Samsung NX20 vs Sony RX10 III: An Expert Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right camera often means balancing features, ergonomics, and your specific photographic needs. Having spent hundreds of hours testing cameras across genres, I’ve put the Samsung NX20 and Sony RX10 III head-to-head to help you decide which suits your style better - whether you are a portrait artist, a wildlife hunter, or a video storyteller. These two cameras, released four years apart but catering to advanced amateurs and prosumers, are intriguing picks with distinct philosophies: the NX20 as a lightweight, interchangeable-lens mirrorless system, and the RX10 III as a large-sensor superzoom bridge camera.

Let’s dive deep, from sensors to shooting experience, lens options to image quality, and ultimately, who should buy which camera in 2024.

Visualizing Their Physical Presence and Ergonomics

Before we talk specs, handling experience can make or break your relationship with a camera during extended shoots.

The Samsung NX20 favors compactness, with dimensions of 122×90×40mm and a weight of just 341 grams including its battery - reassuringly light for a mirrorless APS-C camera. Its shape closely mimics traditional DSLRs, with a well-defined grip that fits smaller hands comfortably. The mirrorless body plus the versatile Samsung NX mount means you can customize your setup with various lenses without carrying extra bulk.

In stark contrast, the Sony RX10 III is considerably bigger and heavier - 133×94×127mm and tipping the scales at 1051 grams. This “bridge” camera, sometimes affectionately called an SLR-like for its DSLR styling, is designed to replace a full kit bag if needed, equipped with a fixed, massive 24-600mm zoom lens and an all-metal chassis with partial environmental sealing. The RX10 III’s heft and size demand a larger hand or a sturdy grip to steady during long telephoto bursts but offer durability and balance unmatched by lighter setups.

If portability and compactness top your priority list, the NX20’s slim size appeals. But if you want an “all-in-one” powerhouse that you can grab-and-go without juggling lenses, the RX10 III’s heft balances that versatility. More on that later when we talk lenses and handling controls.

Design, Controls, and User Interface: Navigating a Photographer’s Workflow

How a camera feels when you reach for it often tells more than specs can.

The NX20's top plate carries dedicated dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation, which have a satisfying mechanical feel - a nod to photographers who like tactile controls. Its 3-inch OLED articulated screen (a real treat often missing in this category), combined with a bright electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 100% coverage and 0.7x magnification, offers flexibility for composing shots at varying angles.

On the RX10 III, Sony takes a more modern approach with a top display panel displaying exposure info and a cluster of programmable buttons. It includes a pop-up electronic viewfinder boasting a sharp 2.3-million-dot resolution, noticeably crisper than the NX20’s EVF. The tilt-only LCD is bright but less versatile since it lacks full articulation. The button layout favors experienced users who crave quick access to autofocus modes, drive speeds, and steady-cam toggles for the optical image stabilization system.

Another subtle yet crucial point: the NX20 does not have illuminated buttons, nor touchscreen capability on either model - a reminder these cameras are designed before touchscreens became standard. However, Samsung’s interface feels intuitive for manual focus tweaking, while Sony’s menus are deeper but can be more complex to navigate when customizing autofocus zones or drive modes.

Ultimately, if you prize physical dials and a fully articulated OLED screen to compose in tricky positions like low or high angles, the NX20 holds an edge. But the RX10 III offers a more professional-level EVF and quicker control response - valuable for sports or wildlife photographers needing split-second adjustments under pressure.

Sensor Technology and Comprehensive Image Quality Analysis

Arguably the heart of any camera's appeal lies in its sensor’s ability to render detail, color, and dynamic range. Let’s compare the imaging hardware and resultant photos.

The Samsung NX20 features a 20.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor (23.5 x 15.7mm), roughly three times the area of the RX10 III’s 1-inch 20.1MP backside-illuminated CMOS sensor (13.2×8.8mm). This larger sensor allows bigger pixel pitch and generally superior noise performance, color depth, and tonal gradation, which we confirm through DXO Mark scores (75 for NX20, 70 for RX10 III).

Color depth measurements are neck and neck with 23.4 bits (NX20) and 23.1 bits (RX10 III), delivering vibrant, accurate color fidelity in daylight. Dynamic range pushes slightly higher for the NX20 (12.9 EV vs. 12.6 EV), meaning the NX20 better retains shadow and highlight details - a big plus for landscape photography demanding extra latitude in tough lighting.

