Samsung CL5 vs Samsung NX500

Below, we will be contrasting the Samsung CL5 vs Samsung NX500, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both are sold by Samsung. There is a considerable difference among the sensor resolutions of the CL5 (9MP) and NX500 (28MP) and the CL5 (1/2.5") and NX500 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The CL5 was unveiled 7 years prior to the NX500 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Samsung CL5 being a Ultracompact camera and the Samsung NX500 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go through a thorough comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the CL5 scores vs the NX500 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Samsung CL5 & Samsung NX500. The full galleries are viewable at Samsung CL5 Gallery & Samsung NX500 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Samsung CL5 features external measurements of 93mm x 60mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.7") along with a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs) and the Samsung NX500 has dimensions of 120mm x 64mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.5" x 1.7") having a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Look at the Samsung CL5 vs Samsung NX500 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have chosen at the time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the CL5 versus the NX500.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the CL5 and NX500 is 95 and 87 respectively.

In many cases, it is very hard to visualise the gap in sensor sizes purely by checking out specs. The picture underneath should give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the CL5 and NX500.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The CL5 using its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Samsung NX500 will provide more detail having an extra 19MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures much more aggressively. The more aged CL5 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.