Samsung NX20

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    Highlights

    • 20.3 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
    • 100 - 12,800 Native ISO
    • 15 Focus Points (15 Cross-type)
    • 3.0" 614k dot Fully Articulated Screen
    • Electronic Viewfinder
    • 8.0 fps Continuous Shooting
    • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
    • Built-in Flash
    • Built-In Wi-Fi
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    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Samsung NX20 was announced in 2012 and is an APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) Mirrorless camera with 20.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor. Its native ISO ranges from 100 to 12,800. The camera has a Fully Articulated 3.0" screen with 614k dot resolution and built-in Electronic viewfinder.

    Samsung NX20 can capture video up to 1920 x 1080 resolution.

    Table of Contents
    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Predecessor
    4. Successor
    5. Screen and Viewfinder
    6. Sensor
    7. Photography Features
    8. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
    9. Other Features
    10. Physical Parameters
    11. For Different Types of Photography
    12. Evaluation
    13. Specifications  

    Here is the Samsung NX series lineup, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the cameras within the same series.

    Samsung NX series lineup
    Model Date Sensor Native ISO Screen Price
    Image cannot be found Samsung NX500
    Compare
    		February
    2015    		 28.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 25,600 Tilting 3.0"
    1,036k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Samsung NX1
    Compare
    		September
    2014    		 28.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 25,600 Tilting 3.0"
    1,036k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Samsung NX3000
    Compare
    		May
    2014    		 20.3 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 25,600 Tilting 3.0"
    461k dot
    Image cannot be found Samsung NX mini
    Compare
    		March
    2014    		 20.5 MP
    1-inch    		 160 - 12,800 Tilting 3.0"
    461k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Samsung NX30
    Compare
    		January
    2014    		 20.3 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 25,600 Articulated 3.0"
    1,036k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Samsung NX2000
    Compare
    		November
    2013    		 20.3 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 25,600 Fixed 3.7"
    1,152k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Samsung NX300
    Compare
    		November
    2013    		 20.3 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 25,600 Tilting 3.3"
    768k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Samsung Galaxy NX
    Compare
    		June
    2013    		 20.3 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 25,600 Fixed 4.8"
    922k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Samsung NX1100
    Compare
    		April
    2013    		 20.3 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 12,800 Fixed 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Samsung NX300M
    Compare
    		January
    2013    		 20.3 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 25,600 Tilting 3.3"
    768k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Samsung NX210
    Compare
    		August
    2012    		 20.3 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 12,800 Fixed 3.0"
    614k dot
    Image cannot be found Samsung NX20 April
    2012    		 20.3 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 12,800 Articulated 3.0"
    614k dot
    Image cannot be found Samsung NX1000
    Compare
    		April
    2012    		 20.3 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 12,800 Fixed 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Samsung NX200
    Compare
    		February
    2012    		 20 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 12,800 Fixed 3.0"
    614k dot
    Image cannot be found Samsung NX11
    Compare
    		December
    2010    		 15 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 3.0"
    614k dot
    Image cannot be found Samsung NX100
    Compare
    		September
    2010    		 15 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 6,400 Fixed 3.0"
    614k dot
    Image cannot be found Samsung NX5
    Compare
    		June
    2010    		 15 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 3.0"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Samsung NX10
    Compare
    		April
    2010    		 15 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 3.0"
    614k dot

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Samsung NX500 vs NX1 vs NX3000 vs NX mini vs NX30 vs NX2000.

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Samsung NX20.

    PROS

    •   Video Capture
    •   Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus
    •   Fully Articulated Screen
    •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
    •   Built-in Flash
    •   HDMI Output
    •   Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   Light - 341 g (0.75 lb / 12.03 oz)
    •   Orientation Sensor

    CONS

    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 614k dot
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 360 shots

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   Sensor Resolution - 20.3 Megapixel
    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
    •   15 Focus Points
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
    •   DxO Overall Score - 75

    Predecessor

    Here we are comparing Samsung NX20 to its predecessor NX11 and displaying the major changes.

