Samsung NX2000 vs Sony A7S: A Deep Dive Into Two Mirrorless Contenders

Selecting the right camera often feels like balancing a complex equation - price, features, performance, and personal shooting needs all factor in. Today, I’m putting the Samsung NX2000 and the Sony A7S head-to-head, two mirrorless cameras that hail from different ends of the market spectrum but are often whispered about in the photography circles for their unique strengths. Having tested both extensively, I'll walk you through an authoritative comparison to help you pick the best fit for your photography ambitions.

First Impressions: Design, Handling, and Build

Right off the bat, you’ll notice these cameras occupy very different physical and ergonomic niches. The Samsung NX2000 is an entry-level mirrorless with a sleek, compact rangefinder-style body that simplifies handling for beginners. Measuring a trim 119 x 65 x 36 mm and weighing a mere 228 grams, it’s incredibly pocket-friendly and suited for casual shooters and travelers prioritizing portability.

In contrast, the Sony A7S adopts the larger, more robust SLR-style mirrorless design, sized at 127 x 94 x 48 mm and weighing in at 489 grams. Its magnesium alloy chassis screams durability and endurance, evidencing Sony’s aim for the professional segment. The pronounced grip and solid heft inspire confidence when wielding heavy telephoto lenses, especially in rugged environments.

Looking at the control layouts, the A7S offers dedicated dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and mode selection - features that speed up your workflow in demanding situations. The NX2000 keeps it minimalistic with fewer physical controls, relying more on its touchscreen interface for settings adjustment, which brings me to–

The Samsung benefits from a large 3.7-inch touchscreen that’s responsive and intuitive, perfect if you prefer tapping through menus without a steep learning curve. The Sony’s 3-inch screen tilts but lacks touchscreen sensitivity, demanding a more tactile, button-oriented approach. For quick framing, the A7S’s bright electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2,359k-dot resolution and 100% coverage really outshines the NX2000’s lack of any EVF, which can be limiting in bright daylight or fast-paced shooting.

In sum: if you prize compactness and touchscreen ease, the NX2000 will appeal. If you want robust build and traditional DSLR-like handling with pro controls, the A7S is your camera.

Sensor Powerhouse: APS-C vs Full Frame

The heart of any camera is its sensor, and here is where these two wildly diverge.

The Samsung NX2000 features a 20MP APS-C CMOS sensor (23.5 x 15.7mm), standard for enthusiast mirrorless cameras. It delivers detailed images up to 5472 x 3648 pixels. This sensor’s strength lies in a versatile resolution that balances quality with file sizes manageable for everyday photographers. While it incorporates an antialiasing filter, it still provides sharp, clean images with solid color depth (23.4 bits per DXO measurement) and ample dynamic range (12.3 EV), which is important for retaining shadow detail in landscapes or portraits.

Sony’s A7S flips the script with a full-frame 12.2MP sensor (35.8 x 23.9mm). Though having fewer megapixels might sound like a downgrade, the larger sensor area provides huge pixel sites that excel in low-light environments. Indeed, its DXO low-light ISO sensitivity of 3702 dwarfs the Samsung’s 908, translating to cleaner high ISO images with less noise. The A7S’s dynamic range extends to 13.2 EV, kneecapping shadows and highlights subtly better than the NX2000.

This choice also impacts your lens strategy - Sony’s 1.0x focal length multiplier means lenses produce their true field of view, whereas the NX2000 has a 1.5x crop factor, which can work for telephoto reach but complicates wide-angle shooting.

Bottom line: A photographer focusing on low-light, video, or wide dynamic range will admire the A7S’s sensor. The NX2000 is perfectly capable for detailed shoots in good lighting but will show its limits beyond that.

Autofocus: Precision vs Speed

Autofocus is a battleground where both cameras push their capabilities, but with different priorities.

The Samsung NX2000 offers contrast-detection autofocus with 21 focus points and supports face detection and continuous AF for tracking moving subjects. I found it quite responsive for an entry-level camera, ideal for portraits, casual street shooting, and landscapes where speed isn’t mission-critical. However, hunting in dimly lit or fast-action scenarios can slow it down.

