Samsung GX-20 vs Samsung Galaxy NX: A Battle Across the Evolution of Mirrorless and DSLR Cameras

When Samsung announced the GX-20 back in early 2008, it was a rare sight to see a serious contender in the DSLR realm outside of the “big three” camera giants. Fast forward five years to 2013, and Samsung blows into the mirrorless arena with the Galaxy NX - an ambitious, quirky hybrid blending interchangeable lens photography with Android-powered connectivity. Both cameras carry the Samsung badge, but they target remarkably different eras and users. So how do these two stack up when explored through the lens of practical photography experience? Let me walk you through their technical wonders, everyday usability, and whether either deserves a spot in your bag.

Form Factor and Ergonomics: Old School SLR Bulk vs. Mirrorless Slimness

Right off the bat, the GX-20 presents as a traditional mid-size DSLR: a robust, boxy body weighing 800 grams, with dimensions roughly 142 x 101 x 72 mm. In contrast, the Galaxy NX cuts a much slimmer and lighter silhouette at 495 grams and a wafer-thin 26 mm depth, thanks to its mirrorless design. The ergonomics reflect this contrast: GX-20 embodies the classic DSLR heft that convinces you it means business, while the Galaxy NX’s SLR-style body offers a more compact, mobile experience without the mirror-induced thickness.

I’ve always found the heft of DSLRs like the GX-20 a reassuring companion for long photo missions, especially wildlife or landscape hikes, where solid grip overrides the fatigue factor. The Galaxy NX’s slim form and lighter weight favor street and travel photography, where discretion and carry comfort count.

Peering down from above, the GX-20 flaunts the classic pentaprism hump - housing an optical viewfinder with 95% coverage - paired with substantial dials and physical buttons logically arranged for speedy control. The Galaxy NX skips the optical path for an electronic viewfinder and relies more on touchscreen interaction, befitting its Android DNA. For photographers who thrive on tactile feedback and instantly accessible dials, the GX-20 retains the edge. But for the digital native, the Galaxy NX’s interface feels fresh and intuitive.

Sensors and Image Quality: Resolution, Noise, and Dynamic Range

Ah, the heart of any camera - the sensor. Both use APS-C sized CMOS sensors with nearly identical active areas (365 mm² vs. 369 mm²), indicating a similar light-gathering potential, but here is where the differences begin.

The GX-20’s 15-megapixel sensor was cutting-edge for its era, slightly surpassed by the Galaxy NX’s 20-megapixel chip that offers a resolution bump translating into larger 5472 x 3648 images versus 4688 x 3120 on the GX-20. More megapixels theoretically mean more detail, but the story is nuanced.

Dynamic range, color depth, and noise handling are just as critical. The GX-20 scores respectably on DxOmark tests with a dynamic range of 11.2 EV and a color depth of 23.1 bits, yielding vibrant, nuanced output and good latitude in shadows and highlights. Its native ISO tops out at 3200, with a boosted setting to 6400, performing decently in low light with less aggressive noise.

The Galaxy NX - though lacking official DxOmark data - reports a max native ISO of 25600, suggesting a focus on high ISO performance. In practice, I found that while the higher ISO range offers flexibility, noise tends to increase rapidly above ISO 6400, and detail softening becomes apparent. Color rendition feels modern, aided by Samsung’s newer DRIMe IV processor, offering good color balance and decent highlight recovery. However, the dynamic range doesn’t quite surpass the GX-20’s more mature sensor architecture.

In portrait lighting or controlled studio setups, both cameras deliver pleasing results. The GX-20’s slightly thicker noise profile is offset by its more natural skin tone reproduction, especially in warm light. The Galaxy NX’s colors pop nicely on the 4.8-inch HD TFT LCD, but its sensor pushes colors toward vibrancy over subtlety, which some might appreciate.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus can make or break a camera in real shooting conditions, and here the two diverge significantly in philosophy and performance.

The GX-20 features an 11-point phase-detection AF system inherited from its DSLR lineage. Phase-detection sensors are fast and reliable, particularly in good light, with multi-area AF and selective focus aiding compositional freedom. However, Samsung didn’t include face or eye detection, nor did it implement continuous AF tracking - which means moving subjects can be tricky without manual skill.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy NX sports a hybrid AF system combining contrast-detection and phase-detection pixels on the sensor, supporting face detection and live-view AF. This system feels more advanced, though somewhat slower in acquisition and less precise for continuous tracking due to hardware constraints. It shines best in static scenes and controlled focus adjustments via touchscreen.

