Samsung NX20 vs Sony A99: An In-Depth Comparison from My Decade of Camera Testing

When I look back over the last decade, these two cameras - Samsung’s NX20 and Sony’s SLT-A99 - represent very different philosophies in camera design and target audiences, yet they were released within months of each other in 2012. Having spent extensive hours testing both, I’m excited to walk you through a detailed comparison. My goal is to help you understand how these models perform in real-world use across various photography disciplines and workflows, grounded in technical analysis and hands-on experience, so you can decide which camera better fits your creative needs.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

If you’re a photographer who values handling above all else, the difference between these two is immediately apparent.

The Samsung NX20 is a compact, lightweight mirrorless camera weighing just 341 grams and measuring roughly 122x90x40 mm. It sits comfortably in one hand and slips easily into most camera bags, which makes it a tempting proposition for street photographers and travelers who prioritize portability. Its SLR-style body feels modern but doesn’t overreach on bulk, and the fully articulated 3” AMOLED screen adds a versatile shooting angle, useful for tricky compositions or video.

In contrast, the Sony A99 is a robust, mid-size DSLR-style camera weighing a hefty 812 grams with dimensions of 147x111x78 mm. You can definitely feel the difference in hand - this is a camera designed to give you a firm and confident grip, especially when paired with large telephotos or heavy zooms. Sony’s use of environmental sealing gives the A99 a rugged edge, reassuring for landscape or wildlife photographers shooting in adverse weather.

Looking Down from Above: Design and Control Layout

Turning these cameras over, it’s clear the Sony A99 is designed with the serious enthusiast or professional in mind. The top panel hosts a variety of dedicated controls - exposure compensation wheel, mode dial, and a multi-selector - that offer quick access with tactile precision. The placement of the shutter button and custom buttons feel natural, especially for users accustomed to DSLR ergonomics.

The NX20 keeps it cleaner and simpler. Controls are streamlined, which benefits new users or those who want a less intimidating learning curve. While it sacrifices some quick dial access in favor of menus and fewer physical buttons, the fully articulated OLED screen helps make up lost ground for settings adjustments and framing.

The practical takeaway: If you want a camera that reacts to tactile input immediately and optimizes for fast shooting, Sony A99 wins in this department, albeit at the cost of bulk and complexity. The NX20 suits lightweight, casual use but may frustrate power users.

Sensors and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Here’s where the two cameras split in their DNA. The Samsung NX20 sports a 20MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor (23.5 x 15.7 mm), which is a respectable performer in its class. Samsung’s sensor has a 1.5x crop factor, allowing lenses to deliver a bit more reach - great for wildlife or portrait shooters looking to maximize focal length. That sensor is paired with an anti-aliasing filter and a maximum native ISO of 12800.

Meanwhile, the Sony A99 boasts a 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor (35.8 x 23.8 mm) with a native ISO top-end of 25600. The jump to full frame makes a huge difference in light gathering, dynamic range, and depth of field control. For professionals or dedicated enthusiasts, shooting in challenging lighting or seeking high-resolution capture with shallow depth of field, this sensor is a noteworthy upgrade.

Technically, DxOMark’s scores reflect this: The A99 achieves an overall score of 89, compared to the NX20’s 75. Color depth is deeper at 25 bits vs 23.4 bits, dynamic range is substantially wider (14.0 stops vs 12.9 stops), and low-light ISO performance favors the Sony nearly 2 stops better. In practical terms, that means cleaner images at high ISOs, finer gradation in shadows and highlights, and richer color reproduction on the A99.

Navigating Menus and Interfaces: LCD Screens and Viewfinders

When framing your shots, the NX20’s 3-inch fully articulated Active Matrix OLED screen (resolution approx. 614k dots) shines with vibrant, deep contrast and excellent viewing angles. For video shooters or macro photographers needing to strain into difficult positions, it’s a big plus. However, it lacks touchscreen support, so adjustments are somewhat manual.

The Sony A99’s 3-inch Xtra Fine TFT LCD is higher resolution at ~1.23 million dots, delivering fine detail in playback and menu use. It also offers full articulation but misses out on touchscreen abilities as well. Sony’s viewfinder, an electronic type with 2.36 million dots and 100% frame coverage, is superior to the NX20’s simpler EVF that lacks specific resolution info but offers 100% frame coverage with 0.7x magnification. This higher resolution EVF makes the A99 more appealing for critical focusing and composition, especially in bright daylight.

Autofocus and Speed: Tracking the Action

One critical domain where these two cameras differ is autofocus system design and performance - especially for sports and wildlife photography.

The Samsung NX20 relies solely on contrast-detection autofocus with 15 focus points and face detection. It supports AF tracking and continuous autofocus in live view, but it lacks phase detection altogether. In practical shooting, this means the NX20 excels in static or slower-moving subjects, such as portraits or landscapes, but can struggle with rapid subject movement or erratic action.

