• APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 28.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Samsung NX500 advantages over Panasonic ZS80

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.63 vs 1.19 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    28.2 vs 20.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic ZS80 advantages over Samsung NX500

  • Slower slow-motion
    240 fps vs 120 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/200 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Newer
    6 years vs 10 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.1 fps vs 8.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    102 vs 38 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    9.5 fps vs 8.5 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    32 vs 6 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/6000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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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

The Competition

Compared to Samsung NX3000

Samsung NX500
Samsung NX3000
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Samsung NX500 vs Samsung NX3000

Panasonic ZS80
Samsung NX3000
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Focus peaking
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic ZS80 vs Samsung NX3000

Compared to Sony A6500

Samsung NX500
Sony A6500
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • More pixels
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Samsung NX500 vs Sony A6500

Panasonic ZS80
Sony A6500
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic ZS80 vs Sony A6500

Compared to Panasonic ZS70

Samsung NX500
Panasonic ZS70
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Samsung NX500 vs Panasonic ZS70

Panasonic ZS80
Panasonic ZS70
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compare Panasonic ZS80 vs Panasonic ZS70

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

Panasonic ZS80
Leica TL2
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic ZS80 vs Leica TL2

Compared to Nikon A1000

Samsung NX500
Nikon A1000
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Samsung NX500 vs Nikon A1000

Panasonic ZS80
Nikon A1000
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Panasonic ZS80 vs Nikon A1000

Compare Other Cameras?