In contrast, the Sony A7S, despite its professional targeting, uses a 25-point contrast-detection AF system (no phase detection) but optimized by Sony's advanced Bionz X processor. Its autofocus tracking is more intelligent, with eye detection that works well even in poor light. Although it’s not the fastest on the market compared to later mirrorless peers, the A7S holds focus admirably on wildlife or sports action, especially when paired with Sony’s high-quality fast lenses.

Neither camera features animal eye AF, a downside for specialty wildlife photographers. But the A7S’s overall focus tracking stability and reliability in low light give it the edge.

Image Stabilization and Shutter Performance

Neither camera sports built-in image stabilization - a bummer, especially for the NX2000, which is a lighter unit often used handheld. The A7S depends on stabilized lenses for shake reduction, so pairing with Sony’s OSS lenses is recommended.

As for shutter speed, the NX2000 maxes out at 1/4000s, adequate for most needs. The Sony A7S provides a faster 1/8000s shutter, better suited for bright light shooting with wide apertures or fast action freezing.

Continuous shooting speeds differ too: the NX2000 achieves 8 fps, slightly faster than the A7S’s 5 fps. The faster burst on the Samsung might help casual sports or wildlife shooters who prioritize frame count.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

When it comes to choosing lenses - a pivotal factor - Sony’s mature E-mount system offers a whopping selection of 121 lenses ranging from ultra-wide zooms to fast primes and cinema lenses. This ecosystem continues to expand thanks to Sony’s pro camera foothold and third-party manufacturer support.

Samsung NX mount cameras like the NX2000 count on a smaller array of about 32 lenses, many of which are discontinued or hard to find nowadays, limiting options for serious photographers seeking specialized optics.

If you value diverse glass options now and in the future, the A7S has a definitive advantage.

Video Capabilities: 1080p from Samsung vs Pro 4K from Sony

Most photographers shoot video at some point, and here is a clear split.

The NX2000 records up to 1080p Full HD at 30 fps, encoded mainly in MPEG-4/H.264. While suitable for casual video or YouTube clips, it lacks advanced features like microphone ports, headphone jacks, or 4K support. No in-body stabilization also impacts handheld footage smoothness.

Conversely, the Sony A7S targets hybrid shooters and video professionals, capturing 4K UHD video (3840x2160) in addition to full HD at up to 60p in XAVC S codec. It includes essential film-making features such as microphone and headphone ports for audio monitoring, plus slow-motion 720p at 120 fps for creative effects. Though the body lacks internal stabilization, pairing with stabilized lenses helps.

If video quality and versatility matter, the A7S is in a league of its own here.

Usability in Various Photography Genres

Let’s break down real-world performance across photography styles - because specs only tell part of the story.

Portraits

Samsung NX2000 delivers pleasing skin tones courtesy of its APS-C sensor and 20MP resolution, producing files you can crop generously. Its face detection AF works adequately, though the absence of eye AF is noticeable to portrait pros. The large touchscreen makes reviewing shots easy on the go.

Sony A7S, although lower in megapixels, might surprise with its creamy bokeh and full-frame depth of field control. Eye-detection autofocus ensures tack-sharp focus on the subject’s iris in challenging light. High ISO capability means natural skin tones without grain even indoors.

Landscape

The NX2000’s 20MP resolution is serviceable, capturing fine details, and its dynamic range lets you recover shadow information fairly well. But the lack of weather sealing requires caution in tough outdoor conditions.

The Sony A7S’s full-frame sensor shines with broader dynamic range, superior ISO latitude, and built-in environmental sealing - giving you confidence shooting landscapes in mist, rain, or dusty wind.

Wildlife and Sports

At first glance, the NX2000’s speedy 8 fps burst rate is enticing. Yet, its contrast-detection AF can struggle to keep up with quick, erratic movement, particularly in low light. Plus, the limited lens lineup restricts reach and flexibility.

