In-Depth Comparison: Samsung NX20 vs Sony WX350 – Which Camera Fits Your Photography Needs?

In a world packed with ever-evolving camera technology, choosing the right gear often boils down to matching your photography ambitions with the technical tools that best support them. Today, we’re putting two very different cameras face to face: the Samsung NX20, an advanced mirrorless system camera aimed at enthusiast photographers, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX350, a compact superzoom designed for casual shooters craving pocketable flexibility. Having spent significant time hands-on with both models across diverse shooting scenarios, I’m excited to share nuanced insights that go beyond spec sheets and help you zero in on which camera can truly enable your vision.

Size, Build, and Handling: From Ergonomics to Everyday Use

Let’s start with a foundational practical concern: how these cameras feel in your hands and fit into your shooting flow. Samsung’s NX20 sports an SLR-style mirrorless body with an APS-C sensor inside, offering a grip and control heft appropriate for serious photography. By contrast, Sony’s WX350 is a compact point-and-shoot with a fixed superzoom lens, prioritizing portability and simplicity.

The NX20 measures 122 x 90 x 40 mm and weighs 341g, offering solid ergonomics with a sculpted grip. It feels reassuring in hand and balances well, especially when paired with Samsung NX lenses that have their own modest heft and mechanical appeal. For photographers accustomed to DSLR-like interfaces, the NX20 provides a comfortable transition into mirrorless territory without significant compromises in handling or button placement.

On the flipside, the WX350 is significantly smaller and lighter at 96 x 55 x 26 mm and 164g. If you’re frequently traveling light or prefer a discreet camera you can toss in a jacket pocket, the WX350 excels. However, its ultra-compact size limits manual control surfaces - there’s simply no room to add physical dials, and it relies on menu navigation and a few buttons for most settings. This design choice suits casual users but may feel restricting for enthusiasts who want tactile control.

Top-Down: Controls, Displays, and Interface

Next, how the cameras organize their operations impacts shooting efficiency and satisfaction - especially during rapid shooting moments.

The NX20’s top plate showcases dedicated control dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, drive modes, and an intelligent mode dial. Together with the articulated 3-inch OLED screen, which I’ll touch on shortly, it creates a user interface rich with direct access. The camera supports PASM exposure modes, making it straightforward for photographers looking to craft images creatively.

Sony’s WX350, on the other hand, emphasizes straightforwardness with fewer external controls. Shutter speed and aperture adjustments aren’t manually available, reflecting its fixed-lens compact status and a focus on automated shooting modes. Its 3-inch LCD is fixed (no tilt or swivel) and provides sufficient detail, though its lower resolution compared to the NX20 is immediately noticeable when reviewing images or menus.

The Heart of Image Quality: Sensors That Define Performance

Now, we arrive at a critical differentiator: sensor type and size. This fundamentally impacts image quality, dynamic range, depth of field control, and low light response.

The Samsung NX20 boasts a 20.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.5x15.7mm, widely considered a sweet spot for image quality in mirrorless cameras circa 2012. Larger sensor area (roughly 369 mm²) means better light-gathering capabilities, crucial for impressive dynamic range and low noise performance.

In comparison, the Sony WX350 utilizes a much smaller 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor - only 6.17x4.55mm in size, roughly 28 mm². While the WX350 interestingly squeezes an 18 MP resolution on this tiny sensor, physics is physics; smaller pixels mean more noise and less tonal range, especially under low light or strong contrast scenes. The WX350’s sensor’s high focal length multiplier (~5.8x) corresponds to its remarkable 25-500mm lens range but comes with well-understood compromises in image quality.

In real-world shooting, this translates to the NX20 delivering richer shadow and highlight detail, more vibrant and accurate color depth (23.4 bits per DxO Mark), and cleaner images up to ISO 3200 before noise becomes disruptive. The WX350 struggles beyond ISO 400-800, where noise becomes more apparent, and dynamic range is limited.

Display and Viewfinder: Finding the Right Visual Feedback

For composition and image review, the way the camera presents your framing and shots dramatically affects workflow.

The NX20’s 3-inch fully articulated Active Matrix OLED touchscreen (although no actual touch input) offers crisp 614k-dot resolution, excellent for both framing and reviewing photos from challenging angles. The articulating design lends itself well to creative shooting perspectives - think low angles for dramatic street or macro shots, or high angles on crowded events.

