Samsung NX5 vs Sigma DP1: A Deep Dive into Two Unique APS-C Cameras

Selecting the right camera can often be a complex decision, especially when comparing two seemingly different models that share a similar sensor size yet diverge considerably in design philosophy, target usage, and performance capabilities. In this comprehensive article, we examine the Samsung NX5, a 2010 entry-level mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses, alongside the Sigma DP1, a pioneering large-sensor compact from 2008 featuring a fixed lens and Sigma’s unique Foveon X3 sensor technology.

Having personally tested and analyzed thousands of cameras ranging from entry-level mirrorless bodies to professional compacts, I apply methodical evaluation techniques and real-world shooting experiences to explore these cameras’ technology, ergonomics, image quality, and practical usability. This analysis is aimed towards photography enthusiasts and professionals seeking clarity on the strengths and limitations of these distinct APS-C options, helping inform purchasing decisions in various photography disciplines.

First Impressions: Design and Ergonomics

When placing the Samsung NX5 alongside the Sigma DP1 for a tactile comparison, the divergence in handling philosophy and physical footprint becomes immediately apparent.

The Samsung NX5 mirrors a classic ergonomically sculpted DSLR-style mirrorless body, measuring 123x87x40mm and weighing approximately 499 grams, offering a substantial grip and easy access to controls. Its solid build quality lends confidence for extended handheld use and travel scenarios. The physical depth facilitates housing for the electronic viewfinder and interchangeable lens mount, making it suitable for users who prioritize customization and control.

Conversely, the Sigma DP1 is a more compact, streamlined device at 113x60x50mm and weighing just 270 grams. Its large sensor compact design emphasizes portability and discretion, albeit with limited handling options due to fewer physical controls and absence of an electronic viewfinder. This makes it ergonomically optimized for street and travel photographers prioritizing compactness over extensive control dials or interchangeable lens flexibility.

Examining control layouts, the NX5 includes conventional DSLR-style exposure dials, an exposure compensation button, and a modest set of buttons for drive modes and flash control, reflecting Samsung's focus on approachable yet manual-capable operation. The DP1, however, trades physical controls for minimalist exposure adjustment via a tactile dial - suitable for a serious compact camera that assumes more deliberate operation rather than spontaneous shooting.

Summary: For photographers valuing physical handling and customization, the NX5's larger, DSLR-inspired body reigns supreme; whereas those needing a compact, pocketable design with minimal fuss will appreciate the DP1's streamlined form factor.

Sensor and Image Quality: CMOS vs Foveon X3 APS-C Sensors

The heart of a camera’s image-making potential lies in its sensor technology. Both the Samsung NX5 and Sigma DP1 offer APS-C sized sensors but represent fundamentally different imaging philosophies.

The Samsung NX5 sports a conventional 15MP CMOS sensor measuring 23.4x15.6mm (approx. 365mm² sensor area) with a 1.5x crop factor. Its Bayer filter array and DRIM Engine processing are responsible for typical APS-C performance of its era, providing 4592x3056-pixel resolution and native ISO sensitivities ranging from 100 to 3200.

In stark contrast, the Sigma DP1 features a markedly smaller sensor surface at 20.7x13.8mm (about 286mm²) but employs Sigma’s proprietary Foveon X3 sensor technology. This sensor utilizes three stacked photodiode layers, each corresponding to red, green, and blue color information, enabling theoretically superior color fidelity and detail rendition compared to Bayer sensors. However, it records a ‘5MP’ native pixel count with a resolution of 2640x1760 pixels, owing to the different method of color capture rather than spatial pixel density.

Technical Implications:

• Resolution and Detail: The NX5’s 15MP Bayer sensor yields higher nominal spatial resolution and larger image files, offering a more versatile basis for cropping and large prints. The DP1’s lower pixel count results in smaller image files but can produce highly detailed and color-accurate images at base ISO when conditions are ideal.

• Color Reproduction: The Foveon sensor tends to excel in color depth and natural skin tones due to direct color layer capture. However, this is balanced against more noise and less sensitivity at higher ISO settings.

• Dynamic Range and Noise: The NX5’s CMOS sensor generally provides wider dynamic range and better high-ISO noise control, making it superior for challenging lighting conditions such as shadow detail in landscapes or indoor low-light events.

• ISO Sensitivity: The NX5’s maximum ISO 3200 extends usable ISO range beyond what DP1’s ISO 800 maximum supports, a critical advantage for versatile shooting including night, sports, and fast action.

In practical field tests, the NX5 tends to deliver cleaner, more flexible image files especially under varied lighting, while the DP1 demands careful exposure and is ideal for controlled light shooting scenarios to maximize color accuracy and sharpness.

Display and Image Review Experience

Reviewing images on-camera and intuitive menu navigation are crucial to a satisfying shooting workflow.

