Samsung CL5 vs Samsung NX300

Following is a in depth overview of the Samsung CL5 and Samsung NX300, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and they are both offered by Samsung. There exists a sizable gap between the resolutions of the CL5 (9MP) and NX300 (20MP) and the CL5 (1/2.5") and NX300 (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizes.

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The CL5 was announced 5 years before the NX300 which is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Samsung CL5 being a Ultracompact camera and the Samsung NX300 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going into a comprehensive comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the CL5 scores vs the NX300 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Samsung CL5 & Samsung NX300. The whole galleries are provided at Samsung CL5 Gallery & Samsung NX300 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry around your camera, you'll need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Samsung CL5 offers outer measurements of 93mm x 60mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX300 has dimensions of 122mm x 64mm x 41mm (4.8" x 2.5" x 1.6") and a weight of 331 grams (0.73 lbs).

Compare the Samsung CL5 and Samsung NX300 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have at the time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the CL5 compared to the NX300.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the CL5 and NX300 is 95 and 86 respectively.

Typically, its hard to envision the gap between sensor sizes simply by reading through technical specs. The picture here will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the CL5 and NX300.

As you have seen, both of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The CL5 using its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Samsung NX300 will resolve extra detail with its extra 11 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures more aggressively. The more aged CL5 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.