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Samsung NX20

 
Samsung NX20 front
 
Portability
83
Imaging
61
Features
73
Overall
65

Samsung NX20 overview

Samsung NX20 is Samsung's Advanced Mirrorless digital camera first announced on April of 2012. The camera has got a 20MP, CMOS APS-C size sensor with a maximum resolution of 5472 x 3648.

Samsung released this model in order to improve the earlier Samsung NX11 (Read Full Comparison) & then launched the fresher Samsung NX30 (Read Full Comparison) to improve this camera.

The NX20 ranks at #41 out of 62 in Advanced Mirrorless cameras & all around #233 out of 1465 for cameras in our list. Remember to check our Smart camera finder to find camera rankings based on your personal factors.

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Below is a graph of specific criteria used in the scoring system.

Samsung NX20 history

The Samsung NX20 is part of a family of digital cameras. You can read the full list below.

ModelVisualizeResolutionSensor SizeMax fpsReleased
Samsung-NX1 front thumbnailSamsung NX1
NX20 vs NX1
28MPAPS-C15.0 fps2014
Samsung-NX30 front thumbnailSamsung NX30
NX20 vs NX30
20MPAPS-C9.0 fps2014
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Samsung-NX20 front thumbnailSamsung NX2020MPAPS-C8.0 fps2012
Samsung-NX11 front thumbnailSamsung NX11
NX20 vs NX11
15MPAPS-C3.0 fps2010
Samsung-NX5 front thumbnailSamsung NX5
NX20 vs NX5
15MPAPS-C3.0 fps2010
Samsung-NX10 front thumbnailSamsung NX10
NX20 vs NX10
15MPAPS-C3.0 fps2010
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Samsung NX20 Pros and Cons

Here is a collection of pluses and minuses of the Samsung NX20 based on criterias that are often viewed as useful in a digital camera.

change lenses (Samsung NX mount)
decent sensor resolution (20MP)
does have external mic port
does have HDMI port
flash built-in
fully articulated screen
high res video (1920 x 1080 resolution)
lighter than competition in class (341 grams)
max shutter speed is good (1/8,000s)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
offers face detection focusing
OLED technology
saves RAW formats
screen size is decent (3 inch)
selfie friendly display
very good min ISO (100)
you can focus manually
does not have headphone port
does not have image stabilization
does not have phase detect AF
does not have Time Lapse mode
screen has low resolution (614 k dot)
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Samsung NX20 Sensor information

The specification of the sensor in the Samsung NX20 is 23.5mm x 15.7mm (APS-C). The 369 mm² sensor has the capability to resolve 5472 x 3648 pixels using aspect ratios of 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9.

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The CMOS sensor has 20MP and provides a standard ISO range of 100 - 12800. RAW photos are supported so you have more margin for error.

The graphic below illustrates the NX20's sensor size when compared to other popular sizes. The NX20 sensor has a crop factor of 1.5 and is shown in green.

Samsung NX20 sensor size Photography Glossary

To get an idea of various aspect ratios, you can refer to the graphic below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Samsung NX20 dimensions

Samsung NX20 weighs in at 0.75 lb (341 gr or 12.03 ounces) & has exterior dimensions of 122mm x 90mm x 40mm (4.8" x 3.5" x 1.6"). The weight of normal Advanced Mirrorless camera is 454 gr so the Samsung NX20 is lighter as compared with its competitors.

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Below is a pic of the Samsung NX20 besides a softdrink so you're able to get a feel for its size.

Samsung NX20 dimensions scale

The top view below will provide the button layout on the NX20.

Samsung NX20 topview buttons dials

Samsung NX20 Lens information

The NX20 works with the Samsung NX mount and has 34 lenses that you can buy. Here is a small number of the lenses we have in our database that will work with the NX20.