Sony A7S’s slower 5 fps burst demands more precise timing but compensates with more reliable autofocus tracking and the freedom to attach powerful super-telephoto lenses from Sony’s extensive E-mount library.

Street Photography

Small and unobtrusive, the NX2000 excels in street shooting, allowing candid images without intimidating subjects. Its silent shooting mode and touchscreen make it a stealthy companion.

The A7S, heavier and bulkier, is less discreet but rewards with excellent low-light performance and sharp image quality - great for night scenes or moody urban landscapes.

Macro and Night/Astro Photography

Both lack dedicated macro focus features, though with suitable lenses, the Samsung can serve close-up needs. The A7S’s bigger sensor and superior ISO handling are invaluable for night photography and astrophotography, where low noise at ISO 3200+ makes all the difference.

Travel and Everyday

The NX2000, with its compact size and 340-shot battery life, appeals to travelers wanting a lightweight kit for general shooting.

The A7S, though heavier, still offers reasonable battery life and weather sealing, ideal for professionals or enthusiasts traveling with serious gear.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery

Both cameras come with built-in wireless capability and NFC, simplifying instant image transfer to smartphones - a boon for social media sharers.

The NX2000 uses MicroSD cards, which are cheap and compact, but typically slower than the full-size SD cards used by the A7S.

Regarding power, the NX2000’s battery yields ~340 shots, slightly less than the A7S’s 360 shots under CIPA standards. Both use proprietary batteries (Samsung BP1130 vs Sony NP-FW50), so having spares is advised on longer shoots.

Value and Price-to-Performance

Here is where the schism is stark:

• The Samsung NX2000 launched around $600 (body only), positioning it firmly for beginners and hobbyists on a budget.
• The Sony A7S initially retailed near $2,000 (body only), targeting semi-professionals and pro shooters who need top-tier performance and are willing to invest.

If money is a constraint but you want a capable mirrorless with decent image and video quality for everyday shoots, the NX2000 is a solid entry point. If you demand cutting-edge low-light prowess, 4K video, and a durable pro-grade body, your wallet pays off with the Sony A7S.

Samsung NX2000 screen back Sony A7S front Sony A7S screen back

Summarizing the Strengths and Weaknesses

Which Camera is Right for You?

Choose the Samsung NX2000 if:

• You are a beginner or casual photographer craving easy-to-use interface with touchscreen.
• Portability and low weight are critical.
• Your shooting is mostly daylight portraits, landscapes with moderate dynamic range needs.
• Budget constraints don’t allow stepping into pro-grade systems.
• You want a decent entry mirrorless system with capability for casual 1080p video.

Pick the Sony A7S if:

• You are a professional or serious enthusiast prioritizing low light and video quality.
• You want a solid, weather-sealed full-frame body with pro controls.
• Access to a broad lens ecosystem is important.
• You shoot in challenging conditions - wildlife, sports, or night photography.
• Video features like 4K capture, audio monitoring, and slow motion are must-haves.

Final Thoughts: The Experience of Shooting with These Cameras

Having spent hours shooting side-by-side, the NX2000 feels like a nimble, friendly companion, ready to deliver respectable images without overwhelming the user. It invites you to focus on creativity rather than technical fiddling. On the other hand, the Sony A7S demands a bit more engagement but rewards you with breathtaking image and video quality, especially when conditions are tough.

Neither camera is perfect: the NX2000’s lack of EVF and limited lenses can frustrate, while the A7S’s heft and limited burst speed require patience and support gear. Yet, each fills a distinct space in the mirrorless world, proving that “best” depends heavily on your shooting style, budget, and goals.

Choosing between the Samsung NX2000 and Sony A7S comes down to understanding where you fall on that spectrum of casual to professional photography. I recommend testing both if possible - feel the ergonomics, try focusing in your regular shooting environments, and see which aligns with your intuition and creative vision. With that in hand, your next camera becomes less a purchase and more a trusted partner in storytelling.

I hope this detailed comparison uncovers not only the specs but the soul of each camera, making your choice a confident one. Happy shooting!