Samsung NX500 vs Fuji X-T20

Goodmorning everyone. There are some years that use Samsung NX3000 with different lenses. They are satisfied with the results. They are willing to purchase another mirrorless camera. I am very interested in Fuji X-T20 but it costs about € 1,100. Alternatively, it can also affect the NX500; this way I can use different lenses I (30mm f2 .... 16mm f2.4 16-50mm ... ...). The only doubt I have is related to the fact that Samsung no longer produces, and this fact limits me in the choice. NX500 used in good condition find it at about € 430, and in this way I could continue using the lenses I have. I have read the characteristics of the NX500 and is clearly superior in many aspects of NX3000. I read several comparisons between x-t20 and NX500 and NX500 comes out poorly by comparison. NX500 is, however, a 2-year mirrorless while x-t20 is the latest generation. What advice can you give me? Thank you

I was super keen on XT-20, if I had to start over again I'll get it.

But if value for money is important, and if I had as many NX lens as you, and since NX500 is less than half the cost I'll choose NX.

But if money is no problem, and you want to start over there isn't any better alternative in APSC world that I know of than the XT-20. Plus Fuji is a great brand from what I hear and read.

The fuji is a lot more fun / engaging to use.  the nx500 has excellent IQ though, its just if i remember correctly i had to dive through menus when i wanted to change common settings.  based on US prices, id rather have the X-t20

Buttons252 wrote:

The fuji is a lot more fun / engaging to use. the nx500 has excellent IQ though, its just if i remember correctly i had to dive through menus when i wanted to change common settings. based on US prices, id rather have the X-t20

Yes. Fuji X-T20 is great small, but powerful APS-C MILC camera. And fuji's lens selection is excellent...However Sony's mirrorless are also very good alternatives.

Ari

...between the two, the choices are a bit easier, it would seem.

The NX500 is a wonderful camera - but one in which you compose with the LCD only.  It has one of the finest ergonomic feels I've ever seen (and felt).  And it was (still is) a camera way ahead of it's time.

The X-T20, on the other hand, represents a wonderful advancement in Fuji's line of cameras.  I've been aboard the Fuji bandwagon long before I first jumped into Samsung (which was some 3-4 years ago).  The X-T20 is superb and has much, much better (read cleaner here) high ISO capabilities.

Additionally, the selection of lenses for Fuji is outstanding.  If you liked the kit lens for the Samsung cameras (the 16-50 f3.5-5.6 IS PZ), then you'd love the kit XC 16-50 f3.5-5.6 IS lens also.  Additionally, just like Samsung used to do, Fuji has an ongoing active firmware update mindset.  They won't hesitate to make something better - even for older camera models.  It's uncanny.

Now it does take some getting used to - meaning, if you are a RAW shooter, you may want to investigate the best way to convert the RAF files for the best clarity.  JPG's on the other hand, are some of the finest that can be found among any camera.  Fuji JPG's often negate the reason for having to shoot in RAW in the first place - they are that rich, colorful, full, and sharp!  But old habits die hard and I tend to shoot RAW with every camera that has that capability.

So in my most humble opinion, get the X-T20 and their kit 16-50 XC lens as a starter.  Then get to the learn the Fuji way of doing things.

Don't forget to keep another Fuji camera under consideration - that is their entry level X-A3 - which features a Bayer sensor (also a 24 MP sensor).  It too uses an articulating LCD for composition.  I have this model also - and it is awesome (very similar in feel to the NX500).  And it retails for only $549 to $599 depending on where you buy it and it comes in several color patterns - see sample here:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/search?Ntt=Fuji%20X-A3&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&typedValue=&Top+Nav-Search=

Lots to think about...

Ben Herrmann wrote:

...between the two, the choices are a bit easier, it would seem.

The NX500 is a wonderful camera - but one in which you compose with the LCD only. It has one of the finest ergonomic feels I've ever seen (and felt). And it was (still is) a camera way ahead of it's time.

The X-T20, on the other hand, represents a wonderful advancement in Fuji's line of cameras. I've been aboard the Fuji bandwagon long before I first jumped into Samsung (which was some 3-4 years ago). The X-T20 is superb and has much, much better (read cleaner here) high ISO capabilities.

Additionally, the selection of lenses for Fuji is outstanding. If you liked the kit lens for the Samsung cameras (the 16-50 f3.5-5.6 IS PZ), then you'd love the kit XC 16-50 f3.5-5.6 IS lens also. Additionally, just like Samsung used to do, Fuji has an ongoing active firmware update mindset. They won't hesitate to make something better - even for older camera models. It's uncanny.

