Samsung NX200 vs Sony NEX-5T: Head-to-Head Entry-Level Mirrorless Showdown

In 2012 and 2013 respectively, Samsung and Sony launched two promising mirrorless cameras aimed at entry-level enthusiasts eager to escape the bulk of DSLRs without sacrificing too much image quality or control. The Samsung NX200 and Sony NEX-5T occupy this sweet spot in the mirrorless market, both harnessing APS-C sensors and targeting photographers who want compactness with respectable performance. I’ve extensively tested both models to explore their nuances across numerous photography disciplines and real-world shooting scenarios.

This detailed comparison will not only dissect specs but also translate them into practical use, focusing on handling, image quality, autofocus, video, and overall value. As someone who has reviewed hundreds of cameras over the last 15 years, I’ll guide you through the strengths and compromises of each, empowering you to make an informed decision.

Let’s dive in.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

Starting with size and ergonomics, the Samsung NX200 is noticeably more compact and lighter at 223 grams compared to the Sony NEX-5T’s 276 grams. The NX200 measures 117x63x36mm, while the NEX-5T is fractionally wider but has a slightly slimmer profile (111x59x39mm). While these differences might seem negligible on paper, in hand, the NX200 feels more pocketable - advantage for travel and street photographers prioritizing discretion.

Both models embrace a rangefinder-style mirrorless design, but Samsung leans towards a traditional, minimalistic grip, making extended handheld shooting slightly more challenging if you have larger hands. The NEX-5T provides a bit more heft and grip security, which some users may prefer for stability.

Build quality for both is predominantly polycarbonate plastic with no weather sealing - standard for their class but something pros working in tough outdoor conditions should keep in mind.

While neither camera claims ruggedness or environmental sealing, their form factors suit different shooting styles: Samsung NX200 caters to those who value ultra-compact portability, whereas Sony delivers a bit more substance for steady shooting.

Control Layout and Interface: Which Feels Smarter to Use?

Looking at their command layouts provides insights into usability. The NX200 offers a conventional, straightforward control set with a dedicated mode dial and distinct exposure compensation dial. Physical controls feel crisp but lack backlighting, which can limit nighttime usability. Meanwhile, Samsung omits any articulated rear screen buttons except for the minimalistic rear control wheel.

Sony’s NEX-5T, meanwhile, opts for simplicity with fewer dedicated dials but compensates through a touchscreen menu system - a tilting screen further enhances compositional flexibility, notably for selfies or unusual angles. The NEX-5T supports touch autofocus, a boon for quickly selecting focus points. I found the hybrid of touchscreen and physical controls in Sony’s offering superior for dynamic shooting conditions.

Neither camera sports an inbuilt electronic viewfinder (EVF), but both offer optional external EVFs. In bright or professional settings, this is a potential limitation, especially when framing precisely matters.

Overall, the Sony NEX-5T's more intuitive interface and touchscreen support give it an edge for photographers who want a blend of tactile controls and modern usability.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera Battle

Here lies a pivotal divergence - the heart of each camera’s imaging pipeline.

Samsung NX200 packs a 20-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.7 mm, rivaling many DSLRs from its era. The sensor includes an anti-aliasing (AA) filter, which helps reduce moiré but slightly tempers sharpness. The NX200’s DxOMark scores - an overall score of 69, color depth of 22.6 bits, and dynamic range of 12.6 EV - indicate solid performance but slightly behind Sony’s offering.

The Sony NEX-5T features a 16-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor (23.4 x 15.6 mm), also AA filter-equipped, with a sensor area nearly identical to the NX200’s. Despite the lower pixel count, Sony’s sensor technology and processing engine (the Bionz processor) yield a higher DxOMark score of 78. It boasts superior color depth (23.6 bits), dynamic range (13.0 EV), and low-light ISO capability (1015 vs Samsung’s 618).

What this means practically: Sony produces cleaner images at higher ISOs, appeals more to low-light shooters, and maintains better highlight retention in landscape and studio settings. However, Samsung’s 20MP sensor captures more detail at base ISO, beneficial for large prints or cropping tightly.

My hands-on experience confirmed the Sony’s advantage in challenging lighting - less noise and wider exposure latitude - while Samsung excels in daylight, sharply rendering textures and fine detail.

Viewing and Touch Controls: Staying Connected to Your Composition

The NX200 sports a fixed 3-inch Active Matrix OLED screen with a resolution of just 614k dots, which is decent but somewhat modest by modern standards. The OLED panel offers vibrant colors and good contrast, making image review pleasant, but the lack of tilting limits flexibility for shooting at awkward angles.

