Leica T (Typ 701) vs Samsung NX500: An In-Depth Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing your next mirrorless camera is a serious business - especially when two seemingly different beasts from Leica and Samsung land on your desk. Both come with their own allure: Leica’s impeccable build meets minimalist sophistication, while Samsung’s tech-forward approach promises pixel-packed punch. As someone who has tested hundreds of mirrorless cameras over the years, I’m excited to unpack the practical realities behind the specs of the Leica T (Typ 701) and the Samsung NX500.

They’re both rangefinder-style mirrorless cameras, so at first glance they share a similar ethos: compactness, focusing on quality optics, and hands-on control. But peel back the layers, and you’ll see very different philosophies, hardware, and user experiences. Whether you crave classic refinement or modern pixel power, this detailed comparison is your roadmap to a smarter, more informed camera purchase.

Let’s Get Physical: Size, Weight, and Handling First

Size and comfort aren’t just trivial - they dictate whether you’ll want to shoot for hours or quit after 20 frames. The Leica T is a bit chunkier and heavier than the NX500, weighing around 384 grams against Samsung’s svelte 287 grams. Dimensions put the Leica at 134x69x33mm vs Samsung’s 120x64x43mm. The T’s body is somewhat more boxy and feels robust, exuding that Leica signature luxury metal construction, while the NX500 is lighter, made with a mix of plastic and metal alloy, serving a camera that’s easy to stash in smaller bags.

It’s worth noting that the Leica’s minimal grip might be less comfortable for folks with larger hands compared to the more contoured NX500 - an important consideration when you’re out street shooting or chasing wildlife.

Personally, I enjoy the Leica’s heft when working with prime lenses - it lends a reassuring solidity that never feels toy-like. That said, the NX500’s weight advantage lends itself better for ultralight travel setups where every gram counts. It’s the classic trade-off: Leica sophistication vs Samsung portability.

Top Panel Controls and Intuitive Handling: Who’s Faster on the Draw?

A camera’s control layout makes all the difference when you’re trying to capture fleeting moments. Leica T’s top panel is famously minimalist - just a mode dial, shutter release, and power button. Its clean approach doesn’t overload you with direct buttons, which is very much Leica’s philosophy: control through simplicity. The downside? You might bemoan the absence of dedicated dials for ISO or exposure compensation, requiring deeper menu diving.

In contrast, the NX500’s top view reveals a more traditional setup - it features a dedicated shutter speed dial, exposure compensation dial, and a customizable Fn button. This layout makes single-handed adjustments faster and less distracting.

Being someone who often switches under challenging light, I find Samsung’s more conventional controls a boon. Leica’s styling is elegant but risks slowing you down when split-second changes are needed. But, if you prefer setting your camera once for a shoot and sticking with it, Leica’s minimalist tactile approach might charm you.

Putting the Sensor Under the Microscope - Detail, Noise, and Dynamic Range

Now for the heart of the matter - image quality. Both cameras employ APS-C sensors, but they couldn’t be more different beasts. The Leica T couples a 16MP conventional CMOS sensor with an anti-alias filter, while Samsung’s NX500 boasts a 28MP back-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor without an anti-alias filter. The latter choice generally improves detail sharpness, at the risk of moiré under certain conditions.

In real-world testing, the NX500 delivers crisper images and greater resolution detail thanks to its 28MP count. The absence of an anti-alias filter means images have a little extra pop when viewed at 100%, ideal for landscape or studio work where detail is king. The Samsung sensor’s dynamic range of approximately 13.9 stops outperforms Leica’s 12.7 stops, granting more latitude in pulling shadows and highlights.

On the flip side, Leica’s sensor exhibits excellent color depth - 23.0 bits vs Samsung’s 24.8 bits - but color rendition feels more punchy and organic out of the camera, thanks to Leica’s optimized processing pipeline and color science. Skin tones in particular render beautifully without excessive saturation, an element I’ve come to appreciate for portrait work.

At high ISOs, the NX500 pushes clean shots up to ISO 3200 or even 6400 with acceptable noise levels, whereas the Leica is noisier beyond ISO 1600. Low-light shooters needing noise suppression and sensitivity might lean toward the Samsung for this reason.

Viewing and Framing Your Shots: LCD and EVF Experience

Good luck composing and reviewing images without decent viewing tools. The Leica T sports a fixed 3.7-inch touchscreen LCD with a resolution of 1,300k dots - pleasantly large and sharp for its era, but it doesn’t tilt or swivel for tricky angles. You can optionally add an external electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2,360k dots, which is a nice addition for those who prefer eye-level framing.

Conversely, the NX500 omits an EVF entirely but sports a 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD with 1,036k dots. While smaller and slightly lower resolution than Leica’s screen, the tilting mechanism is invaluable for low or high-angle shooting, street candid frames, and macro work. The NX500’s touch responsiveness feels snappy - especially handy for selecting focus points quickly.

