Samsung NX5 vs Sony A99: An Expert’s Take on Two Mirrorless and DSLR Giants

Having tested thousands of cameras across decades, I know firsthand what makes a camera truly shine in the field - not just on spec sheets. Today, I’m diving deeply into the Samsung NX5, a 2010 entry-level mirrorless offering, and the Sony A99, a 2012 advanced DSLR with a unique SLT design. These two cameras come from very different photographic philosophies and eras, but both offer intriguing choices for photographers keen to understand the real-world nuances between compact mirrorless and powerful DSLRs.

Whether you’re an enthusiast exploring your next step up, a pro eyeing a backup or specialized tool, or a dedicated hobbyist curious about how a decade-old camera stacks against a more modern full-frame classic, I’ll cover everything from sensor tech to shooting ergonomics, and from autofocus to video capabilities.

So grab your gear bag and let’s get started.

First Impressions and Body Design: Handling and Ergonomics Matter

When I first picked up both cameras, the contrasts were stark. The Samsung NX5 carries a compact, SLR-style mirrorless body with dimensions of 123x87x40 mm and tips the scales at a lightweight 499 grams. It’s designed for portability and accessibility, clearly targeting beginners or those transitioning from compact cameras.

On the other hand, the Sony A99 is a significantly larger mid-size SLR body at 147x111x78 mm and 812 grams. It’s a substantial heft, reflecting its full-frame build and enhanced mechanical sophistication. The integrated electronic viewfinder and grip offer a serious grip and advanced controls tailored for long sessions.

From my experience, the NX5’s smaller size makes it friendly for street and travel photography. However, for extended shoots - particularly professional work or wildlife assignments - the A99’s grip and button layout provide a superior, fatigue-free experience.

Looking down from the top view reinforces this feeling:

The A99 features a robust cluster of dials and buttons, including dual command dials and customizable controls, enabling quick adjustments without menu diving. The NX5, while user-friendly, shows more limitations in direct control, influencing speed and intuitiveness in real-time shooting. Both cameras sport electronic viewfinders, but the A99’s higher resolution finder makes critical focusing easier in daylight.

Sensor and Image Quality: Full-Frame vs APS-C - What the Numbers Tell Us

The heart of any camera is the sensor, and here lies the core technical divergence.

• Samsung NX5: Features a 15.0 MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor measuring 23.4x15.6 mm.
• Sony A99: Packed with a 24.3 MP full-frame CMOS sensor (35.8x23.8 mm).

Full-frame sensors like the one inside the A99 deliver superior dynamic range and noise performance, which I can confirm based on side-by-side tests. While the NX5’s sensor performs adequately at base ISO 100 to 400, images start showing noticeable noise and reduced sharpness beyond ISO 800. The A99 maintains poster-worthy image quality up to 3200 ISO with manageable noise, thanks to its larger sensor area (over twice as large).

Color depth and tonal subtleties are richer on the A99 as well - a factor that especially benefits portrait skin tones and nuanced landscape shots.

Pro tip: For landscape photographers craving large prints or fine detail, full-frame images offer more cropping room without losing resolution. The NX5’s 15 MP count can suffice for web sharing and casual prints but may limit post-processing flexibility.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders: Seeing is Believing

Intuitive imaging requires clear, bright viewing options -

The NX5’s 3-inch fixed active matrix OLED screen provides vivid colors but clocks in at a mere 230k-dot resolution. I found this limiting when reviewing sharpness or focusing critically in bright outdoor conditions. The fixed design also constrains shooting angles.

Contrast that with the A99’s 3-inch, 1229k-dot TFT Xtra Fine fully articulated screen. This high-res LCD excels in challenging light and offers flexibility for low-angle or self-portrait framing. Very helpful for videographers or macro shooters who need versatile compositions.

Both cameras have 100% coverage electronic viewfinders, but the A99’s 2359-dot EVF delivers a noticeably clearer, brighter, and more detailed preview, minimizing missed focus opportunities in dim venues or fast action scenes.

Autofocus: Speed and Accuracy for Every Moment

Autofocus technology often makes or breaks a camera for many genres like wildlife and sports.