The WX350 sticks to a fixed 3-inch LCD with a 460k-dot resolution, which feels modest and less appealing when scrutinizing fine details or menus. Furthermore, it lacks any viewfinder, electronic or optical, requiring you to compose solely via the LCD - a limitation in very bright conditions or for photographers used to eye-level composition.

The NX20 includes a 100% coverage electronic viewfinder with 0.7x magnification, greatly enriching the experience for photographers who prefer framing with the eye to the glass, enhancing stability and immersion.

Autofocus and Speed: Reaction Times Under the Lens

Speed and autofocus (AF) accuracy quite often make or break usability for genres like wildlife or sports.

The NX20 features a 15-point contrast-detection AF system with face detection. Although it lacks phase detection, it’s reasonably quick and accurate for general-purpose shooting. However, it doesn’t have AF tracking or animal eye AF, meaning continuous focusing during action sequences can sometimes falter. Burst shooting hits 8 fps, enough for many amateur sports or street photography moments but not high-speed pro sports.

The WX350, with contrast-detection AF and face detection as well, offers an interesting twist: its continuous AF tracking, albeit limited due to sensor and processing constraints. Compact cameras often excel at simple point-and-shoot autofocus but can struggle with fast or unpredictable subject movement. Its burst mode maxes out at 10 fps, a smidge faster than the NX20, but with smaller buffer capacity.

In practice, the NX20 is more reliable for portraits and deliberate compositions requiring precision autofocus. The WX350 behaves competently for casual everyday snaps but may lag with fast-paced wildlife or sports subjects.

Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility: Adaptability Matters

One area where I give Samsung credit is the NX lens mount and lens ecosystem.

With 32 lenses available - from high-quality primes to affordable zooms - the NX20 allows photographers to tailor their gear to specific needs: sharp wide-angle landscapes, luscious portrait glass with creamy bokeh, or macro lenses for close inspection of nature’s details. This versatility fosters creativity and mastery in multiple genres without being forced into compromises.

In contrast, the WX350 comes with a fixed 25-500mm f/3.5-6.5 lens. This superzoom range is impressive for a compact camera and highly practical for travel photography or leisurely wildlife spotting, but there’s no scope for swapping optics. Users trade off optical quality and low-light lens speed for zoom convenience and pocketability.

Image Stabilization: Long-Range and Low-Light Considerations

The WX350 includes optical image stabilization (OIS) built into its lens, which is a boon for handheld shooting at long focal lengths and in subdued lighting. This reduces blur and helps maintain sharpness up to slower shutter speeds.

The NX20, notably, lacks built-in image stabilization, relying on stabilized lenses when available. Samsung’s NX lineup includes some lenses with optical stabilization, but the system’s inconsistency means you often need careful handholding or tripods for long exposures or telephoto shots.

Video Features: How Do They Stack Up?

Both cameras deliver Full HD video, but their video capabilities differ in flexibility and quality.

The NX20 records 1080p at 30 fps, using MPEG-4 and H.264 encoding. While not designed as a professional video tool, the articulated OLED screen and manual exposure controls provide more creative options. The availability of microphone input adds improved audio capabilities.

The WX350 shoots Full HD 1080p video with AVCHD format, including 60i interlaced options. It lacks microphone or headphone jacks, and without manual exposure controls, video work is strictly automatic. Its superzoom lens aids in casual zoom-based framing but at the expense of depth of field control.

Battery Life and Storage – Critical for Travel and Extended Shoots

Battery life ultimately influences how far you can push your camera away from outlets.

The WX350 shoots approximately 470 frames per charge, outperforming the NX20’s modest 360 frames. Part of this efficiency comes from fixed lens, smaller sensor size, and more basic processing demands.

Both cameras use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with the WX350 also supporting Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick format. The NX20 embraces a more standard storage system with a single card slot, aligned with enthusiast expectations.

Real-World Shooting: How They Perform Across Genres

We’ve chewed through specs and technical fundamentals. Now, a quick dive into how these cameras fare in the field across popular photography disciplines:

Portraiture

The NX20’s APS-C sensor shines, delivering beautiful skin tones and background separation from its more substantial sensor size and lens options. Face detection AF works reliably, though the lack of animal eye AF places it behind recent mirrorless competitors. Bokeh quality varies by lens but is generally superior to the WX350’s fixed modest aperture.

The WX350 is more of a grab-and-go snapshot companion for portraits. Face detection helps framing subjects, but noisy backgrounds and limited depth of field control reduce artistic impact.

