Nikon 1 AW1 vs Samsung NX500

Below is a in depth assessment of the Nikon 1 AW1 versus Samsung NX500, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by brands Nikon and Samsung. There exists a sizeable gap among the resolutions of the 1 AW1 (14MP) and NX500 (28MP) and the 1 AW1 (1") and NX500 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The 1 AW1 was manufactured 16 months earlier than the NX500 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before we go straight into a complete comparison, below is a simple overview of how the 1 AW1 scores against the NX500 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon 1 AW1 and Samsung NX500. The entire galleries are viewable at Nikon 1 AW1 Gallery and Samsung NX500 Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera, you should take into account its weight and measurements. The Nikon 1 AW1 has got outer measurements of 114mm x 72mm x 37mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 356 grams (0.78 lbs) while the Samsung NX500 has proportions of 120mm x 64mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.5" x 1.7") with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Compare the Nikon 1 AW1 versus Samsung NX500 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are employing at the time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the 1 AW1 compared to the NX500.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 1 AW1 and NX500 is 86 and 87 respectively.

Typically, it is tough to envision the gap in sensor measurements only by going through a spec sheet. The visual here should offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the 1 AW1 and NX500.

As you can see, each of the cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The 1 AW1 featuring a smaller sensor will make getting shallow depth of field tougher and the Samsung NX500 will show more detail due to its extra 14 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures much more aggressively. The older 1 AW1 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.