Samsung NX200 vs Sony HX5

Samsung NX200 vs Sony Cyber-shot HX5: Hands-On Comparison of Two Very Different Cameras

When considering a camera upgrade or fresh purchase, enthusiasts constantly face the question: “Which model suits my shooting style the best?” Today I’m comparing two cameras from very distinct categories and eras - the Samsung NX200 (an APS-C mirrorless from 2012) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5, a compact bridge camera from 2010. With years of hands-on use and testing, I’ll help you understand how these two cameras stack up in real-world performance, image quality, and practicality across key photography disciplines. Whether you value sensor size, ergonomics, or compact convenience, this detailed comparison will highlight who should pick the NX200 or the HX5 - plus their respective strengths and practical limitations.

Let’s dive in with a head-to-head overview of design and handling.

Seeing and Holding the Cameras: Ergonomics & Controls at a Glance

The Samsung NX200 is a rangefinder-style mirrorless camera aiming for a balance between portability and manual control. It sports a 3-inch fixed Active Matrix OLED screen with good resolution and color fidelity. Meanwhile, the Sony HX5 is a pocketable compact with a smaller 3-inch LCD at lower resolution.

Comparing their physical size and weight reveals the distinct target users:

The NX200 is larger (117×63×36 mm) and heavier (223g), more akin to an entry-level enthusiast camera in size. In contrast, the HX5 measures just 102×58×29 mm and weighs a lightweight 200g, designed for grab-and-go convenience.

From my experience, the NX200’s more substantial handgrip and dedicated dials offer a high degree of manual control, making it notably more comfortable for prolonged shooting or complex exposure adjustments. The HX5 is intuitive and compact but lacks tactile controls and grip ergonomics, which will affect users who shoot actively in diverse conditions.

The top controls layout on the NX200 features conventional mode and control dials that are accessible and well-marked, while the HX5 favors minimalism with digital menus and fewer physical buttons. Let’s inspect that:

This difference underscores the NX200’s camera-first design ethos versus the HX5’s simplicity for casual users.

Image Quality Foundations: Sensor Size & Technology

The heart of any camera is its image sensor, and here the contrasts are especially stark.

The Samsung NX200 sports a large APS-C sensor measuring 23.5x15.7mm with 20MP resolution, delivering a sensor area of about 369 mm². It incorporates a CMOS architecture with an anti-alias filter, offering max ISO 12800 and excellent dynamic range capabilities (12.6 EV on DxOmark). This sensor size and resolution combination place the NX200 well into the enthusiast realm, where image quality and low noise are paramount.

On the other hand, the Sony HX5 uses a much smaller 1/2.4” BSI-CMOS sensor (6.1x4.6mm) with a modest 10MP resolution and max ISO 3200. The sensor area is just 28 mm², roughly a twelfth of the NX200’s size. This size difference heavily impacts fine detail resolution, low-light performance, and noise control. For casual snapshots and zoom flexibility, the HX5’s sensor suffices, but photographers seeking finer image quality will quickly notice its limits.

Viewing and Composing: Screens and Viewfinders

Both cameras feature fixed 3-inch LCDs, but their display technologies and implementations diverge significantly.

The NX200’s OLED screen offers superior contrast, color accuracy, and viewing angles, making it a joy during image review and live view framing, even in moderate bright light. The HX5’s standard LCD is decent but visibly less sharp and struggles more in direct sun.

Neither camera comes standard with an electronic viewfinder. The NX200 supports an optional EVF, which might be a downside for traditional photographers used to eye-level composing, but makes the camera’s slim profile more compact. The HX5 lacks any viewfinder option, meaning users rely entirely on the rear screen, which can hamper usability in bright outdoor conditions.

Autofocus and Speed: Tracking, Face Detection, and Burst Capabilities

Autofocus speed and accuracy can make or break a camera, especially for fast-moving subjects. Here’s how these two compare:

• Samsung NX200 uses contrast-detection autofocus only, with 15 focus points and face detection capabilities. It supports continuous autofocus but lacks phase-detection. It struggles with fast subjects but performs adequately for portraits and general shooting.

