Olympus SH-50 vs Samsung Galaxy NX: A Hands-On Comparison From an Experienced Eye

Choosing a camera is always about striking the right balance between features, ergonomics, performance, and - let’s be honest - budget. Today I’m comparing two very different cameras that launched in 2013, targeting distinct user bases but sharing overlapping ambitions. The Olympus SH-50 is a compact small-sensor superzoom famously geared for versatility and portability. The Samsung Galaxy NX, on the other hand, pushes into mirrorless territory with an APS-C sensor and interchangeable lenses, borrowing smartphone-like connectivity with a uniquely large touchscreen.

Having tested thousands of cameras over the years, I want to go beyond spec sheets to help you understand what both cameras genuinely deliver in the field. Who’s each made for? Where do they shine or struggle? And ultimately - where should your money go in 2024? Let’s dive in.

Size, Handling, and Design: Pocket Rocket vs. SLRer Lite

Handling a camera day in and day out is part of what defines your shooting experience. The SH-50 and Galaxy NX couldn’t be more different in size or feel.

The Olympus SH-50 is a pocketable compact, measuring just 112x63x42 mm and weighing around 269g. This makes it a no-brainer for anyone wanting a camera that tucks away in a jacket pocket or small bag without clubs for thumbs. The all-plastic body feels light but fairly sturdy given the price point. It features a 3-inch, fixed touchscreen, which helps keep things slim but somewhat limits framing flexibility.

The Samsung Galaxy NX practically feels like a DSLR body sans the mirror box - around 137x101x26 mm at 495g, so almost twice the weight of the Olympus. It boasts a large 4.8-inch touchscreen designed to mirror a smartphone experience, front and center. With Samsung’s SLR-style grip and layout, it feels more serious but less discreet. There’s a built-in EVF, which is missing on the SH-50, significant for framing in bright outdoor light.

Controls reflect their philosophies too. The SH-50 foregoes dedicated dials for aperture or shutter priority modes, tending towards full auto with some manual override limited to exposure compensation. Meanwhile, Galaxy NX has physical shutter speed and aperture controls, built-in flash with extensive modes, and external flash support for more flash enthusiasts.

For street or travel photographers craving portability and quick grab-and-shoot fun, Olympus is the go-to. If you want mirrorless quality and controls but still don’t want to carry a DSLR-sized camera, the Galaxy NX sits somewhere in the middle.

Sensor and Image Quality: Small-Sensor Limitations vs. APS-C Muscle

Ah, the sensor battle - where the rubber meets the road for image quality.

The Olympus SH-50 uses a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring roughly 6.17x4.55mm with 16MP resolution. This size and pixel density are typical in compact superzooms, perfectly suitable for casual shooting and medium-quality prints, but somewhat limited in low light or wide dynamic range. Olympus’s TruePic VI processor smooths noise well for its class but detail retention in shadows and highlights takes a hit quickly as ISO climbs past base 125.

Contrast this with Samsung’s Galaxy NX, sporting an APS-C CMOS sensor (23.5x15.7mm) with 20MP. This sensor is roughly 13 times larger in area than Olympus’s, permitting vastly superior control over depth of field, dynamic range, low light noise, and resolution. The Galaxy NX can shoot at up to ISO 25,600 (though usable noise levels top out closer to 3200-6400) and output RAW files, a feature the Olympus lacks entirely.

The result is drastic: portraits feature smoother skin tones and creamier bokeh on the Galaxy NX, landscapes reveal more detail across shadows and highlights, and outdoor shots retain color accuracy and contrast better. The Olympus sensor, while fine in daylight, struggles when pushed, revealing softness and sensor noise on closer inspection.

LCD, Eye-Level Viewfinder, and User Interface

Both cameras have fixed LCD screens but differ significantly in size and usability.

The SH-50’s 3-inch touchscreen with 460K dots is functional but can feel cramped, especially for composing detailed scenes or reviewing shots quickly on the go. Its touchscreen responsiveness is solid, but due to the camera’s compact size, fingers may occasionally obscure the display.

The Galaxy NX’s huge 4.8-inch HD TFT LCD with 922K dots feels almost comically large for a camera, making it more akin to a tablet interface. The touchscreen is impressively responsive and combined with Samsung’s Android-based UI provides familiar, fast access to settings and image review. This can be a boon for amateurs who want instant, smartphone-style control and connectivity. Importantly, the Galaxy NX includes a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) - which Olympus lacks entirely. This makes shooting in bright sunlight or at eye-level much easier and improves stability for longer telephoto shooting.

For live view shooters and videographers, the Galaxy NX’s interface and EVF give it a distinct advantage, while Olympus leans towards casual, no-frills photography with its simpler screen.

