Samsung NX5 vs Samsung SL620: A Hands-On Comparison for Practical Photography

When it comes to choosing a camera that fits your photography style and needs, the breadth of device options - even from the same manufacturer - can feel overwhelming. Today, I’m bringing two iconic but very different Samsung cameras head-to-head: the Samsung NX5, an entry-level mirrorless from 2010 with a dedicated lens mount and an APS-C sensor, versus the Samsung SL620, a compact point-and-shoot from 2009 designed for maximum portability.

Through hours of hands-on testing, detailed technical evaluation, and real-world shooting sessions, I’ll break down their capabilities across major photography genres and use cases. Whether you’re a beginner looking for versatile travel gear, an enthusiast aiming for detailed landscape shots, or simply weighing value against performance, this comparison will help you make an informed choice.

Let’s dive in.

First Impressions: Design, Handling, and Ergonomics

Size and feel often dictate how comfortable a camera is to use over a long shoot. Despite the Samsung NX5’s "entry-level" label, it features a traditional SLR-style, mirrorless body which feels substantial and reassuring in the hand. In contrast, the SL620 is a sleek ultracompact camera, barely larger than a deck of cards, optimized for slip-into-your-pocket convenience.

The NX5 measures 123 x 87 x 40 mm and weighs 499 grams, sporting a robust grip and an array of physical controls that make manual shooting intuitive. This size and weight contribute to stability, especially when using telephoto or macro lenses.

On the other hand, the SL620 is just 92 x 61 x 23 mm and a featherweight 168 grams - ideal for spontaneous street shots or travel photography when minimal bulk is key. However, the trade-off is evident in ergonomics: the tiny body offers minimal grip, and button placement is cramped, resulting in a less confident hold and more accidental presses if you’re not careful.

Both cameras feature fixed rear LCD screens, but their screen sizes and technologies differ - more on that shortly. Overall, the NX5 feels like a serious photographic tool ready for creative exploration, while the SL620 is crafted for casual snapshots and ultimate portability.

Top-Down View: Controls and Interface Layout

The user interface is where a camera’s personality shines - an intricate balance of tactile feel, button arrangement, and menu depth.

In the NX5’s top panel, the DRIM Engine processor also supports quick, responsive controls. You get dedicated dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and drive modes, complemented by clearly labeled buttons. This layout makes it much easier to juggle between manual modes during complex shooting - and frankly, it elevates the joy of photography.

Conversely, the SL620 has a minimalist control setup, largely automated with few manual overrides. Its fixed zoom ring and shutter release button dominate the sparse top surface, reflecting its target demographic.

While the SL620 helps keep things simple, my extensive testing shows that serious photographers will find its control limitations frustrating sooner than later. The NX5, though older, puts power and flexibility in your hands.

Seeing the Difference: Sensor and Image Quality

No discussion about image performance is complete without sensor analysis. The NX5 flaunts a 23.4 x 15.6 mm APS-C CMOS sensor at 15 megapixels, while the SL620 packs a tiny 1/2.3" CCD sensor of just 12 megapixels.

What does this mean technically? Larger sensor area in the NX5 (365 mm² versus SL620’s 27.7 mm²) means:

• Superior dynamic range, retaining more highlight and shadow details especially in landscapes.
• Better low-light performance thanks to larger individual photosites and deeper well capacity.
• Enhanced control over depth of field for creamy bokeh and subject isolation - critical for portrait and macro work.

The SL620’s smaller sensor often struggles beyond ISO 400, exhibiting visible noise and limited tonal gradation under challenging lighting. Its CCD architecture tends to deliver crisp colors but lacks the modern CMOS sensor efficiencies and raw image flexibility that the NX5 offers.

After extensive side-by-side shooting in multiple scenarios, the NX5 consistently provides richer color fidelity, more detail across the tonal range, and noticeably better sharpness at base ISO.

Viewing the Scene: LCD and Viewfinder Experience

Both cameras forgo traditional optical viewfinders, but their approaches to framing differ dramatically.

The NX5 features a 3-inch Active Matrix OLED fixed screen with 230k dots, giving a bright, crisp preview of your composition with excellent color accuracy - a boon when working outdoors in bright sunlight. Its EVF, while modest at 0.57x magnification, provides full 100% coverage, enabling precise image framing. The absence of a touchscreen might feel dated now, but navigation remains responsive via physical buttons.

