Samsung NX500 vs Ricoh GR II

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Samsung NX500 vs Ricoh GR II

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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 369.7mm²
16.2 megapixels
28.00mm (35mm eq.)

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

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Differences

Samsung NX500 advantages over Ricoh GR II

Focus peaking
Peaker vs Non-peaker
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
Shoot 4K video
4K (DCI) vs 1080p
Make sure you have a fast computer
Touchscreen
Touch vs No touch
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
In-camera panoramas
Yes vs No
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
Tiltable Screen
Tiltable vs Fixed
Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
Built-in Bluetooth
Yes vs No
Always-on wireless connectivity
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 GR II test data on DxO Mark

1,379 vs 1,078 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise
On-sensor phase detect
Yes vs No
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
Less shutter lag
0.20 vs 0.29 sec
Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
More pixels
28.2 vs 16.2 megapixels
Higher resolution photos
Faster JPEG shooting
8.8 fps vs 4.0 fps
Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
Faster RAW shooting
8.5 fps vs 6.1 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
Higher extended ISO
51200 vs 25600 ISO
Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Ricoh GR II advantages over Samsung NX500

Bigger pixels
~ 4.81 vs 3.63 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
Internal flash
Internal flash vs None
Useful in a pinch for fill flash
Integrated ND filter
Yes vs No
Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
Higher max flash sync
1/4000 vs 1/200 sec
Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
Longer exposure
300 vs 30 sec
Long exposures for night shots
Bigger JPEG buffer
Unlimited vs 38 shots
Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
Bigger RAW buffer
10 vs 6 shots
Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

Rear display
Both provide
Review photos on the back of the camera
RAW file ability
Both provide
Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
Built-in Wi-Fi
Both provide
Share your photos wirelessly
NFC
Both provide
Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
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
Hot shoe
Both provide
Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
Bulb shutter
Both provide
Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

Tilt-swivel screen
Neither provide
Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
Eye-level viewfinder
Neither provide
You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
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
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

Amazon
Adorama
Read NX500 User Reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read GR II 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)

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Buy the Ricoh GR II

Ricoh GR II

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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

Shooting with a wide prime helps you see new shots; Good performance and fast autofocus; Excellent sharp, bright lens; Very customizable; In-camera Wi-Fi works with more than just Android and iOS; Supports Pentax wireless flash strobes
Fixed, wide prime lens isn't for everyone; Cramped controls; Burst capture is slower for JPEGs; Tends too warm under incandescent lighting; Wi-Fi app is poor, and web browser control has cluttered interface
Read our Ricoh GR II Review

The Competition

Compared to Ricoh GR

Samsung NX500

Ricoh GR

$1600
APS-C

Focus peaking
Shoot 4K video

$799
APS-C

Bigger pixels
Internal flash

Compare Samsung NX500 vs Ricoh GR

Ricoh GR II

Ricoh GR

$538
APS-C

Built-in Wi-Fi
NFC

$799
APS-C

Compare Ricoh GR II vs Ricoh GR

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

Ricoh GR II

Samsung NX3000

$538
APS-C

Fast startup
Internal flash

$950
APS-C

In-camera panoramas
Tiltable Screen

Compare Ricoh GR II 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

Ricoh GR II

Sony A6500

$538
APS-C

Less expensive
Bigger pixels

$1198
APS-C

Focus peaking
Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Ricoh GR II 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

Ricoh GR II

Leica TL2

$538
APS-C

Less expensive
Bigger pixels

$2495
APS-C

Focus peaking
Shoot 4K video

Compare Ricoh GR II vs Leica TL2

Compared to Fujifilm XF10

Samsung NX500

Fujifilm XF10

$1600
APS-C

Slower slow-motion
Tiltable Screen

$499
APS-C

Internal flash
External Mic Jack

Compare Samsung NX500 vs Fujifilm XF10

Ricoh GR II

Fujifilm XF10

$538
APS-C

Bigger pixels
NFC

$499
APS-C

Focus peaking
Shoot 4K video

Compare Ricoh GR II vs Fujifilm XF10

Compare Other Cameras?