Lens Systems and Flexibility: Fixed Beast vs. Interchangeable Elegance

Here’s where the cameras diverge drastically in flexibility.

The Olympus SH-50 sports a fixed 25-600mm equivalent superzoom lens with a variable maximum aperture of f/3.0-6.9. This mammoth zoom range covers everything from wide-angle landscapes to distant subjects, making it a versatile all-in-one for travel, wildlife snapshots, or event quick grabs. The downside is that optical quality is decent but cannot compete with prime or higher-end zoom lenses in sharpness or aperture speed. Also, the relatively narrow max aperture at the telephoto end limits subject isolation or low-light telephoto shots.

The Samsung Galaxy NX’s strength lies in its Samsung NX mount, which supports over 30 interchangeable lenses ranging from ultra-wide to telephoto, primes to zooms, and specialty lenses. While the kit lens options of 16-50mm or 18-55mm are common entry points, the variety lets photographers build a custom toolkit. From macro to portrait to sports lenses, you can upgrade and specialize with time.

So if you appreciate ultimate flexibility and image quality, Galaxy NX does not lock you into one “do-it-all” lens like the SH-50 does. Conversely, Olympus’s one-lens convenience might appeal to casual shooters or travelers who don’t want to fuss with swapping glass.

Autofocus and Performance in Real-World Use

Fascinatingly, autofocus systems are where these cameras also show contrasting focus philosophies.

The SH-50 uses contrast-detection autofocus with face detection but lacks phase detection, limiting tracking or fast subject acquisition. Its single AF point and multi-area AF work okay in stable, static scenes but falter quickly in fast action or low light - sometimes hunting noticeably.

Galaxy NX, by contrast, employs hybrid autofocus combining phase detection and contrast detection, delivering much faster, more reliable focus particularly in live view. This system also includes face detection, and better continuous autofocus, though not state-of-the-art by today’s standards. Burst rates favor the Olympus with a surprising 12fps continuous shooting speed but real-world buffer depth and write speed limit long bursts. Galaxy NX’s 9fps is slower but combined with better AF accuracy is more practical for sports or wildlife.

Both cameras struggle with continuous AF tracking compared to modern models, but Galaxy NX generally locks faster and tracks better, especially in good light.

Performance for Popular Photography Styles

Let’s apply what we know to your favorite genres:

Portrait Photography

The Galaxy NX’s APS-C sensor delivers noticeably better skin tone gradation, more natural bokeh, and the ability to swap in portrait primes for beautiful subject isolation. Olympus’s smaller sensor and slow zoom max aperture (f/6.9 at 600mm) means background blur is minimal and skin rendering is less pleasing at higher ISO. Face detection works on both, but Galaxy NX autofocus is more consistent.

Landscape Photography

Galaxy NX’s larger sensor and RAW support provide superior dynamic range and resolution for capturing fine detail and wide tonal ranges, essential in landscapes. Olympus’s sensor size limits shadow recovery and detail but its 25mm wide end covers landscapes well. No weather sealing on either means caution in harsh environments.

Wildlife Photography

SH-50’s 600mm equivalent zoom lens is a massive advantage here - something the Galaxy NX defaults to only if you buy bulky telephotos. However, the SH-50’s slow aperture at telephoto and weaker AF system reduce keeper rates. Galaxy NX’s native lenses usually top out below 300mm equivalent, limiting reach unless you invest heavily. AF speed-wise, Galaxy NX is better but Olympus’s superzoom coverage edge can’t be ignored.

Sports Photography

Continuous AF and burst rate are key - Olympus bulked up the burst to 12fps but with single AF focus mode only. Galaxy NX runs 9fps but spotty continuous AF. Neither will match modern sport cameras, but Galaxy’s better AF system edges ahead. Both lack advanced AF tracking.

Street Photography & Travel

Very different use cases: Olympus’s pocketable size and quieter operation make it ideal for street and travel photography where discretion and quick operation matter. The Galaxy NX’s larger size and weight may slow you down but offer pro controls, bigger screen, and interchangeable lenses. Battery life is a crucial travel factor - Galaxy NX’s rated 440 shots per charge far exceeds Olympus (which is unspecified but generally under 300 per charge).

Macro Photography

Neither camera is optimized for macro, but Olympus’s 5cm minimum focus distance and built-in image stabilization give it an edge for impromptu close-ups. Samsung relies on purchasing specialized macro lenses with manual or autofocus.

Night & Astro Photography

Samsung wins here due to its larger sensor, higher native ISO capabilities, and RAW support allowing long exposures with noise control. Olympus’s small sensor and limited ISO range restrict performance.

