Samsung NX500 vs Sony A99

Here, we are matching up the Samsung NX500 and Sony A99, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Samsung and Sony. The image resolution of the NX500 (28MP) and the A99 (24MP) is fairly well matched but the NX500 (APS-C) and A99 (Full frame) boast different sensor dimensions.

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The NX500 was unveiled 2 years later than the A99 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Samsung NX500 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A99 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting straight to a in depth comparison, here is a concise overview of how the NX500 grades vs the A99 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Samsung NX500 and Sony SLT-A99. The full galleries are provided at Samsung NX500 Gallery and Sony A99 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry your camera often, you are going to need to take into account its weight and size. The Samsung NX500 features physical dimensions of 120mm x 64mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs) and the Sony A99 has specifications of 147mm x 111mm x 78mm (5.8" x 4.4" x 3.1") having a weight of 812 grams (1.79 lbs).

Look at the Samsung NX500 and Sony A99 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with during that time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the NX500 and the A99.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the NX500 and A99 is 87 and 57 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to imagine the gap between sensor sizing only by checking a spec sheet. The visual here should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the NX500 and A99.

Clearly, both the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The NX500 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Samsung NX500 will give extra detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The fresher NX500 should have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.