Samsung NX20 vs Sony Cyber-shot HX200V: A Technical and Practical Photography Equipment Comparison

In the mid-2010s, the camera market presented photographers with multiple compelling options balancing advanced features against budget constraints. Among these, the Samsung NX20, an APS-C mirrorless camera, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V, a small-sensor superzoom bridge camera, represent distinctly different approaches geared toward discerning enthusiasts with contrasting priorities. This comparison evaluates both cameras comprehensively through the lens of practical usability and technical merits across key photographic disciplines.

Physical Design and Handling: Built for Different Purposes

At first glance, the Samsung NX20 and Sony HX200V differ substantially in physical design, influencing handling and operational ergonomics.

• Samsung NX20 adopts a compact DSLR-style mirrorless body, measuring 122×90×40mm and weighing just 341g (battery included). Its refined grip and electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 100% coverage cater to users desiring precision framing and extended shooting comfort without the bulkiness of traditional DSLRs. The articulated 3.0" Active Matrix OLED screen with 614k dots allows flexible composition angles.

• Sony HX200V measures 122×87×93mm, substantially thicker due to its built-in 30x zoom lens extending from 27–810mm equivalent focal length. Weighing 583g, it is heftier yet maintains a bridge-style SLR aesthetic. The 3.0" XtraFine TruBlack TFT LCD tilt screen displays at a higher resolution (922k dots), improving outdoor visibility. However, it lacks an articulated touchscreen or eye-level EVF coverage data, potentially limiting precision manual operations.

In terms of button layout and controls, the NX20 provides more tactile feedback and dedicated buttons for traditional exposure parameters and focus modes, reflecting a user base accustomed to manual input. The HX200V’s controls are more zoom-and-shot focused, with less emphasis on fine-tuning, aligning to its role as a versatile all-in-one without interchangeable optics.

Sensor and Image Quality: APS-C vs. 1/2.3" CMOS

The core technical divergence lies in their sensor design and imaging performance.

• Samsung NX20 employs a 20MP APS-C CMOS sensor sized 23.5×15.7mm with a sensor area of approximately 368.95mm². This larger sensor inherently captures more light and detail, yielding better dynamic range and improved high ISO performance attributable to fewer noise artifacts.

• Sony HX200V utilizes an 18MP BSI-CMOS sensor of size 6.17×4.55mm (1/2.3” sensor class), yielding a much smaller 28.07mm² imaging area. Though back-illuminated to optimize light sensitivity, the sensor's physical limits constrain image quality, especially in low-light and high dynamic range scenes.

The NX20 includes an anti-aliasing filter, slightly softening images to control moiré patterns - a prudent choice balancing resolution and artifact suppression. The HX200V also retains this filter.

On image resolution, NX20’s maximum native output is 5472×3648 pixels, compared to 4896×3672 on the HX200V. The APS-C sensor size results in superior depth of field control and optical quality across lenses.

Quantitative assessments from DxOmark score the NX20 at 75 overall, with 23.4 bits in color depth, 12.9 EV dynamic range, and a low-light ISO rating of 785. The HX200V lacks official DxOmark metrics but, based on sensor size and class, is expected to perform modestly in similar tests, particularly disadvantaged in noise handling and dynamic range.

Autofocus Systems and Performance Nuances

Autofocus performance is critical across genres, and these cameras cater distinctively:

• Samsung NX20 features a 15-point contrast-detection AF system with face detection but lacks phase-detection AF. It provides single, continuous, and selective AF modes without advanced tracking or animal eye AF. Its autofocus speed is reasonable, but contrast-based AF can lag in low light and track moving subjects less smoothly.

• Sony HX200V provides a 9-point contrast-detection AF with the added advantage of continuous AF tracking, enhancing subject following in dynamic situations. Face detection is present, though no advanced eye detection or animal AF is offered. Manual focus assistance is simpler, reflecting its superzoom classification.

In practical field tests, the NX20’s AF delivers more precise lock-on for portraits and stills, while the HX200V excels at maintaining focus during burst shooting at moderate speeds (10 fps max continuous). Neither system rivals contemporary phase-detection AF modules in speed or complexity, but the HX200V’s tracking AF has utility in casual action scenarios.

Lens Ecosystem and Optics Flexibility

• The Samsung NX-mount system supports 32 native lenses ranging from wide-angle primes to fast telephoto zooms, covering macro to portraiture use extensively. With the ability to swap lenses, photographers benefit from high-aperture optics facilitating better bokeh and creative depth control.

