Samsung GX-20 vs Sony QX1

Samsung GX-20 vs. Sony QX1: A Deep Dive into Two Unique APS-C Cameras

As a photography gear reviewer who's personally tested thousands of cameras over more than 15 years, it’s always fascinating to pit two very differently designed systems against each other - even when they share the same sensor format. The Samsung GX-20 DSLR and the Sony QX1 lens-style camera are both APS-C shooters but hail from distinct eras and philosophies in camera making. I’ve spent weeks thoroughly shooting with both, analyzing their outputs, handling, and tech under diverse conditions, and in this article, I’m sharing a detailed comparison that goes beyond spec sheets to help you understand which one might suit your style, budget, and photographic aspirations.

Seeing Them Side by Side: Size, Handling, and Build

At first glance, these cameras couldn't be more different in form factor.

The Samsung GX-20 is a classic mid-size DSLR, built like a tank with solid weather resistance - a feature I particularly appreciate when shooting landscape or wildlife in challenging conditions. Its robust magnesium-alloy chassis offers me confidence against dust and rain, though it isn't fully waterproof. The weight of 800 grams (body only) gives a reassuring heft that balances nicely with the hefty Pentax KAF2 lenses often used on it.

In contrast, the Sony QX1 feels like a curious invention - a lens-style camera designed to be controlled wirelessly via a smartphone. It weighs just 216 grams and resembles a thick lens barrel more than a traditional camera. It slips easily into a jacket pocket or bag without bulk. But this radical minimalism means you lose the physical buttons and a viewfinder, which will absolutely affect your shooting experience - something I’ll return to.

Both approaches have their merits. The GX-20 feels more deliberate and tactile; the QX1 practically disappears into your gear loadout, emphasizing portability and connectivity. Your handling preferences may tip the scales decisively here.

Controls and User Interface: Tactile vs. Touch

One of the defining experiences when using the GX-20 is its dedicated physical dials and buttons, including a top LCD screen showing key exposure settings. There’s an undeniable pleasure in manipulating its exposure compensation dial, shutter speed knob, and dedicated buttons for ISO and shooting modes. As a photographer deeply entrenched in manual control, this offers me quick, precise operation - essential in fast-changing situations like events or wildlife.

The Sony QX1, being lens-style without any on-board display, relies entirely on a smartphone or tablet interface. Its touchscreen autofocus and exposure controls live within the Sony Imaging Edge Mobile app. While touch interfaces are highly intuitive in many respects, I did sometimes miss the immediacy of physical controls, especially when shooting rapidly or in bright daylight outdoors, where smartphone screen visibility can become a nuisance.

The QX1’s lack of a top plate or viewfinder means it has no eye-level shooting; you frame solely on your phone’s screen. This affects composure and ergonomics, particularly for street or sports shooters who rely on minimal distraction.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: A Battle of Resolution and Raw Potential

Both cameras sport APS-C CMOS sensors with roughly similar dimensions (Samsung’s slightly larger at 23.4x15.6mm versus Sony’s 23.2x15.4mm). But their sensor resolutions differ: the GX-20’s 15MP vs. the QX1’s 20MP, which translates to higher potential detail capture and larger files on the Sony.

I subjected raw files from both cameras to DxO’s benchmarking stats and hands-on tests in the lab. The Samsung GX-20 scores 68 overall on DxOmark with solid color depth (23.1 bits) and a respectable dynamic range (11.2 EV at base ISO). Its low-light performance peaks around ISO 700, which is decent for its time.

The Sony QX1 hasn’t been officially tested on DxO, but from my own testing, it performs admirably at high ISOs thanks to its advanced Bionz X image processor and back-illuminated sensor design. Native ISO extends to 16000 (vs. 3200 max native on Samsung), making it more versatile in challenging lighting.

Color depth and dynamic range are better on the QX1 due to newer sensor technology, which translates into more latitude in post-processing, especially beneficial for landscape photographers who require subtle detail in shadows and highlights.

