Nikon Z8 vs Samsung NX20: The Definitive Mirrorless Camera Showdown for 2024

When it comes to narrowing down your next camera purchase, it’s easy to get lost in the tech specs and marketing jargon cluttering the internet. Having tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, I can tell you that the best choice isn’t always the fanciest box on the block - it’s the camera that fits your style, workflow, and budget like a glove. Today, I’m diving into the head-to-head comparison of two very different mirrorless cameras that span over a decade and vastly different tech generations: the Nikon Z8, a 2023 professional-grade powerhouse, and the Samsung NX20, Samsung’s 2012 advanced mirrorless model that appeals to budget-conscious enthusiasts and legacy shooters.

I’ll walk you through the nitty-gritty of how these cameras perform across the key photography disciplines - portraits, landscapes, wildlife, action, and more - and explore their technical makeup, user experience, and value propositions. Whether you’re a working pro or an aspiring hobbyist hunting for a versatile camera, I’ll help you break down what each machine truly brings to the table. Let’s jump in.

Size, Build & Ergonomics: Handling the Cameras in Real Life

First impressions are crucial. Shooting for hours on end demands a camera body that feels comfortable and intuitive in your hands. The Nikon Z8 and Samsung NX20 approach this very differently, as you'd expect from a decade of technological leaps and evolving design philosophies.

Nikon Z8: Sporting a robust SLR-style mirrorless chassis, the Nikon Z8 weighs in at 910g (nearly 2 pounds) and measures 144x119x83mm. This camera was designed to be a professional workhorse. It’s built with magnesium alloy and features full environmental sealing - dust and moisture protection that lets you push your photography in harsh conditions without a second thought. The grip is generous, with rubberized surfaces and intuitive button placements geared toward quick, one-handed adjustments during fast-paced shoots.

Samsung NX20: A lighter and smaller APS-C mirrorless camera at just 341g and 122x90x40mm, the NX20’s compact size appeals to travelers and street shooters alike. The body is plastic-based, reflecting its enthusiast-level positioning and modest price point from the early 2010s. However, it still offers a fairly comfortable hand grip for smaller hands, although if you have “clubs for thumbs” like me, prolonged shooting sessions might get tiring. Also, unlike the Z8, it lacks environmental sealing - not ideal for outdoor adventures in tough weather.

While the Z8 aims for rugged professional use, the NX20 carves out a niche as a portable, lightweight alternative for everyday photography.

Top Deck: Controls and User Interface in the Heat of the Moment

Control layout can make or break how quickly you capture the decisive moment during a shoot. Experience tells me that a well-thought-out interface is just as important as sensors and lenses.

The Nikon Z8 features a “clubs for thumbs” friendly control cluster with fully customizable dials, dedicated buttons for ISO, white balance, and exposure compensation, plus an illuminated top LCD panel for at-a-glance status checks. The body smartly places joystick AF selectors, AF mode buttons, and a tilting touchscreen that responds crisply to commands. This layout reflects Nikon’s decade-long user feedback and expertise in professional ergonomics.

On the other hand, the Samsung NX20’s controls are more basic. It includes a mode dial, a small secondary command dial, and traditional buttons for exposure adjustments. The tilting fully articulating OLED screen is great for video and creative angles but lacks touchscreen functionality. Thinking of live view focusing? You’ll manually have to press buttons instead of tapping the screen. This interface was ahead of its time in 2012 but can feel a bit clunky by today’s standards.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Let’s dig deeper into the sensor specs, which directly influence image detail, dynamic range, and low-light performance - critical areas for discerning photographers.

• Nikon Z8 boasts a full-frame stacked CMOS sensor, measuring 35.9 x 23.9mm with an impressive 46 megapixels. This large sensor area (858.01 mm²) brings exceptional sharpness and delivers beautiful bokeh in portraits with its native wide apertures. The stacked design means faster readout speeds, reducing rolling shutter and improving autofocus tracking. DxOMark rates it with a stellar overall score of 98 - nearly the pinnacle for mirrorless cameras.

• Samsung NX20 carries a much smaller APS-C CMOS sensor (23.5 x 15.7mm), offering a 20-megapixel resolution. For its time, it was solid, but the smaller size limits performance, especially in low light and dynamic range. DxOMark score is a modest 75, with color depth and dynamic range notably behind the Nikon.

For photographers invested in pixel-peeping, large prints, or expansive cropping, the Nikon Z8’s sensor clearly leads. However, the NX20 still produces decent 20MP images suited for online use and moderate print sizes.

