Samsung NX20 vs Sony RX1R II: An Expert Comparison for Photo Enthusiasts in 2024

With over 15 years of camera testing under my belt, I’ve seen cameras ride waves of hype, only to disappoint in real-world use - and others rise quietly to iconic status. Today, we’re diving into two very different beasts from Samsung and Sony: the Samsung NX20, an advanced mirrorless from 2012 aimed at enthusiasts craving SLR-like controls in a compact form factor, and the Sony RX1R II, a 2015 large-sensor compact with a fixed 35mm f/2 lens and full-frame sensor aimed at pros and demanding enthusiasts.

Despite their vintage, both cameras have legions of fans and still appear in many discussions about used camera deals or specialty gear investments. I’ve tested these extensively to help you understand how their designs, imaging capabilities, handling, and value stack up in 2024 - and who should consider each.

Let’s get into it.

Getting a Grip: Size, Design, and Handling

First impressions often come down to feel and ergonomics - how a camera fits in your hands and how intuitive it feels during shooting. The NX20 and RX1R II couldn’t be more different in concept here.

Samsung NX20 sports an SLR-style mirrorless body with confident thumb clubs and a grip big enough for medium-to-large hands. At 122x90x40mm and 341g, it feels solid but not lumbering - a great fit if you want a camera that feels substantial without being a burden on longer shoots or travel. The fully articulated 3-inch OLED screen offers excellent compositional flexibility, especially for vlogging or shooting from odd angles.

On the other hand, the Sony RX1R II is more pocket-friendly and muscular rather than bulky - compact for a full-frame camera at 113x65x72mm and 507g. Its build moves away from SLR styling toward a rangefinder-like form, sleek and unobtrusive for street photographers or wanderers who want the quality of full frame without a load of lenses. Notably, its tilting 3-inch screen packs double the resolution of the NX20’s OLED, making focus checks and image review sharper.

The RX1R II is less about clubs for thumbs and more about minimalist elegance and discreet shooting, which you’ll appreciate during street or travel shoots where flashiness is a no-no. No articulating screen here, so selfie-friendliness or vlog framing flexibility is a miss, unlike the NX20.

In terms of design control intuition, check the top panel:

The NX20 sports a more traditional control layout with dedicated dials for exposure and menu buttons - great if you like muscle memory and tactile shortcuts. Sony leans minimalist with fewer buttons and some menus buried more deeply, reflecting its “less-is-more” philosophy.

My take: NX20 is for shooters who want a confident grip, more physical control, and articulated screen versatility; RX1R II suits users valuing pocketability and low-profile operation.

Heart of the Matter: Sensors and Image Quality

This is where the story gets really interesting. Sensor tech defines core image quality, and these two cameras differ dramatically.

The Samsung NX20 sports a 20MP APS-C CMOS sensor (23.5x15.7mm) with a 1.5x crop factor. Its sensor incorporates a traditional antialiasing filter, which reduces moiré at the expense of extreme detail resolution. The 614k resolution OLED articulating screen is a nice plus for framing confidence. DxOMark scores place it with a decent 12.9 stops of dynamic range and a respectable color depth of 23.4 bits - at its time, it was quite competitive. Maximum ISO tops at 12800, but usable low-light sensitivity probably caps around ISO 800 before noise becomes intrusive.

Contrast this with the Sony RX1R II’s commanding 42MP full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor (35.9x24mm), with no antialiasing filter - meaning razor-sharp detail at the cost of potential moiré. This sensor also boasts improved back-illumination for better light-gathering. DxOMark measures a dynamic range of almost 14 stops and fantastic color depth of 25.8 bits. Its low-light ISO performance is notably better, comfortably stretching to ISO 3200 with usable results - a game-changer for astro, night, and wildlife shooters.

The RX1R II’s 35mm fixed lens is a beautifully sharp f/2 optic designed for this sensor, which doesn’t mean the NX20 is starved here: it supports over 30 lenses with the Samsung NX mount, from wide to telephoto zooms, allowing you to tailor focal lengths to your exact needs.

In practice, the RX1R II’s images render with superb tonal gradation, fine detail, and true-to-life color fidelity - especially when shooting RAW. The NX20’s 20MP images are clean and vibrant, but don’t expect RX1R II-level resolution or dynamic range.

Looking at the Big Picture: Rear Screen and Viewfinder Experience

For composing and image review, screen and viewfinder quality are crucial. The Samsung NX20 opts for an OLED articulating screen; while the RX1R II chooses a higher-res tilting LCD screen.

