Panasonic LX100 II vs Samsung NX5: An Expert Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

When faced with choosing a camera, photographers often juggle legacy gear and modern compact designs. Today, I’m putting two distinct cameras head-to-head: the Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II, a large sensor compact released in 2018, versus the much older Samsung NX5, an entry-level mirrorless introduced back in 2010. While the age gap is significant, understanding the technical nuances and real-world impact of these models offers valuable insights - especially for photographers on a budget or those intrigued by different system philosophies.

I’ve spent many hours testing each camera in various scenarios, from landscape adventures to street snaps, wildlife, and portraits. Here’s a thorough comparison to help you assess which camera deserves a place in your gear bag or collection.

Glancing at the Essentials: Size and Handling

Before diving deep into image quality, autofocus, or video, let’s talk ergonomics and size, because handling often makes or breaks the photographic experience.

The Panasonic LX100 II embraces a compact, almost pocketable form factor, with dimensions of 115 x 66 x 64 mm and a relatively light weight of 392 grams. Despite its small footprint, the successor of the beloved LX100 ingeniously integrates a large sensor and fast zoom lens, making it a versatile carry-anywhere option.

On the other hand, the Samsung NX5 is larger and chunkier at 123 x 87 x 40 mm, weighing about 499 grams - reflective of its early mirrorless design lineage with an SLR-style body. The grip is more pronounced but less refined by modern ergonomic standards. While still lightweight by DSLR standards, it doesn’t match the LX100 II’s portability.

Both cameras feature fixed 3-inch rear LCDs; however, only the LX100 II sports a touchscreen interface, enhancing direct and intuitive control - a modern convenience sadly lacking in the NX5. The NX5’s screen has just 230k-dot resolution (significantly lower), which can frustrate image review and live view shooting.

The top control layouts reveal another key difference:

The LX100 II impresses with dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture ring, and exposure compensation - a dream for manual shooters who value quick adjustments without diving into menus. The NX5 offers conventional dial and button input, though the control scheme feels dated and less tactile overall.

Summary: For photographers prioritizing compactness and tactile manual control, the Panasonic LX100 II leads. The Samsung NX5, while offering a larger grip, lacks modern ergonomics and touchscreen usability, which may slow down your workflow.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Freshness vs. Legacy

At the heart of any camera lies its sensor. Understanding sensor size, resolution, and performance is critical, especially when evaluating cameras from different eras.

The Panasonic LX100 II uses a Four Thirds 17.3 x 13 mm sensor - significantly larger than the 1” sensors typical in many compacts, though smaller than APS-C or full-frame. This sensor measures around 224.9 mm² area and offers a resolution of roughly 17 megapixels (4736 x 3552) with an anti-aliasing filter.

In contrast, the Samsung NX5 features a larger APS-C sensor (23.4 x 15.6 mm) with an effective 15-megapixel resolution (4592 x 3056). The larger sensor area of 365 mm² theoretically grants better low-light performance and dynamic range compared to Four Thirds.

However, sensor size alone doesn't tell the whole story. The LX100 II pairs its sensor with Panasonic’s updated Venus Engine processor, meaning it benefits from more recent noise reduction, color science, and image processing advancements. The NX5’s DRIM Engine, while solid at the time, lags behind in noise handling, color accuracy, and dynamic range.

Native ISO ranges further highlight the evolution: LX100 II runs from ISO 200–25600, while the NX5 tops out at ISO 3200. Practically, the LX100 II produces cleaner images at higher ISOs, making it a superior choice for low-light and night photography.

In practice, I noticed the LX100 II’s images retain punchy, natural colors and impressive detail without aggressive noise suppression smudging textures. The NX5 sometimes struggles with noise and narrower dynamic range in shadow areas - consistent with cameras a decade old.

Autofocus and Focus Features: Speed, Precision, and Usability

Autofocus (AF) performance is a decisive factor in many shooter decisions. It impacts daily handling, the ability to track quick-moving subjects, and macro precision.

