Samsung Galaxy NX vs Sony Cyber-shot WX50: An In-Depth Camera Showdown

As someone who has put hundreds of digital cameras through their paces - from rugged pro bodies in wild conditions to petite compacts in bustling city streets - I’m deeply invested in helping photographers find their perfect match. Today, I’m tackling two very different cameras that emerged around the same era but target distinct markets: the Samsung Galaxy NX, an entry-level mirrorless with a revolutionary Android interface, and the Sony Cyber-shot WX50, a compact point-and-shoot powerhouse boasting impressive zoom in a tiny package.

At first glance, comparing these two might feel like apples and oranges. But I promise, breaking down their real-world performance, strengths, and compromises across all major photography genres can uncover surprising insights. Drawing from extensive hands-on testing, here’s my full rundown - complete with a detailed technical analysis, practical shooting impressions, and contextual recommendations.

Getting a Feel for the Cameras: Size, Design, and Handling

The first impression a camera makes often comes down to how it fits in the hand and integrates into your workflow. The Samsung Galaxy NX adopts a mirrorless SLR-style body that feels substantial but manageable, while the Sony WX50 is designed as a sleek pocketable compact.

Samsung Galaxy NX: Measuring 137x101x26 mm and weighing 495g, the Galaxy NX commands a solid presence. It boasts a grip comfortable enough for sustained shoots but stops short of professional-grade weather sealing or ruggedness. The fixed 4.8-inch touchscreen is quite large for its time, making image review and menu navigation intuitive. I found its button placement reasonable - though it misses illuminated controls - while the mode dial and physical controls mimic those of traditional DSLRs, accommodating a learning curve for those upgrading from entry-level DSLRs.

Sony WX50: In stark contrast, the WX50 weighs just 117g and is petite at 92x52x19 mm, slipping easily into any pocket or small bag. Its fixed 2.7-inch LCD lacks touch capability but remains bright for daylight shooting. Due to its compact design, button real estate is tight, impacting manual control, which is nearly nonexistent on this model. The streamlined physical interface suits casual shooters and travelers prioritizing size and simplicity over granular control.

From hands-on experience, the Galaxy NX suits users who want approachable ergonomics closer to traditional cameras plus touchscreen innovation, while the WX50 targets grab-and-go convenience above all.

Top-Down Design and Control Layout: Intuitive or Clunky?

The control system makes a massive difference when you switch shooting modes mid-shoot or aim to fine-tune settings quickly - especially in demanding genres like sports or wildlife. Here’s how these models compare from above.

The Galaxy NX integrates a logical control layout atop its body, with a dedicated mode dial supporting manual and priority modes - a rarity in mirrorless cameras circa 2013. This affords photographers the freedom to control aperture or shutter speed directly, a huge advantage for creative control. Its shutter button placement and zoom toggle on the lens mount position feel natural and responsive.

Conversely, the WX50’s minimalist design offers no mode dial, limited to auto and some preset scene modes. Shutter and zoom controls are combined, reflecting its point-and-shoot identity. Manual exposure is absent, making it less suitable for photographers craving full creative liberties.

In practice, the Galaxy NX’s top controls speed up shooting under pressure, while the WX50’s simplicity suits casual snapshots but can frustrate those who want deeper control.

Sensor and Image Quality: Bigger Isn’t Always Better?

The heart of any camera lies in its sensor. Size, technology, and pixel count directly influence image quality - a crucial factor for serious photographers. Let’s dive into the technicalities.

Samsung Galaxy NX employs an APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.5x15.7 mm - substantial in the mirrorless realm - with 20 megapixels at a 3:2 aspect ratio. Its relatively large sensor area (368.95 mm²) allows for greater light gathering, superior detail retention, and a shallower depth of field potential. Technically, this translates to better dynamic range and lower noise, especially at mid to high ISOs, supporting creative choices in challenging lighting.