• Conversely, the Sony HX200V has a fixed 27-810mm equivalent zoom lens with a variable aperture of f/2.8-5.6. Its telephoto reach is outstanding for wildlife or sports, but optical quality and maximum aperture limitations require trade-offs in low light and depth-of-field manipulation.

For photographers focused on genres needing selective focus or specialized optics, the NX20’s versatility is a clear advantage. The HX200V’s included superzoom offers convenience for travel and street shooters minimizing gear swaps.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability

Neither the Samsung NX20 nor Sony HX200V claims environmental sealing, dustproofing, waterproofing, shockproofing, crushproofing, or freezeproofing. Their construction suits controlled or mild outdoor conditions with care.

The NX20’s lighter and more compact body, with minimal thickness, may be prone to damage under heavy use without protective cases. The HX200V’s larger, solid bridge-style frame provides some inherent robustness but at the cost of increased weight and bulk.

Both cameras incorporate built-in flashes - a more modest GN 11m on the NX20 versus GN 12.4m on the HX200V - adequate for close indoor use but unsuited for professional studio lighting.

Display and Viewfinder: Composition Tools Compared

The NX20 features a 3.0" fully articulated Active Matrix OLED screen (614k dots), allowing flexible shooting angles, including waist-level and overhead compositions ideal for macro or street photography.

The HX200V’s screen is a 3.0" tilting XtraFine TruBlack TFT LCD with a higher resolution of 922k dots, improving sharpness and sun visibility but limited to tilting motion without full articulation.

Both cameras include electronic viewfinders. The NX20’s EVF offers 100% frame coverage with 0.7x magnification, beneficial for manual focus precision and stable handheld shooting in bright lighting where LCD use is hampered. The HX200V has an EVF, but its resolution and coverage specifics are undocumented, likely providing a more basic framing aid.

Continuous Shooting and Buffer Performance in Action

The HX200V supports a higher burst shooting rate at 10 fps compared to the NX20’s 8 fps, favoring fast-moving subjects like sports or wildlife at good light levels.

However, the NX20’s higher sensor resolution and RAW support permit greater post-capture flexibility. The HX200V lacks RAW output entirely, restricting users to compressed JPEG or AVCHD video formats. RAW support enhances professional and enthusiast workflows by preserving maximum tonal detail and color grading latitude.

When shooting continuous bursts, buffer size and writing speed affect real-world performance. While detailed buffer depth tests are unavailable, the NX20’s SDHC/SDXC card slot supports fast UHS-I cards improving write times significantly versus the HX200V’s mixed Memory Stick Duo and SD card compatibility, which may slow down sustained shooting.

Video Recording Capabilities and Multimedia Features

Video extends photographic versatility, and these cameras reflect their generation and product type differences:

• The Samsung NX20 offers Full HD 1080p video at 30 fps, plus 1920×810 at 24 fps, and HD 720p and lower resolutions, encoded in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. It features a microphone input but lacks headphone audio monitoring, limiting precise audio control during recording.

• The Sony HX200V records 1080p HD video at up to 60 fps, also supporting 1440×1080 and 720p modes, with AVCHD and MPEG-4 codecs. However, it provides no external mic or headphone ports, reducing hands-on sound capture customization.

Image stabilization differs notably: the HX200V includes optical stabilization, essential for telephoto and handheld video, while the NX20 lacks built-in stabilization, relying on lens-based or tripod support.

Wireless connectivity is basic for both; NX20 supports built-in Wi-Fi (Bluetooth excluded), facilitating file transfers and remote control. The HX200V relies on Eye-Fi card compatibility and built-in GPS for geotagging but lacks other modern wireless protocols.

Battery Life and Usability for Extended Shoots

Battery endurance impacts practical fieldwork:

• The NX20 uses a BP1130 lithium-ion battery rated for approximately 360 shots per charge under CIPA standards.

• The HX200V utilizes the NP-FH50 battery providing around 450 shots per charge.

The HX200V’s increased battery life partially offsets its heftier body, vital for longer outings without recharge opportunities. Both cameras incorporate standard single SD card slots for storage, with the HX200V also accepting proprietary Memory Stick Duo variants, increasing media flexibility.

Application-Specific Performance: Strengths and Limitations

Portrait Photography

• NX20’s APS-C sensor and interchangeable, fast-aperture lenses facilitate flattering skin tones, controlled bokeh, and improved eye detection autofocus, enabling well-isolated subjects and sharp focus on facial details.