The NX20’s 3-inch, 614k-pixel OLED screen is fully articulated, helping you shoot at awkward angles, but the resolution feels cramped by today’s standards. In bright outdoor settings, the OLED does well compared to some LCDs, but detail inspection is limited.

The RX1R II’s 3-inch 1.23 million-dot tilting LCD is excellent for daylight visibility and accuracy, although without a touchscreen. The difference is subtle but tangible when you pixel-peep your shots on the spot.

Both cameras have electronic viewfinders that cover 100% of the frame. The NX20’s EVF magnification is 0.7x, but resolution details are unspecified. The RX1R II’s EVF sports a higher resolution (2.36 million dots) and 0.74x magnification, delivering a bright, crisp framing window critical for manual focus precision - an important factor given the fixed lens and larger resolution where pixel-level accuracy can matter.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

Autofocus (AF) can make or break a shoot, especially in wildlife, sports, or street environments demanding reflexive focus grabs.

The Samsung NX20 offers 15 contrast detection AF points, face detection, and selective AF areas. Continuous AF mode enables 8 fps shooting - a respectable burst for enthusiast mirrorless in 2012. However, note the lack of phase detection AF and no dedicated tracking AF, meaning its tracking for moving subjects is clunky.

The Sony RX1R II sports 25 hybrid phase/contrast AF points, including phase detection pixels embedded directly on the sensor - a much more modern and responsive system. However, the continuous shooting speed maxes at 5 fps, reflecting the fixed lens design focused more on quality than speed. This AF system includes face detection and tracking capabilities.

For sports or wildlife shooters who need continuous servo with high frame rates, the NX20’s 8 fps burst might seem appealing, but autofocus sluggishness can bottleneck. Meanwhile, the RX1R II shines with pinpoint focus accuracy and speed but is best suited to deliberate shooting rather than rapid-fire bursts.

Different Strokes for Different Folks: Photography Disciplines Breakdown

Now, let’s see how these cameras shine (or falter) across primary photography genres and real-world applications.

Portrait Photography

Samsung NX20: The APS-C sensor combined with a broad lens lineup allows beautiful portrait composition, but the antialiasing filter smooths detail slightly. Its face detection AF helps keep eyes sharp, though no eye AF tracking (animal or human) limits precise focus on subtle expressions. Bokeh quality depends strongly on lens choice.

Sony RX1R II: The full-frame sensor plus sharp, fast 35mm f/2 lens (great for environmental portraits) ensures exquisite skin tone rendering and very creamy bokeh. Its face and eye detection autofocus reliably nails selective focus, even at wide apertures - making it a pro-level portrait tool in a small body.

Landscape Photography

The RX1R II’s 42MP sensor is a clear winner for landscapes, delivering incredible resolution, fine detail, and dynamic range for challenging light. The 35mm lens is moderately wide and excellent optically.

The NX20’s APS-C sensor gives good results, but with less native resolution and dynamic range, plus no weather sealing on either body, so protection is limited in harsher conditions. The articulated screen on the NX20 helps with framing low or high shots in the field.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Burst speed and AF tracking are paramount here.

The NX20’s 8 fps and face detection AF are decent, but its slow AF and no tracking AF make it challenging to capture fast-moving wildlife or sports action crisply.

The RX1R II delivers impeccable AF accuracy but slower 5 fps and single-shot focus preference favor methodical shooting over continuous bursts required in sports or wildlife.

Additionally, the RX1R II has a fixed 35mm lens - not ideal for distant wildlife requiring tele lenses.

Street and Travel Photography

Here, compactness, discretion, and versatility rule.

The RX1R II is a stellar street camera, blending pocketability with pro-level image quality, subtle lens, and quiet operation. Its discreet form and high image quality make it a favorite among street shooters.

The NX20’s larger body and lens changes can be less stealthy but offer more compositional flexibility with interchangeable lenses. Its articulated screen helps for vloggers or casual travel content creators.

Battery life leans decisively in NX20’s favor (360 shots vs 220), helpful on long excursions without chargers.

Close-Ups and Night Scenes: Macro, Astro, & Low-Light

Macro: The RX1R II has a close focus distance of 14cm with its fixed lens, allowing decent macro shots but limited magnification. The NX20 depends heavily on lens choice; some Samsung NX lenses offer better macro capabilities, while others do not. The lack of stabilization on both bodies puts the onus on steady hands or tripods.

Night/Astro: The RX1R II’s superior high ISO performance (usable up to ISO 3200 or beyond) and dynamic range make it a natural for astrophotography or night scenes. The NX20 struggles in low light, with noisy images above ISO 800.

Video Capabilities: Not Just for Stills

Both cameras offer Full HD video, but specs differ.

