Samsung NX200 vs Samsung SL720: An Expert’s Comprehensive Camera Comparison

When Samsung ventured into the crowded photography market during the late 2000s and early 2010s, they brought a mix of ultracompacts and mirrorless cameras aiming to appeal to a broad range of photographers. Today, we dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of two such offerings from Samsung’s catalog: the Samsung NX200, an entry-level mirrorless camera released in 2012, and the Samsung SL720 (also known as PL70), an ultracompact zoom camera launched back in 2009.

Our goal here is not just to list specs - you’ve probably seen plenty of those - but rather to provide a measured, experience-driven analysis informed by years of field-testing similar gear. We’ll break down everything from image quality and autofocus to ergonomics and video performance across multiple photography disciplines. By the end, you should have a clear sense of which camera suits your shooting style, budget, and aspirations best.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

Right off the bat, these two cameras couldn’t be more different in physical design and user experience.

Samsung NX200 adopts a rangefinder-style mirrorless body that weighs in at 223g and measures approximately 117 × 63 × 36 mm, offering a solid, comfortable grip and a sturdy-feeling build. Its body is compact but substantial enough to handle longer shooting sessions. The NX200 features a robust APS-C sensor inside a weather-protected (though not sealed) body, demonstrating Samsung’s intent to go after enthusiast and entry-level prosumers.

Contrast this with the SL720, a true pocket-friendly ultracompact at just 168g and 92 × 61 × 23 mm. Its mineral-thin profile is great for casual carry and street photography, slipping easily into your jacket or jeans pocket. However, the trade-off here is a simple plastic build, fixed lens, and more limited manual controls - common compromises in this category.

Ergonomics also reflect these roles distinctly: the NX200’s button layout and pronounced grip invite deliberate shooting, while the SL720 leans on simplicity and ease of use, targeting casual shooters who want an all-in-one travel companion without complexity.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

When judging image quality, sensor size and technology inevitably dominate the conversation.

The NX200’s 20MP APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.5x15.7 mm yields a large imaging area of roughly 369 mm². This sensor size is a key ingredient for excellent image detail, dynamic range, and superior low-light performance - traits essential for photography enthusiasts wanting versatility and quality. Samsung’s sensor in this model has an antialiasing filter, but the 20MP resolution allows for sharp, richly detailed files boasting a max native ISO of 12,800, with usable results comfortably extended beyond ISO 1600 in many scenarios.

On the other hand, the SL720 employs a small 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor (6.08x4.56 mm) with 12MP resolution. The sensor area here is a mere 27.7 mm², roughly 13% of the NX200’s sensor size, a fundamental limitation inherent in its ultracompact class. The CCD technology and smaller size mean less light-gathering, limited dynamic range, and a max native ISO of only 1600. This translates to weaker low-light performance, noticeably less color depth, and ultimately more noise in challenging lighting.

Looking at DxO Mark legacy data, the NX200 scores 69 points overall, with solid color depth (22.6 bits) and dynamic range (12.6 EV), while the SL720 hasn’t been tested there but is predictably much less capable in these respects.

For landscape and portrait work especially, this sensor gulf makes the NX200 the clear winner in fundamental image quality. The SL720 might suffice for casual shots, but fine detail and subtle tonal gradations will often be compromised.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Flexibility

A great sensor alone isn’t enough - autofocus systems directly impact your ability to capture sharp images, especially with moving subjects.

The Samsung NX200 features a 15-point contrast-detection autofocus system including face detection but lacks phase detection. Despite that, its hybrid contrast AF is quite responsive, delivering reasonably fast focus acquisition for the era. Importantly, the NX200 supports continuous autofocus for tracking moving subjects during burst shooting (at 7 fps), with selectable AF areas (multi-area and selective) helping precision. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have eye-detection AF, now standard in modern cameras, or animal-eye AF, limiting hands-off accuracy in portraiture or wildlife.

Conversely, the SL720 sports a fixed lens with a very basic contrast-detection AF system without face or subject tracking capabilities. Autofocus speed is slower, and frames per second are not available at burst rates, so catching fast-moving subjects is a stretch. This limits the SL720’s suitability for action, sports, or wildlife photography and somewhat constrains street shooting in dynamic scenes.

For detailed photography like macro or portraits needing precise focus control, the NX200 clearly outperforms here. The SL720’s AF system is tame but adequate for step-and-shoot casual use.