The SL620 has a slightly smaller 2.7-inch LCD with similar 230k resolution, but its lack of any electronic or optical viewfinder means reliance solely on the screen - which can be challenging under bright light. Its interface is simplified, but this ease comes at the cost of fine control over exposure and framing.

For any photographer keen on manual settings and composition precision, the NX5’s viewing system leaps ahead.

Real-World Image Gallery: What These Cameras Capture

I spent substantial time capturing sample images from both cameras across various lighting and subjects - portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and street photography.

Samsung NX5 screen back Samsung SL620 front Samsung SL620 screen back

• Portraits: The NX5’s APS-C sensor and 15-point autofocus with face detection proved superior in rendering natural skin tones and smooth bokeh. The SL620 produced adequately sharp images at wide apertures but lacked the creamy subject-background separation and subtlety in skin gradation.
• Landscapes: Dynamic range differences were stark. The NX5 captured greater shadow detail and highlight control in the same scenes where the SL620’s output was visibly clipped or muddy.
• Wildlife & sports: The NX5’s continuous autofocus and burst shooting at 3 fps managed moderately fast subjects well, though action photographers demanding >5 fps may find it limited. The SL620’s slow focusing and lack of continuous AF made it unsuitable for fast movement.
• Street: The SL620’s small size allowed for discreet shooting, no question. However, in dimmer lighting, its noise levels and slower shutter speeds were constraining.
• Macro: The NX5 offered better focusing precision and compatibility with dedicated macro lenses, while the SL620 had a fixed minimum focus distance of 5 cm but limited depth control.
• Night/astro: High ISO noise and limited exposure options rendered the SL620 barely capable for night scenes. The NX5’s larger sensor and manual modes enabled decent astrophotography and low-light captures.

All in all, the NX5’s technology and lens options manifest in a clearly superior visual experience but come with more complexity, size, and investment. The SL620 remains a capable, grab-and-go point-and-shoot for casual users.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Focusing performance often determines whether you capture fleeting moments or not.

• The NX5 employs a contrast-detection autofocus system with 15 focus points, including face detection - quite advanced for its time. AF is snappy in good light, with reliable targeting and continuous tracking helping with casual action or wildlife photography.
• The SL620, with its fixed lens and no continuous AF modes, mainly uses center-weighted AF with face detection, but autofocus is notably slower and less precise. It’s adequate for stationary subjects but not much else.

In my testing, I noted the NX5’s AF behavior to be more consistent and forgiving in varied lighting conditions, whereas the SL620 can hesitate or hunt in shadows or complex scenes.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedized construction, which is not unusual given their categories and price points.

• The NX5’s body feels solid with confidently assembled parts and a tactile grip, instilling some confidence for outdoor photography though it requires care in adverse environments.
• The SL620’s plastic ultra-compact shell is lightweight but less robust, not intended for challenging conditions.

If you plan outdoor adventures or professional workflows involving inclement weather, neither satisfies the demands of sealed DSLRs or mirrorless models, but the NX5 can better withstand casual outdoor use.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility

A key distinction is the NX5's Samsung NX lens mount, supporting a growing system of 32 lenses (at launch and shortly thereafter), including primes, zooms, and specialized optics.

This expands your creative latitude tremendously - from fast portraits to macro or wildlife telephotos. I recommend the NX 30mm f/2 for everyday use or the 50-200mm for telephoto reach.

The SL620, with its built-in 35-175mm equivalent lens, offers moderate telephoto range (approx. 5x zoom) with max aperture f/2.8 - 5.7, adequate for casual use but no lens changing option.

Therefore, the NX5 is the choice for photographers wanting system growth and optical quality, while the SL620 is a one-lens-solution for casual convenience.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Battery life can often be the unsung hero or villain on shoots.

• The NX5 uses a BP1130 battery pack, rated for roughly 400 shots on a charge. That’s respectable, especially given the larger sensor and EVF usage.
• The SL620’s battery life is undocumented but considering its compact sensor and LCD-only interface, it usually offers longer shooting time before recharge but performance will vary.

Both cameras feature a single SD/SDHC storage slot, which fits standard memory cards, offering ample media compatibility.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Interestingly, neither the NX5 nor the SL620 includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC, common in newer cameras for seamless image sharing and remote control. The NX5 does feature an HDMI output for direct playback on compatible displays, whereas the SL620 lacks this.

USB connectivity conforms to USB 2.0 on both models - sufficient for image transfer but slow by modern standards.

Video Capabilities: Quality and Usability

While neither device was designed primarily as a hybrid photo/video shooter, they present very different video functionality.

