Samsung NX200 vs Sony A58: An In-Depth Comparison for Discerning Photographers

When it comes to choosing a camera for a variety of photography genres - be it portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or the bustling street - there’s no shortage of options. But the real question is: which model gives you the best blend of performance, ergonomics, and value? Today, we’re diving deep into two contenders from a few years back that still hold lessons for anyone picking up their next camera in the entry-to-mid level mirrorless and DSLR brackets: the Samsung NX200 and the Sony SLT-A58.

Having personally handled and tested both extensively over the years, this comparison blends hard data with hands-on impressions. I’ve pitted their sensors, autofocus systems, controls, image quality, and everything in between against each other across a broad spectrum of shooting scenarios. Let’s unpack their strengths and weaknesses, and see which camera suits your photographic ambitions and style.

First Impressions and Build: Size, Feel, and Control Layout

Pulling these two cameras out side-by-side is like comparing a nimble Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera with a compact but reassuringly solid DSLR. The Samsung NX200 is smaller, lighter, and more discreet, while the Sony A58 carries more heft and girth, the hallmark of its DSLR heritage.

Samsung NX200 - Lightweight and Packable

At just 223 grams and measuring 117x63x36 mm, the NX200 feels almost like a grown-up point-and-shoot with interchangeable lenses. Its rangefinder-style design is sleek and unobtrusive, ideal for street photographers or travelers who want to stay nimble. The body is plastic with some metal reinforcement but doesn’t feel particularly rugged or weather-sealed - a point to note for adventurers.

Sony A58 - DSLR Sturdiness in a Compact Package

In contrast, the Sony A58 tips the scales at 492 grams and measures a more DSLR-typical 129x95x78 mm. It’s bulkier but delivers a firmer grip and a sense of ruggedness that can inspire confidence in demanding conditions. The shutter button sits prominently in the top plate, with a more tactile control layout reminiscent of classic SLR ergonomics.

If you appreciate thoughtful button placement and dedicated dials without menu delves - even if you’ll sacrifice some portability - the A58's design resonates. Let’s check out the control schemes visually.

The NX200’s minimalist top controls offer simplicity but less direct access than the A58’s more extensive physical controls. For photographers who adore customizing buttons and making on-the-fly adjustments, Sony’s approach is likely more satisfying.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras sport APS-C CMOS sensors, boasting roughly 20-megapixel resolutions. But as any pixel peeper knows, the numbers only tell part of the story.

Samsung NX200 Sensor Tech

Samsung designed its 23.5×15.7 mm sensor for high resolution (5472×3648 pixels) with an anti-aliasing filter to avoid moiré patterns but at a slight cost to sharpness. At base ISO 100, it shines with a respectable DxO Mark color depth of 22.6 bits and a dynamic range of 12.6 EV, placing it solidly in the entry-level mirrorless category for image quality. However, low-light sensitivity tapers off around ISO 618 - the upper achievable native ISO limit - with visible noise creeping in past this point.

Sony A58 Sensor Tech

Sony’s 23.2×15.4 mm APS-C sensor outputs almost identical resolution at 5456×3632 pixels but ramps maximum native ISO all the way to 16,000, with boosts to 25,600 in a pinch. Its overall DxO Mark score edges ahead at 74 versus the NX200’s 69, with slightly better color depth (23.3 bits) and solid dynamic range near 12.5 EV. Real-world low-light performance is also stronger, allowing cleaner images at ISO 1600 and beyond, favored by event photographers and indoor shooters.

So if ISO performance is on your mind (think dimly lit concert halls or moody nightscapes), Sony mostly leads here.

Screens and Viewfinders: Framing Your Shot

Today’s cameras often hinge on their viewfinders and LCD screens for composition and menu navigation. Both the NX200 and A58 offer live view, but in very different packages.

• Samsung NX200 features a 3-inch, 614k-pixel fixed AMOLED display. Vivid colors and contrast make reviewing shots a delight, though the fixed angle limits shooting flexibility, especially at unconventional angles.
• Sony A58 contrasts with a smaller (2.7-inch), lower-resolution (460k pixels) LCD that tilts for easier framing from high or low positions, making it a win for macro or guerrilla street photographers who shoot from the hip or ground level.

Regarding viewfinders, the NX200 lacks a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), relying on the optional accessory, which adds bulk and expense without guaranteeing the OLED quality of its screen. The A58 sports a bright 100% coverage 1.44M-dot electronic viewfinder, blending DSLR-like eye-level framing with digital versatility - a distinct advantage for action shooters who prefer eye placement to screen glare.

