• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.6 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1600

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Differences

Samsung GX-20 advantages over Olympus E-420

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Higher effective ISO
    714 vs 527 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
  • More cross-type AF points
    9 vs 1
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • More pixels
    14.6 vs 10.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • More AF points
    11 vs 3
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Olympus E-420 advantages over Samsung GX-20

  • Less expensive
    $600 vs $1400 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Thinner
    53 mm vs 70 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    453g vs 714g
    Lighter weight
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • 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
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review 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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Review Excerpt

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

Olympus E-420
Pentax K20D
  • $400
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compare Olympus E-420 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

Olympus E-420
Canon 50D
  • $400
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compare Olympus E-420 vs Canon 50D

Compared to Olympus E-620

Samsung GX-20
Olympus E-620
  • $1400
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $800
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Samsung GX-20 vs Olympus E-620

Olympus E-420
Olympus E-620
  • $400
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $800
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Olympus E-420 vs Olympus E-620

Compared to Olympus E-450

Samsung GX-20
Olympus E-450
  • $1400
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compare Samsung GX-20 vs Olympus E-450

Olympus E-420
Olympus E-450
  • $400
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • $700
  • 4/3

Compare Olympus E-420 vs Olympus E-450

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

Olympus E-420
Pentax K-7
  • $400
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compare Olympus E-420 vs Pentax K-7

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