Nikon Z6 II vs. Samsung Galaxy NX: A Hands-On Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Selecting the right mirrorless camera in today's climate often feels like searching for a needle in a haystack - varying sensor technologies, evolving autofocus systems, and diverging ergonomics can overwhelm even seasoned photographers. Having personally tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, two models stood out as particularly interesting points of contrast: Nikon’s full-frame powerhouse, the Z6 II (2020), and Samsung’s quirky entry-level Galaxy NX (2013). Each represents very different eras and approaches to mirrorless photography, so understanding their real-world strengths and compromises is key.

In this head-to-head, I’ll break down every major technical detail as well as nuanced user experience insights across all genres - from portraiture through astrophotography - and give you a candid verdict on which camera might suit various photographic quest profiles best.

Let’s start with how these two contenders look and feel in hand.

Size and Handling: Full-Frame Gravitas Meets Slim Android Hybrid

The Nikon Z6 II, being a professional-oriented full-frame, sports a robust SLR-style mirrorless body with a solid 705g weight and dimensions of 134x101x70mm, comfortably designed for extended shooting sessions. In contrast, the Galaxy NX is distinctly lighter and thinner (495g; 137x101x26mm), boasting a smartphone-like large 4.8-inch LCD but sacrificing substantial camera-body heft and grip solidity.

I appreciate Nikon’s thoughtful ergonomics - the textured grip firmly anchors the camera, while the compact form factor of the Samsung initially feels modern but can be a bit too slim for larger hands or extended outdoor use.

The Z6 II’s inclusion of two storage card slots (CFexpress Type B / XQD) versus the single SD card slot on the Galaxy NX hints at a professional-grade reliability edge. The Galaxy’s single slot is fine for casual workflows but limits redundancy options, especially in professional applications.

Both cameras have tilting or fixed screens - Nikon’s 3.2-inch, 2.1M-dot tilting touchscreen beats Samsung’s fixed 4.8-inch HD TFT LCD for versatile compositions and outdoor visibility, especially when paired with Nikon’s bright 3.69M-dot electronic viewfinder. The Galaxy NX lacks a dedicated EVF, relying mainly on the rear screen, which impacts eye-level shooting precision.

You can see this top view layout comparison here - Nikon’s carefully placed dials and buttons give you tactile control, whereas Samsung favors a minimalist approach, integrating Android-esque UI elements, which is innovative but sometimes unwieldy in fast shooting conditions.

The Heart of the Image: Sensor Analysis and Image Quality

Sensor technology - where serious imaging potential is forged. Here, the Z6 II flaunts a 24.5MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor measuring 35.9x23.9mm, sporting an anti-alias filter to curb moiré while managing excellent resolution. The estimated sensor area stands at 858 mm² - more than double the Samsung's 368.95 mm² APS-C sensor of 20MP resolution.

This sizeable sensor advantage translates into richer dynamic range, deeper color depth, and superior noise control, especially in low light. The Nikon Z6 II’s impressive native ISO range of 100 to 51200 (expandable to 50–204800) delivers exceptional high ISO performance and grain management, crucial for night photography or events indoors.

Samsung’s Galaxy NX_A takes a more modest approach with native ISO 100 to 25600, but the older CMOS technology from 2013 ages quickly compared to modern sensors. Although its 20MP APS-C sensor provides respectable resolution for entry-level users, the narrower dynamic range and lower noise suppression make it less optimal for challenging lighting.

Raw file support exists on both, but the Z6 II’s ability to handle richer 12-bit or 14-bit raw data unlocks more flexibility during post-processing.

If ultimate image quality is your primacy, Nikon’s full-frame sensor will satisfy professional standards without question.

Autofocus Systems Put to the Test: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus performance decisively influences your ability to capture fleeting moments, whether in wildlife’s silent flight or sports’ furious action.

The Nikon Z6 II uses a hybrid phase-detection and contrast-detection autofocus system featuring 273 focus points across the frame, with advanced real-time Eye and Animal Eye AF detection that works superbly for portrait and wildlife lenses. Continuous AF tracking runs at a smooth 14 frames per second burst - a combination with great precision and speed, rare in this class.

