NX20 for 300 Euro or the NX30 for 500 Euro - what would you do ?

Hi there !

I own a bunch of Samsung NX lenses (18-55, 20-50, 50-200, 16, 20, 30, 45) and an old NX11 together with a new NX2000.

The NX2000 was a cheap buy, but its IQ is IMHO astounding.

So I want to move up from my NX11 to a newer model with EFV and I'm undecided if the NX20 will suffice or if I "need" the newer NX30.

IIRC the NX20 is older than the NX2000, but they share the same sensor.

NX30 is the youngest sibling and will have (maybe) a slightly better sensor and software/JPEG engine.

Touchscreen would be a nice addon, but not a "must have".

How is the EFV from the NX20 compared to the new one on the NX30 ?

What else are the "big" differences ?

Is the IQ of the NX20 comparable to that of the NX2000 ?

If some one could enlighten me I would be grateful.

Martin

mauni wrote:

living in Germany ?
I would take the nx30, not for 500 EUR, but this one:

http://www.ebay.de/itm/Samsung-NX30-NX-30-schwarz-20-3MP-Gehause-Body-EINZELSTUCK-Nachfolger-NX20-/291234148669?pt=DE_Foto_Camcorder_Digitalkameras&hash=item43cee8713d

Thank you for this hint - will have an eye on this offer !

Martin

mdavidp wrote:

NX30. Unquestionably.

Ok, you say "unquestionably", but allow me nevertheless to ask you, what are the reasons the NX30 is the winner over the NX20 ?

Martin

Manie_de wrote:

NX30 is the youngest sibling and will have (maybe) a slightly better sensor and software/JPEG engine.

Like the NX2000, the NX30 has a better jpeg engine than the NX20, at least with higher ISOs

Touchscreen would be a nice addon, but not a "must have".

Other than with the NX2000, the NX30 has all the buttons and wheels, which is nice while you are using the EVF.

How is the EFV from the NX20 compared to the new one on the NX30 ?

Higher resolution and a bit brighter. Like with my NX10 or former NX20, I can't use the EVF with my glasses on. The sensor is too unreliable.

What else are the "big" differences ?

The NX30 is a bit faster all around than the NX20

Is the IQ of the NX20 comparable to that of the NX2000 ?

With RAW yes, JPEG OOC the NX2000 is better

If some one could enlighten me I would be grateful.

I got my NX30 last week for 417€ from RingFoto Becker via ebay. Even without lens, this was more than enough below the 500€ threshold I had set myself. With the NX20 I was an early adopter and paid a little bit more 2 years ago, but with the NX100 and NX20 sold I had not much to add to get the NX30. I will keep my NX10 because I own a Samyang 2.8/8mm, which does not well with the 20MP NXes and I will keep the NX2000, because it's a nice little camera with a pancake. I think 3 NXes are enough...;)

Thank you very much for this long analysis and explanation.

I will consider your points and I'm already watching the offers at eBay for the NX30.

Martin

Manie_de wrote:

Hi there !

I own a bunch of Samsung NX lenses (18-55, 20-50, 50-200, 16, 20, 30, 45) and an old NX11 together with a new NX2000.

The NX2000 was a cheap buy, but its IQ is IMHO astounding.

So I want to move up from my NX11 to a newer model with EFV and I'm undecided if the NX20 will suffice or if I "need" the newer NX30.

IIRC the NX20 is older than the NX2000, but they share the same sensor.

NX30 is the youngest sibling and will have (maybe) a slightly better sensor and software/JPEG engine.

Touchscreen would be a nice addon, but not a "must have".

How is the EFV from the NX20 compared to the new one on the NX30 ?

What else are the "big" differences ?

Is the IQ of the NX20 comparable to that of the NX2000 ?

If some one could enlighten me I would be grateful.

Martin

Martin, the answer of course depends on your budget, but I just upgraded from the nx20 to the nx30  and feel the change was worthwhile. The main advantages of the newer model, to me, are (in order of importance):

1. Enough improvement in low light capability that I feel confident using ISO 1600 rather than limiting myself to ISO 800

2. The viewfinder is a big improvement and I find the tilting feature very useful

3. Focusing is noticeably better, especially in low light

4. Operation and image processing are quicker with the nx30.  For example, I can now  review a raw file immediately after taking the shot.

5. Love the touchscreen, especially for the ability to pick a focus point with your finger.

6. Grip is more comfortable, although I never felt that the nx20 was hard to hold.

Having said all this, you can get outstanding photos from the nx20.

Hope this helps.

Joe

If you haven't thrown in this last sentence wit "Having said all this, you can get outstanding photos from the nx20." I'd be sold for the NX30

But thanks a lot for your opinion about these two cameras - I will consider it when the time of spending money on one is coming.

Martin

NX30:

• Faster performance with RAW (only way I shoot)
• Smaller RAW files (compressed)
• Faster focus, especially in some situations
• Touch screen is nice for some shooting styles, not necessary if you shoot mostly viewfinder
• Maybe more robust viewfinder diopter design (too early to say for sure)
• Viewfinder extends, best use I have found is pull it straight out for more comfortable shooting
• More secure grip
• Better ergonomics

NX20:

• Viewfinder sensor works better with glasses. NX30 is fine unless generally pointing to sun, the viewfinder turns off on me. This is a non issue if I am not wearing my glasses.

My opinions. NX30 is first camera from Samsung NX line I feel comfortable shooting professionally with. I.e. the NX300 or NX20 would slow down too much in many situations and I would be sitting waiting for the camera. This doesn't happen as often with the NX30. However, I am excited for NX1 rumors as my main complaint with the NX30 is even though it is well built, it really isn't robust/durable as I would like for that type of shooting, especially when you add a large lens and flash. Shooting with small lenses and no on camera flash it is a non issue.

Notice how I didn't put image quality on the list. In RAW I felt the NX20 was fine. The NX30 might be subtly better, but not enough that I really care.  I mistakenly left my camera at ISO1600 the other day for an entire shoot (fun shoot).  Remember when that would have ruined all the photos?

Eric

NX20 is slow to operate. Take 3 pictures, wait 9 seconds. Take 2 pictures, don't change any setting or wait. Waiting costs frames and the moment goes away.

EVF in NX20 i quite good, NX30 offers more contrast, better refresh rate and 2x resolution (but res in NX20 is good for me).

Apart from the speed NX30 has much better light metering. I very raraly use exposure compensation with NX30. It avoids blowing highlights, something that NX20 does regulary (I have -1/3 correction all the time on NX20 which is a problem when using manual mode with auto ISO).

Also AF is better on NX30, much less hunting.

Operational speed, light metering and AF. I'd say these are pretty important factors. IQ? Not really, better jpg, only minor improvement in RAW - less color noise.

Thank you all for your valuable input !

One good point was the mentioning of the handling of teh EFV for people wearing glasses (I'm one of them).

Another point for the NX20 may be the slightly smaller/lighter body - seems that I have to find a shop where I can at least "feel" the NX30.

Price could be another point for the NX20, because I'm considering buying the Fuji X30 if it is available in the near future.

But again - thanks for all your advice and opinions !

Martin