Contemplating the Classics: Samsung NX5 vs Sony NEX-5T – A Hands-On Mirrorless Showdown

The mirrorless camera market in the early 2010s was a fascinating battleground where legacy DSLR makers and tech giants alike sought to redefine photography’s future. Among the challengers stood Samsung, relatively new to the camera race, and Sony, steadily growing its mirrorless Alpha line. Today, I bring you a detailed, real-world comparison between two entry-level mirrorless contenders from that era - the Samsung NX5 (announced 2010) and the Sony NEX-5T (announced 2013).

Both cameras champion APS-C sensors, fundamentally similar focal length multipliers, and appeal to photographers hunting for their first or secondary interchangeable lens system. Yet, the devil is in the details, and as someone who has tested thousands of cameras across genres, I’ll unpack everything - from sensor tech to ergonomics, autofocus prowess to video chops - to help you decide which (if either) fits your shooting style best.

First Impressions: Handling and Ergonomics

Picking up the Samsung NX5, I immediately notice the SLR-styled mirrorless body that feels relatively chunky at 123 × 87 × 40 mm and weighing almost 500 grams. By contrast, Sony’s NEX-5T impresses with its rangefinder-style design, noticeably more compact and lighter at 111 × 59 × 39 mm, with a svelte 276-gram weight. Ergonomically, the larger Samsung NX5 might appeal to those who prefer a gripy, substantial feel - especially when attaching heftier lenses.

The NEX-5T’s compactness lends itself well to travel and street photography, where discretion and portability matter. However, smaller bodies sometimes mean cramped controls, so it’s essential to consider button placement and ease of use.

Looking at the control layout from above, the Samsung NX5 offers dedicated dials for shutter and exposure compensation, and a hot shoe ready for external flashes. The Sony NEX-5T opts for a streamlined approach, trading some tactile dials for fewer buttons but introducing a touchscreen interface. While this might slightly slow rapid manual adjustments on theSony, the touchscreen helps navigate menus faster.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Pixel Peeping the Differences

Both cameras utilize APS-C sized CMOS sensors measuring 23.4 x 15.6 mm, covering a respectable 365.04 mm² imaging area, maintaining the popular 1.5x crop factor familiar to classic Nikon and Sony users.

Samsung’s NX5 sensor clocks in at 15 megapixels, while the Sony NEX-5T edges it out with 16 megapixels. While the difference is modest numerically, the three-year gap between these cameras means Sony offers improvements in sensor technology, noise control, and dynamic range.

Sony’s Bionz processor works in tandem with its CMOS sensor to deliver an impressive base ISO range of 100 to 25600, giving more flexibility in low-light conditions and cleaner images at higher ISOs. Samsung’s NX5 caps at ISO 3200, reflecting its earlier tech stage. For landscape and night photographers who demand highlight and shadow retention, Sony’s wider dynamic range (DxOMark reports about 13 EV for NEX-5T; Samsung untested but presumptively lower) will be advantageous.

Skin tones in portraits further illustrate Sony’s superior color depth (23.6 bits vs. Samsung’s untested but likely lower). The Sony’s sensor captures subtleties with more finesse, yielding more pleasing tonal transitions.

However, don’t discount the NX5 outright; it still delivers respectable image quality at base ISOs with well-controlled color and sharpness, especially paired with Samsung’s growing line of 32 lenses optimized for its NX mount.

Display and Viewfinder: Seeing Your Shot Clearly

Samsung opts for a fixed 3-inch OLED screen at a modest 230k resolution, while Sony’s NEX-5T boasts a 3-inch tilting TFT LCD with 922k dots and touch capabilities. The difference is noticeable in clarity and user interaction. The tilt mechanism on the Sony proves invaluable for low or high-angle shooting, facilitating creative framing - a boon for vloggers or street snapper types.

The Samsung’s electronic viewfinder (EVF) offers 100% coverage at 0.57x magnification but lacks resolution details (likely basic by today’s standards). Meanwhile, Sony’s NEX-5T does not feature a built-in EVF, relying solely on the versatile rear screen. This design choice favors compactness but may displease traditionalists or those working in bright daylight conditions where LCD visibility falters.