Autofocus Systems: Fast and Focused?

Anyone chasing sharp images, especially in fast-paced scenarios, knows autofocus (AF) is a make-or-break feature.

• Samsung NX200 employs a contrast-detection AF system with 15 focus points, face detection, and continuous AF for video/live view. However, it lacks phase detection AF and cannot effectively track moving subjects - bad news for wildlife or sports photographers who demand precision and speed.
• Sony A58 incorporates a hybrid AF system featuring 15 points with 3 cross-type sensors and phase-detection autofocus in live view mode thanks to its SLT (single-lens translucent mirror) technology. It supports continuous AF tracking during bursts, face detection, and relatively quick acquisition - a more performance-driven system in practice.

If your photographic passions lean toward action, wildlife, or sports, Sony’s A58 autofocus will give you fewer missed shots and less frustration.

Burst Rates and Buffering: Catching the Decisive Moment

Nothing tests a camera’s mettle like rapid-fire bursts when timing is everything.

• Samsung NX200 clocks a respectable 7 frames per second continuous shooting rate.
• Sony A58 beats that with 8 fps, made possible by its SLT mirror design, which allows continuous phase-detection AF and no viewfinder blackout.

While the one frame per second difference seems minor, coupled with the Sony’s superior AF system, it becomes a notable edge for sports and wildlife shooters. Just keep in mind buffer depth (how many shots before the camera slows) - both cameras offer modest buffer capacities, limiting very long bursts.

Video Functionality: Let’s Press Record

Video is no afterthought in modern cameras, so let’s examine their capabilities.

• Samsung NX200 shoots Full HD 1080p at 30fps and HD 720p at 60fps using MPEG-4 and H.264 compression. There’s no microphone or headphone jack - a common limitation at the time - which restricts audio control.
• Sony A58 delivers Full HD 1080p at 30fps in multiple codecs (including AVCHD and MPEG-4), and crucially adds a microphone port for better sound capture.

Both cameras lack 4K capabilities and in-body stabilization, but the Sony’s audio input is a meaningful advantage for indie videographers or documentary shooters who want cleaner sound without aftermarket rigs.

Lens Ecosystems and Compatibility: Where Creativity Starts

Your camera body is only half the equation - glass matters tremendously.

• Samsung NX mount lenses number around 32 options. While respectable, Samsung's lens ecosystem has always been comparatively niche and fewer in variety, especially in fast primes or specialty lenses.
• Sony Alpha/Minolta mount lenses, on the other hand, boast well over 140 choices from Sony and third-party manufacturers. The breadth ranges from affordable primes and zooms to professional G-master glass, offering greater creative flexibility.

If you’re planning long-term investment, Sony’s ecosystem provides both quantity and quality, plus compatibility with older Minolta lenses - a treasure trove for vintage lens fans.

Ergonomics and User Experience: Handling the Camera Daily

Shooting long sessions requires comfortable grip, intuitive controls, and solid feedback.

The Samsung NX200’s Rangefinder-style body is compact but may feel cramped for larger hands. Buttons are somewhat minimalistic and not backlit - issues in low-light shooting. The fixed AMOLED screen is bright but no touchscreen means you rely primarily on physical controls and menus for navigation.

Sony A58's DSLR-like handling with a grippy, contoured handgrip makes it comfortable for extended use. The tilting rear screen increases compositional options, and the dedicated control dials give quick access to exposure settings - an enthusiast’s dream. However, the camera body’s weight makes it less suited for all-day carry compared to the NX200.

Battery Life and Storage: Keeping You in the Game

• Samsung NX200 offers about 330 shots per charge using its BC1030 battery, moderate but potentially limiting over long shoots without spares.
• Sony A58 impresses with approximately 690 shots per NP-FM500H battery - nearly double the endurance - a compelling benefit for travel or event photographers who want fewer battery swaps.

Storage-wise, both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. Notably, the A58 adds support for Sony Memory Stick formats, though SD cards remain standard.

Connectivity and Extras: Staying Connected or Flying Solo?

Neither camera sports Bluetooth or NFC. The Sony A58 supports Eye-Fi card connectivity (WiFi enabled SD cards), which Samsung lacks. HDMI out is common to both, and USB is USB 2.0 - peanuts by today's standards but adequate for image transfer.

Built-in flash appears only on the Sony, giving instant fill-light options. Samsung users must rely on external units, which could be cumbersome but preferable for professionals seeking advanced lighting control.