Sony WX50 fields a much smaller 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17x4.55 mm) with 16 megapixels. Its sensor area (28.07 mm²) is approximately 13 times smaller than the Galaxy NX’s sensor. Although Sony’s BSI tech helps it squeeze respectable performance from this tiny sensor, limitations remain in noise handling, contrast range, and fine detail capture, especially in low-light scenarios.

In real-world shooting, the Galaxy NX renders richer colors, smoother tonal gradations, and delivers cleaner images beyond ISO 800, whereas the WX50’s output tends to soften under dimmer conditions with increased noise beyond ISO 400.

Viewing and Composing Images: Screen and Viewfinder

The ability to frame and confirm shots comfortably shapes the joy of shooting. The two cameras vary greatly in their viewing aids.

The Galaxy NX’s large 4.8-inch HD TFT LCD touchscreen is a standout feature. Its vibrant colors and touch responsiveness greatly ease menu navigation and live preview focusing - especially with contrast and phase-detection AF aiding frame confirmation. The body also sports an electronic viewfinder, though basic in resolution, offering traditional eye-level framing which is helpful under bright sunlight.

By contrast, the WX50 relies solely on its 2.7-inch Clearfoto LCD with no viewfinder at all. Its screen is smaller and less sharp, challenging framing precision in strong daylight. The lack of touchscreen or electronic viewfinder limits compositional flexibility.

For photographers working outdoors or needing precision framing - such as portraits or landscapes - the Galaxy NX’s viewing system provides critical advantages.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Tracking Fast Moments

The autofocus (AF) system is the backbone of capturing fleeting moments, from the sparkle in a model’s eye to the swift flight of a bird or athlete.

The Galaxy NX uses a hybrid autofocus system combining contrast and phase detection, plus face detection via touch input. It offers continuous autofocus and a decent 9 fps burst shooting speed. However, its AF points number and cross-type coverage remain unspecified, suggesting a basic AF array typical for its class and era.

Meanwhile, the WX50 offers a purely contrast-detection AF system with face detection and basic tracking in single AF mode. Despite reporting 10 fps continuous shooting, this speed is limited by buffer and autofocus lag.

From hands-on experience, Galaxy NX’s hybrid AF performs notably better for portraits - locking quickly on faces and maintaining focus during moderate motion. For wildlife or sports, its AF and burst capabilities are passable but not professional-grade. The WX50 is reliable in good light but struggles with moving subjects, worsening in low light.

Image Stabilization and Macro Capabilities: Sharp Shots in Close Quarters

Image stabilization aids handheld shooting, especially for telephoto or macro work. Here, the cameras significantly differ.

The WX50 incorporates optical image stabilization that proved useful for framing telephoto shots with minimal blur in my field tests, a big plus considering its fixed zoom lens.

The Galaxy NX lacks in-body image stabilization and depends on lens-based stabilization, limiting performance depending on lens choice. Unfortunately, none of the included Samsung NX lenses at launch had built-in OIS, putting the onus on steady hands or tripods for sharp photos in low light or macro.

For macro photography, the WX50 can focus down to 5cm, enabling detailed leaf and insect shots in a compact form. The NX offers no specified macro range, but with suitable macro lenses from its mount system, better magnification and working distance are achievable - as tested in studio settings.

Video Features: Are You Shooting Moving Pictures?

Both cameras offer full HD video - now a must-have in any modern camera.

The Galaxy NX records 1080p at 30 fps in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats, equipped with microphone and headphone jacks for decent audio capture and monitoring, appealing to vloggers or hybrid shooters. Its Android OS even enabled advanced connectivity, a pioneering feature for the time.

The WX50 also shoots full HD 60 fps video in AVCHD format but lacks external audio inputs, limiting sound quality options. Despite its pocket size, continuous video times were sometimes constrained by thermal limits in real use.

If video is a priority, the Galaxy NX’s professional inputs and app ecosystem clearly outshine the WX50’s limited compact capability.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility: How Long and Where?

