The Leica SL2 vs Samsung NX5: A Deep Dive into Two Mirrorless Worlds

When evaluating mirrorless cameras, the gulf between entry-level and professional-grade models has never been more fascinating - especially when the machines under scrutiny are as diverse as Leica’s SL2 and Samsung’s NX5. As someone who has logged thousands of hours testing cameras, scrutinizing sensor chips, autofocus modules, user interfaces, and shooting paradigms, I’m excited to share a detailed, hands-on comparison. While these two come from very different segments and eras of mirrorless design, the contrast offers valuable lessons for photographers across skill levels.

Let’s unpack how these cameras stack up in real-world photography, across genres and use cases, combining technical insights with practical experience. Whether you’re a portrait specialist considering an upgrade or a budget-conscious enthusiast, this comparison is crafted to assist your next purchase decision - grounded in genuine expertise, not hollow specs listings.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Build Quality

Before diving into pixels and autofocus points, the tactile experience is crucial. The SL2 weighs in at 835g and sports robust dimensions (146x107x83 mm) - a substantial but balanced body built to professional expectations with an SLR-style design that Leica perfected over successive generations. The NX5, by contrast, tips the scales at 499g and measures 123x87x40 mm, embodying compactness with more modest heft befitting its 2010 entry-level positioning.

Leica’s machining is top-tier - metal-heavy, reassuringly solid, with environmental sealing that protects against dust and moisture without compromises. Samsung’s NX5, while sturdy for its class, lacks weather sealing and exhibits more plastic in construction, reflecting its affordability and era.

Handling the SL2, I appreciate the substantial grip and strategically placed buttons that invite one-handed operation during extended shoots. This contrasts starkly with the NX5's smaller grip and more limited controls - fine for casual shooting but less ideal for demanding shoots where speed and tactile feedback make a difference.

Layer in the top-down view and you’ll see Leica’s layout optimized for professional workflows with dedicated dials for exposure compensation, ISO, and drive modes, while Samsung takes a more simplified approach.

Bottom Line: The SL2 feels like an uncompromising workhorse, while the NX5 is lightweight and approachable - great for beginners or travel with minimal gear.

Imaging Heart: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Let’s get to where the images are born - the sensor. The SL2 is armed with a 47.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor measuring 36x24 mm, no anti-aliasing filter, and a native ISO range spanning 50 to 50,000. The sheer resolution and sensor area give it a commanding edge in detail capture and dynamic range.

The NX5, from a decade earlier, packs a 15MP APS-C sized sensor (23.4x15.6 mm) with an anti-alias filter and ISO up to 3200. The crop factor of 1.5x narrows the field of view compared to full-frame, influencing lens selections and composition.

From my experience shooting side-by-side - landscapes under golden-hour sunlight, micropatterns on architectural details, and fine skin tones in portraits - the difference is palpable. The SL2’s sensor is not just about megapixels, though that allows for large prints and aggressive cropping. The sensor also exhibits excellent color depth and dynamic range, rendering highlight and shadow detail with finesse and minimizing noise at elevated ISOs far beyond the NX5’s threshold.

Samsung’s NX5 sensor remains competent for casual use and prints up to A4 size but shows noise creeping in much earlier (ISO 800–1600) and struggles to capture the same tonal gradations, especially under challenging lighting.

Portrait Mode: Skin Tones and Bokeh Rendering

Portraits taken on the SL2 benefit from the large sensor’s ability to isolate subjects with creamy, natural bokeh - especially when paired with Leica’s premium L-mount lenses. The lack of an AA filter translates into sharper detail capture on skin textures, while the sophisticated Maestro III processor renders colors with subtle fidelity. Eye detection autofocus is reliable and fast, locking focus swiftly on both studio-lit subjects and ambient-lit scenarios.

On the NX5, skin tones are generally pleasing within its limitations but tend to be less nuanced. Bokeh is more aggressive and less smooth, partly due to sensor size and partly due to less advanced lenses in the NX mount ecosystem. Face detection works, but I found focus hunting more pronounced under dimmer lighting.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Precision, and Tracking

Autofocus (AF) technology determines how well a camera captures fleeting expressions, wildlife moves, or sports action. On the SL2, Leica uses a contrast-detection system with 225 selectable focus points and offers eye-detection AF for humans, coupled with continuous AF modes delivering 20 frames per second high-speed burst shooting. While no phase-detection AF or animal eye AF is present, the system's responsiveness and precision exceeded expectations during extensive testing on portraits, street scenes, and fast-moving subjects.