    UPGRADES Samsung NX20 vs Samsung NX11
    Higher Sensor Resolution 20.3 Megapixel vs 15 Megapixel
    Higher Native ISO 12,800 vs 3,200
    Max Image Resolution 5472 x 3648 vs 4592 x 3056
    Screen Type Fully Articulated vs Fixed
    Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.69x vs 0.57x
    Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/4000 sec
    Higher Max Continuous Shooting 8.0 fps vs 3.0 fps
    Higher DxO Low Light ISO 785 vs 553
    Higher DxO Color Depth 23.4 vs 22.7
    Higher DxO Dynamic Range 12.9 vs 10.8
    Higher DxO Overall Score 75 vs 63
    Higher Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 vs 1280 x 720
    Microphone Input vs
    Built-In Wi-Fi vs
    Lighter 341 g (0.75 lb / 12.03 oz) vs 499 g (1.10 lb / 17.60 oz)
    DOWNGRADES Samsung NX20 vs Samsung NX11
    Shorter Battery Life 360 shots vs 400 shots

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Samsung NX20 vs NX11.

    Successor

    In 2014 Samsung NX20 was replaced by Samsung NX30. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Samsung NX20 and its successor.

    UPGRADES Samsung NX30 vs Samsung NX20
    Higher Native ISO 25,600 vs 12,800
    More Focus Points 247 vs 15
    Touch-to-Focus vs
    Center Autofocus vs
    Tracking Autofocus vs
    Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
    Touch Screen vs
    Higher Resolution Screen 1,036k dot vs 614k dot
    Higher Max Continuous Shooting 9.0 fps vs 8.0 fps
    Higher DxO Low Light ISO 1014 vs 785
    Higher DxO Color Depth 23.5 vs 23.4
    Higher DxO Overall Score 77 vs 75
    DOWNGRADES Samsung NX30 vs Samsung NX20
    Lower Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.64x vs 0.69x
    Lower DxO Dynamic Range 12.4 vs 12.9
    Heavier 375 g (0.83 lb / 13.23 oz) vs 341 g (0.75 lb / 12.03 oz)

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Samsung NX20 vs NX30.

    Screen and Viewfinder

    Fully Articulated screen

    Samsung NX20 has a 3.0" Fully Articulated screen with 614k dot resolution which is quite low by today's standards. Fully articulated screen makes this camera selfie and vlogger friendly and generally very useful for video shooting.

    Image cannot be displayed Image cannot be displayed

    Samsung NX20 with Fully Articulated screen


    Electronic Viewfinder

    Camera has a built-in Electronic viewfinder. It has a 100% coverage and 1.04x (0.69x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

    Sensor

    Samsung NX20 features a 20.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.7 mm and a total area of 369 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 12,800.


    Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how Samsung NX20's APS-C sensor compares with other types of sensors:

    Sensor size chart
    Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
    Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
    Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.5 x 15.7 mm369 mm23:21.5x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
    Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
    Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

    Photography Features

    Camera can take pictures up to 5472 x 3648 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolutions like 5472 x 3080, 3888 x 2592, 3712 x 2088, 3648 x 3648, 2976 x 1984, 2944 x 1656, 2736 x 1824, 2640 x 2640, 2000 x 2000, 1920 x 1080, 1728 x 1152, 1024 x 1024 with 1:1, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


    Lens Mount

    Samsung NX20 has Samsung NX lens mount. Due to APS-C sensor its crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is 1.5x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


    No In-Body Image Stabilization

    The camera does not have in-body image stabilization (IBIS) so it needs lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction.

    Check out the cameras which are frequently compared to Samsung NX20.

