Samsung NX2000 vs Sony A37: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Selecting the right camera can be a transformative decision for any photographer. When you stand between two entry-level mirrorless and DSLR options like the Samsung NX2000 and the Sony A37, the choice demands careful consideration. I have put both cameras through rigorous real-world testing and comparative analysis to help you understand which suits your style, needs, and budget.

Why trust this review? I’ve personally tested over a thousand cameras across genres and price brackets, focusing on practical performance rather than marketing hype. This article draws from direct hands-on experience, technical benchmarks, and workflow impacts to provide you an authoritative, comprehensive comparison.

Let’s dive in.

First Impressions: Design and Ergonomics

From the outset, size and handling leave distinct impressions. The Samsung NX2000 is compact and lightweight at just 228 grams with dimensions of 119 x 65 x 36 mm, embodying the typical mirrorless rangefinder style. If portability and discreetness are priorities - for example, street or travel photography - this camera’s slim profile is a significant asset.

The Sony A37, by contrast, is a heftier, more traditional DSLR-style body weighing 506 grams and measuring 124 x 92 x 85 mm. The thicker grip and more robust build hint at ruggedness and a design geared toward extended ergonomic comfort, especially for photographers accustomed to DSLR handling.

Both lack weather sealing, so be mindful of shooting in adverse weather without additional protection. Samsung’s minimal layout may feel sparse if you crave direct access dials and buttons, whereas Sony offers a more conventional DSLR button arrangement, albeit with fewer illuminated controls.

Bottom line: If you prioritize a compact, lightweight camera for casual or travel use, the NX2000 shines. For those who prefer heft and traditional DSLR ergonomics, the A37 is more comfortable for prolonged shooting.

Control Layout and User Interface

The user interface and control layout are where the two diverge considerably. The NX2000 employs a modern touchscreen-centric design. Its 3.7-inch, 1152k-dot display accommodates touch focus and exposure adjustments, aligning with smartphone-inspired usability. However, there’s no built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), so framing in bright light can be challenging - relying solely on the LCD.

The Sony A37 compensates with a 0.44-inch electronic viewfinder featuring 1440k dots, 100% coverage, and 0.73x magnification - rare and valuable in this price segment. Its tilting 2.6-inch screen (230k dots) aids composing at unconventional angles but lacks touch functionality. This EVF presence gives the A37 a tangible advantage for precise framing and shooting in bright conditions.

I found the Sony’s button layout more tactile and traditional, offering quicker access to key settings such as ISO, exposure compensation, and drive modes. Samsung’s reliance on touchscreen controls is elegant but can slow down adjustments in fast-paced shooting scenarios.

Summary:

• NX2000: Touchscreen-driven, no EVF, minimalist buttons
• A37: Compact DSLR controls with a built-in bright EVF, no touch

If you depend on an EVF and physical controls, Sony is preferable; for those who embrace touchscreen-driven simplicity, Samsung offers a fresh approach.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Both cameras sport APS-C CMOS sensors of similar physical sizes (~23.5 x 15.7 mm) with 1.5x crop factors, meaning lens focal lengths behave identically in the field of view.

• Samsung NX2000 features a 20-megapixel sensor with an optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter to reduce moiré artifacts.
• Sony A37 utilizes a 16-megapixel sensor, also with an anti-aliasing filter.

DXO Mark scores put both cameras neck and neck with an overall score of 75. The NX2000 edges ahead slightly in color depth at 23.4 bits vs 23.3 bits and dynamic range at 12.3 EV vs 12.9 EV. Interestingly, Sony offers a cleaner low-light performance ceiling by the sensor’s low-light ISO at 799 compared to Samsung’s 908, though this is a marginal difference in practical shooting.

Samsung’s higher megapixel count means larger image files at 5472 x 3648 pixels, advantageous if printing large landscapes or cropping extensively. Sony’s 4912 x 3264 max resolution is fine for web use, small prints, and general photography.

In my testing under controlled studio lighting, the NX2000’s sensor produced slightly richer skin tones with more subtle gradation, favoring portrait work. When photographing scenes with bright highlights and deep shadows, Sony’s dynamic range offered a bit more latitude to recover detail, which benefits landscape photographers.

Both cameras shoot RAW, ensuring maximum post-processing flexibility.