• NX20 records 1080p at 30fps using MPEG-4/H.264 and includes a microphone port, making it decent for amateur videographers.
• RX1R II improves slightly with 1080p up to 60fps, plus 720p slow-motion at 120fps, offering more creative flexibility. It also has mic input but no headphone jack.

Neither supports 4K video or in-body stabilization, so video is a secondary feature rather than a centerpiece.

Durability, Storage, and Connectivity

Both cameras skip weather sealing and ruggedization, so care in the field is required.

Storage-wise, both take SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but RX1R II also supports Memory Stick Pro Duo - a bonus if you have compatible media.

Connectivity-wise, both cameras include built-in WiFi; RX1R II has NFC; NX20 does not. Both lack Bluetooth. HDMI ports on both enable external monitor use.

Battery wise, NX20’s rated 360 shots outlasts the RX1R II’s 220 shots per charge, which can be a dealbreaker on longer trips.

Real World Image Gallery and Scores: Seeing is Believing

Here are some sample images from both cameras shot under varied conditions:

Samsung NX20 front Samsung NX20 screen back Sony RX1R II front Sony RX1R II screen back

Notice the RX1R II’s richer detail in the shadows and highlights, smoother skin tones, and finer textures. The NX20 produces pleasant color but with less resolution and punch.

Weighing these factors, here’s an aggregate performance snapshot:

The Sony RX1R II dominates in image quality and low-light prowess. The Samsung NX20 scores higher for burst speed and battery life.

You can also see how both perform in specific genres:

Price and Value: What Does Your Wallet Say?

At launch, the NX20 cost around $1,100; the RX1R II roughly $3,300. Today, used prices reflect rarity and demand, generally maintaining this spread.

If you’re a budget-conscious enthusiast seeking solid image quality, fast shooting, and interchangeable lenses, the NX20 represents serious bang for your buck - especially if you pick good glass.

If your top priority is image quality, full-frame flexibility, and pocketable form for street and travel, and price is less of a concern, the RX1R II is a near-unmatched asset.

Pros and Cons Summary

Samsung NX20

Pros:

• Interchangeable lens system (32+ lenses)
• Faster burst (8 fps)
• Fully articulated OLED screen
• Solid ergonomics and physical controls
• Longer battery life
• More affordable in used market

Cons:

• APS-C sensor lags behind in image quality
• Slower, less accurate autofocus
• No weather sealing
• Lower resolution and dynamic range
• Video limited to 1080p 30fps

Sony RX1R II

Pros:

• Large 42MP full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor
• Outstanding image quality and dynamic range
• Hybrid phase-detection AF system with face detection
• Compact and discreet for travel/street use
• Higher resolution tilting screen & EVF
• Better video frame rates and slow-motion options
• NFC-enabled for quick transfer

Cons:

• Fixed 35mm lens limits compositional flexibility
• Slower burst rate (5 fps)
• Shorter battery life
• No articulating screen
• Pricey and heavier than typical compacts

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Should You Buy Today?

If I were to sum this up for various user types in 2024:

• Portrait, Street, Travel Enthusiasts and Pro Photographers: The Sony RX1R II is an outstanding choice if you want near-top-tier full-frame quality in a compact body with superb AF and lens quality. Its fixed lens can be a limitation but encourages creativity and light travel loads.

• Budget-conscious Enthusiasts and Beginners: The Samsung NX20 still offers a compelling package with interchangeable lenses and faster burst rates - great for varied shooting styles and more experimental work. If cash is tight but image quality acceptable, it’s a solid pick.

• Wildlife and Sports Shooters: Neither camera is ideal, but NX20’s faster frame rate is slightly better for action shots. For serious sports, you’d want a modern camera with more advanced AF tracking and higher fps.

• Video Shooters: Both cameras provide basic Full HD video, but neither is a strong video performer today. Choose other options if video is a primary need.

Wrapping Up

The Samsung NX20 and Sony RX1R II remain fascinating cameras after years on the market. One prioritizes versatility and budget-friendly shooters, while the other targets perfectionists chasing ultimate image fidelity in a pocket-sized form.

Having used both extensively, I can confidently say your choice boils down to your priorities: Do you want a versatile, affordable system camera (NX20), or a specialized, no-compromises, full-frame compact (RX1R II)? Each has held up in niche communities, proving that good engineering and design can transcend generations.

Hopefully, my experience and detailed insights help you make a smarter, happier choice toward your next camera. If you want me to revisit any other gear or specific use cases, let me know!

Happy shooting!

Images Recap for Navigation:

Samsung NX20 front Samsung NX20 screen back Sony RX1R II front Sony RX1R II screen back