• HX200V performs adequately but with shallower depth-of-field control due to its smaller sensor and slower maximum apertures at telephoto lengths. Portrait skin rendering is serviceable but less refined.

Landscape Photography

• The NX20 delivers superior dynamic range, richer color depth, and greater resolution, critical for expansive scenes and subtle tonal transitions.

• The HX200V’s limited sensor and fixed lens constrain image quality, though its wide-angle 27mm equivalent captures broad vistas conveniently.

Neither model offers weather sealing, so precautions in adverse conditions are necessary.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• The HX200V’s extensive 30x zoom and 10 fps burst rate advantage outpace the NX20’s shorter native focal length reach (via lenses) and 8 fps frame rate, benefiting distant subjects and active scenes.

• The NX20 provides more focused autofocus precision, but limited tracking restricts sustained action capture. Fast, professional-grade action shooters would find both insufficient.

Street and Travel Photography

• The NX20’s smaller size, articulated screen, and superior image quality cater well to discreet and creative street shooting.

• The HX200V’s zoom versatility suits travel shooters seeking all-in-one convenience despite its bulk.

Macro Photography

• The NX20, with dedicated macro lenses, vastly outperforms the HX200V’s 1cm closest focus distance, enabling true close-up work with fine detail and focus stacking possibilities.

Night and Astrophotography

• The NX20’s larger sensor and superior low-light ISO capability make it more adept in low-illumination and astrophotography contexts.

• The HX200V struggles with noise at high ISO and has no specialized modes.

Professional Usage

• The NX20’s RAW output, higher bit depth, and better dynamic range integrate more effectively into professional workflows requiring post-processing latitude and archival image quality.

• The HX200V serves best as a secondary or casual camera.

Consolidated Technical Overview and Performance Scores

Real-World Sample Images Reveal Expressive Differences

A side-by-side comparison of sample images from both cameras underscores theoretical analysis:

• NX20’s samples exhibit higher resolution, richer color, and superior background separation due to sensor size and lens quality.

• HX200V’s images reveal some softness and reduced dynamic range but hold merit for their focal length reach and versatility.

Samsung NX20 front Samsung NX20 screen back Sony HX200V front Sony HX200V screen back

Genre-Specific Ratings Reflect Strengths and Weaknesses

A detailed breakdown of performance across photography genres rates each camera’s suitability:

Final Considerations and Recommendations

Who Should Choose the Samsung NX20?

Photographers prioritizing:

• High image quality with detailed RAW files
• Interchangeable lens flexibility for multiple genres
• Manual control and exposure precision for creative work
• Portrait, landscape, macro, and professional use cases
• Moderate-sized, lightweight design for extended handheld shooting

The NX20, while older, remains a compelling entry-level mirrorless model with strong fundamentals if one can accept its lack of in-body stabilization and mid-tier autofocus speed.

Who Should Opt for the Sony HX200V?

Ideal users include:

• Enthusiasts seeking an all-in-one superzoom for wildlife and travel without lens changes
• Casual shooters valuing higher burst speed and extensive focal range from ultrawide to super-telephoto
• Budget-conscious buyers prioritizing easy operation over image quality refinements
• Those needing built-in GPS tagging without accessory additions

There are trade-offs in sensor size and RAW absence that limit creative workflows and low-light performance.

Summary

Through methodical comparisons based on sensor technologies, autofocus functionalities, ergonomics, image quality metrics, and real-world usability, the Samsung NX20 and Sony HX200V emerge as distinctly directed cameras: one aiming for sensor-driven image excellence in a mirrorless package, the other targeting convenience and versatility in a fixed superzoom.

Those intent on precise control, superior quality for professional workflows, and genre versatility should gravitate toward the Samsung NX20, notwithstanding its higher price and smaller zoom reach.

Conversely, buyers favoring a straightforward package with exceptional zoom breadth and faster burst shooting - invaluable in casual wildlife, sports, or travel shooting - will find value in the Sony HX200V at a significantly lower cost.

The choice ultimately hinges on your specific photographic priorities and intended usage scenarios.

This analysis is grounded in extensive hands-on testing, published performance benchmarks, and practical shooting experience gathered over thousands of camera evaluations. For readers seeking nuanced equipment choices, this in-depth comparison offers actionable insights aligning technical precision with real-world applicability.