Samsung NX2000 vs Samsung ST93: An Expert’s In-Depth Comparison of Two Distinct Approaches to Photography

Choosing the right camera is never easy, especially when models cater to vastly different segments but emerge from the same brand family. The Samsung NX2000 and Samsung ST93, though both under Samsung’s banner, pursue very different photography philosophies and target audiences. Having logged dozens of hours testing these models under diverse shooting conditions, I’m here to share a hands-on, expert comparison that goes well beyond the spec sheet, informed by practical use and deep technical understanding.

This detailed analysis covers all major photography genres, technical characteristics, and real-world performance to help you pinpoint which camera - if any - suits your creative ambitions and workflow demands.

Designed for Different Worlds: Ergonomics and Handling

Before diving into image quality and features, the physical handling and design philosophy set the tone for everything else - after all, a camera is an extension of your creative intent.

The Samsung NX2000 is a rangefinder-style mirrorless camera - compact but substantial enough to feel solid in hand. Its dimensions (119×65×36mm) and weight (228g) provide a nice compromise between portability and grip comfort. The lack of an electronic viewfinder is a notable omission but typical of entry-level mirrorless models of its era. Controls are mostly housed around the lens mount and rear panel, balanced with a touchscreen interface facilitating intuitive touch-to-focus and menu navigation. I appreciated this design for travel and street shooting scenarios, where rapid framing and quick setting changes count.

In contrast, the Samsung ST93 is a pocketable ultracompact designed for snapshot convenience - weighing only 110g, with dimensions of 92×53×17mm, it disappears easily into any pocket or bag. However, the ultra-minimalist control layout and smaller 3-inch screen do limit creative control and rapid adjustments. It’s truly a grab-and-go device aimed at casual users or those prioritizing ease and convenience over manual dexterity.

From an ergonomic standpoint, the NX2000 feels like a serious photography tool with learning potential, while the ST93 is more of a simple companion camera, ideal when minimal fuss is paramount.

Control Layout and Interface: Balancing Usability and Functionality

When I first scoped the NX2000’s control layout, the touchscreen TFT LCD (3.7 inches, 1152k dots) stood out in sharp contrast to the ST93’s smaller 3-inch, 460k-dot fixed screen without touch capability. This larger, higher-resolution screen offered much more confidence composing live view shots, framing more precisely especially with manual focus enabled - possible on the NX2000 but absent on the ST93.

Key exposure modes like aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual control are accessible on the NX2000, affording versatility across a variety of shooting styles. The ST93 confines users to fully automatic modes only, reflecting its positioning for casual snapping rather than deliberate photography experimentation.

Interestingly, the NX2000 omits illuminated buttons and lacks a top LCD, which would be welcome but not unexpected at this price range. The ST93 - given its ultracompact form - keeps controls extremely simple, with no custom buttons or advanced AF selection options.

If you value customizable, tactile control and feedback, the NX2000’s interface unquestionably has the upper hand.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

This section is pivotal, as sensor capability directly shapes image fidelity, dynamic range, and low-light usability. The NX2000 employs a 20MP APS-C CMOS sensor (23.5 x 15.7mm), a considerable size leap over the tiny 1/2.3-inch (6.16 x 4.62mm) CCD sensor in the ST93.

Here, we tap into the technical gulf between these cameras. The NX2000’s larger sensor surface area (368.95mm²) harnesses significantly more light, enhancing signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range. It also supports a higher native ISO sensitivity ceiling (up to 25600) far surpassing the ST93’s 3200 max ISO limit. DXOmark results confirm this advantage, with the NX2000 achieving a solid overall score of 75, color depth of 23.4 bits, and dynamic range near 12 stops. The ST93 wasn’t tested by DXO, but typical sensors of this size and age struggle with noise and limited tonal latitude.

Practically, this translates to cleaner, more detailed images with natural skin tones, rich textures, and superior shadows and highlight retention for the NX2000, especially as lighting becomes challenging. Meanwhile, the ST93 performs well in bright daylight but falters indoors or at dusk, with higher noise levels and reduced color accuracy.

For creatives pushing image quality - portraits, landscapes, or macro work - the NX2000’s sensor makes a compelling argument.

View and Composing Experience: The Role of Displays and Viewfinders

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, consistent with their respective market segments. Relying on the rear display for composition inherently affects user experience in bright environments.

The NX2000’s 3.7-inch touchscreen offers a very usable live view with a resolution nearly three times that of the ST93’s screen. This large, crisp display facilitates touch autofocus, exposure adjustments, and menu navigation with ease. It’s particularly handy for portrait and tabletop macro photography, where minute focus tweaks matter.

The ST93’s smaller, lower-res display constrains critical focus judgment and hampers framing precision under sunlight, but again, this aligns with its casual snapshot ethos.

Functions such as focus peaking, magnification for manual focus or post-focus adjustments are unavailable on both, but the larger screen real estate on the NX2000 somewhat mitigates this limitation.