Lenses and Focal Range: Creative Control or Convenience?

The lens ecosystem is a major consideration for any aspiring photographer.

The Samsung NX200 uses the Samsung NX-mount system with roughly 32 lenses available (including primes, zooms, and specialty optics), ranging from ultra-wide to telephoto and including fast apertures down to f/1.4. This openness lets users tailor their kit for portraits, landscapes, wildlife, macro, or general walkaround shooting. The 1.5x crop factor is also worth noting, adding reach to telephoto lenses.

Meanwhile, the SL720 has a fixed 28-102 mm equivalent zoom lens at f/2.8-5.7 aperture. This moderate zoom spans moderate wide-angle to short telephoto, appropriate for most casual snapshots and travel shots, but it offers no lens interchangeability or upgrades. Macro capabilities do extend to 5cm, decent for casual close-ups but not highly specialized.

In practice, if creative flexibility and image quality matter, the NX200’s lens mount system eclipses the SL720’s fixed lens every time. For someone prioritizing ease and pocket-sized convenience, the SL720 lens suffices.

Exposure, Controls, and User Interface: Precision vs Simplicity

The NX200 sports a comprehensive array of manual exposure modes including Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, and full Manual, plus exposure compensation and custom white balance. Bracketing for Auto Exposure (AEB) and White Balance suggest a camera built with semi-pro control in mind.

The SL720 is decidedly more limited here - it offers no shutter or aperture priority, no manual modes, and no exposure compensation. It’s a pure point-and-shoot experience with the occasional scene preset and basic white balance adjustments.

Further, the NX200’s handling benefits from the bright 3-inch Active Matrix OLED screen at 614k dots, which provides excellent color accuracy and viewing angles. The SL720’s smaller 2.7-inch LCD at 230k dots is less sharp and less vivid, impacting image review and composition confidence.

Neither camera includes a built-in viewfinder, a notable omission for outdoor bright-light shooting, but the NX200 optionally supports an external electronic viewfinder for serious users wanting eye-level framing.

Build Quality and Environmental Considerations

Neither camera is weather sealed, dustproof, or otherwise ruggedized, so for professional outdoor or harsh environment shooting, neither is ideal. However, the NX200’s larger body and more robust construction feel more durable than the lightweight plastic SL720.

Battery life moderately favors the NX200, rated for approximately 330 shots per charge with the proprietary BC1030 pack, offering decent endurance for day-long sessions. The SL720’s battery performance is less well documented but generally typical for ultracompacts - plenty for casual use but limited for sustained shooting.

Video Capabilities: Basic Clips or Full HD Footage?

Video is another distinction.

The NX200 shoots Full HD (1920×1080) video at 30fps using MPEG-4 or H.264 compression. It also supports 720p at 60fps, enabling smoother motion capture. However, it lacks headphone or microphone ports, limiting serious audio input options. The absence of in-body image stabilization means handheld video requires a steady hand or external stabilizer.

The SL720, meanwhile, maxes out at VGA 640×480 resolution video, limited to MJPEG format with frame rates up to 30fps, falling well behind in detail and frame rate. Again, no audio input options exist.

In other words, video enthusiasts get far more practical use from the NX200’s capabilities.

Photography Disciplines: How Do They Stack Up?

Having covered specifications and features, let’s translate those into real-world photographic strengths and weaknesses.

Portrait Photography

On this front, the NX200 holds a clear advantage - its larger sensor produces superior skin tone rendition and pleasing background blur (bokeh) when paired with a fast lens like the NX 30mm f/2 or 45mm f/1.8. Autofocus with face detection aids subject accuracy, although lacking eye-detection is noticeable with demanding portraiture.

The SL720’s small sensor and fixed lens mean less control over depth of field and less subtle tonal gradation, resulting in flatter portraits with more noise in low light. Its modest zoom can get you reasonable headshots, but smoothing skin tones or isolating subjects is a challenge.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution are key for landscapes. The NX200’s 12.6 EV dynamic range and 20MP resolution provide rich detail in shadows and highlights, delivering vibrant, high-quality images with large print potential.

The SL720’s limited dynamic range and 12MP resolution fall short for serious landscape work. The zoom lens’s moderate wide angle is sufficient for casual landscapes but not sweeping vistas typical of wide-angle primes.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

For wildlife and sports, autofocus speed, burst rate, and telephoto reach matter. The NX200’s 7 fps burst shooting paired with 15 AF points enables decent action capture for an entry-level mirrorless camera, though it’s no high-end sports camera. Its lens compatibility includes long telephoto lenses through third-party options.

