Samsung NX20 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H200: An Expert Comparison to Find Your Perfect Camera

When stepping into the camera market, deciphering a fit-for-purpose model between two very different products can be a daunting task. Here, we offer an in-depth, hands-on comparison of the Samsung NX20 advanced mirrorless camera and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H200 superzoom bridge camera. These cameras, launched roughly a year apart, embody contrasting design philosophies: one targets enthusiasts seeking high image quality and creative controls, the other prioritizes ease of use with a massive zoom. Having extensively tested both, we will guide you through their strengths, weaknesses, and suitability across photography styles - so you can confidently choose the device that matches your shooting goals.

First Look: Size, Handling, and Design Ergonomics

The physical feel and design of a camera play a massive role, not just in comfort but in creativity. The Samsung NX20 sports a classic SLR-style mirrorless body, whereas the Sony H200 is a bridge camera mimicking DSLR aesthetics but housing a fixed lens.

Samsung NX20:

• Dimensions: 122 x 90 x 40 mm, weighing only 341g.
• SLR-style grip with a dedicated mode dial and multiple customizable buttons.
• Fully articulating 3-inch OLED screen offers flexibility for shooting angles.
• Electronic viewfinder present for framing bright in strong light conditions.

Sony H200:

• Slightly larger footprint: 123 x 83 x 87 mm, notably deeper with a hefty 530g weight.
• Bridge camera ergonomics - chunky grip but no interchangeable lens flexibility.
• Fixed, non-articulating LCD screen of 3 inches utilizing ClearPhoto LCD tech.
• No electronic viewfinder - reliant on LCD only.

Ergonomic Verdict: If you desire a comfortable, lightweight camera with full manual controls and an articulated screen, the Samsung NX20 stands out. The Sony H200 feels bulkier and more rigid, but its solid grip is stable for long telephoto shoots.

Control Layout and User Interface: Intuitive or Basic?

Diving deeper, the control system can affect how swiftly and easily you capture fleeting moments or set precise exposure.

• Samsung NX20 comes with dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture priority, and exposure compensation. Its button placement provides quick access to ISO, white balance, and AF modes. Though it lacks a touchscreen, the OLED screen’s clarity and tactile buttons compensate well.

• Sony H200 keeps it simple with limited external controls - no dedicated mode dial or manual exposure settings. The fixed zoom lever around the shutter is practical for beginners, but advanced users might find the interface restrictive.

You get numerous direct manual exposure options on the NX20, emphasizing the enthusiast appeal, whereas the H200 leans toward auto modes and ease-of-use, suitable for walk-around casual shooting.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: APS-C vs Small Sensor

Image quality predominantly hinges on the sensor size and technology. Here, the gap between APS-C and a 1/2.3” small sensor is vast.

The Samsung NX20’s large APS-C CMOS sensor promises superior dynamic range, low noise, and color depth - important for faithfully capturing landscapes, portraits, and professional work. The NX20 scored 75 on DXOMark, a testament to its image quality prowess in its era.

The Sony H200’s smaller CCD sensor and limited ISO range restrict performance, especially in low light or for extensive cropping. CCD sensors generally lag CMOS counterparts in noise handling and responsiveness.

LCD and Viewfinder: Versatility in Composition

When capturing images in bright daylight or awkward angles, the screen and viewfinder greatly influence compositional precision.

• Samsung NX20: Offers a sharp, fully articulating 3-inch Active Matrix OLED screen with 614K dots resolution and a 100% coverage electronic viewfinder. This assists in composing images with accuracy indoors and outdoors, and the articulating screen aids street and macro photography by providing flexible viewing angles.

• Sony H200: Fixed 3-inch ClearPhoto LCD screen with 460K dots and no viewfinder. Relying solely on this screen limits usability under strong light and impedes composing with precision on the move.

For advanced photographers and videographers, the NX20’s dual composition aids give a distinct advantage.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Capturing the Action

Speed and accuracy in autofocus (AF) systems differentiate cameras suited for wildlife, sports, and dynamic street photography.