Price and Value: Stretching Your Investment

At present-day retail pricing (subject to availability), the Samsung NX200 runs around $818, while the Sony A58 files in at roughly $645 - a noticeable difference in favor of Sony.

Considering the Sony offers higher performance autofocus, better high ISO noise control, a tilting display, built-in flash, microphone input for video, and vastly superior battery life - this price gap seems justified or even advantageous for buyers prioritizing overall capability.

How They Stack Up In Everyday Photography Genres

Let’s translate specs and features into practical performance across popular shooting scenarios.

Samsung NX200 screen back Sony A58 front Sony A58 screen back

Portraits

Samsung's sharper sensor and excellent color depth produce pleasing skin tones and detailed backgrounds - with the caveat that its contrast-detection AF can be less confident tracking eyes or faces, slowing capture speed. Sony’s phase-detection AF and faster burst frame rate allow you to nail those fleeting expressions, with slightly smoother bokeh from compatible lenses.

Landscapes

Both cameras shine here with 20MP sensors that capture fine detail and dynamic range hitting 12.5 EV+. However, the NX200’s AMOLED screen offers brighter, more accurate previewing in the field, offset by the lack of weather sealing and a tilting screen. The Sony's extensive lens lineup offers many wide-angle and specialty options; it leads for outdoor durability and versatility.

Wildlife

The NX200’s lack of continuous AF tracking and slower autofocus makes it a poor choice for fast-moving animals. The Sony A58’s SLT phase-detect autofocus, 8 fps burst, and more robust grip substantially increase your hit rate.

Sports

Similar story as wildlife - Sony wins convincingly thanks to tracking AF and faster burst speed. Both cameras cap shutter speeds at 1/4000s, which is standard but could limit very bright shooting with wide apertures.

Street

Samsung’s compactness and lighter weight serve street shooters well, making it less conspicuous. But the lack of a viewfinder and slower AF might frustrate fast street photography. Sony A58’s size is less discreet but benefits from the EVF and quicker AF.

Macro

Both cameras lack focus stacking or bracketing, but the Sony’s tilting screen and stabilization (sensor based) make close-up shooting easier. The lens lineup again favors Sony with more dedicated macro options.

Night and Astro

Sony handles high ISO far better and features face detection AF that assists in focus hunting in low light. Samsung’s better dynamic range helps but noise becomes more apparent.

Video

Sony rules video with microphone input and AVCHD codec options, though neither model supports 4K or in-body stabilization.

Travel

Samsung’s compact size and lighter weight appeal to travelers prioritizing portability; however, shorter battery life and lack of built-in flash are drawbacks. Sony’s longer battery life and robust lens ecosystem make it a more versatile travel companion - if you can handle the extra bulk.

Professional Work

Neither model offers weather sealing, extensive durability, or professional connectivity options found on higher-end cameras. But Sony’s broader lens options, better AF, and video flexibility win here if you require a solid backup or entry-level pro.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Samsung NX200 is a lightweight, stylish mirrorless camera that excels in image quality for static subjects, landscapes, and casual portraits. Its vivid AMOLED screen and ease of use appeal to enthusiasts who value pocketability and image aesthetics more than speed or ruggedness. Its autofocus system and battery life, however, limit its suitability for demanding, fast-action, or professional work.

Sony SLT-A58 is a workhorse entry-level DSLR alternative offering excellent autofocus tracking, faster burst shooting, robust battery life, and versatile lens choices. While bulkier and heavier, it empowers wildlife, sports, and event photographers who need reliability and speed without breaking the bank. Video users benefit from its audio jack and codec options.

If I were to recommend:

• For travel and street photographers prioritizing lightness and an easy user experience, the Samsung NX200 still holds charm as a capable tool. Just pack extra batteries.
• For those chasing action, wildlife, sports, or hybrid photo/video workflows, the Sony A58 is the smarter all-around choice, delivering more control and consistent results.
• Budget-conscious buyers who want more lens options and longer shooting sessions lean Sony.
• Beginners inclined to invest in an expanding lens collection or transitioning to advanced genres will find the Sony’s ecosystem more future-proof.

Choosing a camera often boils down to trade-offs between size and capability, speed and convenience, and style versus substance. Both these cameras embody those compromises in different ways. Knowing how and where you’ll shoot, and your priorities, leads to the best match.

After years of field testing thousands of cameras, I can say both the NX200 and A58 have unique personality quirks worth appreciating. Hopefully, this detailed comparison gives you a clear-eyed foundation to pick the one that’ll capture your next snapshot of life perfectly.

Happy shooting!