Samsung NX20 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W570: An In-Depth Comparative Review for Serious Photographers

When navigating the broad landscape of photographic equipment, understanding the nuanced distinctions between cameras across categories is paramount. This detailed comparison pits the Samsung NX20, a 2012 advanced mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, against the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W570, a 2011 ultracompact fixed-lens camera. Both are designed for vastly different photographic workflows and user priorities, yet each holds specific appeal depending on intended application.

With hands-on experience testing thousands of cameras under a variety of conditions, this article evaluates these two models through a technical lens, spanning sensor performance, autofocus systems, ergonomics, image quality, and specialized photographic disciplines. The goal is to provide photography enthusiasts and professionals with an authoritative, practical guide focusing on real-world performance rather than marketing narratives.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling Dynamics

Assessing the physical characteristics of cameras is essential as it directly impacts ergonomics and longevity in varied shooting scenarios.

• Samsung NX20 measures a robust 122x90x40 mm and weighs 341g, aligning with its SLR-style mirrorless design optimized for extensive manual control and comfort over prolonged use.
• Sony DSC-W570 is diminutive at 91x52x19 mm weighing just 116g, underscoring its intent as a portable ultracompact ideal for casual carrying and impromptu shooting.

The Samsung offers a substantially larger grip and firmer tactile presence, catering to users requiring stability during shoots involving longer lenses or manual focusing. Conversely, the Sony prioritizes portability, suited for users valuing convenience over extended handling stability.

User Interface and Control Layout: Directness vs Simplicity

Effective camera interaction is critical to capturing fleeting moments without fumbling through menus.

The NX20’s top plate reveals numerous dedicated dials and buttons enabling precise adjustments to shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation with minimal hand movement. Its mechanical shutter priorities and manual exposure modes manifest through physical controls, facilitating an efficient workflow for seasoned photographers.

In contrast, the W570 eschews manual controls entirely, approximating a point-and-shoot experience. With minimal buttons and absence of physical exposure controls, it targets users seeking simplicity and instantaneous operation at the expense of granular parameter control.

This divergence epitomizes their intent: the Samsung favors deliberate, technical shooting; the Sony supports casual, opportunistic photography.

Sensor Technologies and Image Quality Considerations

At the heart of any camera lies its sensor - the cornerstone influencing image fidelity, dynamic range, and noise performance.

• Samsung NX20 employs a 20.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.7 mm, a size conducive to superior noise control and dynamic range in comparison to typical compact sensors. Its substantial sensor area (approx. 369 mm²) permits higher pixel pitch promoting enhanced light gathering.
• Sony W570 uses a smaller 16MP 1/2.3" CCD sensor size of 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.07 mm²), limiting photon collection and dynamic range, typical of budget ultracompacts.

The NX20 exhibits a DxO Mark overall score of 75, including a color depth of 23.4 bits and dynamic range of 12.9 EV, metrics reflecting its capability for nuanced tonal gradation, shadow detail preservation, and color accuracy. The W570 lacks DxO testing but given its sensor class, one can expect comparatively limited high ISO performance and narrower dynamic range - intrinsically restricting flexibility in challenging lighting.

LCD Displays and Viewfinding: Operational Efficiency and Feedback

A camera’s rear display and viewfinder system are the primary interfaces with the image and settings.

Samsung integrates a 3-inch fully articulated Active Matrix OLED display with a resolution of 614k dots, facilitating flexible shooting angles and accurate, vivid preview under diverse lighting. It also includes a 100% coverage electronic viewfinder with 0.7x magnification - essential for critical composition and refraining from glare issues outdoors.

Sony’s W570 offers a fixed 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD screen with 230k dots, adequate for casual framing but limited in resolution and flexibility. Notably, it lacks any form of EVF, which can hinder accuracy in bright sunlight or require compensatory effort when aiming.

For photographers requiring precision framing and exposure assessment, NX20’s combination markedly outperforms the W570’s basic screen.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking Capabilities

Focusing capabilities profoundly affect the ability to capture decisive moments, especially in dynamic or low-contrast settings.

• Samsung NX20 features a 15-point autofocus system utilizing contrast-detection technology with face detection but no phase detection. It supports single, continuous autofocus and multi-area tracking but lacks sophisticated subject tracking or animal eye AF.
• Sony W570 operates a 9-point contrast detection AF system without face detection or continuous AF, reflecting its entry-level sensor and processing limitations.

Through empirical testing, the NX20’s gains in continuous AF and face detection yield a more reliable lock in portraiture and moving subjects. Its 8 fps continuous shooting can couple with AF to facilitate capturing action, albeit less efficiently than contemporary phase-detection based systems.

The W570’s single-shot AF and slower responsiveness restrict usability mainly to static subjects or casual snapshots.

Lens Ecosystem and Optical Flexibility

Lens compatibility significantly shapes a camera’s long-term value and versatility.

• Samsung NX20 uses the proprietary Samsung NX mount with availability of 32 native lenses ranging from wide-angle primes to telephoto zooms. Although now discontinued, the system included options focused on quality optics suitable for portrait, macro, and landscape applications.
• Sony W570 has a fixed lens with a focal range of 25-125 mm equivalent and a variable aperture of f/2.6-6.3, designed to cover general-purpose usage but with inherent depth-of-field and low-light limitations.

Given these parameters, the NX20 is decidedly the superior optical platform, allowing creative experimentation with prime lenses (excellent bokeh control) and specialized optics (macro, tele, tilt-shift). The W570's built-in lens is optimized for portability but compromises sharpness at tele-ends and bokeh quality due to small sensor and maximum aperture constraints.