ModelVisualizeFocal LengthApertureStabilizedWeight
Samsung-NX-16-50mm-F2.0-2.8-S-ED-OIS lensSamsung NX 16-50mm F2.0-2.8 S ED OIS16-50mmf/2.0-2.8 622g
Lensbaby-Velvet-56-Samsung-NX lensLensbaby Velvet 5656mmf/1.6 400g
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Samyang-14mm-F2.8-IF-ED-MC-Aspherical-Samsung-NX lensSamyang 14mm F2.8 IF ED MC Aspherical14mmf/2.8 552g
Samsung-NX-10mm-F3.5-Fisheye lensSamsung NX 10mm F3.5 Fisheye10mmf/3.5 71g
Samsung-NX-16mm-F2.4-Pancake lensSamsung NX 16mm F2.4 Pancake16mmf/2.4 90g
Samyang-12mm-f2.0-NCS-CS-Samsung-NX lensSamyang 12mm f2.0 NCS CS12mmf/2.0 260g
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Samsung-NX-45mm-F1.8-2D3D lensSamsung NX 45mm F1.8 2D3D45mmf/1.8 115g
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Samsung NX20 Connectivity

The NX20 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • Wireless Yes
  • HDMI Yes
  • GPS Yes

Cameras that consist of NFC and / or Bluetooth support are able to be controlled wirelessly through smartphones. You are able to copy images and in some cases alter camera settings with no need to connect physically with the camera.

Several apps also give a Liveview and click the shutter whenever you aren't close to the camera. If the camera includes a HDMI port, it can easily be attached to an external monitor. Many cameras will allow you to charge the battery through the USB port.

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Samsung NX20 Video information

The maximum video quality in the Samsung NX20 is 1920 x 1080 and you can record in MPEG-4 and H.264 file format. 1080p quality can provide a good balance in video quality and file size but FULL HD will not leave you with any room to crop. Although the body offers a mic jack, it is sadly lacking a headphone jack so you will not have the option to check your sound levels.

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Samsung NX20 Weather Sealing

There is no weather proofing for the Samsung NX20 so you have to be cautious in rainy or dusty conditions.

Samsung NX20 Screen and Viewfinder

The Samsung NX20 has got a 3" fully articulated screen having a resolution of 614k dots.

It has a selfie friendly screen for self portraits and group shots when required. Please be aware that the screen has no touch support.

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The ViewFinder specifications for Samsung NX20 are as follows:

  • ViewFinder Electronic
  • Coverage 100 percent
  • Magnification 0.7x

For bright outdoor conditions that make the camera screens washed out and hard to see, viewfinders will be quite helpful.

Samsung NX20 Shutter information

Samsung NX20 has the capability to shoot continuously at 8.0 frames/s. The maximum shutter speed is 1/8000 sec.

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Samsung NX20 Flash and Hot shoe information

Samsung NX20 features both built-in flash as well as external flash ability. The highest flash sync speed is 1/180 sec.

Samsung NX20 Autofocusing information

Samsung NX20 features only Contrast Based AF & lacks Phase Detect AF. Phase Detection autofocusing is more snappier and accurate as compared with Contrast Based autofocusing. The camera has got Face detection which makes it valuable for taking portraits of people.

It has got 15 focus points to select from. Samsung NX20 has manual focusing in case it is needed in low light occasions or you require more accurate focusing control.

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Samsung NX20 Battery life

The battery (BP1130) for the Samsung NX20 is designed to last for 360 photos based on the CIPA measurements making it similar to it's rivals. The general Advanced Mirrorless camera battery life is 390. Sony A6600 has the highest possible (810) battery life in this group of cameras.

Underneath is a list of Advanced Mirrorless cameras which have the best battery life:

ModelVisualizeBattery LifeRAWNFCBluetooth
Sony-Alpha-A7c front thumbnailSony A7c
NX20 vs A7c
740 yesyesyes
Photography Glossary
Canon-EOS-R7 front thumbnailCanon R7
NX20 vs R7
660 yesnoyes

Samsung NX20 for varying forms of photography

The following bar chart indicates a analysis of the Samsung NX20 for varying forms of photography. To view more, go to the specific paragraph below.

Samsung NX20 as a Portrait photography camera

The Samsung NX20 gets a points total of 76 which is awesome, and means the camera is a terrific option for portrait photography. Taking portrait photos leans greatly towards sensor size, support for RAW photos and potential to utilize external lighting.

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manual focus
megapixel count good (20MP)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
comes with face detection focus
supports RAW files

Samsung NX20 as a Street photography camera

Having a great rating of 77, the Samsung NX20 is a great fit to use in street photography. A good street photography camera features a good balance of picture quality and portability.