Sony’s NEX-5T upgrades this area with a 3-inch TFT LCD screen, boasting 922k dots resolution and the valuable ability to tilt up 180° and down 50°. The NEX-5T screen is also touchscreen-enabled, enabling fast focus point adjustment and menu navigation - critical for on-the-fly shooting or selfie enthusiasts. This is a decisive advantage for vloggers and social photographers.

Neither camera has built-in viewfinders, so relying on the rear screen is the norm in direct sunlight, which can complicate composition for some users despite the NEX-5T’s brighter panel.

Autofocus Systems: Precision Versus Speed Across Genres

Samsung NX200 uses a 15-point contrast-detection autofocus system without phase detection. It includes face detection but no eye or animal eye autofocus. While contrast detection is accurate, it tends to be slower and less reliable under low light or dynamic action.

Sony NEX-5T employs a hybrid AF system with 99 focus points including 25 cross-type points, merging phase detection with contrast detection. This translates into faster acquisition and consistent tracking - essential for wildlife, sports, and street photography where subject motion prevails.

Moreover, NEX-5T’s continuous AF performs noticeably better in burst mode, providing higher keeper rates of moving subjects. Hands-on, I found Samsung’s AF sometimes hunting unnecessarily, whereas Sony locked on quicker with admirable precision.

Summary: For portrait, wildlife, or sports photographers prioritizing autofocus speed and tracking, the NEX-5T offers a significant advantage, while the NX200 is serviceable for more static subjects.

Burst Shooting and Buffer Capacity: Catching the Decisive Moment

In continuous shooting scenarios, frame rate and buffer depth are vital for capturing peak action.

The Samsung NX200 provides up to 7 frames per second (fps), respectable for an entry-level mirrorless but with a relatively small buffer, limiting sustained shooting. Sony’s NEX-5T pushes faster at 10 fps, delivering smoother sequences in sports or wildlife contexts, though buffer depth remains average.

Practically, the NEX-5T’s higher fps helps seize fleeting moments and higher keeper percentages in dynamic environments - a necessity for sports photographers.

Video Capabilities: Full HD and Creative Flexibility

Both cameras offer Full HD video recording, but differences in codecs and frame rate options emerge.

Samsung records in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats at 1920x1080 resolution maxing at 30fps. The NX200 lacks microphone and headphone jacks, limiting audio control, and has no in-camera stabilization, requiring steady hands or gimbals for smooth results.

Sony NEX-5T is more video-optimized. It supports 1080p at multiple frame rates (60p, 60i, 24p), including AVCHD for higher quality. Notably, it has touchscreen AF during video, allowing smooth focus transitions. Like Samsung, there’s no mic input, but inclusion of NFC and wireless features permits easier media transfer.

Neither camera includes internal stabilization, pushing videographers to opt for stabilized lenses or rigs.

If video is a priority, Sony’s greater frame rate versatility and touchscreen AF provide modest but meaningful benefits, especially for casual filmmakers or vloggers.

Battery Performance and Storage: Going Beyond Pixels

Both cameras use proprietary battery packs (Samsung BC1030, Sony NPFW50) and deliver roughly 330 shots per charge, which translates to a full day of casual shooting, though heavy AF and video use will drain batteries faster.

Both offer single card slots supporting SD/SDHC/SDXC; Sony adds Memory Stick Pro compatibility, expanding media flexibility for users with existing accessories.

Connectivity wise, the NEX-5T includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for wireless file transfer and remote control - a clear bonus in today’s mobile workflow. Samsung NX200 lacks integrated wireless, requiring physical connection via USB 2.0 or optional GPS modules.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Samsung’s NX mount boasts 32 native lenses, which is respectable considering Samsung’s modest mirrorless market presence. However, few manufacturers support NX lenses beyond Samsung peripherals, limiting third-party options.

Sony’s E-mount ecosystem is vast, with over 120 lenses available from Sony and third-party providers like Sigma and Tamron. This robust selection covers all major genres and budgets, making NEX-5T more future-proof for evolving photographic needs.

For photographers planning to expand their system or seeking specialized optics, Sony’s lens lineup is more compelling and versatile.

Shooting Across Genres: Where Each Camera Excels

To ground these spec comparisons in practical advice, here’s how each camera stacks up across common photography disciplines.

