t3

Set to replace the NX11, the Samsung NX20 is the flagship model in the brand's new Wi-Fi-enabled NX Compact System Camera lineup that also includes the Sasmsung NX210 and the NX1000. With top-notch cameras such as the Fujifilm X-Pro 1 and the Olympus E-PM1 and the Sony NEX-7 already on the market, does the NX20 offer enough to stand out from the crowd?

The new top-of-the-range snapper sports an DSLR body, while the ergonomic grip has been improved since the NX11 to make the camera more grippy and comfortable to hold for long periods of time.

Samsung NX20: Controls

There's no dedicated Wi-Fi button, as found on the NX200, but instead there's a Wi-Fi setting on the top dial. As with the NX200, this enables you to upload your images directly to your mobile device or to the 25GB of Microsoft SkyDrive cloud storage.

You can also download the free Remote Viewfinder app from Google Play which enables you to control various camera functions using the touchscreen on your Android smartphone or iPhone.

The early preview models that we got our hands on at the demo weren't yet geared up for Wi-Fi but that's something we'll be testing out in full when we have full review model in at T3 HQ.

Samsung NX20: Screen

The NX20 includes Samsung's new Clear AMOLED screen which the brand describes as "improving visibility by 20%" compared to its standard AMOLED panels. We didn't get to try the screen out in bright daylight, but the viewing angle was excellent.

The screen folds out from the camera body and can be swiveled 180 degress, which makes it useful for shooting at awkward angles such as low down on the floor or over heads in a crowd. It also means that the screen can be folded away against the chassis to keep it safe from harm.

Samsung NX20: Picture quality

Along with the 20.3 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, the NX20 also has an SVGA electronic viewfinder (800x600 pixels) for the pro touch, along with a 1/8000s shutter and an improved version of the i-Funtion lens, as introduced on the NX11. The button on the side of the lens means you can easily flip through settings without having to take your eye off what you're shooting.


We rattled off a couple of test shots in the dingy demo room, but we'll have to wait until we're able to take the camera out into the wild before we can give a fair judgement on the picture quality.

As with the other cameras in the new NX range, you'll also get a selction of smart filters such as minature, vignettng and selective colour along with a series of arty border called 'magic frames' including Old Film, Classic TV and Newspaper.

The NX20 is supplied with a 18-55mm lens which features an improved design that includes metal mounts for a more premium build. There's also a built-in pop-up flash, along with a hotshoe adaptor for attaching an optional external flash.

Samsung NX20: Video

The NX20 includes a dedicated movie button to make it as easy as possible to start shooting at a moment's notice and you'll be able to capture in full HD, at up to 30fps.

Samsung NX20: Verdict

As the replacement model for the NX11, the Samsung NX20 brings with it more megapixels, an improved AMOLED display, an updated chassis design and the all-important Wi-Fi capability. We won't know for sure until we can get our hands on a full review sample, but the NX20 certainly looks like a worthy successor.

Samsung NX20 availability: May 2012

Samsung NX20 price: £899 (with 18-55mm lens)