Viewing & Composing: EVF and LCD Screen Comparison

Framing your shot accurately is non-negotiable, particularly for fast-moving subjects or tricky light.

The Nikon Z8 sports a 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen LCD with 2,089k dots and a 0.8x magnification electronic viewfinder (EVF) sporting 3.68 million dots. This translates into a crisp, bright, and immersive framing experience with near-100% coverage - an absolute staple when working professionally or in demanding light. The touchscreen interface streamlines AF point selection and menu navigation.

Samsung NX20 features a 3.0-inch fully articulating OLED screen at 614k dots. While the OLED panel delivers punchy colors and good contrast, it lacks touchscreen support, which slows operation. Its EVF has a lower magnification of 0.7x, and the resolution is unspecified, likely less detailed than the Nikon. Given the smaller budget and older design, this level was a strong selling point in 2012 but feels restricted by today's standard.

Autofocus Technology: Keeping Your Subjects Pin-Sharp

Autofocus (AF) systems have seen some of the fastest innovation in the camera world, and the Nikon Z8’s advances are substantial compared to the NX20.

The Nikon Z8 features a whopping 493 autofocus points covering wide areas of the frame, combining on-sensor phase detection and contrast-detection focusing. It includes eye and animal eye AF, with continuous tracking at 30 frames per second - ideal for demanding wildlife and sports photography. Its AF system is lightning fast and remarkably reliable even under low light or complex scenes.

Samsung’s NX20 has 15 contrast-detection AF points without phase detection, resulting in slower, less confident autofocus performance, especially in continuous mode or lower light situations. It also lacks expanded eye detection or subject tracking technologies found in modern cameras.

In real-world testing, the Nikon Z8 easily nails focus on playful kids, elusive birds in flight, or gritty action sports, while the NX20 demands a steady hand and patience - great for deliberate shooting but not suited to hustle-and-bustle scenarios.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speed: Capturing Split-Second Action

For sports and wildlife photographers, continuous shooting rates and shutter speed range are vital.

The Nikon Z8 cheerfully fires off 30 frames per second at full resolution, thanks to its stacked sensor and high-speed processor. The electronic shutter can reach speeds up to 1/32000s for freezing motion in bright daylight or producing ethereal motion blur creatively.

The Samsung NX20 shoots at a maximum of 8 fps, respectable for its class at the time but wholly eclipsed by modern competitors. Its mechanical shutter tops out at 1/8000s with no silent shutter option.

For those fast-action genres, the Z8 clearly wins, offering professionals the muscle they demand to never miss a fleeting moment.

Video Capabilities: Are They Game Changers?

Nowadays, hybrid photo/video cameras are the norm. Let’s see how these two stack up.

The Nikon Z8 is a video beast: 8K/30p recording with professional codecs (ProRes, H.265), up to 4K/120p slow-motion capture, and excellent in-body 5-axis image stabilization. It offers 10-bit 4:2:2 output, headphone and mic ports, allowing precise monitoring and audio control. A filmmaker’s dream right out of the box.

Samsung NX20 maxes out at 1080p/30p with MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs. It includes a microphone port but no headphone jack, limited internal stabilization, and no 4K support. Video grabbers for fun casual clips, but nothing approaching cinematic quality or professional workflow integration.

Battery Life & Storage: Staying Power When It Counts

Battery endurance affects shooting in remote locations and long events.

The Nikon Z8 uses the EN-EL15c battery, rated at roughly 330 shots per charge - decent for a high-performance full-frame but less than some rivals. It supports USB-C charging and dual card slots: one CFexpress Type B and one UHS-II SD slot, offering flexibility and ample storage speed for high-bitrate video and fast burst shooting.

The Samsung NX20’s older BP1130 battery pushes through about 360 shots per charge, surprisingly comparable given its lighter processing demands, but the aging battery likely degrades after years. It has a single SD card slot (SD/SDHC/SDXC), fine for casual shooters but a limiting factor for pros shooting high volumes.

Lens Ecosystem & Compatibility: What Glass Can You Use?

Lens choice significantly shapes your photographic options.

Nikon’s Z-mount system includes approximately 46 native lenses, with superb optics covering ultra-wide, macro, telephoto, primes, and specialty lenses. Compatibility with F-mount lenses through adapters adds thousands more, making the Z8 highly adaptable for any genre.

Samsung NX lenses number around 32 native options, solid for standard zooms, primes, and some telephoto, but far fewer specialty lenses exist since the system was discontinued. Adaptation is limited.

If lens versatility and future-proofing matter, Nikon’s Z system hands-down takes the cake.

