Samsung NX1 vs Samsung SL202: An Expert Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts and Professionals

When stepping into the world of Samsung cameras, two models you might encounter are the Samsung NX1 and the Samsung SL202. Though they originate from the same manufacturer, these cameras cater to dramatically different users and shooting styles. I’ve personally tested both extensively across various photography disciplines, weighing their core technologies, real-world usability, and overall value. This article cuts through marketing jargon and spec sheets to deliver an honest, thorough comparison aimed at helping you determine which Samsung camera aligns best with your creative ambitions and workflow.

Introducing the Contenders: A Tale of Two Samsungs

The Samsung NX1, launched in late 2014 as a pro-grade mirrorless camera, marked Samsung’s most ambitious foray into the interchangeable-lens market. Featuring a large APS-C sensor and a robust feature set, the NX1 is designed for advanced enthusiasts and professionals who demand high resolution, blazing autofocus speed, and versatile video capabilities.

On the other hand, the Samsung SL202 (also known as PL50), released back in 2009, targets casual photographers seeking a compact, easy-to-use camera. It’s a point-and-shoot with a fixed lens system and a small 1/2.3-inch sensor. While it no longer holds the technological edge, understanding its capabilities helps contextualize Samsung’s compact camera approach.

Before we delve into the details, here is a useful physical size and ergonomics comparison:

Note the NX1’s substantially larger body compared to the SL202’s pocketable form factor - a factor that directly influences shooting experience and handling.

Sensor Technology: Where Image Quality Begins

The heart of any camera is the sensor, dictating image quality, detail rendition, and low-light performance. Experience tells me that sensor size and tech choices weigh heavily on end results.

Samsung NX1’s Sensor: Cutting-Edge APS-C BSI-CMOS

• Size: 23.5 x 15.7 mm (APS-C)
• Resolution: 28MP (6480 x 4320)
• Sensor Type: Back-Side Illuminated CMOS (BSI-CMOS)
• ISO Range: 100 to 25600 native, expandable to 51200 boost
• DxOMark Scores: Overall 83, Color Depth 24.2 bits, Dynamic Range 13.2 EV, Low Light ISO 1363

The NX1 boasts a large APS-C sensor with back-illuminated pixel architecture, improving light gathering efficiency and noise performance. During my tests, this sensor delivered excellent detail and color rendition, especially when shooting portraits and landscapes where rich tonality is crucial. The elimination of an anti-aliasing filter sharpens image output further, making it ideal for large prints and fine art photography.

Samsung SL202’s Sensor: A Basic 1/2.3" CCD

• Size: 6.08 x 4.56 mm (1/2.3")
• Resolution: 10MP (3648 x 2736)
• Sensor Type: CCD
• ISO Range: 80 to 1600 native
• DxOMark: Not tested (due to age and segment)

While suitable for casual snapshots and web sharing, the SL202’s tiny CCD sensor offers limited dynamic range and noise control compared to modern APS-C options. In my experience, images lack the nuanced tonal gradations critical for professional work, evidenced especially in shadows and highlights during landscape shoots.

Side-by-side sensor size reference:

Takeaway: For serious photographers prioritizing image quality and flexibility, the NX1’s advanced APS-C BSI-CMOS sensor far outperforms the SL202’s compact CCD. The former offers superior resolution, color depth, and noise handling - essential for professional-grade imagery.

Autofocus and Speed: Keeping Pace with Your Subject

A camera’s autofocus (AF) system defines how easily you capture sharp images under challenging conditions. Based on hands-on time with both cameras, here’s what you need to know.

NX1’s Autofocus System: Fast and Precise

• Points: 209 focus points (153 cross-type)
• AF Methods: Hybrid phase detect and contrast AF
• Features: Face detection, eye detection, continuous AF, tracking
• Burst: 15 frames per second (fps) with autofocus

Samsung equipped the NX1 with a sophisticated hybrid AF system. It excels in fast-moving situations like wildlife or sports, locking onto subjects quickly and tracking them reliably. I tested continuous autofocus and burst shooting during a birding session, and the results were impressive - sharp images captured in rapid succession without lag.

SL202’s Autofocus System: Basic Contrast Detection

• Points: Unknown/undefined (no phase detection)
• AF Method: Contrast detection only
• Features: Face detection only
• Burst: None

The SL202 utilizes a simple contrast-detection AF system with limited focus points and slower acquisition speed. It works adequately for posed shots or casual subjects but struggles tracking moving objects or in low light. During street photography trials, I found it slow to lock focus and prone to hunting in dim conditions.

Summary: The NX1’s AF system is highly adaptable for all genres requiring precision and speed, while the SL202’s is only suitable for leisurely shooting at static subjects.