Low-light performance clearly favors the NX20 as well, with a DXO low-light ISO score of 785 compared to 472 for the RX10 III. In practical terms, this means cleaner photos at ISO 3200 or 6400, translating into less aggressive noise reduction and better detail retention.

However, the RX10 III compensates with an impressive fast lens (f/2.4-4) and built-in optical image stabilization, providing steadier shots in challenging light. The Sony’s sensor also supports ISO boost up to 25600, useful for extreme low-light situations despite some noise trade-off.

In real-world testing, both cameras can capture richly detailed images up to ISO 800. For portraits and landscapes, the NX20 gives you cleaner skin tones and punchier gradations, whereas the RX10 III’s 1-inch sensor resolution limitations manifest in slightly softer fine details - visible if you zoom significantly or print large.

Exploring Lens Ecosystem and Focusing Systems

Interchangeability and autofocus performance often make or break a camera’s appeal based on use case.

The NX20’s Samsung NX mount gives access to 32 native lenses, covering wide-angle primes, fast zooms, and specialty glass - a surprisingly robust ecosystem if you can find these lenses (Samsung ceased camera operations in recent years). This flexibility allows tailoring setups: a fast f/1.7 for portraits, a macro, or an ultrawide for landscapes. However, notably absent is any internal image stabilization; you’ll need lenses with OIS or rig stabilization.

Autofocus on the NX20 is limited to contrast detection only, lacking phase detection. With 15 focus points and face detection, it’s adept enough for portraits and general photography but falls short in speed and tracking for fast action or wildlife. No animal eye AF or continuous tracking modes mean sports shooters might feel constrained.

Sony’s RX10 III stands out with 25 autofocus points, including continuous tracking and center-weighted detection, backed by fast hybrid contrast and phase detection AF. This combo yields swift and accurate focus acquisition - imperative for wildlife and sports photography. Though less customizable than interchangeable systems, it’s reliable enough even at 600mm telephoto reach.

The RX10 III’s fixed lens zoom from 24mm wide to 600mm is a marvel for those needing reach without swapping glass. Its 1:3 macro with 3cm focusing distance lets you get detailed close-ups - useful for nature or product photography. Built-in 5-axis optical image stabilization pairs well with long zoom ranges, reducing camera shake significantly.

If you prioritize versatility and lens quality over a fixed zoom, the NX20’s array suits those committed to system expansion. But if you want fast autofocus plus a gargantuan zoom with optical stabilization right out of the box, the RX10 III steals the show.

Handling Different Photography Genres: Which Excels Where?

Using these cameras across disciplines reveals strengths and challenges latent in their design.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

The NX20’s APS-C sensor combined with Samsung’s 30mm f/2.0 pancake or prime lenses produce creamy bokeh with smooth subject separation, ideal for flattering portraits. Its face detection is competent, ensuring eyes stay sharp. However, dynamic range limitations can cause blown highlights under harsh sunlight unless manually managed.

The RX10 III’s zoom lens is slower at telephoto apertures (f/4), limiting depth-of-field control. Bokeh is more restrained, with less smooth backgrounds due to smaller sensor size. That said, its versatile zoom lets you frame carefully from a distance - great for candid portraiture.

Landscape Photography: Wide-Range Dynamic and Resolution

APS-C size and better dynamic range push the NX20 ahead for landscape shooters demanding crisp detail and highlight/shadow retention. Despite no weather sealing, the camera is durable enough for moderate fieldwork.

The RX10 III’s rugged build and environmental sealing appeal to adventure photographers. Its 24mm equivalent wide-angle is decent, but sensor size and dynamic range limitations slightly impair tonal reproduction. If weather resistance is paramount, RX10 III has the edge.

Wildlife and Sports: AF Speed, Burst Rate, and Telephoto Reach

Thanks to a burst rate of 14 fps, fast autofocus tracking, and 600mm reach, the RX10 III excels in wildlife and sports scenarios needing decisive capturing of fleeting action. Its f/4 aperture at the long end is a compromise but workable.

The NX20’s 8 fps burst is solid but autofocus tracking suffers, which may leave you missing critical moments. Plus, 1.5x crop factor means telephoto lenses cost extra weight and money.

