With 4K video and a massive 28.2MP resolution, could Samsung’s NX500 be the ideal blend of power and portability? Matthew Higgs tests this advanced CSC.
In 2014 samsung stepped up its game with the release of the NX1, an advanced CSC with a very high resolution sensor and 4K video capability. While this camera helped reinforce Samsung’s position as a serious player in the premium CSC market, its price-tag of £1299 body only put it well out of the reach of most consumers. This left many hoping that some of the NX1’s features might trickle down into a more affordable enthusiast-level camera...
Step forward the NX500. This new affordable CSC boasts both the 28.2MP image resolution of its bigger brother, and 4K video, yet it costs less than half as much. Replacing the NX300, the camera sits above the entrylevel NX3000 and competes against cameras such as Sony’s A6000 and Canon’s M3.
Main features
At 28.2MP the NX500 has the highest image resolution of any camera on the market (joint with the NX1) fitted with an APS-C size sensor. There’s also no anti-aliasing filter built in, so the camera is able to capture an excellent level of detail. Thanks to the backside illuminated (BSI) sensor, the camera is also capable of better noise performance and detail retention than many cameras with a conventional front illuminated sensor, producing images with minimal digital noise up to ISO 3200.
While the NX1 came with the powerful DRIMe V processor, the NX500 houses a slightly lighter version, the DRIMe Vs. This still packs plenty of punch, allowing 4K video recording (that’s the equivalent of shooting 30fps at 8MP), and a native 100-25,600 ISO range. A top burst shooting speed of 9fps is a lot slower than the NXl’s speedy 15fps, but is both competitive with other similarly-priced cameras and considerably faster than most enthusiast DSLRs. Unfortunately, it slows down after just five RAWs or 24 JPEGs, reaching its buffer quicker than Samsung’s flagship model.
Boasting the outstanding hybrid NX Autofocus System III, the NX500 comes with 205 phase-detect points and 209 contrast-detect points. These touch-selectable points cover almost the entire frame, and are rated to a very impressive -4 EV, so AF is very responsive in most lighting conditions. Focusing modes include active AF, single AF, continuous AF and manual focus. An AF assist lamp aids focusing in low light.
The NX500 lacks an EVF, which may disappoint some, though it does means the body is considerably more streamlined than the NX1. Its 3in 1036k-dot Super AMOLED rear display is touch-sensitive and features a tilt mechanism for composing shots at testing angles or shooting selfies.
When it comes to video, the NX500 gets a lot right, but a lot wrong too. On paper the camera’s ability to film 4K at 24fps, Ultra HD at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps is seriously impressive. However, with no input for an external microphone, sound quality is limited by the capabilities of the camera’s in-built stereo mics, while monitoring audio is difficult due to the lack of a headphone port. The camera can output video via HDMI, but 4K footage is compressed, unlike on the NX1. While this is fine for those who want to shoot high resolution video for personal use, this camera is not ideal for serious videography.
The camera has no in-built flash, though it is supplied with a small external flashgun that slides onto the hotshoe. The NX500’s battery life is 370 shots, which is about average for a CSC. Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth are included, allowing remote shooting and image transfer via a smartphone or tablet.
Handling
The NX500 has a very similar size and design to its predecessor, the NX300, and the button layout is virtually the same. With a raised grip and thumb rest, the camera sits comfortably in the hand, although due to its compact size it does feel a little unbalanced if used with Samsung’s longer lenses. The large touchscreen dominates the back of the camera, allowing menu control, touch focus and exposure point selection. Found alongside it are the camera’s thumb dial, D-pad and various buttons, including one dedicated to exposure compensation. Combined with the kit lens’ i-Function, all major settings are easily accessible without having to search through the menu. The function of three buttons and several other control operations can be custom-set to suit a personal shooting style, and 40 custom shooting settings can be saved and selected via the mode dial’s custom option. Menu navigation is clear and intuitive.
Verdict
The NX500 is a well-rounded CSC from Samsung that boasts market-leading resolution, impressive image quality, excellent connectivity and comfortable handling. Disappointingly, the feature that should be its biggest boon, 4K video, feels restricted by the lack of audio options and external output. Overall, this is a very good camera at a reasonable price, though some users may feel that other comparative models, such as the Sony A6000, are a better option for the money.
Specs
Camera: Samsung NX500
Lens: 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6
Price: £599
Effective resolution: 28.2MP
Sensor: 23.5x15.7mm APS-C CMOS
Processor: DRIMe Vs
LCD: 3in 1036k-dot Super AMOLED tilting touchscreen
EVF: No
AF: Hybrid AF with 205 phase-detect points (153 cross-type) and 209 contrast-detect points
ISO: 100-25,600 (expands to 51,200)
Shooting speed: 9fps for 5 RAWs or 40 JPEGs
Video: 4K at 24fps, Full HD (1080p) at 60fps
Other features: Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth, external flashgun
Battery life: 370 shots
Card type: SD, SDHC, SDXC
Size (WxHxD): 120x64x43mm
Weight: 339g