    Samsung NX30
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    APS-C

    20.3 MP

    Samsung NX10
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    15 MP

    Samsung NX3000
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    20.3 MP

    Samsung NX210
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    20.3 MP

    Samsung NX300
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    20.3 MP

    Samsung NX1
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    28.2 MP

    Samsung NX mini
    Image cannot be found

    1-inch

    20.5 MP

    Samsung NX1100
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    20.3 MP

    Samsung NX100
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    15 MP

    Samsung Galaxy NX
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    20.3 MP

    Samsung NX200
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    20 MP

    Samsung NX300M
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    20.3 MP

    Connectivity, Battery and Storage

    Built-in Wi-Fi

    Camera has a built-in Wi-Fi (802.11n, 2.4 GHz) which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
      Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.


    USB Input and HDMI Output

    Samsung NX20 has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer. There is an HDMI connector for video signal output.


    Battery

    Samsung NX20 comes with BP1130 battery pack with battery life of 360 shots.


    External Storage Slots

    The camera has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

    Other Features

    Shutter

    Samsung NX20's shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec. Camera can shoot continuously up to 8.0 fps.


    Flash

    Samsung NX20 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 11.00 m and also accepts external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/180 sec.

    Physical Parameters

    Samsung NX20 has dimensions of 122 x 90 x 40 mm (4.8 x 3.54 x 1.57"). It weighs 341 g (0.75 lb / 12.03 oz), so it is a lightweight camera.

    122 mm (4.8")

    90 mm (3.54")

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    90 mm (3.54")

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    40 mm (1.57")

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    Samsung NX20 dimensions

    Samsung NX20 for Different Types of Photography

    We give scores to the camera for different type of photography based on its features and specifications. Let us see how Samsung NX20 is suitable for six different types of photography.


    Landscape Photography

    GOOD
    71

    Samsung NX20 gets a score of 71 and is GOOD choice for Landscape photography.

    •   Low Resolution Screen - 614k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing

    Sports Photography

    AVERAGE
    66

    Samsung NX20 gets a score of 66 and is AVERAGE choice for Sports photography.

    •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
    •   15 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 614k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
    •   Short Battery Life - 360 shots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Wildlife Photography

    AVERAGE
    58

    Samsung NX20 gets a score of 58 and is AVERAGE choice for Wildlife photography.

    •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
    •   15 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 614k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 360 shots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Portrait Photography

    GOOD
    78

    Samsung NX20 gets a score of 78 and is GOOD choice for Portrait photography.

    •   15 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 614k dot
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Street Photography

    GOOD
    84

    Samsung NX20 gets a score of 84 and is GOOD choice for Street photography.

    •   15 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fully Articulated Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 614k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 341 g (0.75 lb / 12.03 oz)

    Travel Photography

    GOOD
    83

    Samsung NX20 gets a score of 83 and is GOOD choice for Travel photography.

    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fully Articulated Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 614k dot
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 341 g (0.75 lb / 12.03 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 360 shots

    Samsung NX20 Evaluation

    We evaluate Samsung NX20 and give score of 66 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


    OVERALL
    66

    Sensor

    GOOD
    70

    We give Samsung NX20 a score of 70 for Sensor parameters.

    •   Sensor Resolution - 20.3 Megapixel
    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
    •   DxO Overall Score - 75

    Photo

    AVERAGE
    60

    We give Samsung NX20 a score of 60 for Photo parameters.

    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec

    Video

    BAD
    14

    We give Samsung NX20 a score of 14 for Video parameters.

    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080

    Focusing

    AVERAGE
    64

    We give Samsung NX20 a score of 64 for Focusing parameters.

    •   15 Focus Points
    •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus

    Screen and Viewfinder

    GOOD
    82

    We give Samsung NX20 a score of 82 for Screen and Viewfinder parameters.

    •   Fully Articulated Screen
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 614k dot

    Connectivity

    EXCELLENT
    87

    We give Samsung NX20 a score of 87 for Connectivity parameters.

    •   HDMI Output
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth

    Battery, Storage and Physical

    POOR
    42

    We give Samsung NX20 a score of 42 for Battery, Storage and Physical parameters.

    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 341 g (0.75 lb / 12.03 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 360 shots


    For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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