Samsung NX500 vs Sony A290

Lets look a little more closely at the Samsung NX500 and Sony A290, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Samsung and Sony. There is a large difference between the sensor resolutions of the NX500 (28MP) and A290 (14MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor sizes (APS-C).

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The NX500 was launched 4 years after the A290 which is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Samsung NX500 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a thorough comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the NX500 scores versus the A290 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Samsung NX500 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The complete galleries are viewable at Samsung NX500 Gallery & Sony A290 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry around your camera often, you will want to think about its weight and size. The Samsung NX500 enjoys outer dimensions of 120mm x 64mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.5" x 1.7") along with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs) and the Sony A290 has specifications of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") along with a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Check the Samsung NX500 and Sony A290 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the NX500 compared to the A290.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the NX500 and A290 is 87 and 66 respectively.

Often, it is tough to visualise the difference between sensor sizes only by reading through technical specs. The pic below may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the NX500 and A290.

As you have seen, each of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same megapixels. You can anticipate the Samsung NX500 to give you more detail utilizing its extra 14 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The more recent NX500 will have an edge with regard to sensor tech.