Samsung NX500

amazon Samsung NX500 reviews

Samsung’s NX500 is the point where the company in the emerging market where very few cameras achieved shooting 4K video (4,096 x 2,140 pixels)-now. The NX500 uses a BSI CMOS sensor with a maximum resolution of 28MP; this specification is far greater than that for the same part of the mirrorless segment. The hybrid AF system – combined with contrast and phase detection, the NX500 has very fast focusing speed, no less than a DSLR. In addition, the camera has a full rich 9 frames per second and low resolution at 30 frames per second. The ISO range of 100 to 25,600 which can further be expanded up to 51,200 matches well with the performance of the NX500 in low light.

In addition, the camera is equipped with a Super AMOLED touch screen of 3 inches that turns flipping and makes it possible to control very easily, high or low angles, or for selfies. The Wi-Fi and the NFC connections make it easy for the users to control the camera remotely for effortless and easy sharing of photos.

The lens 16-50mm has an Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS), uses an ED lens for better sharpness and distortion correction, and also gives impressive reduction in light scattering. This lens is fitted up with an electric zoom to make it easier to take zoomed images and vibrations are also reduced while shooting videos.

Ultimately, the price of $ 799 with kit lens included makes it the most favorably viewed merit of Samsung NX500 by editors. This price helped to make NX500 the most appealing 4K video mirrorless channel.

Reference product: Sony α6000

The camera is a hit in the market with the launch of α6000. It’s hard to distinguish a mirrorless APS-C sensor camera from any single other one and put the name Sony α6000 to such a camera. Unfortunately, this camera has not been endowed with touch and lacks 4K capabilities, which naturally brings the camera a little lower when it comes to comparing it with the Samsung NX500.

where can you get a Samsung NX500 online

Samsung NX500 28 MP Wireless Smart Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16-50mm Power Zoom Lens (Black): Buy it now

Samsung NX500 28 MP Wireless Smart Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16-50mm Power Zoom Lens (White): Buy it now

Product reference: Olympus OMD E-M5 Mark II

The Olympus OMD E-M5 Mark II was crowned with the title of “world’s top mirrorless camera” using a Micro Four Thirds sensor during its inception-in-the-past. Smaller than an APS-C size but, thanks to the sensor-shift technology, it supports the imaging resolution up to a whopping 40MP while its actual resolution is just 16MP. With this sensor, the focus system provides 81 points, with the fastest shooting speed of 1/16,000 second, supported by 5D stabilization, whereas water resistance adds strength to the Olympus OMD E-M5 Mark II.

Sensor and Image Quality

Sensor Technology

The narcissists would call the main sensor used in the NX500 28-mega pixel APS-C CMOS sensor. This sensor gives better resolution than most competitors in the mirrorless camera and compact camera categories, allowing for better image detail and clarity. The slightly bigger APS-C sensor size, compared with what is normally found on compact cameras, boosts performance under low-light conditions and gives a shallower depth of field.

Image Performance

The NX500 has impressive image quality, with wonderful detail, sharpness, and color accuracy. The camera’s native ISO setting of 100-25600 permits it to be used in very bright daylight and low-light conditions. The sensor resolution assures that it captures even fine details effectively, making the NX500 good across the field, from landscapes to portraits.

The camera uses Samsung’s DRIMe V image processor, an important factor that helps in improving image quality by noise reduction and enhancing image performance. In collaboration with color fidelity and robust image processing efficiency, the DRIMe V processor guarantees that the NX500 performs uniformly across several shooting conditions.

Autofocus System

The Samsung NX500 has a hybrid AF system, combining a phase-detection system with a contrast-detection system. The autofocus system is designed to assure fast and accurate focusing performance with 205 phase-detection points and 105 contrast-detection points. This hybrid arrangement allows the quick acquisition and tracking of subjects and is free of jitters while working in dynamic scenes with moving subjects.

Face detection and subject-tracking are other aspects that strengthen the performance of the autofocus system. While maybe not as sophisticated as on top models, the NX500’s autofocus is indeed a good performer, getting the job done in any shooting conditions.

Video Recording Abilities

Resolution and Frame Rates

The Samsung NX500 has 4K video recording for up to 24 frames per second (asfps), which became a notable feature back in the time of its release. The 4K resolution ensures high-detail videos with great clarity, which makes the NX500 suitable for video experts and content creators. Aside from 4K, the camera is capable of Full HD (1080p) video recording at up to 60 frames per second, yielding smooth and quality videos.

Video Features

The camera NX500 has several features for better video recording:

Samsung Smart Mode: The Smart Mode of the camera encompasses several pre-settings for different shooting scenarios and for different video recording modes. It also makes the process of creating good videos easier by engaging the automatic functionality to set controls for different modes chosen.
HDMI Output: HDMI output option through a mini HDMI connector allows the camera to feed real-time monitor video while recording into external monitors or recorders.
Full manual control: The camera offers every manual control needed to perform video recording. Controls can be designated for aperture, shutter speed, and ISO control. This in turn gives creative possibilities and precise captures for video recording.