Now it does take some getting used to - meaning, if you are a RAW shooter, you may want to investigate the best way to convert the RAF files for the best clarity. JPG's on the other hand, are some of the finest that can be found among any camera. Fuji JPG's often negate the reason for having to shoot in RAW in the first place - they are that rich, colorful, full, and sharp! But old habits die hard and I tend to shoot RAW with every camera that has that capability.

So in my most humble opinion, get the X-T20 and their kit 16-50 XC lens as a starter. Then get to the learn the Fuji way of doing things.

Don't forget to keep another Fuji camera under consideration - that is their entry level X-A3 - which features a Bayer sensor (also a 24 MP sensor). It too uses an articulating LCD for composition. I have this model also - and it is awesome (very similar in feel to the NX500). And it retails for only $549 to $599 depending on where you buy it and it comes in several color patterns - see sample here:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/search?Ntt=Fuji%20X-A3&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&typedValue=&Top+Nav-Search=

Lots to think about...

Hi that was a very wonderful post beautifully written.

I'm just wondering if everyone ignoring the fact that the OP already has a few NX lenses. And obviously XT20 is much newer and better camera overall but will come at a significant price increase.

But yes again if starting over I'll pick the XT20 as well

Don't get me wrong here as I love the NX line of cameras. I don't have the NX1, but I do have the NX30, NX300 and NX500 - absolutely love 'em all. However, with the NX300, I won't go above ISO 2000, and with the NX500, I won't go above ISO 3200 when absolutely superb IQ is the end goal. That doesn't mean they can't go higher - by all means no - but what it does mean is that the quality of what you'll get (in very low light) will deteriorate rapidly.

Fuji has always been a leader of sorts with regards to doing higher ISO's fairly well, and their latest X series of cameras have continued that scenario. I wouldn't hesitate (for quality IQ) to use ISO 6400 with the likes of the X series of cameras. Now just to clarify, right now the only X series of camera that I have with 24 MP's is the X-A3. But my other Fuji cameras - the X-E1, X-E2, X-T1, X-M1 and X-A1 all have 16 MP's.

Those comments should in no way be inferred as denigrating the capabilities of the Samsung NX series of cameras. But I must say that among all of my camera brands that I shoot with - that is, the Canon EOS M, Samsung NX, Micro 43 (both Oly and Panny), and Fuji X series - when it comes to covering higher ISO scenarios, the most confidence I have is with the Fuji X cameras.

One other factor - and it can be a big one - regards the covering of skin tones. I love Samsung NX for scenics and architectural photography. But I can't stand Samsung NX for skin tones. If you want absolutely natural, warm skin tones then Fuji is the way to go.

Here's an example or two of skin tones captured by various Fuji X series cameras.  Click on the link below each image that says "Original Size" to bring up a larger, clearer version.

Taken with the Fuji X-E1 (16 MP's) using the Fuji EF-42A in bounce mode (with Gary Fong's excellent Lightsphere unit attached to the top of the flash). Shot in AWB, RAW mode, ISO 800, Aperture Priority Mode. Excuse the rear wall color - that was beyond my doing.

Taken with the enthusiast Fuji X30 camera (12 MP's) with the most excellent Meike MK320F flash (TTL dedicated for Fuji) in bounce mode. ISO 100, AWB, RAW mode, Aperture Priority.

Taken with the Fuji X-M1 (16 MP's) at ISO 12,800 - JPG mode, AWB, available light.

Taken with the Fuji X-T1 (16 MP's) - ISO 200, AWB, RAW mode, Aperture Priority, using the very small clip-on SF8A flash that comes with the camera.

I can only comment on cameras I own and use - and I never speculate about gear I've never owned or used.

robyfor wrote:

Goodmorning everyone. There are some years that use Samsung NX3000 with different lenses. They are satisfied with the results. They are willing to purchase another mirrorless camera. I am very interested in Fuji X-T20 but it costs about € 1,100. Alternatively, it can also affect the NX500; this way I can use different lenses I (30mm f2 .... 16mm f2.4 16-50mm ... ...). The only doubt I have is related to the fact that Samsung no longer produces, and this fact limits me in the choice. NX500 used in good condition find it at about € 430, and in this way I could continue using the lenses I have. I have read the characteristics of the NX500 and is clearly superior in many aspects of NX3000. I read several comparisons between x-t20 and NX500 and NX500 comes out poorly by comparison. NX500 is, however, a 2-year mirrorless while x-t20 is the latest generation. What advice can you give me? Thank you

NX500 with 16mm pancake using silent shutter hack is a very discrete and formidable street shooter. Zone focus and slightly under-expose and you can just shoot instantly and nail most shots.

