Nikon 1 S2 vs Samsung NX5

Its time to look closer at the Nikon 1 S2 and Samsung NX5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by competitors Nikon and Samsung. The image resolution of the 1 S2 (14.2MP) and the NX5 (15MP) is pretty comparable but the 1 S2 (1") and NX5 (APS-C) posses different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The 1 S2 was revealed 4 years after the NX5 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Nikon 1 S2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Samsung NX5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight to a full comparison, here is a short introduction of how the 1 S2 scores vs the NX5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon 1 S2 and Samsung NX5. The full galleries are available at Nikon 1 S2 Gallery and Samsung NX5 Gallery.

When you are intending to travel with your camera often, you'll need to factor its weight and volume. The Nikon 1 S2 has exterior dimensions of 101mm x 61mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 190 grams (0.42 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).

Examine the Nikon 1 S2 and Samsung NX5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the 1 S2 compared to the NX5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 1 S2 and NX5 is 93 and 80 respectively.

Normally, it's tough to visualize the gap in sensor dimensions only by going through specifications. The picture underneath will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the 1 S2 and NX5.

To sum up, the 2 cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The 1 S2 having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving bokeh more difficult and the Samsung NX5 will show greater detail because of its extra 0.8MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The more modern 1 S2 provides an edge in sensor technology.