Upgraded to NX500 Finally

...a superb analysis by the "T".  I'm with you and for me, both the NX300 and NX500 have something that one can only describe with intangible descriptions.  Remember a decade ago when much of the talk on the Oly forums were about the intangible IQ qualities of the (then) Four Thirds model cameras - meaning color tonality, etc?

Well, I'm finding myself resorting to the same descriptions here - that is, "Palpable, 3D, You-are-there, etc.," with regards to these cameras.  The only caveat I can add with regards to IQ is that skin tones aren't the best with Samsung cameras, my preferring results from Fuji X and Olympus m4/3 the best (and Canon also).  But that's a subjective thing, I know.

It's just mind-boggling to try and decipher the reasons for Samsung's abrupt exit from the camera market after releasing such wonderful photographic instruments as the NX1 and NX500.

. The only caveat I can add with regards to IQ is that skin tones aren't the best with Samsung cameras, my preferring results from Fuji X and Olympus m4/3 the best (and Canon also). But that's a subjective thing, I know.

Skintones are a raw-adjust thing , no problem .

It's just mind-boggling to try and decipher the reasons for Samsung's abrupt exit from the camera market after releasing such wonderful photographic instruments as the NX1 and NX500.

Simply They`re not a "camera company" (as we know such as Oly and Nikon) , they`re a white-goods/office machinery / consumer electronics specialist and if it ain`t turnin a profit then out it goes - there`s no "feeling" in a company like Samsung (like there is with Sigma) , It`s a Machine

Actually the 50-200 was until recently 199$ (B&H, including the white one!), and I haven't seen any not worth at least 50% more than their retail price.

That`s because It's all there is and all there is going to be - it works OK but it`s poor compared to almost all of the DSLR 55-200 offerings (including plastic mount kit ones and  sigma and Tamron variants ), and add in sample variation which is rife in this lens (Decentering is common) ..

I think only the Sony E-Mount one is worse and still can`t believe anyone could make a mid-tele zoom so bad optically .

I am surprised that you find your 20mm sharper than your 30, and I could add that my favorite NX lens, is the 45mm one.

the 20mm isn`t sharper than the 30 in the middle, the 30 is amazingly sharp there - it`s the edges wider than F5.6 where the 30 is a let down , it`s both sides so its not decentered or anything ..... the 45 is excellent but not a focal length I`d use much ..