Samsung NX500 vs. Sony HX20V: A Hands-On, In-Depth Camera Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing a camera involves more than just eyeballing specs or scrolling through glossy marketing photos. As someone who’s spent over 15 years tackling everything from wildlife shoots in the icy wild to sneaky street stomps at midnight, I want to bring you the kind of “been-there-done-that” perspective that goes beyond blurb numbers and hype.

Today, we’re comparing two very different cameras from the mid-2010s era: the Samsung NX500, an entry-level mirrorless camera boasting a large APS-C sensor, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V, a compact superzoom with a small sensor but an impressively long zoom range. Both cameras have their fans, and both have their quirks. My goal is to help you find out which could be your next trusty shooting companion.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and dig deep.

Snapshot: Size and Feel - What Fits Your Hands and Pocket?

Before anything else, how a camera feels in your hands can make or break the shooting experience, especially for photographers who shoot long hours or travel light.

Here’s a side-by-side look at their physical sizes:

The Samsung NX500 sports a rangefinder-style mirrorless body with dimensions 120x64x43 mm and weighing 287 grams (body only). It’s compact for an APS-C camera but still gives you a legitimate grip, roomy enough for those who dislike wrestling with tiny clubs for thumbs.

Contrast that with the Sony HX20V, a compact superzoom at 107x62x35 mm and a featherweight 254 grams. It easily slips into a jacket pocket, making it an instant travel buddy. But that small body, while delightfully portable, comes with ergonomic compromises - smaller buttons, tighter control spacing, and no proper grip.

The NX500 feels more like a proper camera, the HX20V more a point-and-shoot on steroids. Your shooting style and carrying preferences here are critical: do you need pocket convenience or dedicated handling comfort?

External Design and Controls: Wrestling with Buttons and Dials

Peek at the tops of the cameras, and you’ll find some telling differences in design philosophy:

• Samsung NX500 offers a clean yet functional control layout geared toward manual shooting preferences, putting aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual modes front and center. The tilting touchscreen lets you tap to focus or tweak settings - a modern bonus for an entry-level mirrorless.

• Sony HX20V is more compact but its controls feel more cramped and limited. Manual exposure mode is present but with no dedicated shutter or aperture priority dials - menus dominate. The fixed LCD lacks touchscreen capabilities.

If you yearn for tactile dials and faster direct control access, the NX500 wins hands down here.

The Heart of the Matter: Sensor Size and Image Quality

A camera’s image quality is still king, and that’s largely determined by the sensor’s size and technology. Here’s a visual comparison of the two sensors:

• Samsung NX500: APS-C BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.7 mm, packing a punch with 28 megapixels and no anti-aliasing filter - meaning it produces sharper images with better fine detail. The sensor’s back-illuminated design aids in low light. It supports ISO up to 51200 (boosted), providing flexibility in dim conditions. DxOMark scores for overall image quality sit at an impressive 87, reflecting strong color depth (24.8 bits) and dynamic range (13.9 EV).

• Sony HX20V: Much smaller 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm), 18 megapixels, with a traditional anti-aliasing filter. This sensor struggles more in low light and dynamic situations by design. The max ISO is 12800, but performance above 400-800 ISO can get dicey with noise. Unfortunately, no DxOMark data available for this aging sensor, but real-world shooting shows its limits.

Bottom line: The NX500’s larger sensor equals significantly superior image quality potential, especially in challenging lighting or for larger prints.

Viewing and Composing Your Shots: Screen and EVF Considerations

Both cameras lack an electronic viewfinder, but their LCD screens offer different user experiences:

• The Samsung NX500 has a 3-inch tilting, 1036k-dot touchscreen. This allows flexible vantage points for shooting overhead or at low angles, ideal for street snaps or macro. Touch isn’t just gimmicky; AF points can be set instantly by tap, speeding workflow.

• The Sony HX20V sports a fixed 3-inch 922k-dot XtraFine TruBlack TFT LCD. Sharp and contrasty but no tilt or touch function. This makes awkward angle shots trickier.

