DPReview.com is closing April 10th - Find out more

Is NX500 still worth it ?

Started Jun 14, 2016 | Discussions
larkhon Regular Member • Posts: 248
Is NX500 still worth it ?

Hello,

I've found a discontinued NX500 in a local shop for a good price. I'd like to give it a try, as I used to have a NX1000 + 30mm f2 and liked it.

But now I'm using mainly a Fuji X-T1 and 4-5 lenses. I'm pretty happy with them but NX500 + 16-50 is a very light/small combo, compared to X-T1 + 18-55mm, this could be of interest to me.

So I'm wondering if the NX500 + 16-50 has a better IQ than X-T1 + 18-55mm, or even the X-Pro2 + 18-55mm. Since NX500 is discontinued it is difficult to find good comparisons with the latest cameras. Do I spend about 450 euros or do I keep the cash to invest in X-Pro2 or upcoming Fuji cameras ?

Thanks

Fujifilm X-Pro2 Fujifilm X-T1 Samsung NX1000 Samsung NX500
If you believe there are incorrect tags, please send us this post using our feedback form.
petr marek Regular Member • Posts: 179
Re: Is NX500 still worth it ?
3

Yes! It has still best image quality, sensor technology, video quality, video codec, autofocus and oled touch screen of all aps-c cameras (only NX1 with the same BSI sensor is even better for serious video job). No other company will sell such miracle for such a bargain. Check studio scenes, charts, videos ... I have one and I prefer it even over the latest Sony a6300, lovely camera, which is missing touch screen and have worse IQ.

Kisaha Senior Member • Posts: 2,300
Re: Is NX500 still worth it ?
1

What Petr said, also, the future Fuji will be probably 3 times more (plus a few hundred euros) body only in price, and ofcourse is not going to be out soon.

If you care for video the Sammy is much better also (also 4K), and the new mods offer amazing flexibility and technological excitement!

It can be an excellent carry around camera, as it is really small and with a -usually- very good pz 16-50 stabilized lens (sample variation applies). Even more pocketable with the aforementioned 30mm and/or the excellent, and tiny, fisheye (I am not sure if there is a fish eye for Fuji). A much more modern photo experience in general, and now for a scandalous price. Warranty is still active, and it will be for at least a decade in Europe.

OP larkhon Regular Member • Posts: 248
Re: Is NX500 still worth it ?

Thanks for the feedback. I guess I will be buying one more camera this year

To be honest, if the IQ is that great (I need to find the 30mm f2 again) I'm afraid I might not use much my X-T1 and the other cameras I have... when you own some expensive cameras you do not use, you find many stupid reasons not to sell them, as you might "lose" 200+ euros selling it even though it is almost new. When you own a very good camera that cost a lot less, you just grab it and take photos...

Kisaha Senior Member • Posts: 2,300
Re: Is NX500 still worth it ?
1

The only thing NX lacks is the EVF(obviously), in most other things the NX500 is a much better camera.

2482 Regular Member • Posts: 248
Re: Is NX500 still worth it ?

Is it only 5 frames buffer.. how long to clear?

-- hide signature --

www.dougiewallace.com

 2482's gear list:2482's gear list
Fujifilm X100S Sony RX100 II Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 Leica Q Olympus E-M1 +3 more
jeszkar New Member • Posts: 22
Re: Is NX500 still worth it ?

It is more like 7-8 shots. And a faster sd card can make it quicker to clear in my experience.

 jeszkar's gear list:jeszkar's gear list
Samsung NX500 Samsung NX 30mm F2 Pancake Samsung NX 50-200mm F4-5.6 OIS Samsung NX 16mm F2.4 Pancake
Vaga Forum Member • Posts: 66
Re: Is NX500 still worth it ?

How is the battery life on the NX500? I see that the battery is less than 2/3 the NX1's.

jeszkar New Member • Posts: 22
Re: Is NX500 still worth it ?
1

Sadly I don't have a NX1 so I can't speak about it in comparison but NX500 battery life is weak (maybe not Sony bad but still). When I'm working for a whole day I always bring two extra battery (and a power bank just in case). I usually deplete two batteries on a day job.

 jeszkar's gear list:jeszkar's gear list
Samsung NX500 Samsung NX 30mm F2 Pancake Samsung NX 50-200mm F4-5.6 OIS Samsung NX 16mm F2.4 Pancake
Keyboard shortcuts:
FForum MMy threads