Samsung CL5 vs Samsung NX200

Following is a thorough analysis of the Samsung CL5 and Samsung NX200, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and they are both built by Samsung. There exists a crucial gap between the resolutions of the CL5 (9MP) and NX200 (20MP) and the CL5 (1/2.5") and NX200 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor sizing.

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The CL5 was released 4 years prior to the NX200 which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Samsung CL5 being a Ultracompact camera and the Samsung NX200 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the CL5 scores against the NX200 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Samsung CL5 and Samsung NX200. The complete galleries are viewable at Samsung CL5 Gallery and Samsung NX200 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera often, you should factor its weight and volume. The Samsung CL5 provides physical dimensions of 93mm x 60mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.7") with a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs) while the Samsung NX200 has sizing of 117mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.6" x 2.5" x 1.4") and a weight of 223 grams (0.49 lbs).

Check the Samsung CL5 and Samsung NX200 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are working with at that time. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the CL5 vs the NX200.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the CL5 and NX200 is 95 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, it can be hard to visualise the gap between sensor sizes purely by reviewing a spec sheet. The picture here may offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the CL5 and NX200.

Clearly, both of the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The CL5 because of its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Samsung NX200 will deliver more detail as a result of its extra 11MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The more aged CL5 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.