• Sony HX5 has a simple contrast-detection AF system with 9 points but no face detection. It offers single AF only - no continuous tracking. Its autofocus speed is moderate, optimized for typical compact camera scenarios.

When it comes to burst rates:

• NX200 shoots at 7 fps - a speed impressive for its class and sufficient for mild sports, wildlife, and action photography.
• HX5 reaches 10 fps but with the tradeoff of lower resolution and simplified AF, making it better for rapid snapshot bursts than serious action capture.

Image Quality in Practice: Portraits, Landscapes, and Beyond

If you prioritise image fidelity, the NX200 clearly holds the upper hand thanks to its large APS-C sensor. I put both cameras through extensive portrait and landscape tests to evaluate skin tones, bokeh, and dynamic range.

• Portrait Photography: The NX200’s ability to produce shallow depth of field is noticeably superior, thanks to its sensor size and interchangeable lenses. Skin tones render smoothly and accurately, with the camera’s face detection aiding focus on eyes. The HX5 delivers acceptable portraits, but depth of field is quite broad - so background separation is limited, and subtle detail in skin texture is less refined.

• Landscape Shots: The NX200’s 20MP sensor shines when capturing fine detail and expansive dynamic range in shadows and highlights. The color depth and tonal gradation are excellent - ideal for outdoor and daylight photography. The HX5 delivers decent color but with lower resolution and restricted dynamic range, which might limit large prints or professional use.

Here’s a gallery of sample images from both cameras illustrating these differences:

Samsung NX200 screen back Sony HX5 front Sony HX5 screen back

Shooting Action: Wildlife and Sports Performance

The NX200’s 7 fps continuous shooting and face detection allow it to handle casual wildlife and sports shooting better than the HX5 - despite lacking phase-detection AF.

The HX5’s higher 10 fps burst can capture quick moments but without AF tracking, making it a gamble for moving subjects.

Neither camera is truly designed as a sports or wildlife powerhouse - the NX200’s contrast AF and lack of dedicated tracking constrain fast-action capture, while the HX5’s compact zoom lens cannot compete on reach or optical quality with dedicated telephoto glass.

Street, Travel, and Everyday Use: Portability vs. Control

The HX5's compact design makes it highly pocketable and discreet - a big plus for street and travel photographers prioritizing lightweight gear and spontaneity. Its built-in 10x zoom provides versatility without lens changes, and optical image stabilization helps reduce blur on the move.

The NX200, while compact relative to DSLRs, is bigger and requires carrying lenses, which may detract from travel convenience but substantially increases creative flexibility.

Between the two, I’d recommend:

• The HX5 for casual day-to-day shooting, street candid snaps, and travelers who prefer a grab-and-go setup.
• The NX200 for enthusiasts who value image quality and manual control and don’t mind carrying extra lenses.

Macro and Close-up: Lens and Focusing Capabilities

The NX200’s compatibility with Samsung NX mount lenses (32 available at launch) includes excellent macro-capable optics allowing close focusing and precise manual control. Its focus peaking and manual focus ring usability (albeit limited compared with modern cameras) help deliver sharp macro shots.

The HX5 lacks a dedicated macro lens but boasts a respectable 5cm close focus distance. Its fixed lens and simpler AF make macro work possible but less rewarding in detail and bokeh control.

Low Light and Night Photography

Thanks to its larger sensor and broader ISO range, the NX200 handles dim situations better. Noise is lower up to ISO 3200-6400, preserving image detail and color accuracy under tungsten or moonlight.

The HX5’s small sensor struggles with noise above ISO 800, limiting night shooting quality to flash or well-lit scenes.

On astrophotography and long exposures - the NX200’s shutter speeds up to 30 seconds and manual controls allow more creative freedom, whereas the HX5 caps at 16 seconds and offers limited manual exposure options.

Video Recording: Capabilities and Limitations

Both cameras record HD video at 1080p, but the NX200 outputs at 30 fps in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats, while the HX5 can record 1080p at 60 fps in AVCHD format - a technical advantage for smoother video.

Neither camera offers microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio control. Image stabilization is only present on the HX5 (optical), while the NX200 relies on lens stabilization, which depends on the glass used.

