Over the last couple of years, Samsung’s compact, semi-pro cameras have started getting really good. Or they take great photos, anyway. But they’ve been hindered by annoying little details that make you go ARRRRGH. The Samsung NX20 packs the same burly sensor as
last year’s NX200, and it adds Wi-Fi to feed your Internet addiction. Did Samsung finally build a camera you’ll want to buy?
What Is It?
A $1100 mirrorless, interchangeable-lens camera with
a digital viewfinder, a DSLR-sized APS-C sensor, and Wi-Fi features.
Who’s it For?
The enthusiast photographer who wants DSLR performance in a (slightly) smaller,
lighter package.
NX20
Price: $1100 w/18-55mm lens
Sensor: 20.3 megapixel, APS-C
Max ISO: 12800 (standard)
Video: 1920 x 1080/ 30fps
Screen: 614,000 dot, 3″ LCD
Weight: 12 ounces w/o battery
Design
The NX20 has a larger body than other mirrorless cameras, and its sturdy build and slew of buttons feel more like a DSLR. It has a pop-out LCD, a pop-up flash, and an electronic viewfinder.
Who’s it For?
Buggy firmware that makes the camera unreliable. Wi-Fi is nice, but the ability to quickly post to Facebook feels like a throwaway feature on a high-quality camera like this one.
Using It
For such a small camera, ample buttons make adjusting shooting settings a breeze. No more menus. As with the Samsung NX200, the slow autofocus is a drag. On the upside, the camera can shoot continuously, very fast, and the photo quality is excellent.
hould You Buy It?
It hurts to say it, because this camera is so good much of the time, but the NX20 is not good enough to cost $1100. It’s too big to be compact, and too expensive to have these problems. The photos are lovely, and the design is excellent, but unfortunately, the buggy firmware and sluggish autofocus makes the camera feel unpolished. Wait for Gizmodo’s review of Canon’s T4i before you make a purchase at this price—or consider saving a few hundred bucks and going for the Panasonic Lumix GX1.