Pentax K-01 vs Samsung NX500

Lets look much closer at the Pentax K-01 versus Samsung NX500, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by manufacturers Pentax and Samsung. There exists a big gap among the sensor resolutions of the K-01 (16MP) and NX500 (28MP) but both cameras offer the same sensor sizes (APS-C).

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The K-01 was revealed 3 years before the NX500 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Pentax K-01 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Samsung NX500 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the K-01 scores against the NX500 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax K-01 and Samsung NX500. The full galleries are viewable at Pentax K-01 Gallery and Samsung NX500 Gallery.

When you are looking to lug around your camera regularly, you'll have to consider its weight and volume. The Pentax K-01 provides exterior dimensions of 122mm x 79mm x 58mm (4.8" x 3.1" x 2.3") and a weight of 561 grams (1.24 lbs) and the Samsung NX500 has sizing of 120mm x 64mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.5" x 1.7") having a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Check the Pentax K-01 versus Samsung NX500 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with during that time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the K-01 and the NX500.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the K-01 and NX500 is 76 and 87 respectively.

Sometimes, its hard to imagine the gap in sensor measurements merely by seeing technical specs. The graphic below should offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the K-01 and NX500.

As you can tell, both cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but different resolution. You should expect to see the Samsung NX500 to produce greater detail because of its extra 12MP. Greater resolution will help you crop pics more aggressively. The older K-01 will be behind in sensor technology.