Viewfinder and Screen: Critical for Composition

The GX-20 uses an optical pentaprism viewfinder with 95% frame coverage and 0.64x magnification. While not perfect, it provides an accurate, lag-free view for precise framing and autofocus lock. Its fixed 2.7” rear LCD is modest in resolution (230k dots) but adequate for reviewing shots.

The Sony QX1, conversely, has no built-in screen or viewfinder. You depend fully on a tethered smartphone or tablet screen via Wi-Fi connection. While this can give you a larger, high-res preview, it introduces lag and potential connectivity hiccups, which can frustrate action or street photographers. It also means you need to carry your phone and keep it app-open to use the camera - something to consider for those wanting an all-in-one device.

For me, relying solely on a smartphone screen detracts from the immediacy and focus of traditional photography though it opens interesting artistic possibilities when combined with app-based controls and post-capture sharing.

Performance Under Various Photography Genres

After testing both in multiple real-world scenarios, here’s how they stack up across popular photography needs.

Portraiture: Skin Tones and Eye Detection

The GX-20 offers solid image quality and pleasing color rendition straight from the sensor. Its 11-point phase-detection autofocus system, while somewhat dated, reliably handles static portrait subjects when paired with quality primes - especially Pentax lenses known for smooth bokeh.

The QX1, benefiting from 20MP detail and contrast-detection autofocus with face detection, excels in identifying faces and locking focus swiftly in controlled lighting. The tactile advantage of touchscreen AF point placement helps in precise focusing on eyes, an important detail for portraits.

However, neither camera provides the sophisticated eye-autofocus technologies modern mirrorless cameras boast, so subjects benefit from deliberate focusing and patience in use.

Landscape: Dynamic Range and Weatherproofing

The GX-20’s weather sealing is a real asset for outdoor landscape photographers who often work in challenging weather. Its robust build allows confident shooting in rain or dusty environments.

While the QX1 is compact and lightweight for travel landscapes, it lacks environmental sealing, demanding more care in adverse weather.

The QX1’s higher resolution and wider dynamic range give a clear edge in capturing fine detail - especially when shooting in RAW and processing with modern software tools.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Burst Shooting

With an 11-point phase-detection AF and 3 FPS burst shooting, the GX-20 offers adequate - but not stellar - performance for wildlife and sports. It’s suitable for enthusiasts who prefer deliberate shooting rather than rapid-fire sequences.

The QX1 edges ahead slightly with 4 FPS continuous shooting and an autofocus system suited for live view via the smartphone display, though lacking continuous AF tracking limits its use for fast-paced action.

Neither camera competes with today’s professional sports cameras, but for casual wildlife or sports photography where portability is key, QX1’s lighter weight and wireless control offer interesting benefits, albeit at the cost of slower AF tracking.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion and Versatility

Here the QX1 shines thanks to its minimal profile and wireless operation. I found it easy to carry, unobtrusive, and quick to bring out for candid moments when coupled with a smartphone.

The GX-20’s bulk and noisier shutter make it less suited for discreet street shooting but more comfortable for extended travel sessions where versatility and weather sealing come into play.

Battery life is also better on the QX1, rated at approximately 440 shots vs. the unspecified but less efficient GX-20. Sony’s use of the NP-FW50 battery makes for easy spares.

Macro and Night Photography

Neither camera has specialized macro capabilities such as autofocus stacking or extreme magnification. Both rely heavily on compatible lenses, and here the Pentax KAF2 lens ecosystem is extensive.

For night and astrophotography, the QX1’s higher ISO ceiling and better low-light noise management lend it an advantage, though long exposures and low shutter speeds require sturdy tripods for both.

Video Capabilities

The GX-20 does not offer video recording, which might be a deal-breaker for those wanting hybrid stills and video.

The QX1 supports Full HD 1080p at 30fps in MPEG-4 format, though lacks microphone/headphone jacks or advanced codec options - thus suitable only for casual video shooters.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

The Samsung GX-20 uses the Pentax KAF2 mount, which boasts around 151 compatible lenses still widely available - both new and used - from affordable primes to high-end zooms and macro lenses.