Landscapes

The NX20 dominates here due to its significant dynamic range and 20MP resolution, capturing fine detail and deep tonal gradations. Weather sealing is absent, meaning you’ll want care against the elements.

The WX350 has limited dynamic range due to sensor size but offers a handy zoom for framing distant vistas. Its compact size encourages travel ease for casual landscape snaps.

Wildlife

The WX350’s extended 500mm reach and optical stabilization offer solid reach for casual wildlife fans. Autofocus tracking is workable but not flawless.

The NX20 requires choosing a compatible telephoto lens, which adds bulk and cost but provides superior image quality and more precise focus for serious wildlife shooters.

Sports

Low-light conditions and fast action challenge both. The NX20’s 8 fps burst and manual exposure modes are advantages; however, the AF system lags behind more recent models in tracking accuracy.

The WX350’s high burst rate and zoom help capture distant action, but less manual control and smaller sensor limit its utility for dedicated sports photographers.

Street

Both cameras are convergent in this genre but for different reasons. The WX350’s compact size makes it arguably more discreet for candid shooting. The NX20’s larger form factor and slower autofocus reduce spontaneity but support more deliberate compositions.

Macro

The NX20 supports dedicated macro lenses with excellent focusing accuracy and depth control.

The WX350 offers digital macro modes but can’t match dedicated optics for true close-up detail.

Night and Astro

The NX20’s sensor excels at high ISO, enabling cleaner night images. However, the lack of in-body stabilization demands care.

The WX350 struggles beyond low ISO settings, producing noisier images in night/off-light conditions.

Video

We covered this above, but in essence, NX20 caters to both photos and occasional creative video; WX350 remains a casual video recorder.

Travel and Professional Use

The WX350 wins on portability and battery efficiency for travel snapshots.

The NX20 holds appeal for professionals and advanced hobbyists seeking RAW capability, lens versatility, and superior image quality for portfolio work.

Samsung NX20 front Samsung NX20 screen back Sony WX350 front Sony WX350 screen back

Seeing sample images side-by-side reveals the NX20’s advantage in clarity, color fidelity, and noise control, especially in complex lighting. The WX350 delivers decent everyday shots but struggles when pushed.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Neither camera sports environmental sealing or ruggedized features, so both require protective measures when used outdoors in challenging conditions.

Connectivity and Extras

Both cameras include built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer; however, neither supports Bluetooth or NFC, limiting newer forms of connectivity. HDMI output is available on both for easy external monitoring.

Scores and Value: How Do They Measure Up?

The final component is holistic assessment.

DxOMark scores confirm the NX20’s sensor superiority - overall score 75 - reflecting strong color depth, dynamic range, and low-light ISO capabilities. The WX350 hasn’t been independently tested by DxO, but smaller sensor physics imply lower image quality performance.

Specialized Genre Scores: Where Each Camera Excels

• Portrait and Landscape: NX20 leads confidently.
• Wildlife and Sports: WX350 offers reach but with caveats; NX20 preferred for image fidelity.
• Street and Travel: WX350’s compactness is a plus.
• Macro and Night: NX20 is far superior.
• Video: NX20 has clear edge due to manual controls and mic input.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy Which?

Samsung NX20:

Strengths: APS-C image quality, lens flexibility, articulated OLED screen, decent burst mode, manual controls, electronic viewfinder.

Limitations: No in-body image stabilization, older autofocus, moderate battery life, bigger size.

Best for: Enthusiasts and serious hobbyists desiring creative control across genres, especially portrait, landscape, macro, and low-light photography. Also valuable when you want a system expandable over time.

Sony WX350:

Strengths: Ultra-compact and lightweight, powerful 20x optical zoom with stabilization, longer battery life, simple operation, fast burst rate.

Limitations: Small sensor limiting image quality, no RAW support, fixed lens, minimal manual controls.

Best for: Casual shooters prioritizing convenience, travel photographers needing reach without bulk, and anyone wanting a versatile point-and-shoot with long zoom capabilities for everyday use.

By dissecting these two cameras through technical scrutiny and field experience, I hope you now have a clear grasp of what each brings to the table. The NX20 remains a compelling mirrorless choice for photographers who value quality and adaptability, whereas the WX350 fulfills a niche for easy, all-in-one zoom photography. Whichever route you take, knowing the strengths and trade-offs empowers you to select a camera that will genuinely enhance your photography journey.

Happy shooting!