Autofocus Systems: Tracking and Precision in Action

Samsung’s NX5 uses a contrast-detection AF system with 15 focus points and face detection. It supports single and continuous AF but lacks tracking (AF tracking: no). This limitation affects subjects in motion, where acquisition speed and follow-through suffer. The NX5’s autofocus performance is serviceable indoors or in static scenes but shows strain for wildlife or sports photography.

Sony’s NEX-5T upgrades dramatically with hybrid focusing incorporating both phase-detection and contrast AF. It has 99 focus points (25 cross-type) and supports eye and face detection, continuous AF, and tracking. During testing, the NEX-5T demonstrates faster lock-on and smoother tracking on moving subjects - critical for action and wildlife photographers. The broader the focus coverage and additional hardware phase points enable more precise and confident focusing, especially in challenging light or high-speed situations.

Though neither camera offers the latest AF innovations (no animal eye detection), in the context of their generations, the Sony is a clear winner in autofocus sophistication.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speeds: Catching the Decisive Moment

Burst speed is another crucial metric. Samsung’s NX5 shoots at a restrained 3 fps, suitable for casual snapshots but limiting for sports or fast wildlife action. Sony doubles this with up to 10 fps, enabling multiple frames for selecting that elusive perfect moment. Both maintain a shutter speed range of 30s to 1/4000s but lack an electronic shutter option that newer models adopt to eliminate vibration and noise.

The Sony’s advantage in continuous shooting speed complements its AF tracking capabilities, making it a better tool for dynamic shooting scenarios.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: The Glass Factor

Lens availability can make or break a system. Samsung’s NX mount counts around 32 lenses, predominantly prime and zoom options tailored for APS-C. While respectable for an emerging system, it pales compared to Sony’s E mount with over 120 lenses from both Sony and third-party manufacturers.

This vast selection makes Sony’s system flexible for nearly every genre - from ultra-wide landscapes to super-telephoto wildlife telephoto primes, to macro optics. Moreover, Sony E mount benefits from Alpha mirrorless line growth, ensuring ongoing support and innovation. Samsung’s NX mount, now discontinued, limits long-term lens investment potential.

Video Capabilities: Moving Pictures in Focus

Considering video, Samsung’s NX5 shoots HD at 1280 x 720p at 30 fps, encoded in H.264 but lacks stereo audio input or stabilization. It also misses features like HDMI clean output for external recorders, higher frame rates, or advanced codecs. Its video function feels like an afterthought designed for casual use.

Sony’s NEX-5T steps up with full HD 1080p video at 60p, 60i, and 24p frame rates, giving more creative freedom. It offers AVCHD and MPEG4 compression, with touch autofocus during video capture for smoother results. Unfortunately, neither model includes microphone or headphone jacks, but the NEX-5T’s superior video specs and autofocus enable better quality clips for amateur videographers.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Will They Last?

Both cameras lack weather sealing, dustproofing, or robust environmental resistance, reflecting their entry-level design and era. The NX5 is somewhat bulkier but not notably tougher. The NEX-5T’s lighter magnesium alloy-and-plastic construction feels solid but delicate compared to pro-grade bodies.

For outdoor shooters who demand ruggedness, neither camera fulfills this niche, suggesting they are best suited indoors, urban shoots, or fair-weather travel.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

Samsung’s NX5 uses a BP1130 battery rated for about 400 shots per charge; this is generous for mirrorless cameras of its time. Sony’s NEX-5T uses the NPFW50 battery, delivering around 330 shots - adequate but slightly less than Samsung.

Both cameras offer a single SD/SDHC card slot (Sony also supports SDXC and proprietary Memory Stick formats) - standard for budget models but lacking dual slot redundancy professional shooters often prefer.

During extended outings, carrying spares is recommended for either, especially if shooting video or in burst mode frequently.

Wireless and Connectivity Features

Samsung’s NX5 includes no built-in wireless features - no Bluetooth, NFC, or Wi-Fi - the absence is noteworthy given the growing importance of wireless image transfer in the 2010s.

