• APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 28.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

Buy From

Differences

Samsung NX30 advantages over Samsung NX500

  • 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
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.29 vs 3.63 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.80 vs 1.5 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Less shutter lag
    0.12 vs 0.20 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    12 vs 6 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)

Samsung NX500 advantages over Samsung NX30

  • Less expensive
    $800 vs $1000 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (DCI) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,379 vs 1,014 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    13.9 vs 12.3 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Lighter weight
    454g vs 654g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    28.2 vs 20.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 27 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    38 vs 21 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 25600 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
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Both provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Samsung NX30

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Samsung NX500

Review Excerpt

  • Very good image quality at low to moderately high ISOs; Blazing fast single-shot autofocus; Fast 9fps burst with RAW and JPEG files; Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC; Good build quality; Tilting EVF; Articulating touchscreen monitor; Bundled with Adobe Lightroom 5 software; Excellent value.

  • Dynamic range not as good as the best APS-C models; Slow buffer clearing even with fast UHS-I cards; Buffer depth with RAW files is underwhelming; Native lens selection is still fairly limited.

  • 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 Fujifilm X-E2

Samsung NX30
Fujifilm X-E2
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1059
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
Samsung NX500
Fujifilm X-E2
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1059
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Fujifilm X-T1

Samsung NX30
Fujifilm X-T1
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • More viewfinder magnification
Samsung NX500
Fujifilm X-T1
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Fujifilm X-T10

Samsung NX30
Fujifilm X-T10
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
Samsung NX500
Fujifilm X-T10
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Sony A6500

Samsung NX30
Sony A6500
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Fast startup
  • $1216
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Samsung NX500
Sony A6500
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • More pixels
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • $1216
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Leica TL2

Samsung NX30
Leica TL2
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Newer
Samsung NX500
Leica TL2
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • Faster RAW shooting
Compare Other Cameras?