Samsung NX20 vs. Sony Alpha DSLR-A500: A Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right camera is a pivotal step for every photography enthusiast, whether you're just stepping up your game or seeking a reliable secondary body. Today, we dive into a detailed comparison between two notable APS-C cameras from notable brands: the Samsung NX20, an advanced mirrorless introduced in 2012, and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A500, an entry-level DSLR launched in 2009. Both cameras reflect distinct design philosophies, technology levels, and user intents, making this a helpful guide to navigate their practical strengths and limitations.

Having extensively tested both cameras in various shooting scenarios, this article will walk you through sensor and image quality, autofocus performance, ergonomics, field-use suitability, and value for money. Our goal is not just to list specs but to provide real-world insights you can trust, empowering your next gear investment.

First Impressions and Physical Handling: Which Feels Right in Your Hands?

Handling is often underestimated but critical. After all, the better a camera feels to you, the more confident and creative your shooting experience.

Build and Ergonomics

• Samsung NX20: Sporting a modern SLR-style mirrorless body, the NX20 is relatively compact and lightweight at 341 grams with dimensions of 122x90x40mm. Its fully articulated 3-inch OLED screen is a treat for composing at tricky angles and self-portraits, making it friendly for vloggers or solo shooters. The body is plastic-finished but solidly constructed, though it lacks weather sealing.

• Sony A500: This DSLR is noticeably larger and heavier at 630 grams and 137x104x84mm. The tilting 3-inch LCD is smaller in resolution and less flexible compared to the NX20. The A500’s pentamirror optical viewfinder is less bright and covering 95% of the frame, whereas the NX20’s electronic viewfinder offers 100% coverage.

Control Layout and User Interface

Samsung’s NX20 adopts a modern button layout with direct access to exposure modes including shutter and aperture priority, manual modes, and quick ISO adjustment via a top control dial. Sony’s A500 is more traditional, with fewer direct-function buttons, leaning on menu navigation. The NX20 lacks illuminated buttons, but its OLED interface provides crisp feedback.

Takeaway: If you prioritize a lighter, more compact, and versatile handling option with contemporary controls and an articulating screen for creative framing, NX20 wins hands down. For photographers favoring a bigger grip and optical viewfinder, the A500’s DSLR-style handling may feel more familiar.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Your Photos

When we tested both cameras side-by-side in the lab and field, sensor tech led to notable differences.

Real-World Insights

• Resolution and Detail: The NX20’s 20MP sensor readily captures more detailed images suitable for landscape and studio portraits where cropping or large prints are common. The A500’s 12MP sensor suffices for web use and moderate-sized prints.

• Dynamic Range and Color: We measured a visibly wider dynamic range on the NX20, resulting in better shadow recovery and highlight retention, crucial for landscape and high-contrast scenes.

• Noise and Low-Light: Both cameras handle ISO 800 well, but the NX20 extends cleaner high ISO performance toward ISO 3200 and beyond, giving it an edge for night and event photography.

• Raw Support: Both support RAW capture, but the NX20’s files offer richer post-processing flexibility.

Takeaway: For image quality enthusiasts, the NX20 offers a clear technical and practical advantage. The extra resolution and better dynamic range serve diverse genres from nature to portraiture.

Autofocus Systems: Precision and Speed on the Field

Autofocus (AF) performance can make or break your shooting experience, especially in fast-paced environments like wildlife or sports.

Field Testing Notes

• Samsung NX20 relies exclusively on contrast detection autofocus, which typically is slower and less predictable in low light or moving subjects compared to phase detection. It has 15 focus points spread across the frame and face-detection for portraits.

• Sony A500 uses a hybrid autofocus system with 9 phase-detect points, generally faster at locking in focus especially for action shots. It was more decisive and consistent during sports and wildlife sequences. However, it lacks reliable AF tracking or advanced eye detection found in modern bodies.

• Neither camera offers animal eye AF, so if that feature matters, consider newer models.

Takeaway: For casual portraits and landscapes, the NX20’s AF performs adequately. But if you shoot wildlife or sports requiring quicker and more reliable AF, the A500’s phase-detection wins out despite its older system.

Display and Viewfinder Experience

Your framing experience depends heavily on screen and viewfinder quality, especially for long shoots or vlogging.

Practical Considerations

• The NX20’s OLED screen excels in color accuracy and brightness, far superior for live view composition, video monitoring, and in bright daylight.

• Its full articulation allows for creative angles including low and high shots and convenient self-recording.

• The A500’s optical viewfinder offers a natural, lag-free view preferred by some photographers but covers slightly less of the scene, requiring more framing attention.

Takeaway: For versatility and live view/vlogging, NX20’s screen is a winner. Traditionalists who prefer optical viewfinders and minimal lag may opt for the A500.

Lens Selection and Ecosystem Flexibility

Lens choice directly affects your creative range.