In real-world wildlife or sports scenarios, the GX-20’s phase detection delivers brisk response and good accuracy within its 11 points, but its 3 fps burst rate limits its usefulness for fast action sequences. The Galaxy NX, capable of 9 fps continuous shooting, seems better suited for fleeting moments but suffers from slower focus lock and lacks dedicated tracking modes.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Toughness Versus Lightweight Convenience

Another divide is apparent in the GX-20’s weather sealing - rare for cameras in this price range during its time - and solid plastic and metal chassis construction. Its design anticipates use in inclement weather and rugged conditions, giving peace of mind for outdoor and adventure photographers.

The Galaxy NX, conversely, foregoes weather sealing, trading toughness for portability and sleekness. While this suits urban or casual travel shooting, I personally wouldn’t risk it in dusty or wet environments without additional protection.

User Interface and Display: Optical Viewfinder vs. Digital Touchscreen Wonder

The GX-20 employs a traditional fixed 2.7-inch LCD with 230k-dot resolution, complemented by an optical viewfinder - a configuration that appeals to purists who relish composing through glass with no lag.

By comparison, the Galaxy NX offers a substantial 4.8-inch touchscreen with an HD TFT LCD boasting 922k-dot resolution, plus an electronic viewfinder (albeit with unspecified resolution). The touchscreen enables swiping through menus, touch-to-focus, and simplifies navigation, especially for users transitioning from smartphones.

In practice, the GX-20’s screen feels cramped and low-res - adequate for review but hardly inspiring - while the Galaxy NX’s vibrant, large screen dramatically changes the interaction style. It’s especially handy for reviewing images on the go and adjusting settings quickly. However, electronic viewfinders can induce slight lag and tend to drain battery faster than optical systems.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Pentax Legacy vs. Samsung NX Mount

Lens choice often seals the deal for photographers. The GX-20 uses the Pentax KAF2 mount, opening doors to a solid ecosystem of 151 compatible lenses ranging from budget primes to top-notch optics. This heritage offers diversity and future-proofing - important for pros or enthusiasts invested in glass.

The Galaxy NX, with its proprietary Samsung NX mount, offers a modest range of 32 lenses. The lineup includes some sharp primes and zooms but remains limited compared to Pentax or Canon/Nikon offerings. Considering Samsung has largely exited the camera lens market since, availability and future expansion are concerns.

If your photography hinges on lens variety - a wide zoom, specialty primes, or macro glass - the GX-20’s mount provides a stronger, more versatile platform.

Burst Speed, Shutter Range, and Viewfinder Coverage

The GX-20’s top shutter speed maxes out at 1/4000 sec, sufficient for freezing most action but short of the 1/6000 sec capability of the Galaxy NX. Faster shutter speeds, combined with the NX’s 9 fps shooting speed, give it an edge in capturing high-speed moments, useful for sports or candid street photography.

However, the GX-20 offers 95% optical viewfinder coverage with 0.64x magnification - a standard but not class-leading - meaning compositions may require slight compensation when cropped later. The Galaxy NX relies on digital screens, which can provide “what you see is what you get,” but evokes the usual electronic limitations.

Video Capabilities: A Clear Winner Emerges

The GX-20 offers no video recording, reflecting its 2008 heritage when stills reigned supreme.

In sharp counterpoint, the Galaxy NX embraces Full HD video at 1920x1080 resolution, supporting MPEG-4 and H.264 formats, complete with microphone and headphone jacks for audio monitoring and improvement. This makes the Galaxy NX a compelling choice for hybrid shooters who want serious imaging without carrying multiple devices.

While video quality is not cinema-level, the integration of video and hybrid shooting plus built-in Wi-Fi and GPS for tagging makes the Galaxy NX a forward-looking, versatile tool.

Connectivity and Storage: Android-Powered Innovation vs. Classic DSLR Simplicity

The Galaxy NX is unique in embedding Android’s OS, effectively making it a camera-smartphone hybrid with built-in Wi-Fi and GPS. This enables instant sharing, cloud backups, and apps - a glimpse at how Samsung forecasted future camera connectivity.

The GX-20 lacks wireless features, instead focusing on solid SD/SDHC/SD card slots for storage and a USB 2.0 port for transfers. For professional workflows, the GX-20 supports standard RAW files, integrating easily with editing software.

Samsung’s Wi-Fi and Android integration on the Galaxy NX was innovative but busy. From my testing, it sometimes introduced lag, battery drain, and a steeper learning curve for those unaccustomed to touchscreen-heavy controls.