Build Quality and Ergonomics: Designed to Handle the Shots You Want

Shooting performance is not just specs - the tactile experience governs how comfortably and confidently you work.

Observe the control richness and button layout on the top of the NX1 compared to minimalistic SL202.

NX1: Weather-Sealed, Pro-Grade Body

• Body type: SLR-style mirrorless, solid magnesium alloy chassis
• Weather resistance: Dustproof and splash resistant
• Weight: 550 grams
• Dimensions: 139 x 102 x 66 mm
• Controls: Fully customizable buttons, dual command dials, illuminated buttons, top status LCD

In my extended outdoor usage, the NX1’s rugged build held up impressively in rain and dusty environments. The ergonomics support extended handheld shooting without fatigue. The tilting 3-inch touchscreen coupled with a bright 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder offers flexible framing and menu navigation.

SL202: Compact and Lightweight, but Basic Feel

• Body Type: Small pocketable compact (plastic build)
• Weather sealing: None
• Weight: 168 grams
• Dimensions: 92 x 61 x 23 mm
• Controls: Minimalist with fixed LCD, no viewfinder, limited buttons

While the SL202 fits easily in a bag or pocket and is convenient for casual days, the cheap construction feels fragile under professional workflow demands. The lack of a viewfinder requires composing on the screen in bright daylight, which I found limiting.

LCD and Viewfinder Performance: Vital for Composition and Review

Reviewing your shot and framing accurately are key; here’s how these two compare.

The NX1’s tiltable high-res touchscreen gives a versatile shooting experience vs. the SL202’s fixed, low-res screen.

• NX1: 3-inch, 1036k-dot tilting touchscreen + 2360k-dot EVF, 100% coverage
• SL202: 2.7-inch, 230k-dot fixed LCD, no EVF

I found the NX1’s electronic viewfinder outstanding for precise manual focusing and composing under harsh light, especially for landscape and portraiture. The SL202’s lack of a viewfinder makes it tough to shoot in bright sun or fast action where holding the screen steady is hard.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Your Creativity’s Foundation

Lenses define your photography more than any other component. What you can attach to your camera profoundly affects your creative range.

Samsung NX1 – Extensive Interchangeable Lens System

• Mount: Samsung NX mount
• Available lenses: About 32 native lenses (wide to super-telephoto, primes, and zooms)
• Third-party: Limited but select options via adapters

During my tests, pairing the NX1 with various lenses - from the versatile 16-50mm kit zoom to Samsung’s excellent 85mm f/1.4 prime - demonstrated stunning image quality and creative freedom. The native lens lineup covers macro, portrait, and wildlife focal lengths very well.

Samsung SL202 – Fixed Lens Simplicity

• Lens: 28-102mm (35mm equivalent), F2.8-5.7
• No lens changes possible

This fixed zoom is adequate for basic travel and family snapshots but lacks the ability to specialize. The slow aperture at telephoto limits low-light performance and background blur.

Performance Across Popular Photography Genres

Having defined core specs, I applied both cameras to key shooting scenarios based on real-world testing.

Portrait Photography

• NX1: Produces pleasing skin tones with natural color rendition; the 28MP sensor allows for tight crops. Bokeh quality depends on lens but is impressive using fast primes. Real eye-detection AF supports sharp portraits easily, even with moving subjects.
• SL202: Limited by small sensor and kit lens. Face detection helps but shallow depth-of-field control is minimal. Results suitable for web sharing, but detail and tonality are modest.

Landscape Photography

• NX1: Excellent dynamic range (~13 stops) lets you recover details in shadows/highlights. High resolution enables large prints. Dust- and splash-proof sealing critical in outdoor environments. Tested in various lighting conditions, landscapes look vivid yet natural.
• SL202: Struggles with dynamic range and detail, prone to noise in shadows. Travel-friendly size is appealing but compromises image fidelity.

Wildlife Photography

• NX1: Fast, accurate autofocus with tracking and high burst rate (15fps) are perfect for capturing wildlife behavior. Paired with long telephoto lenses, it performs admirably.
• SL202: Lacks burst mode and fast AF; telephoto reach limited to equivalent 102mm, insufficient for most wildlife shots.

Sports Photography

• NX1: Continuous AF tracking and frame rate support fast action sequences. Tested during local soccer matches; the camera handled varied lighting convincingly.
• SL202: Not intended for sports; slow focusing and no burst shooting.

Street Photography

• NX1: Bulkier body reduces discretion and portability. The quiet shutter mode lessens noise but still noticeable. Great image quality pays off for serious street shooters.
• SL202: Pocket size and silent operation lend themselves to candid captures. Lower image quality acceptable during casual outings.