• The NX5 offers 720p HD video at 30fps using H.264 compression, a reasonable feature for the era. Its manual controls for exposure mean some degree of cinematic control is possible.
• The SL620 maxes out at 640 x 480 VGA video, limited to MJPEG format - a far cry from HD standards. Video quality is basic at best.

Neither camera supports advanced video codecs or audio input, so if video is a priority, neither is ideal, but the NX5 is a clear winner in quality and flexibility.

Performance Scores and Industry Assessment

Our expert reviewers benchmarked both cameras across several performance spheres such as image quality, autofocus, handling, and video.

As expected, the NX5 scores significantly higher, reflecting its advanced sensor, lens versatility, and manual control systems. The SL620’s strengths reside mostly in compactness and ease of use.

More granular genre-specific scores illuminate their practical roles:

• Portrait, Landscape, Wildlife, and Macro: NX5 dominant due to sensor size, AF, and lens adaptability.
• Street and Travel: SL620 favored for compactness and discretion, though image quality compromised.
• Night and Professional Work: NX5 only viable option.

Who Should Choose the Samsung NX5?

If you are a photography enthusiast or semi-professional seeking creative control, optical excellence, and growth potential within a budget, the NX5 remains a compelling buy on the used market. Its APS-C sensor delivers sharp, pleasing images and its flexibility from manual modes, interchangeable lenses, and superior focusing justifies its heft and complexity.

Use cases that strongly benefit from the NX5 include:

• Portrait photography: Bokeh-rich portraits with accurate skin tone reproduction.
• Landscape: Capturing broad dynamic range and fine texture.
• Wildlife & Sports: Moderate action work thanks to continuous AF and burst mode.
• Macro: Precise focusing and compatible macro lenses.
• Night/Astro: Low noise and manual mode open creative possibilities.

It is less suited if you require ultra-portability or high-speed sports performance.

Who Should Opt for the Samsung SL620?

Conversely, the SL620 fits best for casual users, tourists, or anyone prioritizing small size and simplicity over ultimate image quality or manual control. While the sensor lags behind modern standards, its straightforward interface and zoom lens make it a versatile travel companion for snapshots and social media sharing.

Quick points for SL620’s ideal users:

• Street and Travel photography: Smallest footprint for spontaneous shooting.
• Entry-level users: No complex controls to navigate.
• Daylight shooting: Acceptable image quality in good light.
• Budget-conscious buyers: Very affordable and lightweight.

Avoid it for demanding portraits, low-light work, or serious video.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Legacy Performance and Use Case

Choosing between the Samsung NX5 and SL620 is essentially a decision between creative freedom and image quality (NX5) versus ultimate portability and simplicity (SL620).

Both launched over a decade ago - meaning technology has advanced since - but understanding their relative strengths helps decide what matters most to you. In hands-on testing with these cameras, the NX5 felt like a gateway into the passionate world of mirrorless photography, while the SL620 was a no-hassle, compact companion for casual photo moments.

When budget permits, the NX5’s system flexibility and superior sensor deliver a more satisfying photographic experience across nearly all disciplines. However, the SL620’s small form and ease of use can’t be ignored for city explorers and travelers hunting for a camera that fits in a pocket.

Summary Table: Key Specs at a Glance

Using These Cameras Today: A Note for Enthusiasts and Collectors

While neither Samsung NX5 nor SL620 compete with modern cameras head-to-head today, their historical value and distinctive designs offer a window into early digital imaging innovation.

If you intend to shoot with these cameras now, ensure batteries and memory cards are compatible or sourced from reputable sellers. The NX5 especially rewards investing in a lens or two, whereas the SL620’s sealed lens limits longevity as tech evolves.

Closing Recommendation

For photographers taking their craft seriously and ready to learn manual controls, invest in lenses, and grow, the Samsung NX5 is the winner hands down. It’s a solid mirrorless platform with enduring sensor quality, flexible controls, and better image fidelity in every scenario.

For casual users who want a tiny point-and-shoot purely for convenience and quick snapshots in well-lit environments, the SL620 makes sense on a tight budget or as a backup camera.

In the end, your choice boils down to what kind of photography you want to pursue and how much effort and investment you’re prepared to put in. From battlefield-tested experience, neither camera misses the mark within their intended design - yet together, they illustrate the range of photographic tools Samsung once offered to meet diverse user demands.

Happy shooting!

End of Comparison Article.