• APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 28.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 28.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Samsung NX1 advantages over Samsung NX500

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Fast startup
    ~0.70 vs 1.5 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 500 vs 370 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    15.2 fps vs 8.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    15.1 fps vs 8.5 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    22 vs 6 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)

Samsung NX500 advantages over Samsung NX1

  • Less expensive
    $800 vs $2800 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Thinner
    42 mm vs 65 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    454g vs 1290g
    Lighter weight

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Both provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Both provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility

User reviews

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Buy the Samsung NX1

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Samsung NX500

Review Excerpt

  • Very good, high-resolution image quality; Excellent high ISO performance with RAW files; Very good dynamic range; Blazing fast 15fps full-res burst mode; Deep buffer; Great build quality & comfortable ergonomics; Lots of physical controls; Great battery life; Fast single-shot AF.

  • Continuous AF performance still not as robust as competing DSLRs; Aggressive JPEG noise reduction at high ISOs; JPEG colors and saturation less pleasing at higher ISOs; H.265 video codec can be difficult to work with.

  • Very good image quality with high-resolution files; Excellent high ISO performance with RAW files; Very good dynamic range; Fast AF performance; Compact design with good build quality; Better ergonomics than predecessor; 4K video recording.

  • High ISO noise reduction too strong; AF struggles in low-light; Buffer depth is shallow with RAW files; No option for EVF; No built-in flash (external one included); 4K Video is cropped with narrower FOV.

The Competition

Compared to Fujifilm X-T1

Samsung NX1
Fujifilm X-T1
  • $1797
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels
Samsung NX500
Fujifilm X-T1
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Fujifilm X-T2

Samsung NX1
Fujifilm X-T2
  • $1797
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Fast startup
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Thinner
Samsung NX500
Fujifilm X-T2
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • NFC
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Sony A6500

Samsung NX1
Sony A6500
  • $1797
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Samsung NX500
Sony A6500
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • More pixels
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Leica TL2

Samsung NX1
Leica TL2
  • $1797
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Thinner
  • Faster JPEG shooting
Samsung NX500
Leica TL2
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • Faster RAW shooting

Compared to Fujifilm X-T3

Samsung NX1
Fujifilm X-T3
  • $1797
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • NFC
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Newer
Samsung NX500
Fujifilm X-T3
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • NFC
  • Thinner
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder
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