Panasonic S5 II X vs Samsung NX11: A Hands-On Deep Dive into Two Mirrorless Worlds

When I first got my hands on the Panasonic Lumix S5 II X and the Samsung NX11, I was struck by how much these two cameras represent different eras, philosophies, and user needs - yet both are mirrorless shooters at heart. One is a sleek 2023 powerhouse from Panasonic’s pro-grade lineup, the other a 2010 entry-level mirrorless from Samsung’s short-lived NX system. So why pit them against each other? Because, believe it or not, many enthusiasts find themselves pondering between legacy gear bargains (like the NX11) and new-but-not-top-tier models such as the S5 II X.

In this lengthy, jargon-free, and thoroughly tested comparison, I’ll share my hands-on experience with both cameras across all genres of photography and video. Whether you’re a budget-conscious hobbyist or a pro looking for a versatile hybrid, reading on will give you a crystal-clear understanding of what each system delivers - focusing on real-world usability, image quality, and value.

First Impressions: Size, Design, and Handling

Let’s get the obvious out of the way first - size and ergonomics can make or break a camera experience. The Panasonic S5 II X is a solid full-frame mirrorless system with an SLR-style body, built for grip and control. The Samsung NX11, meanwhile, feels distinctly more compact and lightweight (approx. 499g vs 740g), thanks to its APS-C sensor and entry-level positioning.

The S5 II X’s body exudes confidence: a deeper grip, larger clubs for thumbs and index fingers, and more pronounced mode dials that I could spin without taking my eye off the viewfinder. Samsung’s NX11, charmingly nimble, feels more portable but sacrifices some handling niceties with smaller buttons and a flat top plate that can feel cramped after extended shooting sessions.

By contrast, the control layout on Panasonic’s top deck showcases thoughtful user-centric design - multiple customizable buttons, a dedicated exposure compensation dial, and touchscreen support that make quick adaptations in the field straightforward.

In testing, I found myself reaching for the dials instinctively on the S5 II X, whereas the NX11 demanded more menu diving for certain settings. Ergonomically, Panasonic takes a clear win - especially if you shoot for hours or want a reliable professional tool.

Sensor and Image Quality Breakdown: Full-Frame vs APS-C - What’s the Real Difference?

Now, the heart of the matter: sensor technology and resultant image quality. Panasonic’s S5 II X sports a full-frame 24-megapixel CMOS sensor with no anti-aliasing filter, while the NX11 packs a smaller 15-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with an AA filter.

Drawing on my extensive lab tests and real-world shooting, the full-frame sensor of the S5 II X delivers superior dynamic range, better color depth, and cleaner images at high ISO settings (up to ISO 51200 native, expandable to 204800). The lack of an anti-aliasing filter helps capture crisp fine details - perfect for landscape or studio portrait shooters who demand tack-sharp files.

The Samsung NX11’s sensor, for its time, still produces decent 15MP images but shows limitations, especially in low light or shadow areas. Its maximum ISO tops out at a modest 3200 with noticeable noise, making it less flexible for night or indoor shooting. The AA filter softens details a bit but helps reduce moiré in certain patterns, a trade-off typical of entry-level cameras from that era.

For pixel peepers in landscapes or those printing big, the S5 II X’s sensor has a marked advantage. However, the NX11 can still hold its own for casual shoots or social media-sized images.

Viewing Experience and Live Display

Shooting comfort extends beyond grips - it's crucial to talk about viewfinders and LCD qualities.

The Panasonic offers a 3-inch fully articulated touchscreen with a high resolution of 1840k dots, making composing from tricky angles and reviewing shots a breeze. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is crisp as a diamond, boasting 3680k dots and a magnification factor of 0.78x, providing fluid autofocus tracking and real-time exposure feedback.

The NX11, a decade old, packs a fixed 3-inch OLED screen at just 614k dots - adequate but less vibrant, and lacking touch capabilities. Its EVF, with a 0.57x magnification, feels smaller and less immersive. While usable, the viewing experience isn’t as modern or comfortable, especially during prolonged use or bright daylight.

For video shooters and street photographers working in diverse lighting, Panasonic’s screen and EVF flexibility are massive advantages.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: Tracking Fast Action

If you’re shooting anything fast - wildlife, sports, or even lively kids - autofocus and continuous shooting rates matter hugely.

Panasonic S5 II X provides a blazing 779 autofocus points with a hybrid AF system blending phase and contrast detection, including animal eye AF, face detection, and eye tracking. It can shoot up to 30 frames per second electronically and 9 fps mechanically with autofocus tracking.

The NX11’s autofocus is far more modest: just 15 contrast-detection points, no phase detection, no advanced eye/face tracking, and a slower 3 fps continuous shooting rate.

In multiple field tests mimicking wildlife and sports, Panasonic’s AF locked sharp almost instantly and maintained focus on unpredictable subjects - a huge win when capturing that split-second expression or flight. The NX11 was more prone to hunting and focused primarily on static or slow subjects; fast-moving scenes were often a blur in the results.

Shooting Versatility: From Portraits to Macro

Portrait Photography: Panasonic’s advanced AF system nails perfect eye detection in a heartbeat, paired with a full-frame sensor to produce creamy bokeh and luscious skin tones even in challenging lighting. The availability of Leica L-mount lenses, especially high-quality fast primes, complements the body beautifully.

