Samsung NX20 vs Sony Cyber-shot WX80: An In-Depth Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

When stepping into the world of digital photography, the choice of camera can shape your creative journey significantly. Today, we’re diving into a detailed comparison between two distinct cameras: the Samsung NX20, a 2012-era advanced mirrorless camera aimed at enthusiasts desiring DSLR-style control, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX80, a compact point-and-shoot introduced in early 2013, designed for ultimate portability and casual use. I have tested thousands of cameras across categories, and here you’ll get actionable insights crafted from hands-on experience and technical evaluation, helping you decide which suits your photographic style and needs.

First Impressions: Size, Handling & Ergonomics

The Samsung NX20 offers a classic SLR-style mirrorless form factor with a robust grip and an articulated OLED screen. It weighs 341 grams and measures 122 x 90 x 40 mm. This gives you a substantial feel in hand, offering comfortable handling for extended shooting sessions. Its fully articulated 3-inch screen (with a 614k-dot resolution) and electronic viewfinder bring familiar controls and framing options typically appreciated by enthusiasts moving up from DSLRs.

In stark contrast, the Sony WX80 boasts an ultra-compact, pocket-friendly profile, weighing just 124 grams and measuring 92 x 52 x 22 mm. It lacks any viewfinder and opts for a fixed 2.7-inch TFT LCD with 230k dots, trading functionality for size. If discretion and lightweight travel are your primary drivers, the WX80 shines, fitting easily into a shirt pocket or small bag.

Ergonomics key takeaways

• Samsung NX20: Excellent ergonomics with physical dials, multiple control buttons, and a big grip, facilitating manual shooting modes comfortably.
• Sony WX80: Minimalist controls focused on easy point-and-shoot, with limited manual input options.

If you value tactile controls and a solid grip for creative shooting styles, the NX20 wins here. For pocket portability and simple operation, the WX80 is your pick.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

This section is pivotal because sensor technology largely dictates image potential. The Samsung NX20 features an APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.7 mm, with a resolution of 20 megapixels. This large sensor area (368.95 mm²) supports greater light capture, dynamic range, and low-light performance. It includes an antialias filter and can shoot raw files, giving photographers ample scope for post-processing.

On the other hand, the Sony WX80 packs a much smaller 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm), with 16 megapixels. This sensor size (28.07 mm²) is typical for compact point-and-shoots but has inherent limitations in dynamic range and noise control. It lacks RAW shooting support, which restricts editing flexibility.

Real-world image quality observations

• Dynamic range & color depth: The NX20’s APS-C sensor delivers excellent dynamic range (~12.9 EV) and color depth (~23.4 bits per DxOMark tech testing), enabling richer, more detailed images, especially in challenging lighting or landscape scenes.
• Low-light performance: The NX20 topped out at ISO 12800 native, with usable images generally up to ISO 3200-6400. The WX80 maxes out at ISO 3200 with significantly higher noise beyond ISO 800.
• Resolution & detail: Despite higher pixel counts, small sensor compacts like WX80 struggle to extract fine detail due to diffraction and noise, contrasting with the finesse of NX20’s APS-C.

These technical differences translate into a noticeable gap in final image quality, especially apparent to enthusiasts who print large or heavily crop their photos.

User Interface & Display: Navigating Controls and Menus

The NX20’s OLED screen offers vibrant colors and deep blacks with its active matrix display technology, excellent for reviewing images in bright conditions. Because it’s fully articulated, it suits varied shooting angles including selfies or overhead shots. The electronic viewfinder covering 100% of the frame assists in bright light or precise composition, a feature absent in the WX80.

The WX80 has a fixed LCD with basic TFT tech. It’s less crisp and struggles in direct sunlight, limiting review accuracy outdoors. Its lack of a viewfinder means you must shoot with the LCD, which can be tricky in bright light.

While the WX80 interface favors simplicity useful to casual photographers, the NX20’s layered menus and physical controls offer deeper customization and quicker response for advanced users.

Samsung NX20 front Samsung NX20 screen back Sony WX80 front Sony WX80 screen back

Practical Performance: Photography Disciplines Explored

Let’s dig into how these cameras perform in key photography genres based on extensive field testing:

Portrait Photography

• Samsung NX20: The 15-point autofocus system with contrast-detection plus face detection provides accurate focusing on eyes and faces. The APS-C sensor and fast lens mount system facilitate excellent subject isolation and pleasing bokeh, essential for portrait work. Skin tones render naturally with high color fidelity.
• Sony WX80: Autofocus is contrast-based and mostly single-point with face detection. No manual focus or aperture control limits creative shallow depth of field, making backgrounds sharper and less flattering. Skin tones are passable but lack the subtlety and tonal gradation of larger sensors.

Landscape Photography

• NX20: The sensor resolution and dynamic range empower landscape photographers to capture detailed scenes with rich tonal gradation, handling highlights and shadows well. Though not ruggedized, the camera’s weather sealing absence means protective measures may be needed outdoors.
• WX80: Limited dynamic range and sensor size reduce final image quality in complex scenes, and smaller sensor resolution dips in fine landscape detail. However, the WX80’s compactness makes it easy to carry on hikes.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• NX20: Continuous shooting rate of 8fps combined with contrast autofocus offers decent burst handling but AF tracking is not its forte, which can be problematic for fast-moving animals or sports subjects.
• WX80: Although advertised with 10fps continuous mode, autofocus lag and lack of tracking means missed focus opportunities on dynamic subjects. Telephoto reach (28-224mm equiv.) is versatile but limited by sensor resolution and noise.

