• APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 28.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 50 - 50,000

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Differences

Samsung NX500 advantages over Leica SL (Typ 601)

  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • 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
  • More pixels
    28.2 vs 24.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Leica SL (Typ 601) advantages over Samsung NX500

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.00 vs 3.63 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~1.10 vs 1.5 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,821 vs 1,379 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.6 fps vs 8.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 38 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    10.5 fps vs 8.5 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    33 vs 6 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/6000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

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
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

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.

  • Superb build quality; Amazing EVF; Great image quality from RAW files; Good high ISO performance; Very good dynamic range; Very low shutter lag; Fast AF on stationary objects; Class-leading ~11 fps burst mode; 4K DCI and UHD video; Full HD up to 120p. Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS; Dual card slots; Decent battery life for its class.

  • Big for a full-frame mirrorless camera; Very slow buffer clearing; Contrast-detect AF system struggles with moving subjects; In-camera JPEGs are muted and dull; Very limited native lens selection (but supports many other Leica lenses via adapters); Expensive.

The Competition

Compared to Sony A6300

Samsung NX500
Sony A6300
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $846
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Leica SL (Typ 601)
Sony A6300
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $846
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Leica M-D (Typ 262)

Samsung NX500
Leica M-D (Typ 262)
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Rear display
  • Focus peaking
  • $5995
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Leica SL (Typ 601)
Leica M-D (Typ 262)
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Rear display
  • Focus peaking
  • $5995
  • 35mm

Compared to Sony A6500

Samsung NX500
Sony A6500
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • More pixels
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • $1303
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Leica SL (Typ 601)
Sony A6500
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1303
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Sony A9

Samsung NX500
Sony A9
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Thinner
  • $3147
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
Leica SL (Typ 601)
Sony A9
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Built-in GPS
  • Top deck display
  • $3147
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Leica TL2

Samsung NX500
Leica TL2
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • Faster RAW shooting
Leica SL (Typ 601)
Leica TL2
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
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