• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 16,000
  • APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 28.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Sony NEX-7 advantages over Samsung NX500

  • Lens selection
    Good vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • 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
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 8.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    10.0 fps vs 8.5 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    13 vs 6 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)

Samsung NX500 advantages over Sony NEX-7

  • Less expensive
    $800 vs $1350 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • 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
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,379 vs 1,016 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • More pixels
    28.2 vs 24.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 27 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    38 vs 18 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (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 16000 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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • 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
  • 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

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony NEX-7

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Samsung NX500

Review Excerpt

  • 24.3-megapixel sensor with excellent image quality; Small body; Exceptional user interface; Full HD 60p video; Electronic viewfinder and flash are built-in.

  • No Mode dial; Flash sync is a touch slow; No UHS-I card support; Needs a better kit lens to match the sensor quality.

  • 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 Samsung NX200

Sony NEX-7
Samsung NX200
  • $1248
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
Samsung NX500
Samsung NX200
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Fujifilm X-E1

Sony NEX-7
Fujifilm X-E1
  • $1248
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Fast startup
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
Samsung NX500
Fujifilm X-E1
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Samsung NX300

Sony NEX-7
Samsung NX300
  • $1248
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $1200
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
Samsung NX500
Samsung NX300
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $1200
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Less shutter lag

Compared to Canon EOS M3

Sony NEX-7
Canon EOS M3
  • $1248
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Samsung NX500
Canon EOS M3
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Internal flash

Compared to Sony A6500

Sony NEX-7
Sony A6500
  • $1248
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Shoot 4K video
Samsung NX500
Sony A6500
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • More pixels
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder
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