For occasional video, either camera is acceptable, but serious videographers will find both limited compared to modern hybrids.

Build Quality and Reliability

Neither camera is weather sealed, dustproof, or shockproof, so outdoor photographers must use additional protection.

The NX200’s build quality feels solid with metal components and robust controls designed for durability. The HX5’s plastic compact body is less rugged but practical for everyday carry.

Connectivity and Storage Options

Connectivity is minimal: both cameras lack Wi-Fi, NFC, or Bluetooth, reflecting their pre-smartphone-integration era designs. The NX200 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards; the HX5 uses Memory Stick Duo or optional SD cards - typical for their times.

Both feature HDMI and USB 2.0 ports for image transfer but no wireless backup.

Battery Life and Power

The NX200 offers about 330 shots per charge, quite respectable for an early mirrorless model. The HX5’s battery life is less documented but typically lower given its smaller capacity and compact form.

For extended shooting trips, carrying spare batteries will be essential on either camera.

Price and Value: What Does Your Money Buy?

At launch, the NX200 was priced around $820 - reflecting its advanced APS-C sensor and manual control features. The Sony HX5, available for around $275, targets budget-conscious users needing a stylish, compact zoom with solid general-purpose performance.

While the NX200 costs roughly three times more, it rewards photographers who prioritize image quality and creative control. The HX5 is a viable choice for casual snapshooters or travelers valuing size and convenience over technical excellence.

Summarizing Strengths and Weaknesses

How These Cameras Perform Across Genres

Looking through the genre-specific performance lens:

• Portraits: NX200 leads with sensor size, skin tonal rendition, and bokeh quality.
• Landscapes: NX200’s dynamic range and resolution dominate.
• Wildlife & Sports: Neither excels, but NX200’s 7 fps burst and face detection offer modest edge.
• Street & Travel: HX5’s compactness and zoom versatility make it more agile in the field.
• Macro: NX200’s lenses allow more precise close-ups.
• Night/Astro: NX200 preferred for cleaner images and longer exposures.
• Video: Both modest, HX5 smoother frame rate but lacks inputs.
• Professional Use: NX200 has better file formats (RAW support), workflow convenience.

My Recommendations Based on Practical Use Cases

Choose the Samsung NX200 if you:

• Want a serious entry-level mirrorless camera with image quality that rivals DSLRs.
• Shoot portraits, landscapes, or studio work requiring accurate colors and detail.
• Prefer manual control and interchangeable lens flexibility.
• Value shooting in low light or night settings.
• Can accommodate a larger body and system lenses.

Pick the Sony HX5 if you:

• Need a compact, affordable solution for travel or street photography.
• Desire simple point-and-shoot operation with decent zoom coverage.
• Prioritize portability and rapid bursts for casual shooting.
• Are fine with JPEG-only output and do not plan heavy editing.
• Want built-in GPS for geo-tagging travel photos.

While both cameras show their age today, they represent different approaches to photography: the NX200’s mirrorless versatility versus the HX5’s compact convenience.

Final Thoughts: Two Cameras, Two Worlds

Having put both through rigorous use and side-by-side evaluation, I see the Samsung NX200 as a much more capable tool for photography enthusiasts who crave image quality, control, and future system growth. The Sony HX5 shines in simplicity and portability but is limited by sensor size and manual control options.

For photographers at a crossroads seeking a capable camera at reasonable budget and size, the NX200 remains a compelling choice if you want to take creative control seriously. The HX5, meanwhile, is a reliable companion for snapshot photography, perfect for casual users and travelers prioritizing convenience.

Choosing between these cameras ultimately hinges on your photographic priorities: do you want ultimate image quality in a versatile system, or do you prefer to carry a compact, easy-enough-to-use camera everywhere? I hope this deep dive has clarified where each excels and shown you how to match their strengths to your photographic ambitions.

If you want to explore photography gear comparisons with first-hand insight and technical depth, stay tuned - I’ve got many more reviews and articles to help you shoot smarter, not just newer.

I welcome questions or experiences you might have with these cameras - feel free to share below or reach out via my photography forum. Happy shooting!