Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5 vs Samsung NX20: In-Depth Camera Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing your next advanced mirrorless camera can feel overwhelming, especially with diverse options from brands like Ricoh and Samsung. Today, we dive deep into two notable APS-C mirrorless cameras from the early 2010s - the Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5 and the Samsung NX20. Both cameras offer unique designs, features, and imaging qualities suited for different creative workflows. Drawing from thorough hands-on testing and technical analysis, we’ll explore their strengths, weaknesses, and practical suitability across multiple photography disciplines.

Bringing It All Together: Form Factor and Handling

First impressions matter. When you pick up the cameras, the Ricoh GXR presents a compact, rangefinder-style design focusing on simplicity and portability. The Samsung NX20 adopts an SLR-style body that, while bulkier, offers extensive control features within a traditional DSLR-like grip.

• Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12:

  • Compact size: 113 x 70 x 56 mm, weighing only 140g
  • Minimalist ergonomics tailored for quick street shooting or travel
  • Fixed 28mm lens integrated into the body - no lens changes, but ensures optimal image quality and compactness

• Samsung NX20:

  • Larger body footprint: 122 x 90 x 40 mm, weighing 341g
  • Robust grip and SLR styling for better one-handed stability in fast shooting
  • Interchangeable Samsung NX lens mount with a wide native lens selection (32 lenses)

Ergonomically, the NX20 scores in terms of handling for extended shoots and heavier lenses, ideal for wildlife or sports photography. Meanwhile, the Ricoh’s minimalist design shines in unapologetically portable scenarios like street or travel photography.

Intuitive Control and Interface

Both cameras offer full manual control, but their approach reflects their design philosophies:

• Ricoh GXR:

  • Rangefinder-style controls with dedicated mode dials for shutter/aperture priority and manual shooting
  • No touchscreen or articulating screen; fixed 3-inch TFT LCD (~920k dots)
  • Electronic viewfinder is optional and sold separately, limiting framing choices in bright light

• Samsung NX20:

  • DSLR-style top plate with dedicated dials and buttons for ISO, exposure compensation, and drive modes
  • Fully articulating 3-inch OLED screen (614k dots) great for shooting high or low angles and selfies
  • Built-in electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.7x magnification

The NX20’s comprehensive control layout and flexible display significantly benefit photographers who want quick access to settings without menu diving. Ricoh’s straightforward design appeals more to photographers who prioritize simplicity and minimal distraction.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of Your Photos

Under the hood, sensor performance hugely influences image quality. Both cameras house APS-C sensors but with notable differences:

The Samsung NX20’s 20MP sensor is a clear advantage for image resolution, delivering sharper, more detailed images ideal for landscape and print work. Its higher ISO ceiling and better dynamic range open more creative latitude for shooting in low light and high-contrast scenes.

The Ricoh GXR, though older and lower resolution, produces sharp images especially paired with its dedicated GR Lens 28mm F2.5, known for excellent optical performance. However, its limited maximum ISO of 3200 can be restrictive for night or indoor photography.

In practical terms, if you prioritize resolution and versatility in varied lighting, the NX20 holds an edge. The GXR suits photographers valuing compactness and optical precision in a fixed lens system.

The Viewing Experience: Screens and Viewfinders

In-field composition is impacted heavily by screen and viewfinder quality:

• Ricoh GXR:

  • Fixed TFT LCD with reasonable brightness but no touch or articulation
  • Optional external electronic viewfinder with unspecified resolution - not included by default
  • May challenge framing in bright light due to lack of built-in EVF

• Samsung NX20:

  • 3-inch fully articulating AMOLED with vibrant color and wide viewing angles
  • Built-in EVF with good magnification and coverage aids precise manual focusing and framing outdoors
  • Interface provides easy menu navigation and quick info overlays

For photographers who frequently shoot in tricky light or require varying angles, the NX20’s screen and viewfinder configuration offer tangible workflow advantages.

Focusing Systems: Locking Clarity on Every Shot

Autofocus precision and speed are critical, especially in wildlife, sports, or street photography:

Both cameras lack phase-detection AF, which limits tracking for fast-moving subjects - a downside for serious action photographers.

The NX20 includes 15 AF points compared to Ricoh’s unspecified count but probable fewer focusing areas, offering more compositional flexibility. Both cameras perform reliably in daylight but struggle in low contrast or dim environments.

If autofocus speed and tracking are top priorities, neither camera satisfies professional sports or wildlife demands fully but the NX20's larger AF system provides a modest edge.

