Nikon 1 S1 vs Samsung NX5

Below, we will be analyzing the Nikon 1 S1 versus Samsung NX5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by companies Nikon and Samsung. There exists a huge gap between the resolutions of the 1 S1 (10MP) and NX5 (15MP) and the 1 S1 (1") and NX5 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The 1 S1 was released 3 years later than the NX5 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Nikon 1 S1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Samsung NX5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving through a thorough comparison, below is a simple overview of how the 1 S1 scores vs the NX5 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon 1 S1 and Samsung NX5. The complete galleries are available at Nikon 1 S1 Gallery and Samsung NX5 Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you'll need to consider its weight and volume. The Nikon 1 S1 has got outside dimensions of 102mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 197 grams (0.43 lbs) while the Samsung NX5 has sizing of 123mm x 87mm x 40mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 1.6") and a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Check out the Nikon 1 S1 versus Samsung NX5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you select at that moment. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the 1 S1 compared to the NX5.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 1 S1 and NX5 is 92 and 80 respectively.

Quite often, its difficult to see the contrast between sensor measurements purely by going over a spec sheet. The photograph underneath might offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the 1 S1 and NX5.

Clearly, both the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The 1 S1 featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Samsung NX5 will offer you more detail as a result of its extra 5MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The fresher 1 S1 will have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.