• APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 28.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 45.7 megapixels
  • ISO 64 - 25,600

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Differences

Samsung NX500 advantages over Nikon D850

  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Thinner
    42 mm vs 78 mm
    Thinner
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    8.8 fps vs 7.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    8.5 fps vs 7.1 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode

Nikon D850 advantages over Samsung NX500

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • 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
    ~ 4.35 vs 3.63 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.20 vs 1.5 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    2,660 vs 1,379 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1840 vs 370 shots
    Capture more 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
  • Higher-res screen
    590k vs 346k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Less shutter lag
    0.08 vs 0.20 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    45.7 vs 28.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    200 vs 38 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    200 vs 6 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 vs 51200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • 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
  • 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.

  • Class-leading resolution; Excellent dynamic range; Very good high ISO performance; Very fast AF and burst shooting; Durable weather-sealed body; Improved ergonomics; Touchscreen; Dual card slots; 4K video.

  • Live view/video mode still uses sluggish contrast-detect AF; Viewfinder only tests at ~98% coverage; No 4K at 60p; 30-minute video clip limit; Focus peaking not supported with 4K.

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
Nikon D850
Sony A6300
  • $2664
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $846
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Sony A99 II

Samsung NX500
Sony A99 II
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Thinner
  • $3198
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
Nikon D850
Sony A99 II
  • $2664
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $3198
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

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
Nikon D850
Sony A6500
  • $2664
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $1303
  • APS-C
  • 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
Nikon D850
Leica TL2
  • $2664
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight

Compared to Pentax K-1 II

Samsung NX500
Pentax K-1 II
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
Nikon D850
Pentax K-1 II
  • $2664
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
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