Both cameras use proprietary battery packs with modest capacity.

The Galaxy NX delivers an impressive 440 shots per charge, consistent with its DSLR-style body and the demands of a large display and EVF. It supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards in a single slot.

The WX50 offers approximately 240 shots per battery but supports both SD card types plus Sony’s Memory Stick formats, providing more versatile storage options. Its lower power draw partly reflects smaller sensor and screen sizes.

For extended shooting - including travel or events - the Galaxy NX’s endurance benefits users wanting fewer battery swaps or external chargers.

Weather Sealing and Durability: Ready for the Outdoors?

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, dustproofing, shockproofing, or waterproofing. These features are typically reserved for higher-end models.

In my experience, the Galaxy NX’s moderate build quality requires cautious use outdoors; its fixed touchscreen panel and mirrorless design are vulnerable to debris and moisture.

The WX50’s compact shell and minimal mechanical parts are less fragile but provide no ruggedness assurances.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Investing in Glass or Staying Fixed?

The Galaxy NX’s interchangeable Samsung NX mount supports a range of 32 lenses, from wide-angle primes to telephotos, opening creative possibilities across genres - from portrait blur to wildlife reach.

By contrast, the WX50’s fixed 25-125mm (equiv.) lens is versatile given its 5x optical zoom, but cannot be changed. Its relatively slow aperture (f/2.6–6.3) limits low light performance despite zoom flexibility.

For photographers seeking a long-term investment with the option to expand into specialized fields like macro or sports telephotos, the GX NX’s lens ecosystem is invaluable.

Price and Value Considerations: What Do You Get For Your Money?

At launch, the Samsung Galaxy NX priced around $1300, commanding a premium for its large sensor, Android OS, and interchangeable lens flexibility.

The Sony WX50 debuted under $250, embodying a budget compact offering focused on portability and zoom reach.

Value depends heavily on your shooting ambitions:

• For enthusiasts aiming to learn exposure control, shoot RAW, and pursue diverse genres with expanding optics, the Galaxy NX delivers strong value despite its older processor and lack of image stabilization.
• Casual users desiring an easy carry-all point-and-shoot with decent zoom for travel snapshots will find excellent budget value in the WX50.

Real-Life Photography Scenarios: Putting Both Cameras to the Test

Now, let me take you through practical assessments across major photography genres to highlight where each camera excels or falls short. All sample images shown were captured with native lenses and standard settings.

Samsung Galaxy NX front Samsung Galaxy NX screen back Sony WX50 front Sony WX50 screen back

Portrait Photography: Capturing Life’s Expressions

The Galaxy NX’s APS-C sensor and aperture control shine here. Skin tones appear natural with smooth gradation, and the native lenses allowing apertures as wide as f/1.8 deliver creamy bokeh. Eye-detection autofocus works well with touchscreen selection, locking focus precisely for sharp portraits.

In contrast, the WX50 struggles to isolate subjects due to deep depth of field from its small sensor and slow lens, resulting in flatter images lacking background separation. Its face detection is helpful but autofocus is slower, occasionally hunting indoors.

Landscape Photography: Detailing Vast Scenes

With 20 MP resolution and broad dynamic range, the Galaxy NX captures landscapes crisply. Its ability to shoot in manual or priority modes enables careful exposure of shadows and highlights. Though lacking weather sealing, careful technique with tripods yields stunning results.

The WX50’s limited sensor and narrower dynamic range yield less tonal depth; however, its wide 25mm equivalent focal length allows versatile framing. The small size and optical stabilization make it easy for spontaneous landscape snaps.

Wildlife Photography: Tracking Fleeting Moments

The Galaxy NX’s hybrid AF and 9 fps burst facilitate capturing moderately fast wildlife. Combined with long telephoto lenses from its lens lineup, it provides flexibility for various subjects.

The WX50’s AF struggles with moving animals, and its zoom maxes at 125mm equivalent - insufficient for detailed distant subjects. However, its quick startup and portability may appeal for casual backyard shooting.

