Canon EOS M vs Samsung NX500: A Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right mirrorless camera today, even among somewhat older models like the Canon EOS M and the Samsung NX500, often means balancing sensor performance, autofocus capabilities, handling, and real-world usability. As someone who’s spent thousands of hours shooting and testing across a variety of cameras - from entry-level point-and-shoots to professional bodies - I find that looking beyond specs into how these machines perform outside the lab truly helps photographers find “the one” that suits their craft and style.

In this detailed comparison, I’ll break down the Canon EOS M and Samsung NX500 head-to-head across critical photography disciplines, highlight their technical differences, and give practical recommendations. Think of this as a deep dive packed with insights from actual use rather than marketing fluff.

First Impressions and Handling: What Does It Feel Like to Shoot?

Right out of the box, the Canon EOS M is noticeably more compact - its dimensions measure 109x66x32mm, making it one of the smaller APS-C mirrorless cameras around. Weighing just 298 grams with battery, it fits easily into a coat pocket or small bag. The Samsung NX500 is slightly bulkier at 120x64x43mm and 287 grams, but this extra girth translates into a more substantial grip and heft that many users find reassuring for extended handheld sessions.

Both are rangefinder-style mirrorless bodies without built-in viewfinders, relying purely on their LCD screens for composition. The Canon uses a fixed 3-inch Clear View II TFT LCD with 1040k dots and touchscreen capability, whereas the Samsung steps up with a tilting 3-inch touchscreen featuring roughly the same resolution (1036k dots). The tilt mechanism on the NX500 offers more compositional flexibility, especially for awkward angles or waist-level shooting.

From a controls perspective, the Canon EOS M favors simplicity but lacks some customization and quick-access buttons. Its top and rear panel feel a bit sparse, leaning on touch and menu navigation for many settings. The NX500 provides a more tactile experience with dedicated dials and buttons that experienced photographers will appreciate for faster operation.

Ergonomics-wise, Samsung’s slightly larger body and more pronounced grip offered me a steadier hold, reducing fatigue during longer shoots. Canon’s minimalist form factor works well for travel or street photographers prioritizing discretion and mobility but may feel cramped for users with larger hands or those used to DSLR-style grips.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Jumping underneath the hood, both cameras feature APS-C sensors, but their sensor tech and specs diverge significantly:

• Canon EOS M: 18MP CMOS sensor, 22.3 x 14.9 mm
• Samsung NX500: 28MP BSI-CMOS sensor, 23.5 x 15.7 mm

The Samsung’s sensor not only boasts higher resolution but also employs Backside Illuminated (BSI) architecture - a modern design that enhances light-gathering efficiency, typically resulting in better noise performance and dynamic range. In real shooting, these distinctions translate into several tangible advantages.

Measured by DxOMark, the Samsung NX500 scores an impressive 87 overall, outperforming the Canon’s 65. The Samsung offers wider dynamic range (13.9 EV vs 11.2 EV), deeper color depth (24.8 bits vs 22.1 bits), and better low-light ISO performance (ISO 1379 vs ISO 827). During my tests, landscapes captured on the NX500 exhibited richer tonal gradations and preserved shadow details under high-contrast lighting better than the EOS M - something you can observe in the sample gallery below.

The lack of an anti-aliasing filter on the Samsung sensor also contributes to its sharper image rendering while the Canon retains a low-pass filter that slightly softens images to avoid moiré artifacts but at the cost of fine detail.

In Portrait work, the Canon EOS M’s 18MP resolution is adequate for web and print, but the NX500’s 28MP delivers noticeably more detail in skin textures and hair without appearing overly clinical. The Samsung’s color rendering tends to be slightly more neutral and less prone to warm bias, offering more flexibility for post-processing. Both cameras support RAW capture, though Samsung’s higher bit-depth native files ensure more editing headroom.

Autofocus and Speed: Staying Sharp on the Move

In practical shooting scenarios, autofocus (AF) performance often makes or breaks the experience. Here’s where the NX500 flexes its more advanced tech:

• Canon EOS M employs a hybrid AF system combining contrast and phase detection with 31 focus points - good for static subjects but lacking continuous tracking capabilities.
• Samsung NX500 boasts 209 autofocus points, real phase-detection AF, plus sophisticated AF tracking, making it better suited for moving subjects.

During fast-paced shoots - whether wildlife in flight, kids playing, or street photography - the NX500’s AF locks on more reliably and keeps subjects in focus better when tracking. The Canon, while responsive in single AF mode, often hunts or loses focus during continuous autofocus, particularly in low-contrast or low-light situations.

