Pentax X90 vs Samsung NX20

Below, we will be evaluating the Pentax X90 and Samsung NX20, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by rivals Pentax and Samsung. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the X90 (12MP) and NX20 (20MP) and the X90 (1/2.3") and NX20 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor measurements.

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The X90 was manufactured 21 months prior to the NX20 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. The two cameras come with different body type with the Pentax X90 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Samsung NX20 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the X90 scores versus the NX20 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax X90 and Samsung NX20. The entire galleries are available at Pentax X90 Gallery and Samsung NX20 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera frequently, you are going to need to consider its weight and measurements. The Pentax X90 comes with external measurements of 111mm x 85mm x 110mm (4.4" x 3.3" x 4.3") along with a weight of 428 grams (0.94 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX20 has proportions of 122mm x 90mm x 40mm (4.8" x 3.5" x 1.6") with a weight of 341 grams (0.75 lbs).

Analyze the Pentax X90 and Samsung NX20 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is the front view size comparison of the X90 vs the NX20.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the X90 and NX20 is 69 and 83 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing just by checking specifications. The graphic below should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the X90 and NX20.

Plainly, both of those cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The X90 featuring a tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF more challenging and the Samsung NX20 will give you more detail due to its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs much more aggressively. The older X90 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.