Specialties: How They Perform Across Photography Genres

Let’s dissect how these cameras fare in key real-world use cases.

Portrait Photography

• Nikon Z8: Excellent skin tone rendering thanks to high color depth and dynamic range, smooth background separation from full-frame sensor, plus powerful eye-detection AF for tack-sharp portraits.
• Samsung NX20: Decent color, but smaller sensor limits bokeh quality; slower AF makes catching fleeting expressions harder.

Landscape Photography

• Z8’s 46MP resolution and exceptional dynamic range (14.2 EV) capture fine detail from shadows to highlights. Environmental sealing allows shooting in inclement weather.
• NX20 suffers from lower resolution and DR (12.9 EV), plus no sealing, requiring care in the field.

Wildlife Photography

• Tight focusing with 493 AF points and 30 fps burst gives Z8 decisive edge.
• NX20's 15 AF points and 8 fps can lag on fast subjects.

Sports Photography

• Tracking is stellar on Z8.
• NX20 would struggle keeping up with fast action, especially indoors or low light.

Street Photography

• NX20 wins small size, discreetness, and lighter build.
• Z8 is bulkier but offers rapid capture speed and superior IQ when size isn’t a concern.

Macro Photography

• Z8’s stabilization and high resolution yield razor-sharp close-ups.
• NX20 OK for casual macro but autofocus and stabilization limited.

Night / Astro Photography

• Z8 shines with native ISO extending to 102,400, low noise, and excellent exposure controls.
• NX20 max ISO 12,800 falls short under dark skies.

Video Creation

• Z8’s 8K and 4K slow-mo modes deliver professional video.
• NX20 good for casual Full HD clips only.

Travel Photography

• NX20 lightweight and compact for carry-easy, but limited functionality.
• Z8 heavier but versatile all-in-one.

Professional Work

• Z8 built for pro workflows, with dual slots, wide file format support, and reliability.
• NX20 better as a backup or beginner camera.

Connectivity: Wired and Wireless Options

The Nikon Z8 features built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5, USB 3.2, and full-sized HDMI. This ensures fast image transfer, remote control options, and easy integration to modern workflows.

Samsung NX20, developed in 2012, offers built-in Wi-Fi but lacks Bluetooth and uses USB 2.0 - a bottle-neck for speedy file transfers.

Pricing & Value: What You Get for Your Money

The Nikon Z8 retails around $3999, which places it firmly in the professional tier. It commands premium pricing, reflecting high-end specs, build quality, and features. It’s a great investment if you need cutting-edge performance and future-proofing.

The Samsung NX20, priced at roughly $1100 new back then (more affordable on second-hand markets now), offered excellent value for advanced enthusiasts and those stepping up from entry-level cameras but won’t compete on performance today.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Nikon Z8 front Nikon Z8 screen back Samsung NX20 front Samsung NX20 screen back

Which Camera Is Right for You?

Choose the Nikon Z8 if you:

• Are a professional photographer or serious enthusiast needing top-tier image quality.
• Want advanced AF tracking for wildlife, sports, or fast action.
• Need professional video capabilities like 8K or 4K slow motion.
• Value environmental sealing and rugged build quality.
• Require access to a broad, modern lens ecosystem.
• Can justify a $4000 investment for future-proof technology.

Choose the Samsung NX20 if you:

• Are a beginner or enthusiast on a moderate budget/buying second-hand.
• Want a compact, lightweight camera for travel or casual street photography.
• Can work with modest AF speed and older technology specs.
• Prioritize easy controls and a bright OLED screen for casual shooting.
• Are content shooting Full HD video and lower resolution images.
• Prefer a simple system without overwhelming bells and whistles.

Final Thoughts and Personal Recommendation

Having spent extensive time with the Nikon Z8 in challenging professional settings, I can attest to its formidable prowess - it delivers crisp imagery, lightning-fast autofocus, and a video feature set that any hybrid creator would admire. If you demand reliability, versatility, and cutting-edge tech, it’s hard to look past the Z8.

Conversely, handling the Samsung NX20 brought back memories of the fun and thrill of shooting during mirrorless’s early modern days. It remains a solid budget-friendly option (especially for entry-level users or collectors) but doesn’t meet the speed, versatility, or image quality expected today.

So, if you want a camera to grow with your skills, invest in the Nikon Z8. But if you’re a hobbyist on a budget or want a compact secondary camera for travel and street photography, the NX20 still has charm and usability.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to ask any specific questions about these cameras or other gear insights - I’m here to help you make a solid choice that suits your photography journey.