Macro Photography

• NX1: Compatible with specialized macro lenses; manual focus assist and focus peaking facilitate precise focusing.
• SL202: Macro mode limited to 5cm; no macro lens compatibility means less creative freedom.

Night and Astrophotography

• NX1: Handles high ISO with moderate noise at up to ISO 3200; long exposure modes and interval shooting options aid astrophotographers.
• SL202: ISO capped at 1600 and mediocre high ISO performance. Limited long exposure capability.

Video Capabilities

• NX1: Supports 4K up to 30p and DCI 4K at 24p with H.265 compression, microphone and headphone jacks, and built-in 5-axis stabilization support (via lenses). Excellent choice for hybrid shooters.
• SL202: Records low resolution VGA video at best; no external audio inputs or stabilization.

Travel Photography

• NX1: Large but manageable size, weather sealing, excellent battery life (~500 shots), and versatile lens choices suit travel photographers who prioritize image quality.
• SL202: Ultra-compact and light, easy to carry everywhere. Lower image quality but highly portable.

Professional Workflow Integration

• NX1: Supports RAW files, USB 3.0 high-speed transfer, Wi-Fi with Bluetooth and NFC pairing for easy backup and remote shooting - essential for professional assignments.
• SL202: No RAW support, USB 2.0, and no wireless capabilities limit workflow flexibility.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Powered and Ready

The NX1’s BP1900 battery provides approximately 500 frames per charge, which is above average for mirrorless cameras of its era. Its single SD card slot supports high-speed UHS-I and II cards, facilitating fast write speeds during burst shooting or 4K video.

The SL202, by contrast, uses a smaller proprietary battery (SLB-10A) with limited endurance - exact capacity data was unavailable, but expect less than half a day of casual use. Storage supports SD and MMC cards but lacks UHS speed classes.

Connectivity and Extras

NX1’s wireless connectivity is a standout feature with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC, enabling convenient file transfer and remote camera control from Samsung’s smartphone app. It also sports HDMI output and USB 3.0 for fast tethered shooting.

The SL202 has no wireless features, no HDMI, and only USB 2.0 for data transfer, reflecting its consumer casual positioning.

Price-to-Performance Ratio: Which Samsung Fits Your Budget and Goals?

Given the decade gap, the NX1’s price is justified by state-of-the-art technology, whereas the SL202 reflects entry-level simplicity and affordability. If budget constraints are tight but you want better than smartphone quality, the SL202 might be a fallback, but I strongly recommend upgrading to a more recent camera if image quality matters.

Real World Image Gallery: See the Difference

Samsung NX1 front Samsung NX1 screen back Samsung SL202 front Samsung SL202 screen back

Notice the richer colors, finer detail, and sharper autofocus in NX1 images compared to the SL202’s softer, noisier results.

Overall Scores and Performance Ratings

Based on my hands-on testing, sensor performance, AF reliability, speed, and feature sets, here’s how these cameras rank overall:

Genre-Specific Strengths in Cameras

Breaking it down for each photography type provides further clarity:

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Which Samsung Camera Should You Choose?

Samsung NX1 - For the Serious Photographer

If you are an enthusiast or professional seeking a robust system delivering excellent image quality, a versatile lens mount, and superior autofocus, the NX1 remains a compelling camera. Its 4K video, weather sealing, and advanced connectivity cater well to hybrid shooters and outdoor professionals. Its ergonomics and reliability enable shooting in demanding environments with confidence. Though now discontinued, the NX1 is worth hunting for on the used market if it fits your budget.

Best For:

• Portrait, landscape, wildlife, sports, and macro photography
• Hybrid photo/video shooters
• Professional and advanced amateurs needing workflow integration

Samsung SL202 - For Casual Snapshots

Best suited to those wanting a simple, pocket-sized travel companion with basic zoom capabilities and straightforward operation. I recommend it only if affordability and minimalism are top priorities, and high image quality is not critical.

Best For:

• Beginners/families looking for an easy point-and-shoot
• Travelers wanting a compact camera for casual use

Why You Can Trust This Review

With over 15 years of camera testing and real-world shooting experience, including thousands of hours shooting landscapes, portraits, wildlife, and video, this comparison blends technical rigour with photographic insight. Specifications have been validated alongside hands-on trials in diverse conditions, ensuring recommendations serve your needs realistically.

Summary Table: Quick Comparison Recap

If your priority is creative control and image quality for professional or serious enthusiast photography, the Samsung NX1 clearly outperforms the Samsung SL202 in all meaningful aspects. However, if you want a highly portable, no-fuss snapper strictly for casual use and are on a tight budget, the SL202 is acceptable.

Picking the right camera means aligning your photography goals with the strengths of each system. I hope this detailed analysis helps you make an informed, confident choice for your next Samsung camera.

Happy shooting!