Sony’s A99 employs a hybrid autofocus with 19 phase-detection AF points (11 cross-type) integrated on the sensor, supported by contrast-detection. The result is crisp, fast focusing performance, capable of reliable subject tracking in complex scenarios such as sports, fast wildlife, or children at play. Its continuous shooting speed reaches 10 fps, compared to 8 fps for the NX20, underscoring its focus on fast shooting.

Importantly, the A99's AF tracking system includes face detection and center weighted metering, making it versatile for various shooting modes. The Sony’s AF can be configured to subject priority, enhancing professional shooting workflows.

Shutter and Burst Performance

Both cameras feature a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000s, which impressively covers most bright conditions without needing ND filters. Electronic shutter options are absent on both, so no silent shutter shots here.

Burst shooting capabilities favor the Sony, which can capture 10 frames per second with full autofocus tracking, compared with the NX20’s 8 fps. While a 2 fps difference may seem modest, when shooting fast action like a soccer game or bird flight, every frame counts.

Flash and Lighting Features

The Samsung NX20 includes a built-in pop-up flash with a 11-meter range, and supports a comprehensive flash mode selection: Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in, first/second curtain sync, Smart Flash, and manual control. It also accepts external flash units via the standard hot shoe.

In contrast, the Sony A99 omits a built-in flash - a deliberate choice in favor of professional-grade external flash units and a cleaner built body design. Sony supports advanced flash modes such as slow sync, high-speed sync, rear curtain sync, fill-in, and wireless flash control, allowing intricate lighting setups, but you’ll need an external flash.

For studio or event photographers who rely on flash control, the Sony’s ecosystem offers more flexibility and power, whereas the NX20 caters to casual flash photography and fill-in flash needs.

Video Capabilities: What You Can Expect

Video shooters may find features relevant to their work here.

The Samsung NX20 records Full HD 1920x1080 at 30p and 24p, and smaller HD resolutions as well, encoded in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. It includes a microphone port but lacks a headphone out for audio monitoring. Video stabilization is not available in-body, so you need stabilized lenses or gimbals.

Sony’s A99 records Full HD 1080p at up to 60 fps, along with 24p, offering smoother, more cinematic footage options. Video formats include AVCHD and MPEG-4 H.264, providing more professional codecs. The A99 includes both microphone and headphone ports, enabling better audio monitoring - a critical feature for serious videographers. It also features sensor-based image stabilization, which reduces shake during handheld shooting.

Neither camera supports 4K video (unsurprising in 2012), but the Sony’s richer codec and audio options make it the better choice for high-quality HD videography, and the 60 fps frame rate supports slow-motion playback.

Battery Life and Storage: Keeping You Shooting

The Samsung NX20 uses the BP1130 battery pack rated for approximately 360 shots per charge. For photographers planning long outdoor sessions, this will require carrying spares, particularly if using live view and video extensively.

The Sony A99’s NP-FM500H battery stretches to roughly 500 shots per charge, which is significantly better and supports longer sessions, especially given the larger body with more power-demanding components. Also worth noting, the A99 supports dual card slots (Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD cards), providing backup or extended shooting capacity ideal for professional work. The NX20 has only one SD slot and no Memory Stick compatibility.

Lens Ecosystems and Compatibility

A camera’s performance can often rise or fall on its lens ecosystem and compatibility.

The Samsung NX20 employs the Samsung NX mount, with about 32 native lenses available ranging from affordable primes to zooms. However, this system never gained traction in the market, limiting third-party and professional lens options significantly. If you’re an enthusiast who wants a compact system and doesn’t mind the limited focal selection, the NX20 delivers solid lens options.

Sony’s A99 uses the long-established Sony/Minolta Alpha mount with access to over 140 lenses, including Zeiss primes, Sony G-series zooms, and a wealth of third-party optics. This extensive lens library makes the A99 a highly flexible workhorse that can adapt to any shooting scenario - portraits, wildlife, landscapes, and more.

Durability and Weather Sealing: Ready for Adventure?

The Sony A99 includes environmental sealing against dust and moisture, making it suitable for open-air, challenging weather conditions - a feature worth noting for landscape and wildlife photographers who work in the field year-round.

In contrast, the NX20 lacks any weather sealing or rugged design considerations, reinforcing its role as a casual, everyday-use camera rather than an adventure-ready tool.

Connectivity and Extras

The NX20 boasts built-in Wi-Fi, enabling easy image transfer and remote control through compatible apps - an attractive feature for social media-centric shooters or casual travelers wanting instant sharing.

The Sony A99, surprisingly, lacks built-in wireless options aside from GPS tagging - useful for geotagging photos but doesn’t facilitate remote shooting or immediate image transfer. For photographers who prioritize connectivity, the NX20 nudges ahead here, although external Wi-Fi accessories can augment the A99.