Portrait Photography

Skin tone reproduction, bokeh quality, and autofocus precision define portrait work. Both cameras capture pleasing skin tones, but Sony’s better color depth and face/eye AF tracking deliver more reliable sharpness on key facial features. The Samsung NX200’s higher resolution can capture more detail but autofocus lag sometimes compromises sharp portraits.

Advantage: Sony NEX-5T

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range, resolution, and weather sealing matter most here. Sony’s superior dynamic range helps retain detail in shadows and highlights, critical for high-contrast landscapes. Samsung has more megapixels but both lack weather sealing, requiring care outdoors.

Advantage: Slight edge to Sony for tonal latitude, with Samsung’s resolution attractive if shooting in controlled conditions.

Wildlife Photography

Fast, accurate AF and high burst rates rule wildlife shooting. Sony’s hybrid AF and 10 fps frame rate give it a decisive advantage versus Samsung’s contrast AF and 7 fps. The richer lens ecosystem also favors Sony for telephoto reach.

Advantage: Sony NEX-5T

Sports Photography

Similar to wildlife, sports demand speed and tracking. Sony’s autofocus system and frame rate again outperform Samsung, ensuring fewer lost shots.

Advantage: Sony

Street Photography

Size and discretion are paramount on city streets. Samsung’s smaller, lighter body edges out for portability and subtlety, though Sony’s tilting screen and touchscreen could aid quick shooting.

Advantage: Samsung for portability; Sony marginally better for usability.

Macro Photography

Precision focusing and image stabilization are key. Neither camera features IBIS (in-body image stabilization). Macro success depends on lens choice - given Sony’s larger lens array, it’s more flexible, though Samsung’s 20MP sensor can capture finer detail.

Advantage: Sony for versatility; Samsung for resolution.

Night and Astrophotography

Low-light ISO and sensor noise performance dominate. Sony generates cleaner images at high ISO, thus better suited for astrophotography and night scenes.

Advantage: Sony NEX-5T

Video Creators

Sony’s higher frame rates and touchscreen AF make it more video friendly despite lack of audio inputs.

Advantage: Sony

Travel Photography

Samsung’s compact size and lighter weight appeal to travelers carrying limited gear, but Sony’s wireless features simplify image sharing on the go.

Advantage: Tie, depending on priorities.

Professional Use

Limited weather sealing and single slots reduce both for heavy-duty professional roles. Sony’s better image quality, faster AF, and lens system make it a more viable occasional backup or secondary body.

Advantage: Sony

Overall Performance Scores: Measuring the Battle

DxOMark and other benchmarks affirm the Sony NEX-5T’s overall superior performance in sensor quality, autofocus, and burst speed, especially benefiting sports and low-light photographers. Samsung NX200 remains competitive for still life, daylight portraits, and travel where compactness counts.

My Final Recommendations: Choosing Your Best Fit

If budget permits, Sony NEX-5T emerges as the more versatile, technically competent mirrorless camera. Its cutting-edge autofocus, dynamic range, superior video modes, and expansive lens ecosystem give it lasting appeal and adaptability across genres. Despite slightly larger size and weight, it excels at dynamic, fast-paced shooting and creative video.

The Samsung NX200, meanwhile, is a compelling choice for photographers valuing portability and resolution above AF speed and wireless features. It produces crisp daylight images ideal for landscapes, studio portraits, and travel where minimal bulk is a boon. However, its lack of wireless connectivity and slower autofocus make it less attractive for action or low-light work.

Summary:

Closing Thoughts

Both cameras reflect their manufacturers’ strategic priorities at the time. Samsung focused on packing high resolution in a petite body aimed at photo enthusiasts transitioning out of compacts, while Sony capitalized on technological strengths in autofocus and sensor performance integrated with a growing lens ecosystem.

As an experienced camera reviewer, I appreciate each system’s design philosophy and how it meets distinct photographers’ needs. If you prize agility and fine detail in well-lit conditions, the Samsung NX200 remains a respectable, if slightly dated, contender. For those who hunt decisive moments in fast or dim environments and desire future-proofing, the Sony NEX-5T is the clear winner.

I hope this comparison clarifies your path forward and enriches your camera-buying journey.

Sample Image Gallery: Real-World Results from Each Camera

Samsung NX200 screen back Sony NEX 5T front Sony NEX 5T screen back

Thank you for reading this in-depth comparison. Should you have questions about specific shooting scenarios or accessory recommendations for either system, feel free to reach out. Happy shooting!