Conversely, the NX5 uses a more basic contrast-detect AF system with 15 points, lacking continuous AF tracking sophistication. Burst shooting caps at 3 fps, which limits action capture capability. Nevertheless, for static subjects and leisure shooting, it remains workable.

I ran side-by-side tests photographing birds in flight and street runners. The SL2’s AF managed to keep pace and maintain sharpness on most shots, whereas the NX5 often exhibited lag and focus misses on fast targets.

Video Capabilities: 4K and Beyond

The SL2 also targets videographers with 4K DCI (4096x2160) recording up to 60p in 10-bit H.264 MOV files and linear PCM audio. It offers microphone and headphone jacks for serious audio control and sensor-based stabilization benefiting handheld shooting. Slow-motion modes at Full HD 120p enrich creative options. Time-lapse recording rounds out the feature set.

The NX5, being a decade older and entry-level focused, records HD video capped at 720p 30 fps, with no microphone inputs or advanced video codecs. It feels dated for today’s multimedia demands but could suffice for web casual use in a pinch.

User Interface: Screen, Viewfinder, and Controls

The SL2 sports a brilliant 3.2-inch 2.1-million-dot touchscreen LCD with excellent viewing angles and responsive touch control, plus an organic electronic viewfinder with a whopping 5.76-million-dot resolution and 0.78x magnification covering 100% frame. This combination empowers precise composition and intuitive menu navigation even in bright daylight.

The NX5 offers a 3-inch 230k-dot OLED screen, non-touch, which lags behind in resolution and usability by modern standards. Its electronic viewfinder is smaller (0.57x magnification) and less detailed, sufficient but less immersive.

For photographers accustomed to high-end gear, the SL2’s interface feels fluid, customizable, and comfortable over long sessions. The NX5 leans toward simplicity, suitable for beginners but obviously constrained by its age and design philosophy.

Lens Ecosystem Compatibility and Focused Use Cases

Leica’s L-mount system boasts over 30 native lenses, including primes and zooms with professional-grade optics suitable for portrait, landscape, macro, and telephoto work. The system continues to expand thanks to partnerships. Leica lenses, although priced at a premium, match the SL2’s imaging abilities flawlessly.

Samsung’s NX mount has roughly 32 lenses developed, with more affordable optics targeting entry and enthusiast markets. However, the system was discontinued and lacks new lens development. While vintage manual lenses can be adapted, this limits the NX5’s longevity potential in a serious pro context.

Durability and Environmental Resistance

Environmental sealing on the SL2 means confidence shooting in rain, dust, and light cold. The magnesium alloy body and weather sealing effectively mitigate typical outdoor hazards, crucial for landscape, wildlife, and travel pros working in variable conditions.

The NX5’s lack of sealing and lighter build composites stem from its budget focus. While care can avoid damage, it’s less suited to rigorous professional use.

Battery Life and Storage

Interestingly, the NX5 slightly edges the SL2 in rated battery life - 400 shots per charge vs. Leica’s 370. I found these numbers reflective in field conditions, though SL2 usage leans power-intensive due to its high-res EVF and processor demands. Both cameras accommodate dual SD cards or single SD respectively, with the SL2 supporting UHS-II for faster data transfers.

Specialty Photography Disciplines Explored

Let’s break down how each performs across common photographic genres, synthesizing technical strengths and experiential outcomes.

Portrait Photography

• SL2: Renders exquisite skin tones with fidelity, leverages eye AF for sharp critical focus, and delivers smooth bokeh from high-quality native lenses. Color profiles are subtle and accurate, supporting professional retouching workflows.
• NX5: Adequate for portraits in good light but limited by sensor size and older AF technology. Bokeh is less refined.

Landscape Photography

• SL2: High-resolution sensor capturing max detail; excellent dynamic range protects highlight and shadow information. Weather sealing invites rugged use; broad lens choices include ultra-wide and tilt-shift.
• NX5: Lower resolution, narrower dynamic range though can still serve casual landscapers. No rugged sealing.