The LX100 II boasts a contrast-detection AF system with 49 focus points and several AF modes - single, continuous, tracking, selective, and face detection. Though it lacks phase detection, I found the contrast-detection AF reliable and snappy for a compact, with accurate eye detection for portraits. Continuous AF tracking performs well in modest movement but struggles with aggressive sports or wildlife subjects.

The NX5 utilizes a similar contrast-detection AF with 15 points but lacks advanced tracking features or face detection. Its max continuous shooting is capped at a mere 3 fps, limiting burst potential. Moreover, its focus system exhibits more hunting in low contrast or low light compared to the Panasonic, making it less versatile for dynamic subjects.

Both cameras permit full manual focus, but the Panasonic’s touchscreen aids precise focusing with peaking and magnification, a feature the NX5 lacks.

If you’re shooting portraits, the Panasonic’s face detection and faster AF assist in locking crisp eye focus. The NX5 demands patience and more manual intervention.

Lens and System Versatility

One fundamental difference arises from lens design: the LX100 II features a fixed 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 lens, optimized for the Four Thirds sensor - a compact zoom with great brightness. This fixed lens reduces system bulk, simplifies operation, and performs exceptionally well optically, with sharpness maintained throughout the focal range and pleasant bokeh for portraits.

The NX5, as part of Samsung’s interchangeable NX mount system, supports a variety of lenses (32 compatible options in its prime). This ranges from primes to zooms, macro to telephoto. While lens versatility is a plus, the discontinued Samsung NX system poses a challenge in terms of lens availability and future support. Used lenses may be found on secondary markets, but no new lenses have been produced for years.

For wildlife or sports, the NX5’s ability to pair with long telephotos provides an edge, given appropriate glass. However, Panasonic’s lens on the LX100 II maxes at 75mm (equivalent to 150mm on full frame), somewhat restricting reach.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera features weather sealing, dustproofing, waterproofing, or rugged shock resistance. Both aim more at enthusiasts and beginner photographers than professionals facing brutal field conditions.

Regarding build, the LX100 II’s body feels solid and premium for a compact, using metal chassis and offering robust buttons and dials. The NX5 plastic-heavy body feels less refined, with some creaks and flex in the grip areas. For travel and street photography, the LX100 II’s tighter build inspires confidence.

Display and Viewfinder Functionality

Both cameras include electronic viewfinders (EVFs) essential for bright sunlight shooting or precise manual work.

The LX100 II offers a 2.76 million dot EVF, delivering crystal-clear detail with 100% frame coverage and approximately 0.7x magnification. This EVF is sharp, with natural color rendering and low lag - a joy for composing photos.

The NX5’s EVF resolution is unspecified but practically noticeably lower magnification (0.57x) and less sharpness. The rear LCD on the Panasonic further outclasses the Samsung with a high-resolution 1240k-dot touch-capable screen, compared to a tiny 230k-dot non-touch OLED display on the NX5.

This difference impacts real-world usability - exposure toggles, focus point selection, and image review are far more comfortable on the LX100 II.

Burst Shooting, Video and Special Features

Burst shooting speed is important for sports, wildlife, or spontaneous moments.

• Panasonic LX100 II: Up to 11 fps continuous shooting.
• Samsung NX5: Only 3 fps burst.

The LX100 II’s burst capability combined with 4K photo mode (extracting 8MP images from 30fps video bursts) makes it a strong candidate for fast action capture.

When it comes to video, the LX100 II easily outshines the NX5:

• LX100 II records 4K UHD video up to 30p at 100 Mbps - a modern standard for quality.
• NX5 is capped at 720p HD at 30fps, using older H.264 codec.

The Panasonic also offers timelapse recording and electronic image stabilization, enhancing its video versatility. The NX5 lacks image stabilization altogether and has no modern connectivity features.

Neither camera has microphone or headphone jacks, making audio capture somewhat limited for video professionals.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery life is another practical consideration.

• Panasonic LX100 II offers around 340 shots per charge under CIPA standards.
• Samsung NX5 rates higher at 400 shots, partly due to older, less power-hungry tech and no fancy EVF resolution.

Both utilize one SD card slot; the LX100 II supports SDXC UHS-I cards, allowing faster write speeds for 4K video, which the NX5 cannot leverage.