Though both support 8 fps burst, the NX20’s flexible AF modes and face detection provide reasonable accuracy for portraits and casual sports. However, lacking tracking AF and phase detection limits moving subject performance.

The H200 offers tracking AF, an unusual feature for bridge cameras, aiding in maintaining focus on moving subjects despite slow overall responsiveness. However, as the lens is fixed and lens speed limited (max aperture f/3.1-f/5.9), low-light autofocus can be hit-or-miss.

Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility

Lens compatibility can make or break your camera investment, impacting creative possibilities and long-term use.

• Samsung NX20 Lens Mount: Samsung NX - offers 32 native lenses spanning wide angle, primes, telephoto, and specialty optics. This opens doors to portraiture with fast apertures, wildlife telephoto zooms, and macro lenses, fostering creative experimentation.

• Sony H200 Fixed Lens: 24-633 mm f/3.1-5.9 (equivalent) zoom, no interchangeable lens option. The hefty 26.4× zoom range suits travel and general photo needs, but limits depth of field control and specialty use like wide aperture portraits or macro close-ups.

If you want ultimate creative control - the NX20 wins hands down here.

Build Quality and Environmental Durability

When shooting landscapes, wildlife, or travel, a camera’s ruggedness and weather sealing are crucial.

• Samsung NX20: Lightweight magnesium alloy body but no weather sealing - demands cautious use in inclement conditions.

• Sony H200: Plastic bridge chassis, also no weather resistance, though the larger size and grip make it feel robust.

Neither camera offers major protection, so for harsh outdoor shooting consider supplemental weatherproofing.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery endurance and storage options affect daylong usability and convenience.

The NX20’s battery is rechargeable and offers better longevity suitable for extended sessions. The H200's reliance on AA batteries is flexible but less efficient for intensive shooting days.

Video Capabilities: How Do They Measure?

Video is a growing photography discipline - we assess both cameras’ video features.

The NX20 clearly targets creators seeking higher resolution, audio capture, and manual exposure control during video. The H200 records decent HD clips but lacks professional features and stabilization.

Real World Photography: Strengths Across Genres

Let's explore in practical terms how these cameras perform across different photography genres. This helps you envision how they’ll fit your personal shooting style.

Portrait Photography

• Samsung NX20:
  • Large sensor and RAW support enable smooth skin tones and rich color rendition.
  • 15 focus points with face detection enhance sharpness in portraits.
  • Compatibility with fast prime lenses allows attractive bokeh.
• Sony H200:
  • Fixed lens limits control over background blur.
  • Smaller sensor reduces dynamic range; portraits may look flatter.
  • Face detection aids casual portraiture but lacks precision focus points.

Landscape Photography

• Samsung NX20:
  • High dynamic range (12.9 EV) captures shadow and highlight detail.
  • 20MP resolution delivers fine detail.
  • Interchangeable wide-angle lenses and manual controls offer creative flexibility.
• Sony H200:
  • Small sensor limits image quality and cropping latitude.
  • Superzoom lens helps capture distant scenes but at cost of edge sharpness.
  • Lack of weather sealing advises caution outdoors.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Samsung NX20:
  • 8 fps burst and contrast-detection AF decent but limited for fast action.
  • Interchangeable tele prime zooms aid reach and quality.
  • No phase-detection AF or tracking AF limits low-light/fast action performance.
• Sony H200:
  • Superzoom reaches impressive focal lengths (633mm equiv).
  • Tracking AF helps maintain focus on moving subjects.
  • Smaller sensor struggles with noise and poor autofocus responsiveness.

Street Photography

• Samsung NX20:
  • Compact size and silent electronic shutter options enable stealth.
  • Fully articulating screen aids shooting at waist or in crowds.
• Sony H200:
  • Bulkier, limiting discretion.
  • Fixed lens less versatile for creative framing.

Macro Photography

• Samsung NX20:
  • Supports dedicated macro lenses for precision focusing.
  • Live view and manual focus assist in tight depth-of-field manipulation.
• Sony H200:
  • 20cm macro focus range with fixed lens is decent for casual close ups.
  • No manual focus support restricts fine control.