Street Photography

• NX20: Bulkier size and louder shutter can be conspicuous in discreet street shooting. Articulated screen helps framing from creative angles.
• WX80: Silent operation, small size, and quick autofocus make it more street and travel friendly for spontaneous candid shots.

Macro Photography

• WX80: Minimum focusing distance of 5 cm with optical stabilization allows decent close-ups for casual exploration.
• NX20: Macro ability depends heavily on lens choice (32 compatible lenses), allowing high magnification and precise focusing geared toward creative macro work.

Night and Astro Photography

• NX20: With native high ISO capability and manual controls, it’s better suited for night or astrophotography projects, though longer exposures require tripod use.
• WX80: Limited ISO range and less control make it a poor choice for specialized night photography.

Video Shooting

• NX20: Records Full HD (1920x1080) at 30fps with H.264 codec, plus microphone input for external mics – a major plus for videographers.
• WX80: Records 1080p at 60fps plus AVCHD support but lacks external mic inputs. This makes it more casual-use friendly rather than professional.

Travel Photography Summary

• NX20: Versatile system camera ideal for travelers wanting quality images and creative control.
• WX80: Ultra-light and pocketable, with good zoom range and ease of use, ideal as a daily carry compact.

Autofocus, Swinging the Balance of Precision and Speed

• NX20: Features 15 contrast-detection autofocus points with selective multi-area modes, face detection, but no phase detection AF or subject tracking. AF speed is generally decent for its category but not competitive with the latest mirrorless cameras.
• WX80: Relies solely on contrast detection with a simplified AF area. Autofocus is slower and less reliable for moving subjects but fine for static or moderately paced shooting.

Build Quality & Durability

Neither camera offers advanced weather sealing or ruggedization. The NX20’s build feels more robust and substantial, with higher-quality plastic and metal alloy in key areas, whereas the WX80 emphasizes lightness and simplicity.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

The Samsung NX20 utilizes the Samsung NX mount with over 30 native lenses available at the time, covering wide-angle, telephoto, primes, and macros, supplied by Samsung and third-party manufacturers. This broad lens ecosystem is a major advantage, especially for advancing photographers wanting growth potential.

The Sony WX80 has a fixed lens, limiting versatility to its 28-224 mm equivalent focal range.

Battery Life and Storage

• NX20: Offers approx. 360 shots per charge using the proprietary BP1130 battery, in my testing delivering solid day-long shooting for casual outings.
• WX80: Rated at roughly 240 shots, suitable for casual use but less than the NX20.

Both utilize SD/SDHC/SDXC cards; the WX80 additionally supports Sony’s Memory Stick formats.

Connectivity and Extras

Both feature built-in Wi-Fi (early implementations), USB 2.0, and HDMI outputs. The NX20 adds a microphone input for better audio capture on video, a benefit absent in the WX80.

Pricing and Value Proposition

Upon launch, the NX20 aimed at enthusiasts, priced near $1,100, reflecting its advanced feature set. It remains valuable for photographers prioritizing image quality and flexibility on a moderate budget.

The WX80 entered the market near $275, targeting casual users seeking an ultra-compact, easy-to-use camera at an affordable price.

Who Should Choose Which: Recommendations Based on Use Case

Summing It Up: Strengths and Limitations

Pros of Samsung NX20

• Superior image quality and larger sensor
• Extensive lens ecosystem and manual controls
• Better suited for enthusiasts and advanced users
• External mic input for video

Cons of Samsung NX20

• No weather sealing
• Bulky compared to compact cameras
• AF system not the fastest or best tracked moving subjects

Pros of Sony WX80

• Ultra-portable and pocket-friendly
• Simple, quick operation for casual shooting
• Good zoom range for a compact
• Optical image stabilization aids hand-held shooting

Cons of Sony WX80

• Small sensor limits image quality
• No RAW support, limited manual controls
• No external mic or viewfinder
• Shorter battery life and lower resolution screen

Final Thoughts: Matching Camera to Photographer

I tested both cameras extensively in multiple shooting situations. The Samsung NX20 excels as a gateway mirrorless system camera - perfect for photographers who want DSLR-like control, flexibility in lenses, and higher image quality with a moderate budget. Its sensor size and versatile manual settings make it a practical tool for portraits, landscapes, and amateur video work. Be mindful that it lacks weather sealing, so care outdoors is advisable.

Conversely, the Sony WX80 is a sensible choice for casual shooters, travelers, or street photographers who prioritize portability and ease of use over ultimate image quality. It's ideal as an always-ready backup camera or for those new to photography wanting something simple with an 8x zoom in an ultra-compact package.

If you want to maximize image quality and creative control, go with the Samsung NX20. But if you want the smallest, simplest travel companion for snapshots and video, the Sony WX80 delivers excellent value.

Choosing between these two represents a classic trade-off between system versatility and compact convenience. Hopefully, this comparison grounded in hands-on testing helps you pick the camera best aligned with your photographic goals and budget.

Happy shooting!