As someone who often shoots from hip level or awkward vantage points, the NX500’s tilting LCD wins me over, even without an optical or electronic viewfinder. Leica purists might disagree, but for practical daily shooting, I find the fixed screen limiting.

Lens Ecosystem: Wildcards or Well-Trod Paths?

Lens compatibility makes or breaks a camera’s long-term value. The Leica T uses the Leica L-mount, which, at launch, included a very limited selection of glass - just 4 native lenses. While Leica glass is undeniably among the best optically, it comes with a corresponding price tag and less variety compared to other ecosystems.

On the other hand, the Samsung NX mount benefits from an extensive lineup of 32 native lenses, ranging from ultra-wide zooms to super telephotos and affordable primes. Samsung’s lens array includes options from third-party manufacturers like Samyang and Schneider, providing great value and flexibility.

If you’re a lens collector or Leica enthusiast, the T’s few native lenses shine exceptionally with precise build and imaging. But if you want a versatile travel or wildlife camera with options for budget or specialty lenses, the NX500’s ecosystem is a clear advantage.

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Accuracy in Real Life

Autofocus serves as the camera’s brains in fast-paced situations, so let’s get granular.

• The Leica T depends on contrast-detection autofocus, with a touchscreen-enabled focus point selection and face detection, but lacks phase-detection or hybrid AF systems. It does continuous and tracking AF but understandably shows slower response in low-contrast or rapid movement scenarios.

• The Samsung NX500 packs a more advanced hybrid AF system with 209 phase-detection points complemented by contrast detection. This system translates to much faster and more reliable focus locks in dynamic environments, especially useful in wildlife or sports photography. Face detection works robustly but no dedicated animal eye AF to speak of.

In my hands-on testing, the NX500 significantly outpaces Leica’s T when tracking moving subjects, especially in good light. The Leica does better in static, deliberate compositions, rewarding patient shooters with sharp critical focus, but you’ll feel the difference where speed is essential.

Shooting Speed and Buffer: Burst Rates Matter More Than You Think

Burst shooting abilities make a huge difference in sports, wildlife, or event photography.

• The Leica T offers a respectable continuous shooting rate of 5 fps (frames per second), which is decent for a mid-range mirrorless camera from 2014.

• The Samsung NX500 steps up the game with 9 fps burst shooting - almost double Leica's speed. While the buffer depth isn’t huge, it's adequate enough for short bursts at high speed.

So for decisive moments - like a hummingbird’s wing flap or a goal scored - the Samsung is better equipped to not miss the shot.

Image Stabilization and Flash: Extra Considerations

Neither camera offers in-body image stabilization (IBIS) - a bit of a bummer for low-light handheld work or video. Both rely on lens IS when available.

Flash-wise, Leica incorporates a built-in flash with a 4.5m range, handy for fill-in lighting or casual indoor snaps. Samsung forgoes a built-in flash but supports external units with more control options.

If you rely on natural light or dedicated strobes, neither system will limit you, but Leica edges ahead slightly for those occasional fill-flash needs without carrying add-ons.

Video Capabilities: Modern UHD vs Classic Full HD

Video shooters, take note: The two cameras target very different video audiences.

• Samsung’s NX500 punches well above its category with 4K UHD video recording at 30p and true Cinema 4K (4096x2160) at 24p, encoded in efficient H.265 format. It also supports 1080p at up to 60 fps, great for smooth motion output. However, inputs for external microphones or headphones are absent.

• Leica’s T sticks to 1080p Full HD video at 30p, encoded in MPEG-4 with limited pro features. It’s more of a photo-centric camera where video is a bonus rather than flagship.

If video quality and flexibility matter, Samsung is hands down the better choice. Leica’s video is serviceable but dated by modern standards.

Battery Life and Storage: Crunching the Numbers

In real usage sessions:

• Leica’s BP-DC13 battery rated for about 400 shots per charge aligns with actual field testing - comfortable for a day’s shoot with some judicious power management.

• Samsung’s smaller battery offers around 370 shots per charge, not significantly different in practice, but tilting LCD use and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity tend to tax power faster.

Each camera accepts one SD card slot compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, so no surprises there.

Connectivity and Extras: The Modern Touchpoints

On wireless features, Samsung leads with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC for instant pairing and image transfer - handy in today’s social media-powered workflows. Leica offers built-in Wi-Fi but no Bluetooth or NFC, with GPS available only as an optional accessory.

Connectivity needs shape workflow efficiencies, particularly for photojournalists or travel bloggers who upload on the go. Samsung’s richer connectivity suite is a hard-to-ignore convenience.

Price and Value: What Does Your Investment Get You?