Sports Photography: Following the Action

Fast autofocus and high frame rates are crucial here. The Galaxy NX partially delivers with 9 fps bursts but lags behind modern pro bodies. AF tracking is basic, making precise focus on fast moving athletes challenging.

The WX50 offers 10 fps continuous, but with locking delays and no manual exposure control, limiting its effectiveness in fast, changing light situations.

Street Photography: Discreet and Spontaneous

The WX50’s small size and silent operation provide distinct advantages - remaining unobtrusive and agile on city streets. Its combination of compactness and a decent zoom suits quick candid captures.

The Galaxy NX is bulkier and more conspicuous but offers enhanced control and image quality for environmental portraits and detailed street scenes when discretion is less critical.

Macro Photography: Revealing Tiny Worlds

The WX50’s 5cm close focusing plus optical stabilization deliver respectable macro shots for casual use.

The Galaxy NX can outperform with dedicated macro lenses that allow higher magnification and precise manual focus adjustments. However, stabilization absence means you’ll often rely on tripods or steady hands.

Night and Astro Photography: Capturing the Dark

The Galaxy NX’s APS-C sensor and ISO capability up to 25600 perform well at night, delivering cleaner images with less noise than the WX50. Manual modes support long exposures needed for stars and cityscapes.

The WX50, with its smaller sensor, runs into noise issues beyond ISO 400 and suffers from limited shutter speeds (down to 4 seconds), hindering astrophotography potential.

Video Recording: Dual Purpose Use

The Galaxy NX’s 1080p30 HD video quality is satisfying, with external mic and headphone jacks facilitating better audio capture. Its touchscreen and Android interface enable quick adjustments.

The WX50 records 1080p60 video, which is smooth, but audio is limited to internal mics; lack of manual video controls restricts creative filming.

Travel Photography: Versatility on the Move

If I were traveling light with a desire for flexible shooting options, the WX50’s ultra-portability and zoom would appeal for casual use and spur-of-the-moment landscapes or street scenes.

For travel photographers wanting better image quality, creative depth-of-field control, and video versatility, the Galaxy NX is preferable despite its larger size and battery considerations.

Summarizing the Ratings: Overall and Genre-Specific Scores

Compiling a holistic assessment from image quality to usability:

• Samsung Galaxy NX: Scores strongly (8/10) in image quality, versatility, and video capability. Slightly reduced by lack of stabilization and bulk.
• Sony WX50: Excels (7/10) for portability and budget value, but limited by sensor size and control constraints.

Wrapping Up: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

Having tested these cameras extensively, here are my tailored recommendations:

• Choose the Samsung Galaxy NX if you:

  • Are entering mirrorless interchangeable lens territory from compact cameras or entry DSLRs
  • Desire strong manual control, RAW support, and larger sensor image quality
  • Want to shoot portraits, landscapes, or video with enhanced creative flexibility
  • Are willing to carry a moderately sized camera and invest in lenses

• Opt for the Sony WX50 if you:

  • Want a truly pocketable, easy-to-use camera with a versatile zoom
  • Prioritize convenience for travel, street, or casual daily shooting without complexity
  • Are on a budget and content with JPEG output and automatic modes
  • Appreciate optical stabilization in a compact format

To close, both cameras tell different stories - one of innovation blending Android tech with APS-C image quality, the other of highly portable simplicity with respectable zoom power. Your choice hinges on where you value control, image fidelity, and genre versatility versus absolute convenience and cost.

If you’re serious about advancing your craft and want a solid platform to grow on, the Galaxy NX is worth the investment. But if you crave something that fits in your jacket pocket and shoots reliably without fuss, the WX50 holds its own charm.

Feel free to reach out if you want hands-on tips with these or related models - I’m always eager to share insights from my global photo journeys and lab testing sessions!

Happy shooting!

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Samsung or Sony. All evaluations result from hands-on testing, lab measurements, and field use over many months.