The Galaxy NX features contrast-detection autofocus (with some phase-detection pixels) but lacks face or eye-detection AF advances and continuous AF tracking. Its burst shooting tops out at 9 fps, which at the time was competitive, though now outdated for many sports or action photography needs.

The practical upshot? Nikon’s autofocus shames Samsung’s in speed, reliability, and subject tracking. Face and eye detection work fluidly, minimizing missed shots. Meanwhile, the Galaxy requires more patience and steady framing due to slower or less confident AF acquisition.

Representation on the Back: LCD and User Interface

Action shooters and videographers alike will find that Nikon’s Z6 II screen, with its 2.1 million dots and tilting flexibility, allows for crisp related previews and smooth menu navigation. Touchscreen responsiveness is tactile and feature-rich, and I appreciate the brightness control making bright outdoor viewing easier.

Samsung’s Galaxy NX pushes seriously large real estate with a gigantic 4.8-inch, but being an HD TFT LCD from 2013, it suffers from limited resolution (922k dots) and less vibrant colors, and lacks the luxury of a tilting mechanism.

The touchscreen on the Galaxy is built around Android OS, incorporating familiar app-like menus, which could appeal to users eager for hybrid smartphone-camera workflows, though it comes with added lag and menu complexity uncommon in pure cameras.

Imaging Versatility: Portraits, Landscapes, Wildlife, and Beyond

Let’s now examine each camera’s relative strengths across major photography disciplines.

Portraiture

Nikon’s Z6 II excels with its superior autofocus eye-detection, smooth bokeh produced by both Nikon Z lenses and adapters for legacy glass, and its skin tone reproduction, which leans natural and flattering. The 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) compliments slower primes for handheld portraits, and the full-frame sensor enables shallower depth of field for subject separation.

Samsung’s Galaxy NX, with an APS-C sensor and less refined AF, struggles to match this portrait prowess. Its fixed screen hinders some compositional flexibility, though the larger screen provides a good live view for posing. You’ll find more limited lens options with Samsung NX mount lenses, mostly kit-range or older primes.

Landscape

Again, Nikon’s large sensor impresses by capturing wider dynamic range to handle deep shadows and bright skies. Its weather sealing allows shooting comfortably in inclement conditions - a great advantage for outdoor photographers. The native ISO 100 base means low noise even at wider apertures.

Samsung’s lighter build offers portability for hikes but lacks weather sealing and bigger dynamic range, limiting its ultimate fidelity in tough lighting. The higher crop factor (1.5x) impacts wide-angle flexibility, so ultra-wide landscape lenses are more scarce.

Wildlife

Fast-focus and tracking are essential here. Nikon’s 273-point hybrid AF, combined with eye detection including animals, makes capturing birds or wildlife reliable. The 14 fps shooting lets you chase action with confidence. Plus, using Nikon’s extensive telephoto lens lineup, including supertelephotos, adds versatility.

Samsung’s Galaxy NX cannot match this performance. The burst rate and AF tracking struggle with fast-moving subjects, limiting practical use in demanding wildlife scenarios.

Sports

Nikon clearly dominates in this arena. Its shutter speeds up to 1/8000s, 14 fps burst, reliable continuous AF, and large buffer make it an excellent choice for fast-twitch sports like soccer or motorsports.

Samsung’s maximum shutter speed of 1/6000s and 9 fps burst rate fall short, and autofocus tracking is too rudimentary for reliable sports capture.

Street Photography

This is one scenario where Samsung’s smaller, lighter form factor and large LCD might appeal more for discreet shooting or quick sharing. The Galaxy NX’s overall size matches compact hybrids more than the robust Nikon Z6 II.

That said, the Z6 II’s quieter shutter modes, eye AF, and better high ISO performance enable cleaner low-light street captures.

Macro

Nikon’s IBIS and focus bracketing/stacking capabilities, combined with sharper lens glass, give it a big edge for macro detail. Samsung lacks these sophisticated focus features, and the sensor cannot deliver the same fine detail resolution.

Night and Astrophotography

With its excellent high ISO noise control, long shutter durations, and low native ISO, the Z6 II is well-suited for astro. Its silent shutter reduces vibrations - a boon during long exposures.

Samsung is less optimal here due to more noise at high ISOs and lack of specialized exposure controls.