The SL720’s fixed lens and no continuous AF or burst rate preclude fast action shooting. The 102mm max focal length pushes into short tele, but lack of reach and slow AF limit capture of elusive wildlife or sports.

Street Photography

Compact and discreet shooting favors the SL720 for casual street photographers valuing pocketability and simplicity. The NX200 is more conspicuous but offers superior image quality and manual controls that some street shooters appreciate.

Macro Photography

While neither camera is optimized for macro, the SL720’s 5cm minimum focusing distance beats average ultracompacts, supporting close-up snaps. The NX200, coupled with dedicated macro primes, can deliver much higher magnification and sharpness.

Night and Astrophotography

Low-light capability is a decisive domain. The NX200’s higher ISO range and superior noise control lend well to night photography and potential astrophotography with manual control and tripod support. The SL720 struggles with noise and exposure accuracy here.

Travel Photography

Travel calls for versatility and portability. The NX200 offers versatility through interchangeable lenses and better image quality, though with added weight and bulk. The SL720’s pocket size and zoom lens give casual travelers an easy carry solution but compromise quality.

Professional Work

Neither camera truly meets professional standards of build, AF sophistication, or workflow integration. However, the NX200’s RAW support, manual controls, and lens flexibility make it a viable choice for enthusiasts stepping into semi-pro domains, whereas the SL720 is strictly consumer casual.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery

Both cameras have a single card slot for SD cards (NX200 supports SDXC) and use USB 2.0 for data transfer. The NX200 adds HDMI port for external display; the SL720 does not. Neither support wireless connectivity like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC, reflecting their era’s norms.

Battery models differ - NX200 uses BC1030, while SL720 relies on SLB-10A batteries, with the latter’s life generally shorter. Neither camera supports USB charging.

Pricing and Value Proposition

At launch, the NX200 was priced around $818, targeting serious consumers and enthusiasts desiring an affordable mirrorless system. Today, this camera’s secondary market values remain moderately high due to its enduring image quality and lens options.

The SL720 originally cost about $119, representing a budget-friendly ultracompact for casual shooters unwilling to sacrifice pocketability.

Given the gulf in design intent and capability, these cameras cater to very different users and budgets, making direct price comparisons less meaningful.

Samsung NX200 screen back Samsung SL720 front Samsung SL720 screen back

Summarized Scores and Recommendations

Let’s visualize their relative performances with noted figures:

Breaking down strengths by genre:

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Samsung NX200 - For the Enthusiast Stepping Up

If your primary goal is image quality, creative control, and versatility across multiple genres, the NX200 is a compelling choice. From portraits with creamy bokeh to landscapes with rich dynamic range, it delivers beyond the reach of compacts. Its autofocus system, while not ultra-fast, is competent for most subjects. The extensive lens ecosystem opens doors to serious exploration. The OLED screen and manual controls complete an experience well-suited to learning and growth in photography.

Recommended for: Enthusiasts, hobbyists, travel photographers who want quality and customizability, and those willing to invest in a mirrorless system.

Samsung SL720 - For Casual Shooters Prioritizing Portability

If you seek a truly pocketable camera that's simple to use with an all-in-one zoom lens, the SL720 fits the bill. It is ideal for casual snapshots, travel where minimal gear is desired, or as an easy backup camera. Don’t expect image quality or creative flexibility near mirrorless standards. The limited video and shooting performance restrict utility beyond family or social use.

Recommended for: Casual users, beginners wanting simple controls, and ultra-compact enthusiasts on a tight budget.

Closing Note: Experience is the Best Teacher

In my years testing thousands of cameras across genres, choices like these hinge on a photographer’s priorities. The NX200 feels like a well-considered mirrorless system offering ample room to grow, while the SL720 is a slice of point-and-shoot convenience with inherent trade-offs.

Choosing wisely means balancing your desired image quality, shooting style, and willingness to carry gear. Hopefully, this detailed comparison has empowered your decision - because ultimately, the best camera is one you’ll enjoy using time and again.

Happy shooting!

Article and tests based on extensive hands-on experience with Samsung mirrorless and ultracompact cameras, field tests in varied real-world conditions, and industry-standard evaluation metrics.