The Sony QX1 employs the Sony E mount, which has exploded in popularity since 2014. This broad ecosystem includes hundreds of native lenses from Sony and third-party manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron, giving users unparalleled choice and flexibility, especially for mirrorless-adapted lenses.

Connectivity and Storage: Modern Wireless vs. Traditional

The QX1 includes built-in wireless connectivity with NFC and Wi-Fi, facilitating swift transfers and remote control via the Imaging Edge Mobile app. Storage relies on microSD cards or Memory Stick Micro - a limiting factor if you’re used to standard SD cards.

The GX-20, older by design, lacks wireless but uses standard SD/SDHC cards, simplifying workflow integration for many professionals accustomed to this format.

Summarizing Build, Handling, and Practical Use

Real-World Sample Images

Samsung GX 20 front Samsung GX 20 screen back Sony QX1 front Sony QX1 screen back

I find the Samsung GX-20 produces pleasantly natural color tonality, especially for skin tones and autumn landscapes. The images exhibit solid sharpness, though fine details can be a bit soft compared to modern standards.

The Sony QX1’s files show greater resolution, punchier colors, and cleaner high-ISO results, making it more versatile in various lighting environments. The files respond very well to detail extraction during post-processing.

Performance Scores by Genre

From my extensive testing, the GX-20 scores very well in landscape and portraiture due to its robust construction and lens options. The QX1 excels in travel and low-light photography, thanks to better sensor specs and compactness.

Final Ratings and Verdict

Both cameras occupy niches that cater to different shooting philosophies:

• The Samsung GX-20 is for serious enthusiasts valuing rugged build, full manual controls, and traditional DSLR experience with a proven Pentax lens heritage.

• The Sony QX1 appeals to modern photographers craving compactness, superior sensor resolution, and wireless integration with smartphones, perfect as a light travel setup or creative project camera.

Who Should Choose the GX-20?

If you enjoy the classic DSLR feel, want rugged weather sealing, and require access to a vast Pentax K-mount lens arsenal, the GX-20 stands out. It delivers solid image quality and dependable ergonomics for fieldwork or studio portraits. It is well suited for:

• Landscape photographers hiking in varied weather
• Portrait photographers using prime lenses and seeking tactile control
• Photographers prioritizing reliability over cutting-edge video or connectivity
• Those wanting manual control dials and optical viewfinder stability

Who Should Opt for the QX1?

The QX1 is a compelling option if you prize portability and image quality for casual wildlife, street, or travel photography, coupled with smartphone flexibility. It suits:

• Travelers seeking an extremely compact APS-C camera
• Smartphone photographers wanting better image quality with interchangeable lenses
• Those experimenting with remote or cross-device shooting
• Users comfortable framing on mobile apps, willing to trade control immediacy for convenience

Practical Tips for Buyers

1. Handling Matters: Try handling both if possible. The physical interface of the GX-20 can’t be replicated on the QX1 remote app. For spontaneous shooting, the QX1 requires a mental shift.

2. Lens Investments: Consider lens availability and cost. The Pentax ecosystem is mature but niche. Sony E mount’s diversity opens many creative doors.

3. Future Proofing: Neither camera is cutting edge now - GX-20 is aging hardware; QX1 lacks advanced continuous AF. But both can serve well as backup or specialized cameras.

4. Battery and Storage: The QX1’s microSD cards may be less common in your gear, so plan accordingly. The GX-20’s missing battery life spec suggests you verify battery condition if buying used.

5. Video Needs: If you want video, QX1 is the simpler choice.

Conclusion

The Samsung GX-20 and Sony QX1 represent two very different approaches to APS-C photography - traditional DSLR robustness versus futuristic lens-style modularity. Each has strengths shaped by their era and design goals. Your choice should hinge on which aspects - build quality, handling, size, sensor performance, or wireless utility - align best with your photographic style.

I hope this detailed comparison, blending technical appraisals with practical shooting experience, arms you with the knowledge to make a confident, informed decision.

Happy shooting!

If you have specific shooting preferences or questions about either camera’s performance, drop me a comment - always glad to share insights from my long years in the field.