Samsung HZ15W vs Samsung NX5

Its time to examine more in depth at the Samsung HZ15W vs Samsung NX5, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and they are both manufactured by Samsung. The sensor resolution of the HZ15W (12MP) and the NX5 (15MP) is very comparable but the HZ15W (1/2.3") and NX5 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The HZ15W was brought out 15 months prior to the NX5 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both cameras offer different body type with the Samsung HZ15W being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting through a in-depth comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the HZ15W matches up vs the NX5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Samsung HZ15W & Samsung NX5. The entire galleries are viewable at Samsung HZ15W Gallery & Samsung NX5 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera frequently, you'll need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Samsung HZ15W enjoys outside measurements of 105mm x 61mm x 37mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5") with a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs) and the Samsung NX5 has dimensions of 123mm x 87mm x 40mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 1.6") having a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Compare the Samsung HZ15W vs Samsung NX5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you use at that moment. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the HZ15W compared to the NX5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the HZ15W and NX5 is 90 and 80 respectively.

Typically, it can be tough to envision the difference in sensor measurements simply by going through specs. The graphic underneath will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the HZ15W and NX5.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The HZ15W featuring a smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Samsung NX5 will produce extra detail having its extra 3MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos far more aggressively. The older HZ15W will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.