Samsung NX1 vs Sony A850

Below, we will be contrasting the Samsung NX1 and Sony A850, former is a Pro Mirrorless while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by brands Samsung and Sony. The sensor resolution of the NX1 (28MP) and the A850 (25MP) is relatively close but the NX1 (APS-C) and A850 (Full frame) enjoy different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The NX1 was introduced 4 years after the A850 which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Samsung NX1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A850 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going in to a thorough comparison, below is a concise summation of how the NX1 grades against the A850 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Samsung NX1 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A850. The whole galleries are available at Samsung NX1 Gallery & Sony A850 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to travel with your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Samsung NX1 comes with exterior measurements of 139mm x 102mm x 66mm (5.5" x 4.0" x 2.6") and a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs) whilst the Sony A850 has dimensions of 156mm x 117mm x 82mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 895 grams (1.97 lbs).

Check the Samsung NX1 and Sony A850 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. Following is the front view size comparison of the NX1 against the A850.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the NX1 and A850 is 66 and 54 respectively.

Generally, its hard to imagine the gap in sensor dimensions merely by looking through a spec sheet. The picture below should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the NX1 and A850.

As you can see, both cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The NX1 with its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Samsung NX1 will provide you with extra detail using its extra 3MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots much more aggressively. The more modern NX1 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.