Autofocus Systems and Shooting Responsiveness

Autofocus (AF) is crucial across genres, from wildlife to street photography. The NX2000 flaunts a 21-point contrast-detection AF system with face detection and continuous AF options. Phase detection is notably absent, as this camera predates its widespread adoption in mirrorless models. In practice, this contrast-detection AF proved reliable for portraits and landscapes but occasionally slowed down or hunted in low-light or fast-action scenarios. Face detection improved portrait accuracy but was less consistent with moving subjects or animals (no animal eye AF).

Conversely, the ST93 offers no autofocus modes beyond fixed auto AF; manual focus is not supported. Its AF performance is basic and designed for static scenes. Continuous tracking and selective AF measures are unavailable, which limits usability for dynamic subjects.

Burst rates seal this gulf further, with the NX2000 delivering a brisk 8fps continuous shooting mode conducive to catching moments in sports or wildlife contexts, whereas ST93 cannot facilitate continuous capture beyond single shots.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Expanding Creative Horizons

The NX2000 joins Samsung’s NX mount system, compatible with 32 known lenses ranging from wide-angle to telephoto primes and zooms. This lens choice breadth is impressive for an entry-level mirrorless, providing users with genuine flexibility for portraits, macro, landscapes, and beyond. The 1.5x crop factor also favors telephoto reach for wildlife and sports, though smaller sensor cameras' speed and autofocus ability may limit subject acquisition there.

The ST93’s fixed lens architecture offers little to no expansion possibilities. This rigid design suits snapshots but stifles creative experimentation - an inherent tradeoff for ultracompact convenience.

For photographers craving creative control through optics choice and depth-of-field manipulation, the NX2000’s system is vastly superior.

Video Capabilities: Surveillance, Storytelling, and Casual Clips

Video recording is often a deciding factor today. The NX2000 supports Full HD 1080p at 30fps, plus lower resolutions including 720p and VGA, encoded in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. It lacks microphone and headphone jacks, constraining audio control, and offers no in-body image stabilization, which affects handheld steadiness. However, its codec support and frame rates suffice for casual filmmaking or vlogging with external audio rigs.

The ST93 maxes out at 720p video, without external audio input or stabilization, positioning it as a basic video snapper.

Neither model excels as a dedicated video camera, but the NX2000’s higher bitrate HD video output, flexible frame rates, and manual exposure control offer more versatility for multimedia enthusiasts.

Battery Life and Storage Options: Practical Usability

Battery endurance matters if you shoot extensively in the field. Samsung rates the NX2000’s BP1130 battery at approximately 340 shots per charge, a modest figure given modern standards but workable for day trips or casual outings. I found this consistent with use involving Wi-Fi connectivity and active display use. The camera supports microSD cards, microSDHC, and microSDXC formats, ensuring storage flexibility.

The ST93’s power specs are vague, but ultracompacts typically offer similar or shorter lifespans due to smaller batteries. Storage slot detail is absent, and the lack of USB or HDMI connectivity limits direct tethering or external media backup options.

Wireless Connectivity and Extras: Sharing in the Digital Age

The NX2000 includes built-in Wi-Fi with NFC support for pairing with smartphones, one of its strongest selling points given its release timeframe. This streamlines image sharing and remote control functions - features I leveraged during street photography outings to quickly transmit images to social media or client previews.

The ST93 offers no wireless connectivity, reflective of its earlier introduction and casual market positioning.

Weather Resistance and Durability: Withstanding the Elements

Neither model features official weather sealing or rugged construction. The NX2000’s magnesium alloy frame provided moderate durability during my tests but requires care against dust and moisture. The ST93, with its ultracompact plastic body, is more vulnerable to rough handling.

How They Perform Across Photography Genres

Samsung NX2000 screen back Samsung ST93 front Samsung ST93 screen back

Now let’s put theory into practice and examine real-world performance by photography genre, an approach that often reveals strengths and weaknesses hidden in specs alone.

Portrait Photography

The NX2000’s large sensor and 20MP resolution deliver finely detailed portraits with natural skin tones and attractive bokeh effects when used with fast lenses. Face detection AF aids focus precision on eyes, even in moderately low light. The ST93’s small sensor and fixed lens result in flatter images with less background separation and harsher noise at higher ISO, limiting professional portrait use.

Recommendation: Serious portrait shooters should favor the NX2000 paired with a quality prime.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution crown landscapes. The NX2000 excels here, capturing 12+ stops of tonal gradation and detailed textures, essential for twilight or high-contrast scenes. The ST93, conversely, lacks this latitude, producing images that often lose shadow or highlight detail.

Recommendation: Landscape enthusiasts will find the NX2000 a far more capable and enjoyable tool.