Display and Viewfinder Experience

The 3.7-inch TFT LCD on the NX2000 is large, high resolution (1152k dots), and touch-enabled, making menu navigation and focus selection intuitive. However, its fixed position can limit versatility when composing at low or high angles.

Sony’s A37 screen is 2.6-inches, lower resolution, no touch, but features a tilt mechanism that helps with macro and creative angles. Combined with the EVF, it offers a hybrid viewing experience. The EVF shines for speed, enabling precise manual focusing and composition under bright sunlight where LCDs struggle.

While the lack of an EVF on the NX2000 might discourage some users, Samsung’s bright, large screen compensates well, especially for casual or street photography.

Autofocus System and Continuous Shooting

Autofocus (AF) is pivotal for capturing sharp images, especially in action genres like wildlife or sports.

• Samsung NX2000:

  • Contrast-detection AF with 21 focus points.
  • Face detection and tracking available.
  • Continuous shooting up to 8 fps.
  • No phase detection sensor.
  • AF tracking supported.

• Sony A37:

  • Hybrid AF system with 15 phase-detection points (3 cross-type).
  • Contrast detection also supported.
  • Face detection included.
  • Continuous shooting at 6 fps.
  • No AF tracking mode specifically.

In my field testing, the Samsung NX2000’s faster burst rate (8 fps) is advantageous for sports and wildlife, but contrast-detect AF often struggled in low-contrast or fast-moving subjects. Its tracking accuracy was moderate with a tendency to lose locked focus occasionally.

Sony’s phase-detection system, albeit with fewer focus points, yielded quicker and more reliable focus acquisition on fast subjects. This proved invaluable when shooting moving cars or running animals.

Both have live view and face-detection autofocus; however, the lack of touch AF on the Sony may reduce some convenience.

Image Stabilization and Optical Performance

The Sony A37 leverages in-body sensor-shift image stabilization (IBIS), providing compensation across all compatible lenses to reduce camera shake. This feature shines in low light and macro photography by allowing slower shutter speeds without blur.

The Samsung NX2000 offers no in-body stabilization, relying entirely on stabilized lenses if available. The lack of stabilization limits handheld low-light shots and telephoto use.

Regarding lens ecosystems, Sony’s Alpha mount boasts 143 lenses, offering exceptional choice from wide-angle primes to super-telephotos with image stabilization. Samsung’s NX mount has a smaller selection (~32 lenses), somewhat limiting specialized options, though the principal focal lengths and APS-C primes are well covered.

If you anticipate shooting telephoto wildlife or handheld macro, Sony’s stabilization and broader lens availability are distinct advantages.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras record Full HD video but with notable differences.

• Samsung NX2000:

  • 1920 x 1080 at 30 fps max.
  • Also records 1080 x 810 at 24 fps.
  • Video formats: MPEG-4, H.264.
  • No microphone or headphone ports.
  • No video stabilization.
  • No 4K or slow motion modes.

• Sony A37:

  • 1920 x 1080 up to 60 fps.
  • Formats: MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264.
  • Has a microphone input - vital for external audio recording.
  • No headphone jack.
  • Video stabilization supported (sensor-shift).
  • No 4K recording.

Sony’s higher frame rate options (60 fps) allow smoother motion capture and slight slow-motion effects in post. The microphone input facilitates better audio quality for vlogging and interviews.

Samsung’s simpler video specs suit casual use but lack advanced features.

Battery Life and Storage

• Battery Life:

  • Samsung NX2000 rated ~340 shots per charge.
  • Sony A37 outperforms at ~500 shots, benefiting extended outings.

• Storage:

  • Samsung uses microSD cards (MicroSDHC/SDXC).
  • Sony supports standard SD cards along with Memory Stick Pro Duo formats.

Standard SD cards’ widespread availability and compatibility make Sony’s system more future-proof and user-friendly, especially for pro workflows.

Extended battery life and conventional memory cards make Sony better suited for travel and professional use.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged protections such as dust- or moisture-resistance. Both are vulnerable to harsh conditions.

Sony’s more substantial DSLR-style body feels sturdier, while Samsung’s lighter plastic shell may feel less solid in hand.

For outdoor adventure photographers, investing in protective housing or alternative camera choices with sealing may be necessary.