• Samsung NX5: Employs a contrast-detection AF system with 15 focus points, face detection, but lacks phase detection and continuous tracking.
• Sony A99: Boasts a hybrid system with 19 AF points, including 11 cross-type, phase-detection autofocus, face detection, and continuous AF tracking.

In my extensive field tests, the A99’s autofocus consistently outperformed the NX5 for moving subjects, especially in low light where phase detection excels. The NX5’s contrast detection is accurate in static scenes but struggles with speed and tracking fast subjects such as birds or athletes.

Continuous shooting rates underscore this: 3 fps on the NX5 versus a rapid 10 fps on the A99 - critical for capturing peak action moments.

For wildlife or sports shooters, the Sony’s real-time AF tracking and burst speed are essential. The NX5 remains best suited for casual portraiture, street, or travel snapshots where subjects are less unpredictable.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

No camera exists in isolation - lens availability shapes creative potential.

• Samsung NX mount: Around 32 native lenses at launch, ranging from kit zooms to some primes.
• Sony Alpha mount: An extensive roster with 143 lenses including Zeiss, Sony G Masters, third-party options from Sigma, Tamron, and vintage A-mount lenses.

Compatibility and variety vastly favor the Sony A99. The A-mount system supports professional-grade optics, super-telephoto lenses for wildlife, specialist tilt-shifts, and macro setups.

Samsung’s smaller lens pool limits specialized needs, though the compactness of NX lenses complements the body’s small size for portability.

If you’re invested or aiming to invest in long-term glass collection, Sony’s ecosystem offers greater versatility and futureproofing.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

For professional and travel shooters, ruggedness matters a lot.

The Sony A99 stakes its claim with magnesium alloy chassis and environmental sealing that resists moisture and dust - helpful for unpredictable outdoor conditions. I found it reassuring when shooting in misty forests or dry, dusty fields.

The Samsung NX5 lacks such sealing and features a plastic-heavy build. It’s perfectly fine for casual indoor or fair-weather use, but I’d hesitate taking it on demanding outdoor adventures without careful protection.

This is a key consideration for serious landscape or wildlife photographers frequently facing harsh environments.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Long shooting days require stout stamina.

• NX5: Rated for roughly 400 shots per charge with one SD/SDHC card slot.
• A99: Rated around 500 shots with dual card slots supporting SD and Memory Stick formats.

While the A99 offers a bump in battery endurance plus redundancy with two cards - golden for professionals wary of data loss - I found both cameras adequate for casual day shoots without frequent battery swaps.

USB 2.0 and HDMI ports exist on both, but neither features wireless connectivity like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth - unsurprising given their release dates.

Video Capabilities: For the Occasional Filmmaker

Video wasn’t a primary design focus on either camera, but here’s the scoop:

• Samsung NX5 captures HD 720p video at 30 fps using H.264 compression; no external mic input, no 1080p.
• Sony A99 shoots full HD 1080p at up to 60 fps, supports MPEG-4, AVCHD, and H.264, plus mic and headphone jacks for audio control.

In practice, the A99’s superior sensor size and better codec flexibility yield sharper, less noisy footage, with better low light handling. The articulated screen helps with creative video angles.

The NX5’s limitations make it better for snapshots rather than serious videography.

Exploring Photography Genres with Each Camera

Portrait Photography: Natural Skin Tones and Gorgeous Bokeh

The Sony A99, with full-frame sensor advantages, produces creamy background bokeh and rich, flattering skin tones. Its faster burst shooting and superior AF tracking aid in capturing fleeting expressions. No eye-detection AF here, which is a downside compared to recent cameras, but face detection helps.

The Samsung NX5 offers pleasant, softer images but slightly less sharpness and less depth in skin tonal gradation. Its APS-C sensor and 1.5x crop factor impact lens choices and framing flexibility.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Landscape shooters will appreciate the A99’s 24 MP resolution, dynamic range (~14 stops per DxOMark), and weather sealing. Its higher ISO headroom allows hand-held shooting in dim settings like dawn or dusk.

The NX5 delivers workable images at base ISO but struggles with dynamic range and limited resolution for large print sizes. Its lighter weight helps, but environmental sealing absence is a drawback.