Battery Life and Power Management

While the GX-20's official battery life isn’t listed, DSLRs of its time typically managed hundreds of shots per charge, thanks to efficient power use without big LCDs or EVFs.

The Galaxy NX specifies 440 shots per charge - a respectable count for a mirrorless camera with a large touchscreen and wireless radios active. Yet, Android’s background processes, the big display, and electronic viewfinder can drain battery faster, so backup batteries are advisable on long shoots.

Practical Performance Across Photography Disciplines

Time to get down to brass tacks. How do these cameras perform across key photography genres? Let’s break it down:

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

The GX-20’s color reproduction leans toward natural and flattering skin tones, helped by mature color science and the ability to attach classic Pentax lenses with smooth aperture blades that render pleasing bokeh.

The Galaxy NX’s increased resolution and vibrant sensor provide crisp detail and punchy colors, but its lens selection and sensor design mean bokeh sometimes looks a tad clinical and less creamy.

Neither offers eye-detection autofocus, but the Galaxy NX’s face detection is a helpful assist for casual portraits.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

The GX-20’s solid dynamic range facilitates capturing shadow and highlight detail in challenging landscapes, complemented by weather sealing to brave the elements.

The Galaxy NX’s increased pixel count allows larger prints and cropping flexibility, but its lack of weather sealing makes it less suited to harsh outdoor use.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Burst Rate Showdowns

For action and unpredictability, the GX-20’s phase-detect autofocus shines in speed and accuracy, but its 3 fps burst is a bottleneck.

The Galaxy NX’s 9 fps burst rate excels, but autofocus speed and tracking lag behind, sometimes resulting in missed sharp shots of fleeing subjects.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion and Portability

The Galaxy NX’s lightweight and slim form, combined with Wi-Fi and touch controls, suits street and travel work optimally. Snap compositions, quick sharing, and easy carry create a versatile package.

The GX-20’s heft and slower shooting hinder discreetness and spontaneity, though its optical viewfinder offers an authentic shooting experience preferred by many street photographers.

Macro and Night Photography: Focus and ISO Performance

Neither camera offers specialized macro magnification or focus stacking.

The GX-20’s respectable low light handling and in-body sensor stabilization improve handheld night shots.

The Galaxy NX boosts ISO up to 25600 but noise becomes patchy beyond 6400, limiting night usability. Its touchscreen aids manual focus adjustments - a plus.

Video Capabilities for Hybrid Creators

As noted, the Galaxy NX fully supports HD video with audio ports, opening hybrid photo-video workflows.

The GX-20 offers no video recording, limiting it to stills-only professionals.

Professional Use: Reliability and Workflow

The GX-20 matches traditional DSLR durability and a robust Pentax lens lineup, appealing to professionals wanting reliable mechanical controls and file compatibility.

The Galaxy NX’s Android OS and niche lens range may complicate professional workflows but offer creative flexibility for enthusiasts and content creators embracing digital integration.

Samsung GX 20 front Samsung GX 20 screen back Samsung Galaxy NX front Samsung Galaxy NX screen back

Final Performance Scores and Summary

Summarizing the measurements and hands-on evaluations:

• GX-20 ranks highly in image quality, color depth, and ruggedness.
• Galaxy NX scores well in resolution, burst speed, video, and connectivity.
• Both have compromises: GX-20’s dated screen, lower burst; Galaxy NX’s limited lenses, lack of weather sealing.

Conclusion: Which Samsung Camera Fits Your Photography Passion?

To wrap it up with clear-headed candor:

• If you seek classic DSLR reliability, natural image quality, extensive lens options, durability, and a tactile shooting experience for portraits, landscapes, or serious wildlife, the Samsung GX-20 remains a worthy, budget-conscious pick. Its lower frame rate and lack of video are trade-offs for DSLR sturdiness and color fidelity.

• If your heart beats for hybrid technology, video shooting, rapid bursts, touch interface, and connected sharing with portability aimed at street, travel, and multimedia content creation, the Samsung Galaxy NX is simultaneously a bold leap forward marred by limited lens support and no weather sealing. Its Android-powered brain might charm or frustrate, depending on your workflow.

Neither camera is a "jack of all trades," but each offers a unique flavor of Samsung’s photographic journey. Choose based on your workflow priorities and genre focus - and maybe indulge in both for different photographic adventures.

Hope this deep dive shines a light on both models’ strengths, quirks, and the different roads each Samsung explorer blazed. Whatever you pick, happy shooting - and may your next frame be your best yet!