Key Features
Feb 06 2015
Announced
28 megapixels
Resolution
Brand | Samsung |
Sensor Type | APS-C |
Sensor | BSI-CMOS |
Weight | 287g |
MSRP | $799USD |
Other similar cameras

Samsung NX100
Released Sep 14 2010 | 15MP resolution

Samsung NX200
Released Feb 28 2012 | 20MP resolution

Samsung NX300
Released Nov 24 2013 | 20MP resolution
Overview of the NX500
The Samsung NX500 is one of the most popular cameras on the market today, offering photographers of all levels the chance to capture stunning images in incredible detail. Boasting 28 megapixels and a range of advanced features, this camera has quickly become a favorite among both amateurs and professionals. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the Samsung NX500, exploring its various features and capabilities to help you determine whether it's the right camera for your needs. Whether you're looking to expand your photography skills or simply capture breathtaking moments, the Samsung NX500 has everything you need to get started.
Samsung NX500 Pros and Cons
Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Samsung NX500 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
Cons
Build and Construction
Body and dimensions
Samsung NX500
Weather sealed | |
Dimensions | 120 x 64 x 43mm |
Weight | 287g |
Thickness | 43mm |
Weather Sealing
The Samsung NX500 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 Finder | None |
Screen Type | Tilting |
Screen Resolution | 1,036k dots |
Body type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Suitable for:
Photography | Above Avg. |
Videography | Above Avg. |
Travel | Above Avg. |
LCD Screen
This camera has a tilting 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 1,036k dots. This makes the Samsung NX500 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. The camera also features a touch screen, which adds to its ease of use.
Viewfinder
Samsung NX500 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the NX500 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.
Image Quality
Samsung NX500 has a 28MP sized BSI-CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 28 pixels. Samsung NX500 has a native ISO range of 100 - 25600 which can be boosted to null - 51200. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.
Key Features
Feb 06 2015
Announced
100 - 25600
ISO Range
Sensor | APS-C |
Extended ISO | null - 51200 |
Max resolution | 6480 x 4320 pixels |
DXO Sensor Scores
Overall
87 / 102
Color Depth
24.8 / 26.5
Dynamic Range
13.9 / 14.8
Low Light ISO
1379 / 4505
DXO mark sensor scores
The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Samsung NX500 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 low amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is poor, 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 NX500 is above average
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
Crop factor calculator
Crop factor
1x
Full frame equivalent
24mm
This camera: APS-C
24mm
Connectivity, storage, battery
Storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Battery Life | 370 shots |
Battery Model | BP1130 |
HDMI | |
USD | |
Wireless Connectivity |
Storage
The Samsung NX500 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC 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 NX500 uses the BP1130 model of battery pack. This is rated for 370 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 NX500 does not have a built-in flash, but it does offer a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.
Shutter
The Samsung NX500 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/6000s, 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 NX500 includes two autofocus (AF) systems: contrast detection and phase detection, with 209 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.
FAQ
The Samsung NX500 features a BSI-CMOS sensor
No the NX500 does not have weather sealing.
The Samsung NX500 was announced on Feb 06 2015
No the NX500 does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.
The NX500 has a native ISO range of 100-25600, which can be expanded to ISO null-51200 for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.
Similar Camera Reviews

Blog Discover the Samsung NX100 - A Compact Camera That Packs a Punch!Blog
In this blog, we delve into the features and benefits of the Samsung NX100 camera - a mirrorless, compact camera that has gained popularity among photographers for its impressive image quality and user-friendly design. Our article covers everything from the camera's specifications, to its ease of use and image capabilities, to help potential buyers make informed decisions when it comes to investing in a new camera. Blog

The Ultimate Review of Samsung NX200 – A Game Changer in the Camera Industry
Samsung NX200 is a mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera launched in 2011. This blog post will take a deep dive into the features, performance, and user experience of Samsung NX200, exploring its pros and cons. Keywords: Samsung NX200, mirrorless camera, interchangeable-lens camera.

Capturing Life's Moments: A Review of the Samsung NX300 Camera
This blog post will provide an in-depth review of the Samsung NX300 camera, highlighting its key features, performance, and usability. As one of Samsung's flagship mirrorless cameras, the NX300 has been designed specifically for capturing high-quality images and videos, making it an excellent choice for both amateur and professional photographers.