• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  •  
  • APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 28.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Ricoh GXR advantages over Samsung NX500

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.53 vs 3.63 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Longer exposure
    180 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Samsung NX500 advantages over Ricoh GXR

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Less expensive
    $800 vs $1380 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (DCI) vs 720p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Thinner
    42 mm vs 77 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    9 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    28.2 vs 12.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    8.8 fps vs 3.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    38 vs 15 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/6000 vs 1/3200 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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

User reviews

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Buy the Samsung NX500

Review Excerpt

  • 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 Pentax K2000

Ricoh GXR
Pentax K2000
  • $1380
  • APS-C
  • HDMI out
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $556
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Lens selection
Samsung NX500
Pentax K2000
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $556
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Fujifilm X100

Ricoh GXR
Fujifilm X100
  • $1380
  • APS-C
  • More dots on screen
  • Longer exposure
  • $1200
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Samsung NX500
Fujifilm X100
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $1200
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sigma DP1 Merrill

Ricoh GXR
Sigma DP1 Merrill
  • $1380
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Internal flash
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels
Samsung NX500
Sigma DP1 Merrill
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Doesn't require an AA filter

Compared to Sony A6500

Ricoh GXR
Sony A6500
  • $1380
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer exposure
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
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

Ricoh GXR
Leica TL2
  • $1380
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
Samsung NX500
Leica TL2
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • Faster RAW shooting
Compare Other Cameras?