• APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 28.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.4 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

Buy From

Differences

Samsung NX500 advantages over OM System OM-1

  • Less expensive
    $800 vs $2200 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Thinner
    42 mm vs 72 mm
    Thinner
  • More pixels
    28.2 vs 20.4 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

OM System OM-1 advantages over Samsung NX500

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    3 years vs 10 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Higher-res screen
    540k vs 346k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • 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
    120.0 fps vs 8.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    92 vs 38 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/6000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • 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
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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

Common Weaknesses

  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Samsung NX500

Your purchases support this site

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 Canon EOS M3

Samsung NX500
Canon EOS M3
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1049
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Internal flash
OM System OM-1
Canon EOS M3
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $1049
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • NFC

Compared to Sony A6500

Samsung NX500
Sony A6500
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • More pixels
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • $1216
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder
OM System OM-1
Sony A6500
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1216
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

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
OM System OM-1
Leica TL2
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic G95

Samsung NX500
Panasonic G95
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • NFC
  • $848
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
OM System OM-1
Panasonic G95
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $848
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Bluetooth

Compared to Olympus E-M1 Mark III

Samsung NX500
Olympus E-M1 Mark III
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $1649
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
OM System OM-1
Olympus E-M1 Mark III
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Newer
  • Higher-res screen
  • $1649
  • 4/3
Compare Other Cameras?