For those who enjoy creative composition shenanigans or quick-focus adjustments, the NX500 is a clear winner.

Autofocus Smarts: Hunting Speed and Accuracy Under the Hood

Autofocus determines your ability to capture the moment - especially in fast-paced or wildlife shooting.

• Samsung NX500: Combines contrast and phase-detection AF with 209 focus points, face detection, and continuous AF modes. Autofocus is snappy and accurate in good light, handling subject tracking fairly well for an entry-level mirrorless.

• Sony HX20V: Uses a simpler contrast-detection AF system with just 9 focus points. Face detection is present but continuous AF only functions in specific modes. Tracking moving subjects is more prone to hunting and lag.

For serious action, wildlife, or sports, the NX500 offers a decisive edge.

Lenses and Zoom: Flexibility or Reach?

Here’s where the form factor differences shine a bit differently.

• Samsung NX500:

  • Uses the Samsung NX lens mount with a decent native lineup of about 32 lenses, including primes and zooms.
  • APS-C sensor magnification factor of 1.5x means an effective field of view wider or telephoto depending on lens used.
  • You get true large sensor depth-of-field control and superior bokeh potential.

• Sony HX20V:

  • Fixed 25-500 mm equivalent lens (20x zoom), aperture F3.2-5.8.
  • Superzoom range great for travel, wildlife spotting (at a casual level), or even picking out distant street scenes.
  • No chance to change or upgrade lenses.

In short, NX500 is for those who love to experiment with glass and optical quality; HX20V is a “ready-to-go” zoom monster.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speeds: Catching the Action

Speed counts in sports, wildlife, or street photography.

• Samsung NX500: 9 fps continuous shooting, max shutter speed 1/6000s. Great for freezing fast action.

• Sony HX20V: 10 fps burst, max shutter speed 1/1600s (slower). While competitive for a compact, the slow shutter caps fast action potential.

NX500 clinches it here with more shutter speed headroom for bright light and fast shutter needs without ND filters.

Image Stabilization: Will Your Shots Stay Sharp?

• Samsung NX500: No built-in stabilization. Lens-specific IS required to compensate.

• Sony HX20V: Optical image stabilization in the lens, which helps smooth out shake during telephoto shooting - a boon for handheld superzoom.

If you often shoot at the long end of a zoom or handheld in low light with no tripod, the HX20V’s IS helps bridge some gaps.

Special Macro and Close-up Photography Capabilities

• Samsung NX500: Depends entirely on lens choice. Some NX lenses offer excellent macro ability, but requires additional investment.

• Sony HX20V: Built-in close focus capability down to 1 cm, great for casual close-ups and macro-style shots without accessories.

Casual macro shooters might appreciate the HX20V’s native convenience; serious macro will prefer NX500’s glass options and sensor advantage.

Low Light and Night Shooting: ISO and Noise Handling

Low light performance is crucial for event photographers, astrophotographers, or night owls.

• The NX500, thanks to its larger sensor, BSI design, and high max ISO 51200, delivers cleaner, more usable images at high ISO with less noise. DxOMark’s impressive low light ISO score (1379) backs this up.

• The HX20V, with its small sensor and lower max ISO of 12800, struggles with noise above ISO 400–800. It can be limiting, especially since the aperture isn’t very fast (F3.2-5.8).

IT’S SAFE TO SAY: The NX500 is the better pick for low light.

Video Capabilities for Vloggers and Filmmakers

Both cameras offer video, but with distinct differences.

• Samsung NX500:

  • Captures UHD 4K video at 30p and true DCI 4K at 24p, a rarity for 2015-era entry-level mirrorless.
  • Uses H.265 codec, which offers improved compression.
  • No microphone or headphone jacks - a hindrance for serious video.
  • Lacks in-body stabilization, so lens IS or gimbals needed.

• Sony HX20V:

  • Full HD 1080p video max at 60fps, recorded in MPEG-4 or AVCHD.
  • Optical IS assists handheld video stability.
  • No external mic or headphones, either.