Sony addresses this gap with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, allowing easy pairing with smartphones or tablets for image sharing or remote control - an appreciated convenience for travel photographers or social media shooters.

Both cameras include standard USB 2.0 and HDMI ports, facilitating image offloading and external monitoring.

In Practice: How These Cameras Perform Across Genres

Portrait Photography

Sony’s face detection, eye recognition, and fine color depth deliver more natural skin tones and engaging bokeh with quality Sony E lenses. The NX5’s OLED screen assists framing, but limited AF tracking and fewer lenses hamper portrait creativity.

Landscape Photography

While both pack APS-C sensors with similar resolutions, Sony’s better dynamic range and sensitivity provide more shadow detail and highlight preservation - valuable for dramatic landscapes. Neither camera offers weather sealing, so precautions matter for outdoor shoots.

Wildlife and Sports

Sports and wildlife photographers will find the Sony’s 10 fps burst rate and advanced hybrid AF indispensable. The NX5’s sluggish 3 fps and contrast-only AF complicate action shots critically.

Street Photography

Sony’s small size, touchscreen interface, and tiltable screen suit street photography well. The NX5’s larger, heavier frame and limited AF responsiveness reduce its street candid potential.

Macro Photography

Neither camera specializes in macro, but Sony’s vast lens ecosystem includes numerous macro options with image stabilization in some lenses, improving handheld close-up shots.

Night and Astro Photography

Sony’s expanded ISO range and dynamic range enhance night and astrophotography opportunities. The Samsung’s limited ISO cap and older sensor tech produce more noise and less tonal subtlety.

Video

Sony’s full HD 1080p at multiple frame rates and touch AF during video give it a solid edge over Samsung’s basic HD video.

Travel Photography

The Sony NEX-5T’s compactness, wireless features, and broad lens compatibility make it a versatile travel companion. The NX5’s bulk and lack of connectivity may weigh it down on long trips.

Professional Applications

Neither is aimed squarely at professionals, lacking weather sealing, dual card slots, or high-end file handling. The Sony’s better image quality and feature set, however, could serve as a capable backup or learning platform.

Samsung NX5 screen back Sony NEX 5T front Sony NEX 5T screen back

Scoring Their Performance: The Numbers Back Up the Narrative

Sony’s NEX-5T earns higher marks across autofocus, image quality, video, and user interface, while Samsung’s NX5 holds ground in battery life and a solid foundational sensor.

The performance spread reflects Sony leading in dynamic genres like wildlife, sports, and video; Samsung maintaining relevance in portrait and some landscape niches.

Pricing and Value: What Will Your Dollar Buy?

At launch, the NX5 priced around $499, and the NEX-5T came in at about $399. Given that these are older models, current prices on the used market vary. The NEX-5T’s superior specs and broader system support often justify a higher asking price.

If budget is tight and you prefer a substantial grip and a camera that caters to basic photography without fuss, the Samsung could serve as a beginner-friendly introduction. Still, for those looking for a more future-proof system with better tech, the Sony NEX-5T is the better investment.

Final Thoughts

Our deep dive into the Samsung NX5 and Sony NEX-5T reveals a clear technological leap between 2010 and 2013 entry-level mirrorless offerings. The Sony leverages advancements in sensor efficiency, autofocus sophistication, video capability, and user-centric design to deliver a more versatile package across genres.

The Samsung NX5, while commendable for its time, feels more limited - best suited for enthusiasts focused on stills under controlled conditions who value solid ergonomics.

Ultimately, if you prioritize speed, responsiveness, and lens options or want a capable hybrid stills-and-video machine, the Sony NEX-5T is the prudent choice. If your use case is casual, primarily portrait or landscape photography with less emphasis on modern connectivity or video, the NX5 remains an interesting but dated contender.

Whichever side of this mirrorless epoch you find yourself on, understanding these nuanced differences empowers smarter camera buying decisions grounded in your personal photography journey.

If you have questions about specific lenses or want guidance on current camera alternatives that build on these legacies, I’m here to help. Happy shooting!