Samsung GX-20 vs Canon G1X

Cameras
Compare Cameras
Samsung GX-20 vs Canon G1X

APS-C 369.7mm²
14.6 megapixels
ISO 100 - 3200

Go in depth with our full Samsung GX-20 Review.

1.5 inch 261.8mm²
14.3 megapixels
28.00mm - 112.00mm (35mm eq.)

Go in depth with our full Canon G1X Review.
See real-world photos taken with the G1X.

Succeeded by the Canon G1X Mark II
Compare G1X vs G1X Mark II
Compare Samsung GX-20 vs Canon G1X Mark II

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Differences

Samsung GX-20 advantages over Canon G1X

Larger sensor
APS-C vs 1.5 inch
More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
Bigger pixels
~ 5.07 vs 4.30 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
Higher effective ISO

Higher effective ISO

Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

You can learn more at our glossary entry.

Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
GX-20 test data on DxO Mark G1X test data on DxO Mark

714 vs 644 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise
Top deck display
Yes vs No
Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
Bulb shutter
Bulb vs No bulb
Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Canon G1X advantages over Samsung GX-20

Less expensive
$800 vs $1400 (MSRP)
Save money for lenses or accessories
Tilt-swivel screen
Tilt-swivel vs none
Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
Integrated ND filter
Yes vs No
Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
HDMI out
HDMI out vs None
Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
Shoots 24p video
Yes vs No
Gives your movies a big-screen feel
Lighter weight
543g vs 714g
Lighter weight
More dots on screen
922k vs 230k dots
Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
Shoots 1080p video
Yes vs No
You'll want this if you shoot video
Longer exposure
60 vs 30 sec
Long exposures for night shots
Higher extended ISO
12800 vs 6400 ISO
Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

Rear display
Both provide
Review photos on the back of the camera
Eye-level viewfinder
Both provide
You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Both provide
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
RAW file ability
Both provide
Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
Internal flash
Both provide
Useful in a pinch for fill flash
Manual focus
Both provide
AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
Hot shoe
Both provide
Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

Focus peaking
Neither provide
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
Touchscreen
Neither provide
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
In-camera panoramas
Neither provide
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
Built-in Wi-Fi
Neither provide
Share your photos wirelessly
NFC
Neither provide
Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
Built-in Bluetooth
Neither provide
Always-on wireless connectivity
Built-in GPS
Neither provide
Geotag your photos
On-sensor phase detect
Neither provide
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
External Mic Jack
Neither provide
Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
Dual card slots
Neither provide
Gives you more storage flexibility
Headphone jack
Neither provide
Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
Slow-motion videos
Neither provide
Shoot slow-motion videos

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Buy the Samsung GX-20

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Buy the Canon G1X

Review Excerpt

We haven’t reviewed the Samsung GX-20.
Read our Samsung GX-20 Preview

Large-sensor image quality. Sharp lens with useful zoom range. Tilt/swivel LCD. Twin dials. Smaller than competing interchangeable-lens cameras with a similar lens. Lots of photographer-friendly features.
Not as small as you might hope. Mediocre burst shooting and autofocus speed. Far too easy to accidentally change exposure compensation. Viewfinder is of surprisingly little use. Battery life could be better.
Read our Canon G1X Review

The Competition

Compared to Pentax K20D

Samsung GX-20

Pentax K20D

$1400
APS-C

Higher effective ISO

$800
APS-C

Less expensive

Compare Samsung GX-20 vs Pentax K20D

Canon G1X

Pentax K20D

$576
1.5 inch

Tilt-swivel screen
Integrated ND filter

$800
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Canon G1X vs Pentax K20D

Compared to Canon 50D

Samsung GX-20

Canon 50D

$1400
APS-C

In-Camera Image Stabilization

$1000
APS-C

HDMI out
More dots on screen

Compare Samsung GX-20 vs Canon 50D

Canon G1X

Canon 50D

$576
1.5 inch

Less expensive
Tilt-swivel screen

$1000
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Canon G1X vs Canon 50D

Compared to Pentax K-7

Samsung GX-20

Pentax K-7

$1400
APS-C

Higher effective ISO

$1300
APS-C

HDMI out
More dots on screen

Compare Samsung GX-20 vs Pentax K-7

Canon G1X

Pentax K-7

$576
1.5 inch

Less expensive
Tilt-swivel screen

$1300
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Canon G1X vs Pentax K-7

Compared to Sigma DP1 Merrill

Samsung GX-20

Sigma DP1 Merrill

$1400
APS-C

Eye-level viewfinder
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$849
APS-C

Less expensive
Lighter weight

Compare Samsung GX-20 vs Sigma DP1 Merrill

Canon G1X

Sigma DP1 Merrill

$576
1.5 inch

Tilt-swivel screen
Eye-level viewfinder

$849
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Canon G1X vs Sigma DP1 Merrill

Compared to Canon G1X Mark III

Samsung GX-20

Canon G1X Mark III

$1400
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$999
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Focus peaking

Compare Samsung GX-20 vs Canon G1X Mark III

Canon G1X

Canon G1X Mark III

$576
1.5 inch

Bigger pixels
More telephoto lens reach

$999
APS-C

Focus peaking
Larger sensor

Compare Canon G1X vs Canon G1X Mark III

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