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screen articulates
sensor size is good (APS-C)
saves RAW formats
lighter than others (341 grams)
does not have image stabilization

Sports photography with Samsung NX20

A average sports photography points tally of 60 means the Samsung NX20 is relatively suited for taking photos of sports. A camera needs excellent focusing and shutter speeds for sports photography.

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great max shutter speed (1/8,000 seconds)
good resolution (20MP)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
does not have image stabilization
lacks phase detect auto focus

Samsung NX20 as a Travel photography camera

Portability is pretty crucial in selecting a camera for travel. All round, the Samsung NX20 gets a very high 77 for a travelling camera which makes it a outstanding pick to take with you on your travels.

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lighter than average in class (341 grams)
decent sensor resolution (20 megapixels)
flash built-in
selfie friendly display
doesn't have Timelapse recording

Samsung NX20 Landscape photography details

If you're planning to pick a camera for landscape photos, the most vital aspect will no doubt be image quality. The Samsung NX20 with it's above average grade of 70 for a landscape camera is a fine option compared to its competition.

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you can focus manually
interchangeable lenses (Samsung NX mount)
screen is a good size (3")
good resolution (20MP)
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
saves RAW files
no image stabilization
does not have Time Lapse function

Samsung NX20 as a Vlogging camera

A camera for vlogging should posses a articulating display, microphone input and ideally IBIS. Taking all things in to account, the Samsung NX20 is a excellent fit as a vlog camera as it delivers a very high score of 78.

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selfie friendly display
has face detection autofocus
high quality video (1920 x 1080 resolution)
has external microphone support
lighter than competition in class (341g)
no image stabilization

Samsung NX20 Alternatives

If you are shopping for replacements to the NX20, below is a list of the highest rated cameras which fall within the category of Advanced Mirrorless.

The line graph down below offers you a summary of the NX20 compared to it's top scoring competitors suggested earlier.

Following are additional cameras you might have a look at as alternate options. To read through a comprehensive comparison, simply click on the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Make
Samsung
Model type
Samsung NX20
Class
Advanced Mirrorless
Introduced
2012-04-20
Body design
SLR-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CMOS
Sensor size
APS-C
Sensor dimensions
23.5 x 15.7mm
Sensor area
369.0mm²
Sensor resolution
20 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio
1:1, 3:2 and 16:9
Maximum resolution
5472 x 3648
RAW photos
Maximum native ISO
12800
Min native ISO
100
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
Autofocus touch
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Autofocus tracking
Autofocus selectice
Autofocus center weighted
Autofocus multi area
Live view autofocus
Face detection focus
Contract detection focus
Phase detection focus
Total focus points
15
Lens
Lens support
Samsung NX
Number of lenses
32
Focal length multiplier
1.5
Screen
Range of screen
Fully Articulated
Screen size
3 inch
Screen resolution
614k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch operation
Screen technology
Active Matrix OLED screen
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type
Electronic
Viewfinder coverage
100 percent
Viewfinder magnification
0.7x
DXO scores
DXO All around rating
75
DXO Color Depth rating
23.4
DXO Dynamic range rating
12.9
DXO Low light rating
785
Features
Slowest shutter speed
30 seconds
Maximum shutter speed
1/8000 seconds
Continuous shooting speed
8.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual exposure
Exposure compensation
Yes
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance
11.00 m
Flash modes
Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in, 1st/2nd Curtain, Smart Flash, Manual
Hot shoe
AEB
WB bracketing
Maximum flash sync
1/180 seconds
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Supported video resolutions
1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1920 x 810 (24 fps) 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
Maximum video resolution
1920x1080
Video data format
MPEG-4, H.264
Mic jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless
Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
Optional
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight
341 grams (0.75 pounds)
Physical dimensions
122 x 90 x 40mm (4.8" x 3.5" x 1.6")
Other
Battery life
360 images
Battery form
Battery Pack
Battery ID
BP1130
Self timer
Yes (2 sec to 30 sec)
Time lapse shooting
Storage media
SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage slots
One
Cost at launch
$1,100