Practical Performance by Photography Genre

Samsung NX2000 screen back Sony A37 front Sony A37 screen back

Portraits: Skin Tones and Bokeh

The NX2000’s higher resolution sensor captures more detail for large prints. Its color reproduction yields pleasing skin tones with natural warmth. Samsung’s touchscreen focusing makes precise eye detection and focus point placement intuitive.

Sony’s lower resolution but excellent sensor and stabilization enable sharper images at slower shutter speeds, reducing blur. The DSLR form factor and EVF assist in composition and manual focus finesse.

Winner: Tie - NX2000 for resolution and color; A37 for focusing reliability and stabilization.

Landscape

Both produce excellent landscape images benefiting from APS-C sensors.

Sony’s slightly better dynamic range and camera stabilization offer greater flexibility in challenging light and handheld shots.

Samsung edges in resolution, which matters if you intend heavy cropping or large prints.

Neither is weather sealed.

Wildlife and Sports

Sony’s hybrid phase-detect autofocus and image stabilization outperform Samsung’s contrast-only AF, especially in tracking animals or athletes.

Higher frame rates (8 fps Samsung vs 6 fps Sony) compete, but autofocus reliability is more critical than fps.

For serious action shooters, Sony’s focusing system is more fitting.

Street Photography and Travel

Samsung’s compact size and touchscreen appeal for street photography - discreet and easy to operate.

Sony’s bulkier body is less discreet but offers longer battery life - a plus on long trips.

NNFC on Samsung facilitates quick smartphone pairing for instant sharing; Sony lacks NFC but supports Eye-Fi cards for wireless transfer.

Macro Photography

Sony’s stabilization combined with tilting screen benefits close-ups.

NX2000 lacks these, making handheld macro trickier.

Night and Astro

Both handle high ISO up to 25600, but Sony’s cleaner low-light sensor gives an advantage.

Sony also offers more manual control through EVF, aiding astro compositions.

Video

Sony is the clear winner with 1080p60 recording, audio input, and video stabilization.

Samsung’s video features are more basic.

Professional Work

Sony’s better build, higher battery life, broad lens support, and EVF meet key prosumer needs better.

Samsung suits casual to enthusiast usage.

Technical Summary and Scoring

Who Should Choose Samsung NX2000?

The Samsung NX2000 suits photographers who value:

• Ultra-compact, light body for travel and street photography.
• High-resolution images favoring portraits and landscapes.
• Intuitive touchscreen interface for rapid on-the-go adjustments.
• NFC and Wi-Fi for easy sharing.
• Casual to enthusiast level shooting without a need for in-body stabilization or EVF.

Limitations to consider:

• Lack of EVF hurts outdoor viewing.
• No stabilization limits handheld low-light work.
• Lens selection is narrower.

Who Should Opt for Sony A37?

Sony A37 excels for:

• Photographers who want an EVF and DSLR-style ergonomics.
• Wildlife and sports shooters relying on hybrid phase-detection AF.
• Users needing in-body image stabilization.
• Videographers wanting 1080p60 video and external mic input.
• Those wanting broader lens choice and longer battery life.
• Professionals or prosumers on a budget seeking versatile performance.

Potential drawbacks:

• Heavier and bulkier design.
• Smaller, non-touch screen.
• No NFC; wireless requires Eye-Fi cards.
• Slightly lower pixel count.

Final Thoughts: Which One Packs More Value Today?

Both cameras represent well-rounded yet distinctly different entry-level systems from their respective manufacturers.

If your photography demands portability, touchscreen ease, high-res stills, and wireless convenience, the Samsung NX2000 is a solid pick.

If you prioritize autofocus reliability, in-body stabilization, an EVF, better battery life, and video features, the Sony A37 offers greater versatility and professional-grade ergonomics.

Pricing wise, both are competitively close, but Sony's broader lens ecosystem and superior mechanics provide additional long-term value.

Always consider the lenses you want, how you shoot, and which features matter most day-to-day. My real-world tests found the Sony A37 more compelling for active and professional use, while the Samsung NX2000 delighted casual and travel shooters wanting a compact powerhouse.

Making the right camera choice means matching your photography ambitions with the tool that best facilitates them. Hopefully, this in-depth comparison arms you with the insight to do just that.

Happy shooting!

Note: This review reflects hands-on testing and research performed on production models. Always test cameras first-hand when possible to ensure fit with your personal workflow.