As of the latest pricing snapshot:

• Leica T (Typ 701) commands around $1,600 USD - reflecting Leica’s premium craftsmanship, metal body, and build quality.

• Samsung NX500 is priced near $800 USD - half the Leica’s cost - which is compelling when factoring in its superior sensor resolution and video capabilities.

What you pay is what you get, really: Leica offers a high-end handmade feel and a quieter brand cachet; Samsung targets tech-savvy buyers wanting bang for their buck.

The Verdict: Which Camera Fits Which Photographer?

To help you distill all this info into a clear decision, I’ve compiled the strengths and ideal uses:

Leica T (Typ 701) - Best for:

• Portrait photographers who value classic Leica color science and skin tone rendition.
• Shooters who prioritize build quality and minimalist, tactile controls.
• Users invested in Leica’s L-mount glass or brand ethos.
• Travel photographers who appreciate solid ergonomics over ultralight gear, and casual video.
• Professionals or enthusiasts desiring a stylish hybrid daylight mirrorless.

Samsung NX500 - Best for:

• Enthusiasts craving higher resolution and dynamic range for landscapes, wildlife, and macro.
• Action and sports photographers needing robust autofocus and fast continuous shooting.
• Videographers wanting 4K UHD or Cinema 4K at a mid-level price.
• Street photographers and travelers who want a smaller, lighter package with a tilting LCD.
• Users seeking excellent connectivity and flexibility without breaking the bank.

Deep Dive: Genre-by-Genre Comparative Performance

Let’s see how the Leica T and Samsung NX500 stack up for specific photographic genres, integrating real shooting experiences.

Leica T Type 701 front Leica T Type 701 screen back Samsung NX500 front Samsung NX500 screen back

• Portraits: Leica’s natural skin tones and creamy bokeh from Leica primes give a distinct “Leica look” - subtle and elegant. Samsung’s higher-res sensor captures more detail, but its color science is less nuanced. Leica wins for those prioritizing “look.”

• Landscapes: Samsung’s 28MP sensor captures more detail and dynamic range for sweeping scenes; combined with a strong native lens lineup, it suits landscape photographers aggressively carving out detail in shadows and highlights.

• Wildlife: With faster and more numerous autofocus points plus a higher 9 fps frame rate, Samsung excels. Leica’s 5 fps and slower AF struggle with fast movers.

• Sports: Samsung’s burst capability and hybrid AF system deliver well in sports scenarios, while Leica will miss critical moments.

• Street Photography: Leica’s minimalist design and quieter shutter appeal; however, the NX500’s smaller form and tilting LCD enhance discretion and quick composition.

• Macro Photography: The tilting screen on Samsung aids composition; both rely on lens-based stabilization, so your choice of macro lenses is key.

• Night/Astro: Samsung’s higher max ISO and cleaner high ISO results edge it ahead, but neither camera is designed for heavy astro use.

• Video: Samsung’s 4K offer comfortably outclasses Leica’s Full HD.

• Travel: Samsung’s light weight and folding screen make it easier to pack and shoot on the move.

• Professional Work: Leica’s 16MP files and RAW output are adequate, but Samsung’s advanced sensor and lens variety offer greater versatility for demanding shooters.

Overall Performance Ratings

Here’s a visual summary of overall camera scores based on rigorous DxOMark data combined with my hands-on testing and user experience:

Samsung NX500 pulls ahead significantly on sensor resolution, autofocus sophistication, video prowess, and value-for-money. Leica T still scores respectably for color science, build quality, and usability for certain niches.

Final Thoughts and Buying Tips

Both cameras are fascinating pieces of mirrorless history. Leica T typifies rare craftsmanship with a gentle learning curve designed for thoughtful shooting and classic results. Samsung NX500 exemplifies the leap into higher resolution sensors, faster focusing, and video options, all at an affordable price.

If budget is flexible and you cherish brand heritage, tactile refinement, and portraits with gentle color grading - lean Leica. But if you want 4K video, cutting-edge sensor performance, fast AF for active subjects, and a lively ecosystem - Samsung NX500 is the smarter practical choice.

Above all, try before you buy. Ergonomics and interface preferences are deeply personal. Consider lens choices, how you shoot (stills/video), and your favorite genres. These cameras produce excellent images, but which inspires you comes down to your unique shooting style.

Acknowledgments

This comparison is based on extensive hands-on testing of both cameras across multiple photography scenarios - from daylight portraits to fast action and low-light environment shoots. Imaging scores reference trusted industry benchmarks, including DxOMark metrics.

Choosing a camera is about more than specs - it’s about the stories you want to tell and the joy you find behind the viewfinder. Both the Leica T (Typ 701) and Samsung NX500 offer compelling paths. Here’s hoping this guide helps you find the one that feels just right in your hands.

Happy shooting!