Constrains

One thing worth mentioning is that while the 4K video recording of the NX500 is a plus point, this camcorder does not comprise any of the very improved features for video, like internal 10-bit recording and high frame rate abilities. The lack of in-body image stabilization will also influence social video recording, making good stable shooting set-up a must to get the best outcome.

Connectability and Ergonomics

Connection Choice

The Samsung NX500 has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for transferring images wirelessly and remote control. For sample images, the Wi-Fi feature provides straightforward sharing of images to smart devices such as smartphones and tablets and also other devices using the Samsung Smart View app; this further supports remote camera control, which allows users to operate the NX500 from a distance to capture group photos or for self-portraits.

Bluetooth connectivity allows a low-energy link that keeps a continuous connection with other supported devices to facilitate easy image transfer and maintaining connectivity while draining less battery.

Interface and Controls

The NX500 interface has been designed for intuitive functioning. The menu- and setting-oriented touchscreen interface can be navigated easily, while touch-to-focus and touch-to-shoot functions set an ambiance for lots of fun while shooting. The menus of the interface are neatly set up, while the touchscreen interface has proven to be highly responsive and interactive in setting up and changing settings.

The camera features plenty of physical controls, with dedicated buttons to often used functions such as the ISO, white balance, and drive modes. These controls are ergonomically placed and complement the shooting experience. The NX500’s design is such that it allows users to access frequently used settings with minimum fuss and without having to dig through complex menus.

Customization

The Samsung NX500 offers a fair amount of customization in terms of how users can set up the camera’s controls and functions according to their preferences. Programmable buttons and customizable menus allow the user to personalize their workflow, providing easier access to functions that are used the most.

General Performance

Portrait games

The Samsung NX500 is considered a good performer in the portrait genre, thanks to its high-resolution sensor and fast autofocus. The camera provides excellent image quality when resolving fine details and sharpness, thus suitable for a portrait. The low depth of field of an APS-C sensor gives rise to the possibility of background blur, thus enhancing the portrait subject.

Color rendering and image quality of the NX500 work in conjunction for very pleasing and natural-looking portraits. And the face detection feature further assists its portraiture performance by focusing on and exposing accurately on the subject’s face.

Landscape photography

For landscape photography, the NX500 shines with 28-megapixel sensors, rendering the very best detail and sharp images. The resolution creates clean and precise images of landscapes, particularly useful in wide-angle settings and details. With favorable ISO settings, the camera can adjust for shooting in nearly any ambient light from daylight to low light.

The Smart Mode options also allow for the NX500 to manually adjust settings for preferred exposure and composition. With an AMOLED display that shows vivid colors, photographers can easily view their chosen scene and effectively compose their shots.

Sports/action photography

The NX500 is not specially made for action-sports photography, but it does reasonably well at capturing moving subjects. Its hybrid autofocus system and 9 fps (frames per second) continuous shooting operation allow some level of accuracy in capturing dynamic scenes.

The NX500 is well-suited for tracking moving subject matters and producing crisp imagery at a degree of application in many action situations. However, good shutter speed and timing have to be on the user’s side to achieve satisfactory results, especially in fast-paced sports or action situations.

Travel and Everyday Photography

Very compact, light, not bulky, and easy enough to carry, the Samsung NX500 is perfect for travel and everyday photography. The camera’s high-resolution sensor and all of its useful features allow one to picture everything and anything during the trip or excursion. The tiltable touchscreen and connectivity modes add to the overall usability of the camera when it comes to the spontaneous collection of images.

NX500 is very easy and portable to carry for a casual family reunion or travel adventure. It promises that the extent of performance and features is more than enough for a user to achieve great pictures and videos without the hassles of large and complicated equipment.

Competitors

Sony Alpha a6000

Aside from that, both cameras are competitors since the Alpha a6000 contains 24.3 MP APS-C sensor and hybrid autofocus mechanism with 179 phase-detection points. The a6000 has advanced excellent autofocusing system that offers rapid focusing speeds and stable-to-superior tracking performance. The NX500, on the other hand, carries an autofocus system that, while competent, features much fewer phase-detection points (205) and isn’t quite as fast in every scenario as the a6000.

With respect to continuous shooting speed, the a6000 goes at 11 fps, which makes it just a little more rapid than the NX500, which maxes out at 9 fps. It makes the a6000 a good contender for all action and sports photographers. Based on the feature of 4K video shooting, the NX500 is better than the a6000, which only supports Full HD. High-end 4K video recording makes it really useful, as high-res videos offer more value for money.