Burst shooting rates further reinforce this gap - Canon manages a modest 4 fps, while Samsung almost doubles that with 9 fps burst. For sports enthusiasts or action shooters, the NX500 clearly has an edge.

Build, Durability & Weather Sealing

Neither camera features weather sealing or robust weather resistance, which is typical for entry-level mirrorless cameras from their eras. Both are constructed primarily from polycarbonate, not metal, making them lightweight but more vulnerable to knocks and exposure to dust or moisture.

Handling the two through rough outdoor use, I found the NX500’s slightly beefier body gave more confidence in challenging environments, but I’d recommend protective gear or rugged cases for either if you intend to shoot the elements seriously.

Screen and Viewfinder: Composing Your Shot

Both cameras are rangefinder-style and lack built-in electronic viewfinders, meaning real-time framing depends on their LCD screens.

With a fixed 3-inch Clear View II screen, the Canon EOS M offers sharp and bright viewing but limited angles for composing in unconventional positions.

By contrast, the Samsung NX500’s 3-inch tilting screen provides flexibility for low or high-angle shooting (quite handy for macro or street photography). Both are touchscreen, allowing easy AF point selection and menu navigation, though Samsung’s interface is marginally more responsive.

The absence of an EVF in either is a notable limitation for those used to eye-level shooting or who demand greater stability.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Lens availability often influences buying decisions perhaps more than sensor specs.

The Canon EOS M mounts the Canon EF-M lens system, which, at launch, had a limited selection - about 23 native lenses by recent counts. They cover standard zooms, primes, and macro but lack specialized telephoto or super-wide options.

However, the EOS M can also use Canon’s extensive EF and EF-S DSLR lenses via an adapter without autofocus compromise, a huge advantage for those already invested in Canon glass.

Samsung’s NX500 uses the Samsung NX mount and currently has around 32 native lenses - more than Canon’s EF-M line, including primes, zooms, and some specialty optics. But the ecosystem remains niche with limited third-party options and no official adapters for DSLR lenses.

For most photographers seeking system growth and lens versatility, Canon’s back-compatible mount is a robust selling point.

Battery Life and Storage

The Samsung NX500 pulls ahead in battery endurance, rated for around 370 shots per charge versus Canon’s 230. That’s a meaningful difference for travel or event shooters where charging opportunities are infrequent.

Both use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and have single storage slots, which is standard but less than ideal for those who prioritize redundancy.

Wireless and Connectivity Features

Connectivity-wise, the NX500 is more modern and convenient with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC - allowing easy pairing with smartphones for quick image transfers and remote control via apps.

The Canon EOS M supports wireless via Eye-Fi card integration but otherwise lacks native Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, making wireless workflows more cumbersome.

Samsung’s inclusion of these features makes it more relevant for casual shooters who demand smart device integration, instant sharing, or online uploading.

Video Capabilities: Which Camera Handles Motion Better?

Both cameras capture Full HD video but differ drastically in resolution and frame rate options:

• Canon EOS M maxes out at 1080p/30 fps, offering the standard MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs. Its video features are basic and lack advanced modes such as 4K or log profiles.

• Samsung NX500 punches above its weight, recording up to 4K UHD resolution (3840x2160) at 30p and DCI 4K (4096x2160) at 24p, catering to videographers needing richer detail and wider post-production latitude. It uses more efficient H.265 codec.

Neither camera provides microphone or headphone jacks (Canon has mic input only; Samsung has none), limiting audio control. In-camera stabilization is absent on both bodies, so lens stabilization (if available) or external rigs are necessary for smooth footage.

Deep Dive into Photography Genres

Let’s look at how each camera fares across major photography styles based on our shooting trials and the inherent specs:

Portrait Photography

Portraits demand accurate skin tones, pleasant bokeh, and reliable eye AF.

• Canon EOS M: Its EF-M lens portfolio offers some fast primes (such as the 22mm f/2 STM) capable of pleasing shallow depth of field. However, face and eye detection AF lacks sophistication compared to the NX500, sometimes causing missed focus on eyes in continuous shooting.

• Samsung NX500: With 209 AF points and continuous eye detection tracking, it nails focus quickly and precisely. Combined with high-resolution output and sharper sensor detail, it confidently handles both posed and candid portraits.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters prize resolution, dynamic range, weather sealing, and lens quality.

• Canon: Lower resolution and dynamic range hold back highlight recovery and landscape detail resolution, though it remains serviceable for enthusiasts.

• Samsung: Larger sensor area and advanced tech reveal more tonal subtleties and cleaner shadows, improving overall image quality. The wider native lens range is beneficial here.

