Samsung NX20 vs Samsung NX300

Samsung NX20 vs Samsung NX300 – A Detailed Comparison From an Experienced Eye

Having spent over a decade hands-on with mirrorless cameras, including exhaustive testing across genres from wildlife to studio portraiture, I find the Samsung NX series a fascinating chapter in mirrorless evolution. The Samsung NX20 and NX300, though close in sensor specs, mark distinct milestones reflecting Samsung’s design philosophy shifts and technology improvements from 2012 to late 2013. This detailed comparison focuses on real-world use, merging technical bite with practical field outcomes. Let’s begin by sizing up their physical presence and ergonomics - an often overlooked but crucial factor for serious photography.

Form Factor & Handling: SLR-Style Robustness vs. Sleek Rangefinder Elegance

The NX20 is an SLR-style mirrorless camera with a substantial grip and well-defined controls. Measuring 122 x 90 x 40 mm and weighing 341 g, it’s designed for photographers who appreciate a tactile, camera-in-hand feel reminiscent of DSLRs. Meanwhile, the NX300 adopts a compact rangefinder-style chassis, markedly slimmer at 122 x 64 x 41 mm and a fractional weight lighter at 331 g. This design leans heavily on portability and sleekness, appealing to enthusiasts favoring discretion and travel-friendliness.

During extended outdoor shoots, especially in landscapes or urban street scenes, I found the NX20’s deeper grip and physical buttons gave better operational confidence in cold or wet conditions - fingers didn’t have to dance delicately around the body. Conversely, the NX300’s lighter, slimmer design slipped into jackets and small bags more effortlessly, encouraging more spontaneous shooting.

Both bodies lack environmental sealing, so rain and dust precautions are essential with either. The NX20’s build feels a bit more solid overall, thanks to its bulk, but neither is ruggedized for harsh pro use.

Control Scheme and Interface: Traditional Layout Meets Modern Touchscreen

The top plate and control layout underscore their personality differences. The NX20 packs shutter speed and exposure compensation dials, standalone ISO buttons, and a mode dial - a nod to photographers who prefer quick physical access without delving into menus. The NX300 dispenses with most dials in favor of fewer physical controls complemented by touchscreen operation on its 3.3-inch tilting OLED.

That touchscreen is a key highlight. With 768k dot resolution and intuitive touch-to-focus, it significantly accelerates menu navigation and AF point selection compared to the NX20's button-only interface and smaller 614k dot articulated screen. Touch AF on the NX300 is a genuinely liberating feature I grew fond of, especially for street photography and macro work where precise focusing is critical but awkward with physical buttons.

Neither camera offers illuminated buttons, which can be mildly frustrating shooting under dim conditions. However, the NX300’s touchscreen somewhat compensates by enabling quick changes even in low light.

Sensor, Image Quality, and Processing: Parity with Subtle Improvements

Both cameras pack an APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.7 mm, delivering a 20-megapixel resolution that was competitive for their release eras. The NX20 has an antialias filter, which slightly softens extreme detail but reduces moiré - a balance preferred for general photography. Same applies for the NX300.

Samsung continued the sensor size and pixel pitch consistency but introduced the DRIMe IV processor in the NX300, promising better noise reduction and dynamic range at higher ISO sensitivities. DxOMark puts the NX20’s overall score at 75; the NX300 nudges that a bit to 76. What that means practically is, the NX300 handles ISO 1600 and above with noticeably less luminance noise and wider dynamic range preservation, particularly beneficial in landscape and event photography.

The NX20 maxes out native ISO at 12800 versus the NX300’s extended 25600 cap. While I rarely recommend pushing beyond ISO 3200 on either due to below-par signal quality, the NX300’s added firmware and processing horsepower give it a competitive edge in low-light shooting environments.

Color depth scores are virtually the same: ~23.5 bits, delivering vibrant and accurate colors with both cameras, especially when shooting RAW - which both support natively, enabling professional post-processing latitude.

Autofocus Systems: The Heartbeat of Action and Portraiture

When it comes to AF, the differences become stark. The NX20 features 15 contrast-detection points and supports face detection - workable but relatively modest. The NX300 upgrades substantially with 247 AF points integrating hybrid phase and contrast detection, including continuous AF tracking and better focus area selection.

From hands-on testing in wildlife and sports photography, I witnessed the NX300’s AF system lock focus noticeably faster and more reliably, especially in continuous mode. Tracking quick-moving birds or soccer players was possible, though not world-class by today’s standards, but a clear improvement over NX20’s tendency to hunt. Portrait shooting benefits similarly; the NX300 sustains focus on faces more confidently thanks to more points and hybrid tech.

The NX20’s AF misses coverage and speed that can frustrate in dynamic shooting scenarios. For landscapes or still subjects, though, it performs adequately.

Viewfinder and LCD: OLED Sharpness vs. Missing VF

An interesting divergence comes in their optical interfaces. The NX20 includes a 100% coverage electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 0.7x magnification but no stated resolution, typically a modest OLED panel. This EVF is handy for bright daylight shooting and conventional framing.

The NX300, however, omits a viewfinder entirely, directing all composition through its high-res tilting touchscreen LCD. The 3.3-inch screen’s articulation provides added versatility for low or high-angle shots and the OLED’s superior contrast and brightness make composing easy even outdoors.