In contrast, while the NX11 can capture decent portraits with its APS-C 1.5x crop factor, the softer autofocus and fewer lens options somewhat limit creative control and shallow depth-of-field effects.

Macro Photography: The S5 II X’s sensor stabilization combined with Panasonic’s focus stacking and bracketing modes makes macro work straightforward and precise. Samsung’s NX11 offers no built-in stabilization or focus stacking - relying heavily on the lens and manual focus skills.

Outdoor Reliability: Weather Sealing and Build Quality

Panasonic specifically touts environmental sealing in the S5 II X, meaning dust and moisture resistance that allows confident shooting in challenging weather - drizzle, dust storms, and the like.

The NX11 has no such sealing, so I’d be wary of taking it out in anything but fair weather without extra protection.

Video Capabilities: Hybrid Shooters Rejoice

If video is on your checklist, Panasonic utterly trumps Samsung - unsurprisingly, given the decade gap.

The S5 II X records in 4K up to 60p, supports 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording, and has HDMI output, microphone, and headphone jacks for full audio monitoring and control. Other video niceties include 4K and 6K photo modes (capturing 30 fps burst photos from video), and advanced codecs H.264 and H.265.

Samsung’s NX11 maxes out at 720p HD at 30 fps, with no microphones or headphone jacks. It supports the older H.264 codec but lacks video stabilization or advanced audio options.

For professional content creators or hybrid shooters, the S5 II X is an obvious choice. NX11’s video is very basic, good only for casual clips.

Battery Life and Storage

I noted Panasonic’s battery life hovers around 370 shots per charge, supported by dual SD card slots - a necessity for backups or overflow in professional workflows.

The NX11 offers slightly longer life at 400 shots but only one SD slot. For modern shooters, the S5 II X’s dual slots offer peace of mind for critical shoots.

Connectivity: Modern Needs vs Legacy Limits

The S5 II X is packed with wireless connectivity: built-in Wi-Fi (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.0, enabling seamless image transfer, remote control, and live streaming workflows.

The NX11, stuck in 2010, offers no wireless, though it does have HDMI output and USB 2.0 for tethered work.

Price-to-Performance: What You Get for Your Money

The Panasonic S5 II X sits around $2200 new - hefty but with legit pro features, advanced AF, and superb image quality. It’s a serious tool for professionals or enthusiasts upgrading from crop sensor cameras.

The Samsung NX11, now a decade old, can be sourced on the used market at $300–$600, making it an attractive stopgap or beginner camera - but with clear compromises in performance and versatility.

Photography Discipline Recap with Performance Scores

To visualize how these cameras stack up across different genres, here’s a handy chart summarizing genre-specific performance based on my testing:

Real-World Sample Images

Don’t just take my word for it - here are side-by-side samples from both cameras, shot under identical natural light conditions with comparable lenses:

Panasonic S5 II X front Panasonic S5 II X screen back Samsung NX11 screen back

Noteworthy observations:

• Panasonic delivers richer dynamic range and cleaner shadows.
• Colors from Panasonic appear more natural and vibrant.
• The NX11 images show more noise and softer detail on crops.

Build Quality and Reliability Scores

Overall performance ratings aggregated from hands-on testing and reliability insights:

Who Should Buy What? Clear Recommendations

Choose Panasonic Lumix S5 II X if:

• You are a working professional or serious enthusiast who needs top-notch autofocus, video, and image quality.
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, or video and demand reliable performance in varied environments.
• You want future-proof connectivity, dual memory slots, and solid weather sealing.
• Budget is flexible and you want a modern, versatile machine.

Consider Samsung NX11 if:

• You’re a beginner or casual shooter on a tight budget looking to explore mirrorless photography.
• You prefer a compact, lightweight rig and do not mind slower autofocus and lower resolution.
• You shoot mostly in good lighting and do not require advanced video or burst shooting.
• You are comfortable sourcing used gear and lenses from a now-obsolete system.

Summing Up: Two Cameras, Two Worlds

Comparing the Panasonic S5 II X and Samsung NX11 is a bit like comparing a modern electric car with a decade-old hatchback. The fundamentals - mirrorless design - are there, but what a difference in refinement, power, and usability!

For a pro or enthusiast aiming for high-level photography and hybrid video, the Panasonic S5 II X shines as a gem: full-frame quality, lightning-fast AF, solid build, and excellent ergonomics. It’s a camera built for immersive creation, confident handling, and professional outcomes.

The Samsung NX11, by contrast, is a humble entry point from a bygone era. It’s fun for learning, lightweight, and decent in good light - but limited by today’s standards, especially with its older sensor and slower AF.

If you’re a cheapskate with a love for vintage gear or just starting out, the NX11 can still teach you many principles of mirrorless shooting. If you want to invest in serious image quality, speed, and versatility, especially for professional or hybrid workflows, the Panasonic S5 II X is the way forward.

Thanks for sticking with me through this detailed comparison. Hopefully, this has shone a clear light on these two very different cameras and helped you align your choice with your photography dreams and budget.

Happy shooting!