Night and Astrophotography

• Samsung NX20:
  • Large sensor excels in high ISO shooting (boosts up to ISO 12800).
  • Manual exposure modes and low noise empower creative night scenes.
• Sony H200:
  • Limited to ISO 3200.
  • Smaller sensor creates more noise; less suitable for astrophotography.

Video Users

• Samsung NX20:
  • Full HD 1080p at 30fps with external mic port.
  • Articulating OLED screen ideal for vlogging or creative composing.
• Sony H200:
  • Records HD 720p.
  • No mic port or HDMI output limits usability for serious video work.

Travel Photography

• Samsung NX20:
  • Lightweight with interchangeable lenses offers adaptability.
  • Wireless connectivity built-in for rapid sharing.
  • Solid battery life.
• Sony H200:
  • Massive zoom range covers many scenarios.
  • AA batteries facilitate replacement anywhere.
  • Bulkier, but the fixed lens removes need to carry multiple optics.

Professional Use

• Samsung NX20:
  • RAW image support integrates well into professional workflows.
  • Durable metal body with manual controls favors demanding conditions.
• Sony H200:
  • No RAW support.
  • Limited customization or advanced features reduce professional appeal.

Sample Image Gallery and Usage Insights

Samsung NX20 front Samsung NX20 screen back Sony H200 front Sony H200 screen back

Images tested in everyday indoor portraits, outdoor landscapes, and telephoto wildlife zoom highlight the NX20's crisp detail, accurate colors, and smooth bokeh. The H200 shines when capturing distant objects thanks to the 633mm equivalent zoom, but images show noise under dim lighting and lack the fine detail found on the NX20.

Performance Ratings Summary

How These Cameras Serve Different Photography Types

• Portraits: Samsung NX20 excels with lens flexibility and image quality.
• Travel: Sony H200 offers simplicity and reach with extended zoom.
• Wildlife: Mixed - H200’s zoom helps reach, but NX20’s image quality is superior.
• Landscape: NX20's sensor and lenses dominate.
• Street: NX20 wins with discreet shooting features.
• Macro & Night: NX20 preferred due to sensor size and controls.
• Video: NX20 for higher resolution and mic input.

Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Which?

Samsung NX20: The Enthusiast’s Mirrorless Workhorse

• If you want excellent image quality, RAW capability, and creative control.
• Excellent for portrait, landscape, night, macro, and pro use.
• Interchangeable lenses open unlimited creative paths.
• Ideal if you value portability and a responsive interface.
• Higher price (~$1100) justified by advanced features and future potential.

Sony DSC-H200: The Superzoom Bridge Camera for Casual, Travel, and Zoom Lovers

• If you need an all-in-one zoom solution at a budget price (~$250).
• Great reach from wide to ultra-telephoto focal lengths without lens changes.
• Simple, compact solution for family, travel snapshots, and casual wildlife.
• Limited in low light, manual control, and video abilities.
• AA battery convenience can be a plus on the road.

Recommendations and Getting Started Tips

• For ultimate image quality and growth potential, invest in the Samsung NX20 and pair it with lenses matching your priorities - start with a versatile 18-55mm and a prime like 30mm f/2 for portraits.
• If you want an affordable, ready-out-of-the-box superzoom camera for travel and casual shooting, the Sony H200 covers a lot of ground optically in a compact package.
• Try both cameras in a retail store if possible to feel the grip and test responsiveness.
• Consider accessories: For the NX20, get extra batteries and a fast memory card; for the H200, stock up on AA batteries and a camera case.
• Check for firmware updates and understand each camera’s manual features for smoother operation.

Choosing a camera is about matching your creative intentions with the right tools. The Samsung NX20 and Sony H200 serve distinct roles in the photography ecosystem - from the sophisticated enthusiast craving quality, to the casual shooter requiring reach and simplicity. Understanding their differences empowers you to take confident steps on your creative journey.

Happy shooting, and may your next frames be your best yet!