In-depth Review of the Samsung NX5 Camera: A Must-Have for Photography Enthusiasts

If you're someone who loves to capture beautiful moments and memories through the lens, then the Samsung NX5 camera is worth your investment. In this blog post, we'll be taking a closer look at the specs, features, and benefits of this highly-reviewed camera. From its lightweight build to its impressive 14.6-megapixel lens, there's a lot to love about this device.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Samsung NX5 article cover photo

Key Features

Jun 01 2010

Announced

15 megapixels

Resolution

BrandSamsung
Sensor TypeAPS-C
SensorCMOS
Weight499g
MSRP$699USD

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Overview of the NX5

Whether you're a professional photographer or someone who simply loves taking photos as a hobby, having a great camera is essential. That's where the Samsung NX5 comes in - it's a versatile and powerful camera that promises to deliver exceptional results. In this article, we'll delve into the top features and benefits of the camera, as well as provide you with an honest review of what to expect when owning one. From its durable build to its advanced autofocus mode, the Samsung NX5 is definitely a camera worth considering. So, let's explore its specs and features in detail!

Samsung NX5 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Samsung NX5 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High-resolution sensor for detailed images
Quick autofocus for capturing fast-moving subjects
Interchangeable lens system for versatile shooting options
Lightweight and compact design for easy portability
High-definition video recording capabilities

Cons

Limited lens selection compared to other brands
No built-in flash, requires external flash attachment
Smaller viewfinder compared to DSLR cameras
Short battery life compared to other mirrorless cameras
Limited native lens options for certain types of photography (such as sports or wildlife)

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Samsung NX5

Weather sealed
Dimensions123 x 87 x 40mm
Weight499g
Thickness40mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Samsung NX5 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderElectronic
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution230k dots
Body typeSLR-style mirrorless

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 230k dots. This makes the Samsung NX5 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

NX5 includes a electronic viewfinder with n/a of resolution with a coverage of 100% and a magnification of 0.57x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Samsung NX5 has a 15MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 15 pixels. Samsung NX5 has a native ISO range of 100 - 3200 which can be boosted to null - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Jun 01 2010

Announced

100 - 3200

ISO Range

SensorAPS-C
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4592 x 3056 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Samsung NX5 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the NX5 is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: APS-C

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC
Battery Life400 shots
Battery ModelBP1130
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Samsung NX5 supports SD/SDHC with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Samsung NX5 uses the BP1130 model of battery pack. This is rated for 400 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Samsung NX5 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. It also offers a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Samsung NX5 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/4000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Samsung NX5 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with 15 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Samsung NX5?

The Samsung NX5 features a CMOS sensor

Is the Samsung NX5 weather sealed?

No the NX5 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Samsung NX5 announced?

The Samsung NX5 was announced on Jun 01 2010

Does the Samsung NX5 have in-body image stabilization?

No the NX5 does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Samsung NX5?

The NX5 has a native ISO range of 100-3200, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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