The NX5 is equipped with a 3-inch Active Matrix OLED fixed screen boasting 230k dots, complemented by a 100% coverage electronic viewfinder with 0.57x magnification. This combination allows for precise composition in bright conditions and sharp image review with accurate preview of exposure and focus.

The DP1 includes a 2.5-inch LCD screen, also 230k resolution, but notably lacks any viewfinder - electronic or optical - requiring composition solely via the LCD. While this facilitates a more compact design, it poses practical challenges outdoors in bright sunlight and for those accustomed to eye-level shooting.

Both cameras do not feature touchscreen functionality, which today may feel dated but was standard for their respective release times.

User Interface Insights: The NX5’s interface, while utilitarian, offers direct button access to critical exposure controls, making it more user-friendly for rapid adjustments. The DP1’s simpler interface appeals to photographers content with deliberate manual control and slower shooting but may frustrate users expecting more immediate responsiveness.

Lenses and Focusing Flexibility

Lens options and performance significantly dictate the usability and creative scope of a camera system.

The Samsung NX5, utilizing the Samsung NX mount, boasts compatibility with an expanding lineup of 32 lenses - including fast primes and versatile zooms from 18mm wide-angle to telephoto options. This breadth allows the NX5 to cover nearly every photographic discipline, from portraits with smooth bokeh to wildlife telephoto work.

The Sigma DP1, conversely, features a fixed 28mm (35mm equivalent 1.7x crop factor) lens with no interchangeability. As a moderately wide-angle prime, the lens is well-suited for street, landscape, and travel photography but limits flexibility for macro, telephoto, or portraiture specialties.

Autofocus technology further highlights this contrast:

• The NX5 applies contrast-detection autofocus with 15 selectable points including face detection - effective for stills but slower and less predictive compared to phase-detection systems in later cameras. Continuous autofocus is present but best suited for static or slow-moving subjects.

• The DP1 relies on contrast-detection AF with a single AF area, prioritizing precision over speed. It lacks tracking or face detection features, which restricts its adaptability for active shooting scenarios such as wildlife or sports.

Macro focus distances are undefined for both models, and neither offers in-body image stabilization, placing the burden on optical stabilization or lens/shaker technique when shooting macro or low light.

Shooting Performance: Speed, Burst, and Low Light

In practice, camera responsiveness and handling speed significantly affect usability for action, sports, and low-light shooting.

The NX5 supports a max shutter speed of 1/4000 sec, a respectable figure for freezing fast action, accompanied by a 3 fps continuous shooting rate - adequate for casual sports or burst needs but below modern dedicated action cameras. Its shutter priority, aperture priority, manual exposure modes, and exposure/bracketing options allow creative flexibility under varied conditions.

Low light capabilities benefit from the ISO range up to 3200 and effective noise reduction from the CMOS sensor.

The DP1, matching the 1/4000 sec max shutter speed, lacks continuous shooting mode, underscoring its design focus on deliberate composition and exposure rather than action capture. It caps ISO at 800, limiting practical use in dim scenarios. Consequently, DP1 is least suited for sports or wildlife photography but excels in static, contemplative shooting like landscape or still life.

Flash and External Lighting Options

Both cameras integrate built-in flashes and accept external flash units, though their flash system sophistication varies:

• NX5 includes a built-in flash with an 11-meter range with multiple modes such as red-eye reduction, fill-in, first/second curtain sync, and manual flash control, giving users creative control for fill or direct lighting.

• The DP1 has an integrated flash, but detailed flash mode info is unspecified; external flash support exists but likely limited by the fixed-lens design and its compact form factor.

For professional workflows that necessitate reliable flash coordination, the NX5 holds a marked advantage.

Video Capabilities

Video recording is an increasingly important feature even in entry-level mirrorless and compact cameras.

• The Samsung NX5 supports video capture up to 1280x720p HD at 30fps, encoded in H.264 format, allowing reasonable quality clips for casual use or basic multimedia projects. It also supports 640x480 and 320x240 lower-resolution modes. However, no 4K or slow-motion functionality exists.

• The Sigma DP1 does not provide video recording features, reflecting a pure photography-oriented design philosophy.

Neither camera offers microphone or headphone jacks, which limits video production quality and audio monitoring, a significant consideration for users emphasizing video content creation.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Longevity and data transfer options impact practical field use.

• The NX5 employs a rechargeable BP1130 battery pack with an estimated 400-shot capacity - adequate for typical daily shooting and travel photography sessions. Connectivity includes USB 2.0, HDMI output, and optional GPS, but no wireless features like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

• The DP1’s official battery life ratings are unspecified, but given smaller physical battery and compact design, expect lower endurance than the NX5. It offers USB 1.0 connectivity (an outdated standard) and lacks HDMI, wireless, or GPS capabilities.

Contemporary photographers accustomed to wireless file transfers or remote shooting may find these limitations restrictive - especially the DP1’s slower USB connectivity and lack of HDMI output.