Burst Shooting and Performance for Action

For capturing motion and decisive moments:

• Ricoh GXR: 5 fps continuous shooting, max shutter speed 1/3200 sec
• Samsung NX20: 8 fps continuous shooting, max shutter speed 1/8000 sec

The NX20 supports a faster burst rate and higher shutter speeds which help freeze fast action and increase shooting flexibility.

Video Capabilities: Motion Meets Still Imaging

For hybrid shooters who also want good video:

The Samsung NX20 clearly leads in video resolution and recording flexibility. It can shoot full HD 1080p video with superior codecs, supports an external microphone (essential for quality audio capture), and benefits from its articulating screen to ease framing video shots.

Ricoh’s video offerings are basic and more suited as an auxiliary feature. If video is part of your content creation, the NX20 is a better fit.

Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5 screen back Samsung NX20 front Samsung NX20 screen back

Real-World Image Quality: What You’ll Actually Shoot

During side-by-side field tests, the NX20 impresses with sharper 20MP files showing excellent detail and vibrant colors. Landscape shots display great dynamic range, preserving shadow and highlight detail. Portrait images reveal smooth skin tones and pleasant bokeh with appropriate lenses.

The Ricoh GXR’s 12MP output offers a classic rendering style with pleasing color accuracy, particularly well-suited for street and documentary photography at 28mm equivalent focal length. Bokeh is controlled but less pronounced due to the F2.5 aperture and focal length.

Both cameras produce clean images at base ISO, but under low light, NX20 produces usable files at 3200 - 6400 ISO, whereas the GXR becomes noticeably noisier past ISO 1600.

Weather Resistance and Build Quality

Neither camera is weather-sealed, dustproof, or freezeproof, so they are best handled under fair conditions or with added protection in harsh environments.

• Ricoh's metal body has a premium feel despite small size.
• NX20 feels robust with a well-engineered grip and button layout for stability during intense usage.

Performance Scores Summary

Combining technical measurements and hands-on results, a simplified scorecard reflects their overall strengths:

How They Stack Up Across Photography Genres

Other Technical Essentials to Consider

• Storage: Both use SD cards; Samsung supports SDXC for higher capacity.
• Wireless Connectivity: NX20 includes built-in Wi-Fi (helpful for quick image transfers), GXR offers no wireless features.
• Battery Life: NX20 provides slightly longer battery performance (~360 shots vs 320 shots).
• Lens Ecosystem: NX20 has a distinct advantage with 32 lenses spanning wide, telephoto, macro, and primes. Ricoh GXR’s fixed module system restricts options severely.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Who should consider the Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5?

• You want a highly compact, simple camera focused on street and travel photography.
• You prefer a sharp, fast fixed prime lens that’s ready right out of the box.
• Image quality at 12MP with solid color accuracy meets your needs.
• Video is secondary, and you prioritize portability over versatility.
• You want a camera built for discreet, quiet shooting and minimal fuss.

Who should lean towards the Samsung NX20?

• You desire more flexibility and higher image resolution for landscapes, portraits, and wildlife.
• You want interchangeable lens options with telephoto and macro for diverse photography.
• Video is part of your creative mix; the articulating screen and mic input are assets.
• You shoot action or sports and benefit from faster burst rates.
• You appreciate the classic DSLR feel for grip and control.
• Built-in Wi-Fi and full HD video suit hybrid shooters and vloggers.

Expanding Your Creativity

Getting the most from either camera means exploring complementary gear. For the GXR, you’ll consider investing in the optional electronic viewfinder and possibly additional lens modules (though limited). For the NX20, the rich native lens line means experimenting across focal lengths - from wide-angle landscapes to tight wildlife shots.

Buying used or discounted models today can offer exciting value for budget-conscious photographers wanting to explore APS-C mirrorless offerings with proven quality.

A Personal Note from Our Testing Experience

Having tested thousands of cameras, including legacy mirrorless systems like these, the Ricoh GXR series remains a niche but beloved tool for enthusiasts craving minimalist precision. Conversely, the Samsung NX line showcases how consumer mirrorless came of age with flexible features and increased creative freedom.

Your best choice depends heavily on your photography priorities and shooting style. Trying each camera firsthand or renting can reveal which ergonomics and image rendering speak most directly to your creative voice.

In summary: For compact simplicity and street-ready form, Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 stands out. For all-around performance, richer features, and future-proof versatility, Samsung NX20 gives you more tools to grow.

Embark on your photographic journey with either, armed with knowledge that makes every shot count. Check out sample images, handle cameras in person, and find the right accessories to turn vision into visible art.

Happy shooting!

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