Samsung NX500 vs Canon SL2

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Samsung NX500 vs Canon SL2

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

Go in depth with our full Samsung NX500 Review.
How does it shoot? Samsung NX500 in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the NX500.
Compare Samsung NX500 image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Samsung NX500 conclusion.

APS-C 332.3mm²
24.2 megapixels
ISO 100 - 25,600

Go in depth with our full Canon SL2 Review.
How does it shoot? Canon SL2 in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the SL2.
Compare Canon SL2 image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Canon SL2 conclusion.

Succeeded by the Canon SL3
Compare SL2 vs SL3
Compare Samsung NX500 vs Canon SL3

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Differences

Samsung NX500 advantages over Canon SL2

Focus peaking
Peaker vs Non-peaker
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
Larger sensor
APS-C vs APS-C
More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
Shoot 4K video
4K (DCI) vs 1080p
Make sure you have a fast computer
In-camera panoramas
Yes vs No
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
Higher effective ISO

Higher effective ISO

Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

You can learn more at our glossary entry.

Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
NX500 test data on DxO Mark SL2 test data on DxO Mark

1,379 vs 1,041 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise
Thinner
42 mm vs 69 mm
Thinner
Lighter weight
454g vs 668g
Lighter weight
More pixels
28.2 vs 24.2 megapixels
Higher resolution photos
Lacks anti-aliasing filter
No Filter vs Filter
Enjoy sharper photos
Wider angle kit lens
24 mm vs 29 mm
Capture more of the scene with the included lens
Faster JPEG shooting
8.8 fps vs 5.0 fps
Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
Bigger JPEG buffer
38 vs 22 shots
Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
Faster RAW shooting
8.5 fps vs 5.1 fps
Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
Slow-motion videos
Yes vs No
Shoot slow-motion videos
Faster shutter
1/6000 vs 1/4000 sec
Shoot wide open in bright light

Canon SL2 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
Fast startup
~0.60 vs 1.5 sec
Faster startup lets you catch the moment
Longer stills battery life
More info

Longer stills battery life

Cameras with longer battery life can take more photos before exhausting their batteries.

Special note: The measurement standard for battery life stipulates that if a camera has an internal flash, it must be used for 50% of photos taken. For this reason, comparisons of one camera with an internal flash to another without will not be comparable

650 vs 370 shots
Capture more photos
More telephoto lens reach
88 mm vs 75 mm
Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
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
0.08 vs 0.20 sec
Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
Has anti-aliasing filter
Filter vs No Filter
Reduces unsightly moiré in photos

Similarities

Common Strengths

Touchscreen
Both provide
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
Built-in Wi-Fi
Both provide
Share your photos wirelessly
NFC
Both provide
Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
Built-in Bluetooth
Both provide
Always-on wireless connectivity
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

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

Amazon
Adorama
Read NX500 User Reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read SL2 User Reviews

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Buy the Samsung NX500

Kit with 16-50mm PZ Lens (Black)

Kit with 16-50mm PZ Lens (Black)
Kit with 16-50mm PZ Lens (Brown)
Kit with 16-50mm PZ Lens (White)

All NX500 Deals

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Buy the Canon SL2

Body Only (Black)

Body Only (Black)
Kit with 18-55mm IS STM lens (Black)
Kit with 18-55mm IS STM lens (White)

All SL2 Deals

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.
Read our Samsung NX500 Review

Higher resolution and better image quality than SL1; Much improved dynamic range; Excellent Dual Pixel CMOS AF; Compact body with improved ergonomics; Articulating touchscreen; Full HD movies up to 60p; Better battery life.
Shallow buffer depth with RAW files; Dynamic range and high ISO performance still not as good as leading competitors; No 4K video option; OVF only offers 9 AF points.
Read our Canon SL2 Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon EOS M3

Samsung NX500

Canon EOS M3

$1600
APS-C

Larger sensor
Shoot 4K video

$700
APS-C

More telephoto lens reach
Internal flash

Compare Samsung NX500 vs Canon EOS M3

Canon SL2

Canon EOS M3

$549
APS-C

Lens selection
Less expensive

$700
APS-C

Focus peaking
Higher effective ISO

Compare Canon SL2 vs Canon EOS M3

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

Compare Samsung NX500 vs Sony A6500

Canon SL2

Sony A6500

$549
APS-C

Lens selection
Less expensive

$1216
APS-C

Focus peaking
Larger sensor

Compare Canon SL2 vs Sony A6500

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

Compare Samsung NX500 vs Leica TL2

Canon SL2

Leica TL2

$549
APS-C

Less expensive
Tilt-swivel screen

$2495
APS-C

Focus peaking
Larger sensor

Compare Canon SL2 vs Leica TL2

Compared to Nikon D3500

Samsung NX500

Nikon D3500

$1600
APS-C

Focus peaking
Shoot 4K video

$623
APS-C

Lens selection
Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Samsung NX500 vs Nikon D3500

Canon SL2

Nikon D3500

$549
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Touchscreen

$623
APS-C

Larger sensor
Fast startup

Compare Canon SL2 vs Nikon D3500

Compared to Canon SL3

Samsung NX500

Canon SL3

$1600
APS-C

Focus peaking
Larger sensor

$624
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Lens selection

Compare Samsung NX500 vs Canon SL3

Canon SL2

Canon SL3

$549
APS-C

Less expensive
NFC

$624
APS-C

Shoot 4K video
Longer stills battery life

Compare Canon SL2 vs Canon SL3

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