Street and Travel Photography: Stealth, Portability, and Battery Life

The NX20 wins in discrete shooting with cameras only just over 300 grams and classic looks. Its fully articulating OLED screen facilitates shooting at awkward angles without drawing attention.

The RX10 III, while versatile, demands a backpack, weighs over a kilogram, and is bulkier to wield. Battery life favors RX10 III slightly (420 vs 360 shots), useful on long travel days.

Macro and Night Photography

Limited native macro support on NX20 depends on available lenses, but its superior high ISO performance aids night or astro photographers hunting for clean, long exposures.

RX10 III can focus to 3 cm, offering decent macro capability without lens changes; however, higher noise at elevated ISO complicates clean long exposures.

Video Capabilities and Audio Features

The RX10 III supports 4K UHD video recording at 30p, with XAVC S encoding delivering higher-quality footage. It includes in-camera optical stabilization, mic and headphone ports - excellent for hybrid shooters needing solid audio control.

The NX20 maxes out at Full HD 1080p at 30 fps, with simpler MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs. It only sports a microphone port, limiting sound monitoring.

For video-centric users, RX10 III offers a more modern toolkit without a full professional price tag.

Practical Performance Based on Rigorous Testing

We conducted shooting sessions in controlled studio portraits, field environmentals, wildlife parks, and fast-paced sports events. Real-use insights:

• NX20 showed remarkable clarity in daylight with excellent color consistency; manual focus lenses provided creative control. Limited AF tracking hampered action shots.
• RX10 III delivered reliable focus and instant telephoto reach - the electronic viewfinder clarity and stabilization were indispensable for handheld wildlife candid shots.
• Video samples revealed less rolling shutter on RX10 III and more detailed 4K footage, while NX20’s clips were softer with some motion artifacts in low light.

Samsung NX20 front Samsung NX20 screen back Sony RX10 III front Sony RX10 III screen back

In the image gallery, note the smooth bokeh on the NX20 portrait and the sharp distant wildlife framing from the RX10 III zoom.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Sony’s RX10 III embraces partial weather sealing - resistant to splashes and dust - acceptable for rough outdoor use. The body is constructed with magnesium alloy for premium durability.

Samsung’s NX20 has a polycarbonate shell - adequate for casual use but no environmental protection, requiring caution in wet weather.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

While neither leads in wireless features, the RX10 III’s NFC support eases quick image transfers to compatible devices. Battery longevity is decent on both, with RX10 III slightly better for demanding shooting days.

Pricing and Value Proposition in 2024

At launch, NX20 was $1100, while RX10 III sat around $1400. Today, these cameras appear in the used market - yes, they are somewhat legacy models - but their unique strengths persist.

• For those prioritizing image quality and system flexibility, the NX20 offers APS-C negotiation unseen in most superzooms.
• For convenience, all-in-one zoom range, and hybrid photo/video capabilities, the RX10 III remains a compelling choice.

Summary Scores and Genre Suitability

The NX20 scores higher in image quality and color depth, while the RX10 III excels in autofocus, reach, versatility, and video.

Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Camera Based on Experience and Expertise

Both the Samsung NX20 and Sony RX10 III embody different photographic philosophies. I’d recommend:

• Samsung NX20 for enthusiasts who:

  • Wish to build a lightweight APS-C system with interchangeable lenses.
  • Prioritize image quality, color fidelity, and manual control.
  • Shoot portraits, landscapes, and controlled environments.
  • Don’t need ultra-fast autofocus or extensive telephoto zoom.

• Sony RX10 III for photographers who:

  • Desire an all-in-one fixed-lens camera with vast zoom potential.
  • Need fast, responsive autofocus and stabilized shots for wildlife or sports.
  • Shoot hybrid photo and modern 4K video.
  • Require durable weather sealing for outdoor adventure and travel.

While the Samsung NX20 feels like a creative playground thanks to its modularity and sensor size, the RX10 III operates like a Swiss Army knife - ready to tackle unpredictable, fast-moving subjects with ease and flexibility.

I hope this deep dive has illuminated the core differences so you can match your photographic ambitions with the right tool. I also encourage renting or hands-on testing these models (if possible) - experience remains the best teacher in camera selection.

If you want a quick reference guide or have specific shooting scenarios you’d like me to analyze, drop a comment - happy to extend this expertise at any time!