Real-World Applications: How Do They Stack Up by Photography Genre?

After hands-on testing across diverse photographic needs, here’s the breakdown:

Panasonic LX100 II front Panasonic LX100 II screen back Samsung NX5 screen back

Portrait Photography

LX100 II: The large Four Thirds sensor combined with a bright f/1.7 lens produces creamy bokeh and sharp eye detail. Face detection AF provides quick, reliable focus on eyes, greatly improving workflows. Colors render pleasingly warm and accurate for skin tones.

NX5: Decent results but limited by slower AF and smaller maximum aperture lenses dictated by your lens choice. Face detection helps, but AF tracking is less effective.

Landscape Photography

LX100 II: Resolves excellent detail with good dynamic range; 17MP is enough for most prints. Limited weather sealing requires cautious outdoor use.

NX5: Slightly larger sensor theoretically provides more dynamic range and total resolution. However, older sensor tech struggles with shadows and highlight recovery.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

LX100 II: Burst speed and AF tracking suffice for casual wildlife but limited zoom reach restricts telephoto power.

NX5: Advantageous with interchangeable telephoto lenses, but lower burst speeds hamper sports shooting performance.

Street Photography

LX100 II: Small size, near-silent electronic shutter, and fast zoom lens favor discretion and speed - ideal for quick street captures.

NX5: Bulk and slower AF make it less nimble. No silent shutter limits stealth.

Macro Photography

LX100 II: Close focusing down to 3cm and focus stacking features give excellent macro results for a compact.

NX5: Dependent on specialized lenses and manual focus skills; no focus stacking.

Night and Astrophotography

LX100 II: Higher maximum ISO and cleaner output produce usable low-light images; exposure bracketing helps.

NX5: Limited top ISO and older noise handling reduces flexibility.

Video Recording

LX100 II: Widescreen 4K video, useful in multimedia workflows; decent stabilization gives smooth footage.

NX5: Restricted to 720p video, no image stabilization, limiting modern video applications.

Travel Photography

LX100 II: Lightweight, compact, and versatile lens make it ideal for travelers who value image quality and compact gear.

NX5: Bulkier and more limited in features but can suit users with existing lens collections.

Professional Work

Neither is a professional workhorse. LX100 II's RAW output and manual controls fit advanced hobbyists or prosumers; NX5’s outdated hardware and lack of system support hinder professional use.

Performance Scores and Value Analysis

Considering the composite performance factors - image quality, build, autofocus, video, and ergonomics - the Panasonic LX100 II scores significantly higher across the board.

These charts confirm the LX100 II’s superiority in genres requiring image quality, burst speed, and video, with the NX5 still holding niche value for budget-conscious users or those wanting an interchangeable lens system.

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II if:

• You want compact, high-quality imaging with superb color reproduction.
• Video recording in 4K and additional features like focus stacking and in-camera 4K photo modes excite you.
• Portability and tactile control dials matter for your workflow.
• You shoot a variety of genres - from street and portraits to travel and night photography.
• You prefer a modern interface with touchscreen and fast autofocus.

Consider the Samsung NX5 if:

• You seek an entry-level mirrorless system with interchangeable lenses on a tight budget.
• You don't mind a heavier, less refined body, and you primarily shoot in good light.
• Video is not a priority beyond basic HD clips.
• You already own Samsung NX lenses or can find affordable secondhand glass.
• Battery life and basic photography functions suffice.

Final Verdict

My experience tells me the Panasonic LX100 II is a much more balanced and capable camera for today’s photo and video needs. It elegantly blends portability, image quality, and modern controls - making it my recommendation for most photography enthusiasts in this comparison.

The Samsung NX5, while a notable milestone in mirrorless history, struggles to keep pace with technical and usability advancements. Unless specific lens needs or budget constraints dictate, the LX100 II remains the smarter long-term choice.

Summary Table of Key Specs

Choosing between the Panasonic LX100 II and Samsung NX5 boils down to weighing cutting-edge compact convenience and video capability against interchangeable lens flexibility and price. From my extensive testing, the LX100 II is my clear winner for those wanting a versatile all-rounder with modern features and outstanding image quality.

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