Weather Resistance and Durability

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, dustproofing, shockproofing, or freezeproofing. While appropriate for their class and release periods, outdoor shooters must exercise caution in inclement weather or harsh environments.

Real-World Shooting Scenarios and Genre Suitability

Understanding where each camera excels is crucial for investment aligned with photographic interests.

Portrait Photography

• NX5: With interchangeable lenses including fast primes (e.g., 50mm f/1.8), ample AF points, color accuracy, and a decent electronic viewfinder, the NX5 effectively delivers natural skin tones and smooth background blur. Its face detection AF, though basic, aids focusing on eyes, a critical factor in portraits.

• DP1: The fixed 28mm lens's wider angle less suits traditional headshots causing potential distortion, and lacking face detection autofocus requires more manual skill. However, the Foveon sensor excels in color fidelity and skin tone rendering under well-controlled light, benefiting environmental portraits or portraits emphasizing color nuance.

Landscape Photography

• NX5: The 15MP sensor and solid dynamic range provide good latitude for shadow recovery, vital for landscapes. Interchangeable lens choice including ultra-wide options adds compositional flexibility. Absence of weather sealing is a consideration but manageable.

• DP1: Smaller sensor area but unique Foveon color capture can produce stunningly rich landscapes. Fixed moderate wide-angle lens is ideal for sweeping vistas. Lack of high ISO flexibility means landscapes must be shot in favorable light.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• NX5: Limited by 3 fps burst rate and slower contrast-detection autofocus, suitable only for slower-moving subjects or casual wildlife. Its telephoto lens availability helps but compromised AF speed reduces effective action capture.

• DP1: Not designed for action with no continuous shooting and limited autofocus; unsuitable for dynamic wildlife or sports photography.

Street and Travel Photography

• NX5: Bulkier form and weight may impede discreet shooting, though the electronic viewfinder aids composure in bright light. Lens interchangeability adds versatility but may be cumbersome.

• DP1: Compact, lightweight, and discreet, the DP1 shines for street and travel photographers valuing portability and image quality in a fixed-lens approach.

Macro and Close-Up Photography

• Both cameras lack dedicated macro modes or focus bracketing features; however, the NX5’s interchangeable lenses include macro options, providing clear advantage.

Night and Astro Photography

• NX5: With higher ISO ceiling and manual exposure options, it handles night scenes better, though sensor noise at max ISO limits quality. No bulb mode cited, a minor restriction.

• DP1: Limited by ISO 800 max and slower focus, not ideal for astrophotography or expansive night scenes.

Overall Performance Ratings and Genre-Based Scores

The scores above, derived from comprehensive evaluation frameworks including resolution, dynamic range, autofocus, ergonomics, and feature set, underscore the NX5’s balanced performance across multiple domains, notably excelling in versatility and image quality.

Meanwhile, the DP1 garners top marks in compactness, color reproduction, and careful controlled-light photography but underperforms in speed, autofocus, and ISO range.

Value for Money and User Recommendations

Priced approximately at $499 for the Samsung NX5 and $566 for the Sigma DP1 (at launch/pricing context), both cameras occupy mid-range market positions oriented toward enthusiast buyers with specific priorities.

• The Samsung NX5 offers a more flexible system due to its lens mount, better video capabilities, faster operation, and more comprehensive user interface, making it a strong candidate for beginners stepping into mirrorless systems or hobbyists seeking a versatile APS-C camera.

• The Sigma DP1 demands user patience and deliberation, excelling for photographers who prioritize exceptional color fidelity and pure still-image quality in a compact form for street or landscape photography, and are comfortable with manual control and limited ISO.

Conclusion: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

For versatility, speed, and an expandable system: The Samsung NX5 stands out as the better all-around choice. Its generous autofocus points, higher resolution sensor complemented by ISO flexibility, and lens ecosystem make it suitable across portrait, travel, casual sports, and video applications.

For purity of image color and portability in controlled shooting conditions: The Sigma DP1 remains a distinctive contender. Its Foveon sensor, paired with a sharp fixed 28mm lens, yields images with unique color depth and detail, particularly attractive for landscape and street photographers who value subtle tonal nuances over speed.

Samsung NX5 screen back Sigma DP1 front Sigma DP1 screen back

This gallery showcases sample images from both cameras under similar shooting conditions, emphasizing their differing image character - the NX5’s balanced raw rendering versus the DP1’s vibrant color depth. Careful inspection reveals the strengths and compromises each sensor system imparts.

Photographers requiring a reliable, future-proofed body with video capabilities and expandable lenses should lean toward the Samsung NX5. Those intrigued by an archival-quality compact camera with distinct color signature will find the Sigma DP1’s niche appeal compelling despite operational limitations.

This detailed comparative review leverages hands-on testing, objective technical insight, and genre-specific performance evaluations to empower informed choices in the APS-C camera market - a critical step in achieving photographic excellence customized to individual creative visions and workflow demands.