Performance in Key Photography Genres

Portrait Photography

Strong skin tone rendition, precise eye detection, and background separation are critical in portraiture.

• The NX20’s APS-C sensor size enables shallow depth-of-field rendering, enhanced with native fast primes for creamy bokeh. Its face detection autofocus functions reliably to maintain sharp eyes in still shots, yielding natural skin tones with fine gradations.
• The W570 lacks face detection and has a smaller sensor precluding strong subject separation. Its fixed lens sharpness and limited aperture hinder nuanced portrait depth.

Conclusion: NX20 is clearly recommended for portraits requiring professional or artistic quality.

Landscape Photography

Prioritizes dynamic range, resolution, and durability against elements.

• NX20 offers a 20MP resolution, good dynamic range, and versatile lens options including wide-angle and super-wide zooms, facilitating detailed landscape captures with minimal postprocessing artifacts.
• W570’s sensor size and 16MP resolution deliver less latitude in shadows/highlights and restrict cropping options. Absence of weather sealing from either limits rugged outdoor use.

For landscape photographers investing in image quality and optical flexibility, NX20 holds superiority.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

These demand quick autofocus, high frame rates, and telephoto lens compatibility.

• NX20 supports 8 fps continuous shooting paired with contrast detection AF, adequate with some limitations for fast action - albeit less ideal than cameras with phase detection or hybrid AF systems.
• W570’s 1 fps continuous shooting and sluggish AF make it unsuitable for action or wildlife subjects.

The NX20 coupled with telephoto lenses remains the only viable option for serious wildlife or sports applications here.

Street Photography

Compactness, discretion, and spontaneous shooting weigh heavily.

• W570’s negligible size and lightweight design provide an advantage in stealth and ease of carry.
• NX20, while lightweight for an interchangeable lens camera, is considerably larger and more conspicuous.

For street shooters favoring portability over ultimate image quality, W570 caters well. Conversely, NX20 benefits users prioritizing advanced control when discretion is secondary.

Macro Photography

A specialized focus discipline requiring precise focus and magnification potential.

• NX20 benefits from compatible macro lenses with dedicated focusing mechanics and focus peaking/manual focus aids.
• W570’s minimum focusing distance is about 5cm with fixed lens, limiting macro reach and detail.

For macro enthusiasts, the NX20 system provides a clear advantage.

Night and Astro Photography

High ISO capacity and sensor performance under low light are crucial.

• NX20’s maximum ISO of 12800 (native usable range lower), paired with superior sensor design and manual control modes, supports night shooting with less noise.
• W570’s smaller CCD sensor with maximum ISO 3200 and limited manual control restricts performance under low-light conditions.

Thus, for astro and night photography projects, NX20 stands out.

Video Capability and Multimedia Functions

• Samsung NX20 offers Full HD 1080p recording at 30 fps, with external microphone input allowing audio recording flexibility.
• Sony W570 is limited to 720p video at 30 fps and lacks microphone input.

NX20 is more suited for hybrid still and video workflows requiring higher resolution and sound control.

Battery Life and Storage

• NX20 offers approximately 360 shots per charge using the BP1130 battery.
• W570’s manufacturer data is sparse, but diminutive size suggests more limited battery capacity.

Both use one SD card slot; however, NX20 supports SDHC/SDXC, while W570 additionally supports Sony’s Memory Stick formats.

Connectivity and Additional Features

• NX20 incorporates built-in Wi-Fi enabling wireless image transfer and remote control.
• W570 includes Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless functionality but lacks built-in wireless modules.
• Neither camera includes Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS except via optional accessory for NX20.

Price-to-Performance Analysis

• Samsung NX20 launched at approximately $1100, reflecting its status as an advanced system catering to enthusiasts and prosumers.
• Sony W570 retailed near $160, clearly aimed at budget-conscious casual users.

Given their respective ambitions, the NX20 delivers significantly higher performance and system extensibility worthy of its cost, whereas the W570 is a basic travel/holiday camera.

Comparative Summary Ratings

To encapsulate:

Visual Quality Showcase

Samsung NX20 front Samsung NX20 screen back Sony W570 front Sony W570 screen back

The sample gallery illustrates the NX20’s superior detail retention, color reproduction, and dynamic range contrasted with the W570’s flatter, less resolved images, especially under challenging lighting.

Specializations and Genre-Based Recommendations

Conclusion: Making the Informed Choice

Samsung NX20 emerges as a robust, versatile advanced mirrorless camera aimed at serious enthusiasts and professionals seeking extensive creative control, superior optics, and higher image fidelity. Its limitations include average autofocus speed for modern standards and lack of weather sealing. However, in all critical photography metrics - sensor size, lens ecosystem, manual control - NX20 outperforms the Sony by a wide margin.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W570, while offering simplicity and compactness, serves strictly casual photographers prioritizing pocketability over technical excellence or system flexibility. Its smaller sensor, fixed lens, and limited exposure controls constrain creative expression and performance in demanding situations.

For photographers intent on progression, dedicated genre photography, or professional workflows, the Samsung NX20 is unequivocally the preferred system. The Sony W570 is suitable only as a convenient secondary or travel backup camera with minimal learning curve.

This comparison draws on extensive empirical testing and technical analysis. For photographers focused on quality, workflow optimization, and genre precision, investing in the NX20 system yields long-term benefits - a conclusion grounded in objective feature assessment and real-world experience.