Neither camera is weather sealed, so protection is advisable.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Both genres rely on fast, accurate autofocus, high burst rates, and effective tracking.

• Canon EOS M: 4 fps and limited AF tracking restrict its utility for these uses.

• Samsung NX500: With 9 fps burst and advanced AF tracking, the NX500 delivers a distinctly better experience, allowing a higher keeper rate of fast-moving subjects.

Street and Travel Photography

Portability, discreetness, and quick operation define street and travel work.

• Canon EOS M: Its smaller size and weight make it a portable companion for casual shoots and travel; however, slower AF and limited burst rates could hamper capturing fleeting moments.

• Samsung NX500: Slightly bulkier but still compact, offers more advanced AF and better battery life, favoring serious street shooters and travelers who want higher operational speed and flexibility.

Macro Photography

Precision focusing and stabilization are critical here.

Neither camera has in-body image stabilization, though some EF-M and NX lenses may offer optical stabilization. The NX500’s tilting screen is advantageous for low-angle macro shots. Both cameras rely on manual focus or AF-S for macro precision.

Night and Astro Photography

High ISO performance and exposure options matter most.

The Samsung’s higher max ISO (25600 native, boost to 51200) and superior noise handling make it more capable for low-light scenes and astrophotography. The Canon’s limited max ISO and noisier sensor reduce flexibility in these situations.

Video Work

The NX500 stands out clearly with its 4K capabilities, making it a compelling budget option for enthusiasts exploring 4K video. Canon’s video system feels dated by comparison.

Canon M screen back Samsung NX500 front Samsung NX500 screen back

Comprehensive Performance Scores and Rankings

Our testing panel aggregated results based on sensor quality, autofocus performance, ergonomics, and value.

The Samsung NX500 rates higher across most categories, affirming its position as the more advanced and versatile mirrorless contender.

When broken down into genre-specific rankings, the NX500 outperforms the Canon EOS M in high-speed scenarios (wildlife, sports), low-light environments (night, astrophotography), and video capture.

Value and Buying Recommendations: Which Camera and for Whom?

Canon EOS M - Best for Beginners and Budget Travelers

• Pros: Lightweight, compact, intuitive touch interface, compatibility with Canon’s abundant EF lenses via adapter, affordable pricing (~$510).
• Cons: Slower autofocus, limited burst shooting, no viewfinder, no in-body stabilization, weaker high ISO and dynamic range performance.

I recommend the Canon EOS M for hobbyists just venturing into mirrorless or Canon DSLR shooters wanting a pocketable second body. Its user-friendly interface is approachable, though it lacks the speed and sophistication for fast action photography or advanced video work.

Samsung NX500 - Suited for Enthusiasts and Hybrid Shooters

• Pros: Excellent APS-C BSI sensor with 28MP, powerful autofocus with tracking, 9 fps bursts, 4K video, tilting touchscreen, strong wireless connectivity, longer battery life, broader native lens system.
• Cons: Slightly larger and heavier body, no microphone/headphone jacks for video, smaller ecosystem compared to Canon EF lenses, higher price (~$800).

Anyone prioritizing image quality, responsive autofocus, and comprehensive video features will appreciate the NX500’s capabilities. It is a fantastic match for street, travel, portrait, wildlife, and hybrid photo-video shooters willing to invest a bit more.

Wrapping Up: What’s Your Best Next Step?

While both the Canon EOS M and Samsung NX500 are no longer cutting-edge by today’s standards, they serve as compelling entry-level mirrorless options depending on your priorities.

The Canon feels like a nimble, charming starter with smooth handling and legacy lens adaptability. The NX500 is an early adopter of better sensor and autofocus tech, delivering meaningful advantages in image quality and speed - especially critical if your shoot demands more dynamic performance or 4K video.

My personal takeaway for enthusiasts who want versatility, future-proof features, and exceptional image results: go with the NX500. But if pocketability, Canon’s ecosystem, and affordability lead your decisions, the EOS M remains respectable.

Remember, camera choice always comes down largely to personal shooting style, preferred subjects, and workflow. Holding each model in hand and trying their interfaces (if possible) with lenses you plan to use is invaluable. Combine these impressions with the technical and real-world insights above, and I’m confident you’ll find the right device for your photographic journey.

Summary Table

I hope this thorough, hands-on comparison helps steer your mirrorless investment wisely. Should you want personal recommendations tailored even further, feel free to reach out - I’m always eager to share insights from the endless world of camera exploration.

Happy shooting!