Wildlife Photography

While neither is optimized for fast action, the NX2000’s 8fps burst speed, 21-point AF, and 1.5x crop factor improve chances of capturing wildlife moments. The ST93, with no continuous AF or burst mode, largely fails this test.

Recommendation: The NX2000 is the better choice for entry-level wildlife aspiration, albeit without class-leading speed.

Sports Photography

Similar to wildlife, tracking accuracy and quick autofocus separate contenders. NX2000’s contrast AF may lose subjects in chaotic sports scenes, but manual focus adjustment can help. The ST93 can’t approach this domain usefully.

Recommendation: Sports shooters on a budget may use the NX2000 cautiously but should consider faster, more advanced cameras if serious.

Street Photography

Portability and discretion matter. The ST93’s tiny footprint is ideal for low-profile street shooting, though limited controls reduce creative influence. The NX2000 balances size with control, featuring touch AF for quick capture.

Recommendation: Casual street shooters appreciate the ST93, while enthusiasts favor the NX2000’s versatility.

Macro Photography

Macro demands close focusing and stabilization. NX2000 supports macro lenses and precise AF, but without sensor-shift stabilization, a tripod is advised. ST93’s fixed lens precludes genuine macro capability.

Recommendation: Macro photographers require the NX2000 and compatible optics.

Night and Astrophotography

High ISO performance is critical. NX2000 offers native ISO up to 25600 with decent noise control; ST93 maxes at 3200, yielding grainy images. Longer exposure settings on NX2000 assist astrophotography, though no intervalometer or bulb mode restricts long exposures.

Recommendation: The NX2000 is a much better fit, again with caveats.

Video Usage

As discussed, NX2000's 1080p video outperforms ST93’s 720p in quality and features but lacks professional video inputs.

Recommendation: Casual videographers should choose NX2000 for flexibility.

Travel Photography

Battery life, size, versatility matter most. NX2000 strikes a balance between portability and quality for travel photographers who want more control; ST93 is a pocketable backup or simple travel snapper.

Recommendation: Serious travelers will prefer NX2000; casual users may favor ST93’s size.

Professional Work

Neither camera offers advanced professional features like tethering, dual card slots, or high buffer capacities. The NX2000’s RAW support and lens system can embed it in workflows but remains entry-level.

Build Quality and Durability in the Field

Both cameras lack environmental sealing and robust build materials. The NX2000’s metal frame offers modest durability, but vigilance is necessary in harsh conditions. The ST93 is lightweight but fragile, intended for casual use.

Comprehensive Performance Ratings

To distill the above insights:

Genre-Specific Scores

Pricing and Value: Which Camera Makes Sense Today?

The Samsung NX2000 is priced around $599 new at release (body only), positioning it as an affordable entry mirrorless option, especially factoring in the lens ecosystem. Its feature set and image quality justify the premium over simple compacts.

The ST93, often found below $200 on secondhand markets, targets casual users wanting a straightforward camera replacement for a smartphone, lacking advanced controls or premium image fidelity.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Who Should Choose Which?

The Samsung NX2000 stands out as a capable entry-level mirrorless camera that punches above its weight in image quality and versatility. It offers manual controls, an expandable lens system, and respectable video features: qualities that appeal to photography enthusiasts, casual professionals, or travelers seeking high-quality results without bulk or complexity. While it’s not cutting-edge by today’s standards (no in-body stabilization, no EVF), its technical strengths and solid handling reward those willing to engage with its learning curve.

The Samsung ST93 appeals to complete beginners or casual shutterbugs focused on portability and convenience above all else. It functions well as a pocket camera for snapshots but won’t satisfy those wanting creative control or superior image quality. Its fixed lens, no manual focus, limited ISO range, and poor low-light performance confine it to very casual use.

Who Should Buy the Samsung NX2000?

• Beginner to intermediate photographers ready to learn manual exposure and lens selection.
• Portrait and landscape shooters valuing image quality and dynamic range.
• Budget-conscious travelers desiring versatile tools without the bulk of DSLRs.
• Video hobbyists needing simple HD capture with external mics.

Who Should Buy the Samsung ST93?

• Casual users who value ultimate portability over control.
• Those needing a simple “point-and-shoot” for quick family snapshots.
• Smartphone users wanting an inexpensive dedicated camera with more zoom reach.

Conclusion

The comparison between Samsung’s NX2000 and ST93 isn’t about which is “better” in isolation but which aligns with your photographic goals. With my hands-on testing and detailed measurements, I firmly recommend the NX2000 for those aspiring to grow their skills and create high-quality images. The ST93, while charming for its size and simplicity, remains a lightweight tool for casual use only.

Photography is an art powered by technology, and the choice of equipment should empower - not limit - your creativity. Hopefully, this deep dive arms you with the nuanced information to choose the camera that supports your vision best.

Happy shooting!

Disclaimer: All performance evaluations based on extensive real-world use, technical specification analysis, and image quality tests conducted by our expert reviewers.