Video Capabilities

Both offer 1080p Full HD video at 30 or 60fps, but Galaxy NX includes microphone and headphone ports for external audio, important to videographers, while Olympus only has built-in stereo mic and no audio input. Stabilization is optical on Olympus, absent on Samsung body but can be lens-dependent. The Galaxy NX’s giant screen and EVF assist video framing and review.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability

Neither camera is weather sealed or designed for rugged use, so both cater more to casual or indoor photographers. Build quality feels better on Samsung thanks to its heavier solid frame, but Olympus holds a surprising durability for its price range compact, thanks to fewer moving parts and integrated lens.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life

Both have built-in Wi-Fi for image sharing but lack Bluetooth or NFC. Samsung stands out with built-in GPS for geotagging, a useful feature for travel and landscape shooters who archive locations meticulously.

Both use SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards. Samsung has a dedicated battery rated for around 440 shots (more than adequate for most uses), while Olympus uses SLB-10A batteries with lower capacities - closer to 300 shots per charge.

USB 2.0 and HDMI ports on both provide basic tethering and playback, but Samsung’s larger screen and Android foundation make real wireless photo editing and sharing smoother (a head start ahead of its time).

Price-to-Performance: Where Value Sits in 2024

Launched at around $300, the Olympus SH-50 is a budget superzoom compact offering decent image quality for its class and a fantastic zoom range. For cheapskates or casual shooters wanting all-in-one convenience, it’s a practical choice.

Samsung Galaxy NX debuted around $1300, reflecting its professional-ish APS-C sensor, interchangeable lenses, and Samsung’s smartphone-like interface innovation. In 2024, it remains a niche collector’s or beginner enthusiast’s camera, probably best for those who want legacy APS-C quality with Android features - not the best bang for your buck compared to current mirrorless cameras.

How These Cameras Score in Popular Photography Genres

• Portraits: Galaxy NX dominates for bokeh, detail, and skin tone fidelity.
• Landscapes: Galaxy NX for dynamic range and resolution.
• Wildlife: Tradeoff - Olympus’s zoom vs. Samsung’s sensor and AF.
• Sports: Slight edge to Galaxy NX due to AF, but neither is fully optimized.
• Street: Olympus for discretion and quick snaps.
• Macro: Olympus wins due to close focus and stabilization.
• Night/Astro: Galaxy NX clearly better.
• Video: Galaxy NX for ports and controls.
• Travel: Olympus wins on compactness, Galaxy NX for versatility.
• Professional: Galaxy NX for quality and RAW workflow.

My Personal Take: Who Should Buy What?

Buy the Olympus SH-50 if:

• You want an ultra-portable, no-fuss zoom camera for daylight travel, street, or casual wildlife snaps.
• You prefer all-in-one lens convenience and value zoom reach over sensor size.
• Your budget is tight and advanced manual controls or RAW support aren’t priorities.
• You shoot mostly JPEGs and want simple touchscreen operation.

Buy the Samsung Galaxy NX if:

• You want a serious stepping stone mirrorless with APS-C sensor quality, interchangeable lenses, and advanced controls.
• You’re interested in portrait, landscape, or low-light photography and want to shoot RAW.
• You need external flash support and full exposure mode options.
• You don’t mind carrying a bulkier, heavier system to leverage superior image quality and customization.
• You value built-in GPS and better connectivity features.

Final Verdict: Olympus SH-50 vs Samsung Galaxy NX in 2024

Both cameras represent distinctive 2013-era philosophies: Olympus SH-50 as a pocket superzoom all-rounder, and Samsung Galaxy NX as an experimental Android-powered mirrorless system. Now over a decade old, neither competes directly with current enthusiasts’ mirrorless or compact superzoom cameras. However, for niche buyers:

• Olympus SH-50 delivers respectable image quality and spectacular zoom range in a tiny package, ideal for casual outdoor and travel photography with minimal fuss.
• Samsung Galaxy NX offers a far superior sensor, interchangeable lenses, and expanded exposure controls, making it better for ambitious amateurs and semi-pros who want DSLR-quality images and editing flexibility with modern connectivity.

If price is your biggest concern and you want solid everyday joy, Olympus gives you more everyday usability for less money. But if image quality, creative control, and future-proofing are your goals and money is less of an object, Galaxy NX’s design and sensor size will pay dividends.

Sample Images: See For Yourself

Olympus SH 50 front Olympus SH 50 screen back Samsung Galaxy NX front Samsung Galaxy NX screen back

In closing, picking a camera isn't just hardware specs; it's how it fits your personal style, discipline, and shooting scenarios. If you want to add one of these to your kit, now you have the insights from a hands-on, tech-savvy perspective.

Happy shooting, and may your next camera bring you endless inspiration!

This review reflects my personal findings after extensive hands-on testing, field comparisons, and technical analysis, rooted in over 15 years of photographic experience.