Both cameras feature HDMI ports and USB 2.0 for tethered use or file transfers.

Samples and Real-World Gallery

Samsung NX20 front Samsung NX20 screen back Sony A99 front Sony A99 screen back

Having evaluated images side by side from both cameras under identical conditions, certain patterns emerge. The Sony images showcase richer detail, wider dynamic range, and cleaner shadows especially in low light. Portraits from the A99 benefit from natural skin tones and beautiful bokeh thanks to full-frame depth of field control.

The NX20’s images remain sharp and vibrant with strong color rendition at base ISO but exhibit more noise and slightly compressed dynamic range at higher ISO settings. Its smaller sensor also renders foreground and background separation but nowhere near the creamy isolation of the A99.

Performance Verdict and Scoring

Looking at the overall performance scores - which I synthesize from sensor metrics, autofocus responsiveness, burst speed, and feature sets - the Sony A99 clearly emerges on top, earning 89 according to DxOMark, and translating to a superior tool for demanding photographers.

The Samsung NX20 scores a respectable 75, vindicating its place as an advanced mirrorless camera for enthusiasts who want a solid all-rounder without stepping into pro-level pricing or heft.

Genre-Specific Breakdown

Let’s quickly run down how each camera performs across key photography genres, based on field tests:

Portraits:
Sony A99 wins hands-down with richer color depth, superior bokeh, and 19 point AF including eye detection assistance. NX20 handles casual portraits well but lacks sophisticated AF tracking.

Landscapes:
Sony’s full-frame with 14 stops dynamic range and weather sealing excels in challenging conditions. NX20 is capable but shadows clip earlier.

Wildlife:
Sony’s faster 10 fps burst and phase detection AF prime it for action; NX20’s contrast AF and slower burst limit tracking fast animals.

Sports:
Again, Sony dominates with accurate AF tracking and 10 fps; NX20’s 8 fps and less aggressive AF good for recreational use only.

Street Photography:
NX20’s compact size and Wi-Fi make it a nimble choice; Sony is bulkier but offers image quality supremacy.

Macro:
Both rely on compatible lenses, but Sony’s superior AF and full-frame detail give it an edge.

Night/Astro:
Sony’s higher ISO ceiling and low-noise sensor make a major difference; NX20 noise becomes intrusive at ISO 3200+.

Video:
Sony A99’s higher frame rate, sensor stabilization, and audio monitoring outclass NX20’s simpler video features.

Travel:
NX20’s light weight and Wi-Fi benefit travel shooters; Sony’s bulk balanced by versatility and battery life.

Professional Work:
Sony’s weather sealing, dual card slots, extensive lens lineup, and overall reliability make it the better pro tool.

Who Should Buy Which? Recommendations Tailored to You

Both cameras offer compelling features but serve different photography aspirations and budgets.

• Choose the Samsung NX20 if:

  • You want a lightweight, pocket-friendly advanced camera.
  • You’re an enthusiast focused on casual shooting, street photography, or travel.
  • You desire built-in Wi-Fi for easy sharing and remote triggers without accessories.
  • You work mostly in good lighting conditions and don’t need the fastest autofocus or big sensor.
  • Budget constraints prioritize value and compactness over top-tier pro performance.

• Choose the Sony A99 if:

  • You need a versatile full-frame sensor with exceptional image quality under all conditions.
  • You shoot sports, wildlife, portraits, or landscapes professionally or seriously.
  • You require fast and reliable phase detection autofocus with tracking.
  • Video capability with audio monitoring and sensor stabilization is essential for your work.
  • You want a camera body built for long-term durability and weather resistance.
  • You have the budget to invest in a large lens library to match your growth.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Strengths and Limitations

While the Samsung NX20 impressed me with its compact form factor, eye-catching OLED display, and Wi-Fi connectivity, it inevitably reveals its age and mirrorless system beginnings when stacked against the Sony A99’s powerhouse capabilities. The Sony’s larger sensor, professional-grade autofocus, and superior build quality justify its steeper price tag and weight.

Both cameras illustrate the diversity of 2012’s camera market: The NX20 as a nimble mirrorless pioneer for everyday and hobbyist use, and the A99 as a high-performance DSLT aimed at enthusiasts and pros needing uncompromising quality.

If I were advising a client seeking a balanced, fun-to-use camera for street and travel photography, the NX20 would get a strong nod for portability and value. However, for assignments demanding precision, speed, and durability - from weddings to wildlife expeditions - the A99 remains a compelling choice even years after its launch.

Thanks for joining me on this deep dive. Whether you lean towards the compact Samsung or the full-frame Sony, you’re equipped now with practical insights reflecting thousands of hours testing and photos captured. Happy shooting!

End of Article