Fujifilm X-T10

The Fujifilm X-T10 comes with a 16-megapixel APS-C sensor, taking a different tack at mirrorless photography. While the X-T10 has fewer megapixels than the NX500’s 28-megapixel sensor, it has superior color reproduction and dynamic range due to its many highly vaunted film simulation modes from Fujifilm. If the NX500 is much more detailed, the X-T10 is for people who appreciate all this color figuring and creativity.

Hybrid autofocus with 49 phase-detection points can also be found with the X-T10. While that may be fewer than the system found on the NX500, it should be more than sufficient for most photography purposes. The traditional dial-based control layout makes the ergonomics, design, and shooting experience perfect for the tactile-sensitive users.

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II is built around the micro four-thirds sensor, which is smaller than the NX500’s APS-C sensor in size and performance. The smaller size of the micro four-thirds sensor can be a factor in depth of field and low-light performance; however, this enables a more compact and light weight system. The E-M10 Mark II also benefits from in-body image stabilization, an important aspect for shooting handhelds that has been discarded in the NX500.

Other users might prefer the E-M10 Mark II as it has a built-in electronic viewfinder rather than the NX500’s tilting LCD screen. Its overall build and features, which include various shooting modes and controls, make it a real contender for any user searching for compact yet stabilized mirrorless options.

Canon EOS M3

Another mirrorless competitor with 24.2-megapixels APS-C sensor. The EOS M3 autofocus, based on Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, is fast and reliable, much like the NX500’s. The EOS M3 also has a similar vari-angle touchscreen to the NX500, which makes it very handy at weird angles.

However, the EOS M3 is, in fact, missing 4K recording, which is a requirement for anyone wanting high-resolution video capture to justify NX500’s extra price. The M3 user interface is intuitive and integrates well into Canon’s ecosystem, making it a smart option for the existing Canon user.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

High Resolution Sensor: The 28-megapixel APS-C sensor gives very high clarity images, and is quite versatile in that it fulfills all photographic needs, from landscapes to portraits.
4K Video Recording: The strongest point-and-fill-4K video recording is provided; this suits video enthusiasts and content creators who are interested in high-resolution video capture.
Super AMOLED touchscreen: The 3.0-inch super AMOLED touchscreen is very vibrant and gives great visibility; using it to compose and review images enhances the experience.
Compact and Lightweight Design: The compact size and lightweight design of the NX500 makes it very portable, thus great for travel and day-to-day shooting.
Connectivity Features: Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow for easy image transfer and remote camera control, making life easier for users who find themselves frequently moving images from their NX500 or operating the camera remotely.

Disadvantages

Non-existent Internal Image Stabilization: This can prove to be a disadvantage in terms of handheld shooting in low-light conditions or recording live videos. This can particularly be an issue for moving subjects as well as when it is required to lug a chunk of gear.
No Electronic Viewfinder: The absence of an electronic viewfinder ties flexibility of the NX500 in certain shooting conditions in which EVF may be the better of visibility and control.
Conditional Vid Capability: It can record videos at 4k, but it does not feature internal 10-bit recording or high frame rates. This could be a limitation for some video professionals.
Battery Time: Only average battery life of the NX500 prompts the carrying of extra batteries during tiring shooting sessions.
Fewer Lens Options: Comparatively, the Samsung NX system has fewer options of native lenses available in the mirrorless space; hence its influence in making the camera system less versatile.

Summary

Samsung NX500 is a very good camera except for the small factors: 28 MP APS-C sensor resolution, 4K video recording, vibrant super AMOLED touchscreen and namely small package, minimum weigh and connectivity features such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth which makes it go world wide with the least effort for tourism and everyday photography.

Also, besides the advantages, the camera has some great weaknesses. The camera has no in-body stabilization, no electronic viewfinder, and a lacking advanced feature set for video as part of its drawbacks against competitors.

This is one of the few areas in which the NX500 has an advantage over most in terms of performance and convenience in the compact size market. The powerful picture and the video capability this camera has make it a firm show in the race for the choice of a well-defined high-res imaging, video capability, all in a compact style. And the place of the NX500 as one of the most compelling contenders in this class is firmly established for any user seeking versatility and performance in an advanced level mirrorless camera.

Who Should Consider the Samsung NX500?

Tethering Travelers: The clever combination of small size and light weight is the more intellectual answer to many traveler’s issues with getting a compact but powerful camera with them.
A videography kit: Real 4K video recording gives content creators a lower-end reference to high-quality videos without worrying about offering all the facilities of the higher-end versions.
People click pictures casually or frequently: Thanks to the easily intuitive touchscreen and network features, it is a camera for the daily life and casual snap shooting.
Population craving above High Res: The 28 megapixel sensor can really be a boon to someone having high requirements for detail and quality in personal and commercial images.