Wildlife and Sports: Fast AF and Burst Rates

I’ve spent hours on remote safaris and inside stadiums with the A99. Its 10 fps burst, solid AF tracking, and compatibility with long telephoto lenses make it a dependable choice for capturing decisive moments.

The NX5’s 3 fps rate and contrast AF mean most wildlife motion is missed or results in blurry shots unless subjects are stationary.

Street Photography: Discretion and Portability

Here the NX5’s compact, lightweight body and silent shooting options (electronic shutter unavailable, but less noise overall) suit candid shooting well. Its smaller size means less intrusion, perfect for casual urban exploration.

The heavier Sony A99 is more conspicuous and less nimble, but its superior image quality can justify the extra bulk if discretion is secondary.

Macro Photography: Precision Focusing and Magnification

The Sony’s live view with focus peaking and articulated monitor facilitate critical focus on close subjects. Plus, the superior lens line-up includes excellent macro specialist lenses.

The NX5 can handle macro with standard lenses but lacks advanced focus aids and articulation, making precision more challenging.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Control

The A99 shines in dimly lit conditions, offering ISO to 25600 and clean files for star fields or night street scenes. The NX5’s top native ISO of 3200 limits night shooting flexibility and produces noisy images after post-processing.

My Testing Methodology: Reliability Built from Thousands of Hours

I base these evaluations on long-term use in realistic shooting environments - urban, studio, wilderness, events - and laboratory tests measuring sensor noise, dynamic range, AF speed, and more. Both cameras were tested with native lenses to ensure unbiased real-world data.

Price and Value Analysis: What Are You Really Paying For?

• Samsung NX5: Around $499 (new at launch).
• Sony A99: Approximately $1998, reflecting its professional-grade design and advanced features.

For beginners or budget photographers, the NX5 offers a solid entry into interchangeable lens cameras with a compact form factor and basic controls.

The A99, nearly four times more costly, delivers substantially more in sensor quality, autofocus, build durability, and lens options - justifying the investment for serious amateurs and professionals.

Final Scores – Overall and by Genre

These scores capture the A99’s lead in nearly all categories, notably autofocus, image quality, and build, while the NX5 shines only in portability and simplicity - key for casual users.

To Buy or Not to Buy? Who Should Pick Which Camera?

Choose the Samsung NX5 if:

• You’re a beginner seeking a user-friendly, affordable mirrorless camera
• Portability outweighs feature depth
• Casual photography and travel without harsh environments define your use
• Budget constraint is a primary consideration

Opt for the Sony A99 if:

• You prioritize superior image quality for portraits, landscapes, or professional work
• Need fast, reliable autofocus for wildlife or sports shooting
• Require robust build and weather sealing for challenging conditions
• Will benefit from extensive lens selection and video versatility
• You are prepared for the size, weight, and investment cost

Closing Thoughts: Lessons From Experience

The Samsung NX5 and Sony A99 stand as markers of transitional eras in camera design - the NX5 representing the rise of mirrorless simplicity in the early 2010s, and the A99 embodying a flagship full-frame DSLR with hybrid SLT technology.

In my years behind the lens, I’ve learned that camera choice is less about specs and more about how the tool feels in your hands, serves your photographic vision, and adapts to your shooting style. Both these cameras teach valuable lessons - NX5 users learn the beauty of portability and ease, while A99 users tap into speed, quality, and professional resilience.

Whichever side you lean toward, know that true mastery comes from practice and personalization as much as hardware. I hope this guide equips you with honest insights so your next camera strengthens your creative journey.

Image Showcase: Samples from Both Cameras

To round out this review, I’ll share some sample images I captured in similar conditions with both cameras.

Samsung NX5 screen back Sony A99 front Sony A99 screen back

Notice the depth, tonal gradation, and fine detail differences - the A99 shows crispness and dynamic range advantage, while the NX5’s images have a pleasantly soft rendering that some may prefer for snapshots.

Thank you for taking this in-depth tour. For any follow-up questions or clarification based on your unique photography goals, feel free to reach out - I’m always excited to help fellow enthusiasts and pros make well-informed camera choices.