For shooters used to EVFs, the NX20 may feel more comfortable resting a camera against the eye, reducing shake. When shooting street or travel, that can aid discretion, while the NX300’s lack makes it best suited where handheld live view framing is acceptable.

Burst Rate and Shutter Mechanics: Capturing Fast Moments

Continuous shooting speed often dictates success in actions shots. The NX20 delivers 8 fps burst rates, while the NX300 edges ahead at 9 fps. Both respectable for their segments, especially considering APS-C sensor sizes, although buffer depth and autofocus performance during burst shooting differ.

The NX300 maintains autofocus tracking during bursts, a feature the NX20 lacks. In real-world sports or wildlife shooting, the NX300’s combination of speed and AF adaptability gives it the edge capturing decisive moments.

Shutter speed maxes at 1/8000s for the NX20 and 1/6000s on the NX300 - the former allowing slightly better control in bright conditions when using wide apertures.

Flash Systems: Built-in vs. Absent

The NX20 features a built-in flash with coverage up to 11 meters, offering various modes from red-eye reduction to manual output. The NX300 dispenses with a built-in flash, relying entirely on external options.

For casual indoor or fill-flash portrait work, the NX20’s pop-up flaunts immediate utility. I’ve found built-in flashes helpful for subtle evening fill or emergency lighting. Conversely, the NX300’s omission nudges enthusiasts towards investing in dedicated flashes, potentially adding bulk and expense.

Wireless Connectivity and Storage

Both cameras have built-in Wi-Fi, enabling wireless transfer of images and remote control via companion apps - an essential in today’s connected workflows. The NX300 adds NFC, facilitating quick pairing with compatible devices, a convenience not present on the NX20.

On storage, both handle SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards with single slots, standard for their time but less forgiving for risk-averse pros.

Battery life is comparable: roughly 360 shots for the NX20 and 330 for the NX300 per CIPA standards. Real-world mileage varies with usage, of course; I’d budget a spare battery for longer field sessions.

Video Capabilities: HD Ready But No 4K

Both models shoot Full HD 1080p video at 30 frames per second with H.264 codec. The NX20 offers slightly more resolution variety including 1920 x 810 at 24 fps and a built-in microphone port, which the NX300 lacks.

Neither camera supports 4K or advanced video features like focus peaking or zebra stripes, limiting appeal for videographers but fine for casual HD clips or behind-the-scenes coverage.

Lens Ecosystem: Shared Samsung NX Mount

Both cameras share Samsung’s NX mount, with around 32 native lenses available during their production. The mount supports some highly capable primes and zooms with image stabilization housed in lenses, mitigating the lack of sensor-shift IS in these bodies.

For landscape and portrait lenses, there’s a reasonable range. Wildlife and sports shooters may find telephoto zoom options limited compared to rivals like Canon or Sony offerings, but this was the reality of Samsung’s ecosystem in the early 2010s.

Third-party adapters can expand lens choices, but that may introduce autofocus compromises.

Real-World Performance Images

Samsung NX20 front Samsung NX20 screen back Samsung NX300 screen back

In practice, both the NX20 and NX300 deliver detailed images with good color and contrast under optimal lighting. The NX300's improved processor shines in subtle shadow recovery and noise control at ISO 1600+. The NX20 can show marginally better sharpness wide open due to slightly different anti-aliasing effects, but differences remain subtle.

Genre-by-Genre Performance Snapshot

• Portrait: NX300’s autofocus and noise handling advance its capabilities, especially with skin tones and eye detection.
• Landscape: Both excel in resolution and dynamic range; NX300’s processing aids shadow detail.
• Wildlife/Sports: NX300’s AF speed and continuous tracking make it better suited.
• Street: NX300’s compact design and touchscreen favor discretion.
• Macro: Both use manual focus precision; touchscreen aids NX300.
• Night/Astro: NX300 handles high ISO shots more cleanly.
• Video: Both limited, but NX20’s mic input preferred.
• Travel: NX300’s size, weight, and wireless features tip scales.
• Professional: Neither is sealed or built for heavy-duty pros; NX300 offers smoother AF workflow.

Overall Performance Ratings

The NX300 marginally outperforms the NX20 in sheer capabilities and technological integration but at a lower entry price ($750 vs. $1100 at launch). If you prize tactile handling and viewfinder composure, the NX20 remains compelling.

Final Thoughts: Which Samsung Mirrorless is Your Match?

The Samsung NX20 and NX300, while sharing lineage and sensor platform, cater to subtly different photography needs. The NX20 edges toward traditionalists and those requiring a robust grip and EVF. The NX300 attracts users wanting progressive AF, a sleek form factor, and touchscreen interface - particularly competent for action, travel, and everyday versatility.

If you primarily shoot still or landscapes and crave a traditional experience with a viewfinder, the NX20 retains relevance. However, for photographers keen on faster, more accurate autofocus, improved low-light imaging, and intuitive touch control, the NX300 is the clear recommendation - especially considering its lower price point and improved usability.

Both cameras evoke an era when mirrorless systems grew out of their infancy - they won’t replace modern flagships but offer capable, cost-conscious choices for enthusiasts exploring Samsung’s unique photographic DNA.

With hands firmly on both cameras over multiple shooting assignments worldwide, I hope this side-by-side dissection empowers your next camera decision, balancing heritage, innovation, and your creative demands.