• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.6 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 840.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Samsung GX-20 advantages over Canon SX30 IS

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.07 vs 1.43 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Thinner
    70 mm vs 107 mm
    Thinner
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Canon SX30 IS advantages over Samsung GX-20

  • Less expensive
    $430 vs $1400 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

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
  • 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
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Your purchases support this site

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Pentax K20D

Samsung GX-20
Pentax K20D
  • $1400
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
Canon SX30 IS
Pentax K20D
  • $440
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

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
Canon SX30 IS
Canon 50D
  • $440
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

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
Canon SX30 IS
Pentax K-7
  • $440
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony HX100V

Samsung GX-20
Sony HX100V
  • $1400
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $312
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
Canon SX30 IS
Sony HX100V
  • $440
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Hot shoe
  • Wider angle lens
  • $312
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Integrated ND filter

Compared to Canon SX40 HS

Samsung GX-20
Canon SX40 HS
  • $1400
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $342
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
Canon SX30 IS
Canon SX40 HS
  • $440
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $342
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoots 24p video
  • Shoots 1080p video
Compare Other Cameras?