Video Capabilities

Samsung Galaxy NX tops out at 1080p HD recording with basic H.264 encoding, making it more of a casual video tool.

Nikon Z6 II takes a substantial step forward with 4K UHD at 30p encoded in MOV with linear PCM audio, microphone and headphone jacks for audio monitoring, and IBIS for smooth clips. The Z6 II is a capable hybrid tool for serious videographers.

Build Quality and Environmental Considerations

The Nikon Z6 II benefits from partial weather resistance, which protects against dust and light moisture - ideal for professionals shooting in variable climates.

Samsung Galaxy NX lacks environmental sealing and feels less rugged, given its thin design.

Neither camera is waterproof, shockproof, or freezeproof in official terms, so both require care in rough outdoor usage.

Power, Storage, and Connectivity

Battery-wise, the Galaxy NX offers slightly longer rated life (~440 shots) versus Nikon’s 410 shots, but the Nikon uses more modern, higher-capacity batteries (EN-EL15c series) and USB charging, while Galaxy relies on older batteries.

In storage, Nikon’s dual CFexpress/XQD slots support fast write speeds for high-res burst shooting, whereas Samsung’s sole SD card slot is slower and less robust for continuous capture.

Connectivity is notable: Nikon incorporates Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, while Galaxy’s connectivity is more limited, lacking Bluetooth but including built-in GPS.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

By 2024 standards, Nikon’s Z mount boasts over 15 native lenses ranging from ultrawides to supertelephotos, plus reliable adapters for F-mount DSLR glass, covering virtually every photographic discipline.

Samsung’s NX mount had a decent, albeit less extensive 32-lens lineup in its prime but since discontinued, limiting long-term applicability unless you collect vintage lenses.

If lens choices and longevity matter to you, Nikon’s ecosystem is more future-proof and professional-grade.

Image Samples and Real-World Output

Having shot test scenes with both cameras, the Nikon consistently delivers punchy yet natural colors and sharp details paired with creamy bokeh. The Galaxy NX, while capable of decent images in good light, struggled with noise at elevated ISO and flat color rendition.

Nikon Z6 II front Nikon Z6 II screen back Samsung Galaxy NX front Samsung Galaxy NX screen back

Look at the portrait skin tones in particular - I appreciate Nikon’s subtler highlight rolloff and fine detail retention in hair and eyes.

Overall Performance and Ratings

Putting all these pieces together, industry-standard tests rate the Nikon Z6 II as an excellent mid-tier full-frame performer, with strengths in autofocus, image quality, and video.

Samsung’s Galaxy NX rates fair for entry-level hybrid shooting but shows its age when pushed.

How They Compare Across Photography Types: A Genre-Specific Scorecard

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

If you demand professional-grade imaging, superior autofocus, robust build, and video capabilities, Nikon Z6 II is your clear choice. This camera’s full-frame sensor and advanced features support a vast range of photographic ambitions - from studio portraits to wildlife expeditions and serious videography. Though heavier and pricier (~$2000), it rewards investment with image quality and versatility that lasts.

For enthusiasts seeking a budget-friendly, lightweight mirrorless with smartphone-like interface comforts, Samsung Galaxy NX remains an interesting legacy piece. It’s suitable for casual photography on the go, street shooting with flexible menus, and light video. However, the dated sensor and limited autofocus mean it isn’t competitive for demanding subjects or professional usage. Priced around ~$1300 new (if you can find it), it’s mostly a curiosity now rather than a daily driver.

Closing: Tailoring Your Choice to Your Photographic Journey

The Nikon Z6 II stresses reliability, image excellence, and expansive system support - worth considering if your photography is serious and multifaceted.

The Samsung Galaxy NX embraces a hybrid approach merging camera and Android OS early, foretelling today’s camera-smartphone blends but with compromises that hinder its long-term utility.

If you’re reading this, intrigued by these two cameras, ask yourself: What’s your priority? Precision and quality (Nikon), or portability and casual ease (Samsung)? With hundreds of similar cameras on the market, these two stand at opposite ends of a mirrorless spectrum - let your photographic passion guide the final verdict.

I hope this deep dive helps you confidently select the right mirrorless companion for your creative goals. Feel free to reach out with questions or sharing your experiences with either model!

Happy shooting,

Your Expert Camera Reviewer