• Samsung NX Mount (NX20): 32 native lenses ranging widely from wide-angle to telephoto, including primes, zooms, and specialized lenses. Samsung’s system is more limited but includes some high-quality optics.

• Sony A-mount (A500): Vast legacy of 143 lenses including Sony, Minolta, Zeiss, and third-party options. Many excellent primes and affordable zooms are available.

Lens Ecosystem Table

Takeaway: For long-term growth and specialized use, Sony’s extensive lens ecosystem offers more options, especially for portrait, macro, and sports lenses. However, NX20 lenses are optimized for its mirrorless system’s shorter flange distance, enhancing compactness.

Burst Shooting and Buffer: Capturing Fast Action

• Samsung NX20 offers a faster continuous shooting rate at 8 fps, great for sports and wildlife action bursts.

• Sony A500 offers 5 fps, still respectable but slower by comparison.

While neither camera has advanced AF tracking, the NX20’s higher frame rate combined with more resolution can yield more detailed action sequences.

Video Capabilities: A Look at Moving Images

• Samsung NX20 records Full HD 1080p up to 30 fps and HD 720p at 30 fps, encoded in MPEG4 and H.264. It includes a microphone port but lacks a headphone jack.

• Sony A500 has no video recording capabilities, limiting it for hybrid shooters or videographers.

Use Case Implication: If video is a priority - especially for travel, events, or vlogging - the NX20 is clearly the better choice.

Battery Life and Storage

• Samsung NX20: Rated for approximately 360 shots per charge with the included BP1130 battery. Uses a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

• Sony A500: Rated ~520 shots using NP-FM500H battery, better battery endurance. Offers SD/SDHC and Memory Stick slots, adding flexibility.

Durability and Weather Sealing

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged body features like dustproofing or freezeproofing. Both are best suited for controlled or casual outdoor use with some protective care.

Connectivity and Extras

NX20’s built-in Wi-Fi enables easier image sharing and remote control, a convenience for modern workflows and social media users.

Shooting Genre Suitability: What Fits Your Style?

Using actual image galleries and controlled test shoots, here’s how they stack up by genre.

Samsung NX20 front Samsung NX20 screen back Sony A500 front Sony A500 screen back

Overall Performance Score and Value

Summarizing data from DxOMark and hands-on testing:

Who Should Buy the Samsung NX20?

• Enthusiasts seeking a lightweight, mirrorless camera with excellent image quality.
• Those valuing articulated OLED display for creative framing and video.
• Users who want Full HD video capability with microphone input.
• Photographers desiring built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer and remote control.
• Portrait, landscape, and travel photographers prioritizing sharp image detail and color fidelity.
• People comfortable without advanced AF tracking but wanting high burst rates.

Who Should Buy the Sony A500?

• DSLR enthusiasts favouring optical viewfinders and familiar body ergonomics.
• Budget-conscious buyers wanting decent image quality and fast autofocus.
• Action/shooters needing phase-detection AF responsiveness over burst frame rate.
• Those with investment in A-mount lenses or planning to leverage third-party glass.
• Photographers prioritizing longer battery life and DSLR style handling.
• Users who do not require video recording or wireless connectivity.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Both cameras bring unique advantages reflecting their release trends and target segments. The Samsung NX20 is geared towards the emerging hybrid shooter of its era, incorporating mirrorless innovation, video support, and Wi-Fi connectivity, while offering top-tier 20MP resolution and versatile shooting positions.

In contrast, the Sony A500 embodies traditional DSLR values with an optical viewfinder, solid autofocus mechanics, and an expansive lens ecosystem at a more accessible price. Though older and heavier, it remains relevant for those prioritizing ease of use in fast-paced, action-oriented photography.

If you are building a versatile, travel-friendly kit prioritizing image quality, video, and weight savings, the NX20 will serve you better. Conversely, if you want a solid entry-level DSLR with faster AF and extensive lens options, especially for sports and wildlife, the A500 merits serious consideration.

Getting the Most Out of Your Choice

• For the NX20, pairing with Samsung’s 30mm f/2 Pancake and 50-200mm zoom unlocks broad focal options. Don’t miss testing its Wi-Fi functions early.
• For the A500, investing in a fast prime like 50mm f/1.8 and telephoto zooms will elevate your shooting advantages significantly.
• Try to handle both cameras in person to see which weighs better and aligns with your shooting comfort.
• Remember, photography skills trump gear - both cameras can create remarkable images with the right approach.

Stepping into the world of photography with either of these cameras can be rewarding and creatively fulfilling. We encourage you to check out sample images, rent if possible, and find the right lenses to match your photographic passions.

If you want to explore deeper comparisons or need help assembling your perfect kit, feel free to ask - we’re here to guide your photographic journey.

Happy shooting!

Images used in this article are copyright of the respective manufacturers and DxOMark datasets for educational and review purposes.