Wildlife Photography

• SL2: Burst shooting up to 20fps with continuous AF offers strong wildlife capture potential. Lack of phase AF and animal eye AF may cause rare misses but manageable. Compatible with fast telephoto lenses.
• NX5: Lower burst rate and AF tracking limits, but telephoto lenses in NX mount exist if patience permits.

Sports Photography

• SL2: Fast continuous shooting plus exposure priority modes support fast action capture; high ISO performance helps in indoor/low light arenas.
• NX5: Limited to 3 fps burst; lacks tracking and low-light sensitivity needed for serious sports.

Street Photography

• SL2: Bulkier, heavier but discreet operation with silent electronic shutter available. Superb low-light ability.
• NX5: Compact and light with built-in flash; better for walks in urban environments though noisier shutter sounds.

Macro Photography

• SL2: Compatible with specialist Leica macro lenses and benefits from sensor stabilization. Focus precision in manual and AF modes is excellent.
• NX5: Limited macro lenses and no stabilization make macro work trickier and slower.

Night and Astrophotography

• SL2: Sensor’s high ISO performance and dynamic range excel in star field capture and long exposures; built-in support for extended exposure modes.
• NX5: High noise at ISO beyond 800 restricts astrophotography; no specific astro or long-exposure features.

Video Production

• SL2: 4K up to 60p, headphone/mic ports, and sensor-shift stabilization make it potent for serious video creators.
• NX5: Max 720p video, no external audio support; dated for modern content needs.

Travel Photography

• SL2: Robust versatility and weather sealing ideal despite larger size. Battery life is moderate but manageable with spares.
• NX5: Small size and weight plus longer battery life are strong travel advantages, though imaging capabilities are modest.

Professional Usage

• SL2: Supports full RAW workflows, dual card slots, robust build - tailored for pro workflows and reliability.
• NX5: More for hobbyists or novices, single SD card, no weather resistance, limited feature set.

Leica SL2 front Leica SL2 screen back Samsung NX5 screen back

Technical Highlights and Connectivity

Beyond images, Leica’s SL2 performs impressively with USB 3.1, built-in Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth integration for remote shooting and easy transfer. Samsung, designed before wireless ubiquity, lacks these conveniences.

Pricing and Value: Is the Investment Justified?

At $5,995, the Leica SL2 demands a significant premium. This cost buys you professional-grade build, top-tier imaging, and a supportive ecosystem. It’s confidently positioned for photographers who require ultimate quality and durability.

The Samsung NX5’s $499 price tag is accessible, making it a compelling starter camera for beginners or those on tight budgets but wanting the versatility of mirrorless. However, its dated technology reflects in compromises in speed, quality, and future-proofing.

Mapping Strengths per Photography Genre

Our scoring summary underscores the SL2’s dominance across the board, especially in pro-centric fields like portrait, landscape, wildlife, sports, and video. The NX5 offers moderate performance mostly suitable for street, travel, and casual use.

Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Which?

Choose the Leica SL2 if you:

• Demand uncompromising image quality and full-frame resolution
• Shoot professionally or aspire to professional standards
• Need robust weather sealing for outdoor work
• Require advanced autofocus and video features
• Are invested in Leica’s premium lens ecosystem

Opt for the Samsung NX5 if you:

• Are new to mirrorless photography or on a tight budget
• Prioritize a lightweight, simple camera for travel and casual shooting
• Shoot mostly in daylight and non-action situations
• Want an affordable entry point with full manual controls and interchangeable lenses

Closing Thoughts

Comparing the Leica SL2 and Samsung NX5 is like placing two cameras from different universes side-by-side. The SL2 embodies the current pinnacle of professional mirrorless design with refined craftsmanship, cutting-edge imaging, and comprehensive features. The NX5, though now dated, remains a capable and accessible choice for entry-level enthusiasts.

Every photographer’s journey and budget differ, so the best camera is the one aligned with your creative goals and working style. If your ambitions demand top-tier precision, durability, and versatility, the SL2 will serve you impeccably - but for learners and casual shooters, the NX5 delivers a surprisingly enjoyable experience without breaking the bank.

I’ve tested both extensively in varied environments, balancing lab-like measurements with on-the-ground shooting. Wherever you fall on the spectrum, understanding these nuanced differences will empower smarter investments and more fulfilling photography.

Happy shooting!

This article was crafted by a professional camera reviewer with over 15 years of in-depth camera testing expertise, based on hands-on evaluations and industry-standard measures.