spending long hours color correcting. Its bokeh, aided by Fujifilm’s superior lens range and leaf shutter designs, was creamier and more organic.

The NX20 softness creeps in when shooting wide open, and colors tend to cooler blueish hues that may appeal if you want a techy or “modern” aesthetic.

Both handled landscapes well, but Fujifilm’s richer tonal gradations and better highlight retention meant more room to push exposure in post-processing.

What About Video? Moving Pictures, Please

For videographers, the X-T100 holds the upper hand with 4K recording at 15 fps and full HD 1080p up to 60 fps, albeit with a modest bitrate. This is sufficient for casual content creators and vloggers who prioritize image quality over cinematic framerates.

The NX20 caps out at 1080p/30fps with additional lower resolutions available but lacks 4K entirely - common in 2012 but outdated now.

Both support external microphones, a must-have for any sane video creator.

Versatility and Usability in Every Shooting Discipline

To determine which camera suits your style, let’s briefly explore how each fares across popular photography types:

Portrait Photography

X-T100 wins: Skin tones are more flattering without fiddling; face and eye AF works well in daylight and moderate low light, and lens options with Fujifilm’s beautiful primes make bokeh a joy.
NX20: Good for casual portraits but may require post tweaking for warmth; fewer lens choices limit creativity.

Landscape

Both cameras excel with APS-C sensors, but Fujifilm's dynamic range and resolution offer cleaner files with a bit more latitude in editing. Weather sealing is absent on both, so pack those rain covers.

Wildlife

NX20: Faster burst rates but slower, less reliable autofocus.
X-T100: More reliable AF tracking, though slower burst rates. Real-world use tips me toward the X-T100, as missing focus is worse than missing a frame.

Sports

Again, the NX20’s faster fps might tempt sports shooters, but lack of face and eye tracking and slower AF response reduce hit rates.

Street

Here, the NX20’s fully articulated screen and lighter body score points for discretion and flexibility. The Fujifilm is bulkier but offers better image quality.

Macro

Neither has dedicated macro focus features; close-up results rely heavily on lens choice and manual focus skill. Fujifilm’s newer lenses give it a slight edge.

Night/Astro

Higher native ISO performance of the X-T100 along with electronic shutter make it better suited for night photography.

Travel

Fujifilm feels heavier in the bag but rewards with versatile features and excellent battery life. Samsung’s size is easier on the shoulders but less flexible.

Professional Work

Fujifilm’s RAW support, exposure modes, and better overall image quality give it an advantage. NX20, though advanced in its time, feels dated for today’s pros.

Hands-On Build and Weather Resistance

Neither camera boasts weather sealing, waterproofing, or the likes of freeze or shockproofing. Both require careful handling outdoors.

The Fujifilm’s metal chassis feels more robust when lugged around, while the NX20’s plastic-heavy frame, although solid, feels less assured.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Here’s where Fujifilm really shines: the X-mount lens ecosystem includes 54 lenses ranging from budget-friendly zooms to high-quality primes with superb optics - vital for creatives wanting to evolve.

Samsung NX mount offered 32 lenses at its peak - still decent but halted development long ago, making future upgrades costly and limited.

Battery Life and Storage

X-T100 sports the NP-W126S battery rated for around 430 shots per charge, better than Samsung’s BP1130 roughly 360 shots.

Storage-wise, both use SD cards; the Fujifilm supports UHS-I for faster writing speeds, essential for 4K video and burst shooting.

Connectivity and Extras

Wireless? The X-T100 offers built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, easing instant phone transfers and remote control.

NX20 has built-in Wi-Fi but lacks Bluetooth and NFC, limiting wireless versatility.

Ports include mic inputs on both; headphone jacks are missing on both - a hindrance for video pros.

Price and Value: What Will You Spend, What Will You Get?

At the time of writing, Fujifilm X-T100 can be found new or lightly used around $499–600, a steal for its specs and image quality.

The Samsung NX20, an older model no longer in production, tends to hover in the $500–1100 range used, often priced higher due to scarcity rather than performance.

If you’re on a budget but want a solid, playful camera, the X-T100 is your friend.

Final Pros and Cons

Fujifilm X-T100 Pros:

• Crisp 24MP sensor with improved image quality and color science
• Hybrid AF with 91 points and effective face/eye detection
• 4K video capability
• Touchscreen interface and modern connectivity (Bluetooth and Wi-Fi)
• Strong lens ecosystem
• Better battery life

Fujifilm X-T100 Cons:

• Bulkier and heavier
• Only tilting, not fully articulating screen
• Slower burst speed at 6 fps
• No weather sealing

Samsung NX20 Pros:

• Lightweight and compact for street and travel use
• Fully articulated OLED screen (great for video/selfies)
• Faster 8 fps burst
• Longer flash range (11m)

Samsung NX20 Cons:

• Older 20MP sensor with lower resolution and dynamic range
• Contrast-detection AF slower and less accurate
• No phase-detection autofocus
• No touchscreen and no Bluetooth
• Limited lens ecosystem and no 4K video
• Shorter battery life

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Fujifilm X-T100 if:

• You want overall superior image quality for portraits, landscapes, and low light
• Video and modern connectivity matter
• You need better autofocus support for moving subjects
• You value lens flexibility and future-proofing
• You appreciate tactile dials for manual control

Opt for the Samsung NX20 if:

• You prioritize lightweight, discreet handling for street and travel
• Desire a fully articulating screen for creative angles and occasional selfie use
• Burst speed and flash range are more important than sensor resolution or 4K video
• You find a great used deal and want basic advanced mirrorless features

Wrapping It Up

The Fujifilm X-T100 is a modern, well-rounded entry-level mirrorless that punches well above its weight. Its improved sensor, autofocus, and interface make it a strong contender for enthusiasts keen to grow their skills without breaking the bank.

The Samsung NX20, while impressive in its day and still capable, feels like a time capsule - best suited for buyers after a light, user-friendly camera with some unique ergonomic perks but without the bells and whistles of today’s tech.

If I had to personally pick one to recommend for everyday serious shooting (portraits, landscapes, even casual wildlife), I’d go with the Fujifilm X-T100 every time, barring size or budget constraints.

Your mileage may vary depending on your niche and shooting style, but hopefully, this in-depth comparison brings you closer to your next camera love story.

Happy shooting!