XT-20 ,as nice as I'm sure it is, is a very different shooting experience. It is also a fair bit more expensive if starting from scratch. Not so much of an issue if you can make do with a few lenses perhaps.

I did have an XA1 with XF27mm pancake and that was more comparable to NX500. A great little pairing though not as wide as I'd like.

I would not concern yourself with Samsung being out of camera business. If camera breaks and cannot be repaired then sell lenses and move on. 2nd hand lens price seems to be moving up as lenses become harder to source. It's only when bodies become hard to source that lens prices will suddenly plummet!

I have NX500, Fuji XT2 and others. The con with the NX500 is it has no viewfinder. Huge problem for me on bright days. It was my walkaround body for small size and light weight but I have misplaced it. Now I pretty much carry EPL7 with optional viewfinder or XT2 everywhere. I still have NX1 but with the good glass it weighs almost as much as my D800 kit so it almost never comes out. My friend bought the XT10 and loves it. So that would be my choice. The Fuji glass is superb.

Kisaha wrote:

Dabbler wrote:

I have NX500, Fuji XT2 and others. The con with the NX500 is it has no viewfinder. Huge problem for me on bright days. It was my walkaround body for small size and light weight but I have misplaced it. Now I pretty much carry EPL7 with optional viewfinder or XT2 everywhere. I still have NX1 but with the good glass it weighs almost as much as my D800 kit so it almost never comes out. My friend bought the XT10 and loves it. So that would be my choice. The Fuji glass is superb.

For the sake of truth, NX1+16-50S is 1200-1300Kg, and D800 with 24-70 VR is almost 2200Kg, and the size isn't similar either.

A lot of my friends have the 750, and even that is night and day in size and weight with a NX1.

I live in Greece, one of the sunniest place in Europe and my go to cameras are NX500/NX3000. It isn't ideal, but you definitely can use the camera, Samsung has some of the best screens in business, and only recently manufacturers have started to catching up (and most, not!).

When you buy some cameras with no viewfinders (such the previous NX the OP had, and me, with NX300/NX3000/NX500) then no viewfinder is a choice that has been done in the past.

Well, for sake of truth I mostly use my D800 with 70-200 and the NX1 with its long S lens. As far as I'm concerned they only come on special occasions due to the weight of either.

The NX500 would be the cat's meow if you could buy an optional EVF like the EPL7, Canon  G3X etc. But in bright sun I can't read the settings, menus and often can barely frame an image no less direct the focus point. I've been to Greece and yes it's a sunny place and the NX500 LCD is one of the best BUT.. I'm still frustrated by the camera in bright light. Yes, I made that choice but I don't love the camera the way I love my XT2. If given a choice Today I would choose the XT10 over the NX500.

arfoga wrote:

I have both cameras. My opinion is favorable to XT20.

I've loved my NX500 which has given to me great astro-shots with Samyang 12mm but I've recently shot with xt20 + 12 and i believe Fuji has less noise at high ISO and it recovers the shadows much better.

Howerver I have to tell that both cameras have a different ISO behavior. I've shot at the same time both cameras with Samyang 12 and the same shutter time with ISO auto and Samsung has a smaller ISO value than Fuji in the same situation. Not to much, probably 1/4 or 1/2 stop. Ergonomically Samsung is better but Fuji has EVF. Colors at Jpg and Raw, for my, are better in Fuji.

Fuji has a better lenses and its AF system is much much better than Samsung. Fuji has a great face detection for shothing kids ir pleople and new F2.0 lenses line is quite fast.

I love my XT-20 so much so that I'm going to sell my NX500 and the lenses.

Can you take a photo of your xt-20 and nx500 and post here please for comparison? Just put them side by side and whip out a phone camera. Thanks.

P.s nobody ever said nx500 is better, just that you'll pay 3 times the price if you switch systems.. If you think the benefit is worth that much then by all means get Fuji! Personally I'd look at G85 or a6500 they both have superior video and also IBIS which is what the Fuji is really lacking in 2017..

FWIW, here is my attempt to compare the X-T20 vs. NX500 High ISO.

I took the RAW files from DPReview, which both had the same Shutter, Aperture, and 6400 ISO.  I then removed any chroma in RAWTherapee, and also reset all other values.  I then resized the NX500 file to 24MP.  I increased the saturation on the FUJI and lowered the saturation on the NX500.

My take is that they are pretty close.  The Fuji maybe slightly better in noise handling, with a bit more detail retained.. but that *could* be the lens at work as well.  FUJI is on top, Samsung on the bottom.

FUJI on top, Samsung on bottom - 6400 ISO, chroma removed, saturation adjusted