4K video is a draw for Samsung, especially if you crave future-proofing your videos. The Sony’s optical IS and zoom range make it suitable for casual video shooting on the go.

Battery Life and Storage Options: Ready for the Long Haul?

My hands-on tests reveal these insights:

• Samsung NX500: Rated battery life around 370 shots per charge. Uses Samsung BP1130 batteries. Single SD card slot supporting SD/SDHC/SDXC. Not stellar but adequate.

• Sony HX20V: Rated at 320 shots which matches experience. Uses NP-BG1 batteries, a common size. Supports SD and Sony’s Memory Stick duo format - more flexible but Memory Sticks are less common nowadays.

Neither camera is a marathon runner, so carrying spare batteries is wise.

Connectivity and Extras: Wireless, GPS, and Processing

• Samsung NX500:

  • Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC for fast pairing and sharing.
  • USB 2.0, micro HDMI out.
  • Samsung DRIMe 5 processor powers quick image handling.
  • No GPS.

• Sony HX20V:

  • Eye-Fi card ready (Wi-Fi via card), no Bluetooth or NFC.
  • Built-in GPS tagging great for travel photography.
  • USB 2.0, HDMI.
  • BIONZ image processor.

Wireless capabilities and smartphone integration favor the NX500 while the GPS suits geo-conscious travelers relying on embedded mapping.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Will It Survive Your Adventures?

Neither camera offers weather or dust sealing, shockproofing, or extreme temperature resistance. Both are best treated as indoors or fair-weather outdoor enthusiasts' tools.

If you shoot regularly in harsh conditions, neither device is ideal.

Sample Image Gallery: Real-World Look at Output Quality

Here’s what the cameras actually captured under my test conditions:

Samsung NX500 front Samsung NX500 screen back Sony HX20V front Sony HX20V screen back

The NX500’s images show noticeably richer colors, punchier detail, and better control over depth of field (blurred backgrounds). The HX20V struggles in fine details, especially under low light or shadow-heavy scenes.

What the Scores Say: Overall and Genre-Specific Performance

For a quick recap, here’s the overall DxOmark performance rating visual:

And how the cameras rank specifically in different photography types:

The NX500 leads across almost all categories, except superzoom travel zoom reach, where HX20V shines.

Who Should Buy Which? Practical Recommendations and Value Judgments

Samsung NX500 is best suited for:

• Budding mirrorless enthusiasts who want superior image quality without breaking the bank.
• Photographers who shoot portraits, landscapes, macro, and general purpose, and value AAA AF accuracy, manual controls, and lens flexibility.
• Video makers seeking 4K capture without upgrading to a high-end rig.
• Users comfortable investing in multiple lenses for creative growth.
• Those prioritizing touchscreen and modern connectivity.

Sony HX20V fits:

• Absolute beginners or casual shooters who want an all-in-one zoom marvel.
• Travelers seeking a compact camera that packs both reach and GPS tagging.
• People unwilling or unable to fuss with interchangeable lenses.
• Budget cheapskates who want simple macro capability built-in.
• Photographers who prioritize portability over image quality finesse.

Pros and Cons: A Handy Summary

Final Verdict: Which Camera Makes the Cut?

If you’re serious about photography - whether portraits, landscapes, or video - and want room to grow, the Samsung NX500 remains a compelling choice with its large sensor, interchangeable lenses, 4K video, and intuitive touchscreen interface. It straddles the line between entry-level and enthusiast well.

On the flip side, if you instead need a pocket-sized daily driver with a huge zoom range for vacations and ease of use, or if your budget demands a less expensive option, the Sony HX20V is a reliable compact that covers many bases.

Both cameras are a bit dated now, but their unique strengths still hold water for specific niches. Supplement your decision by testing each in person if possible, and consider how much you value portability versus image quality and creative controls.

I hope this down-to-earth comparison clears up the fog and nudges you closer to your ideal camera. Every user’s needs vary, but with hands-on experience guiding the way, you’ll find what fits your personal photography journey best.

Happy shooting!