New Samsung NX500 Compact Full 4K 28MP APS-C Mirrorless Compact Camera. This Thing Is Loaded!

I don’t write about every new camera release. but this little bombshell peaked my interest. Samsung is coming on strong in the hybrid camera market. First with the NX1 and now the more compact NX500. They are very similar cameras boasting full 4K video and a 28MP photos in the APS-C format. The NX500 comes with a 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 Power Zoom kit lens a 24.6-77mm-equivalent focal length range. It even has image stabilization. Nice! Not a fast zoom but for a compact it’s a nice wide and normal length lens. It’s even bundled with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5 all for $799.99. Impressive.

The NX500 is aimed at non-professionals but packed with features I think everyone is interested in and it looks to be a great grab and go camera. One issue is lenses. They have their own Samsung NX-mount and the selection is okay. I haven’t used any Samsung cameras so I cant comment on how good the optics are. Rokinon seems to be offering the NX mount. If Samsung wants to get serious then they like Sony and the E-Mount have to get busy making high quality lenses. Yes you could us an adapter but my experience with them is usually they don’t talk to the camera very well and for photography you want great auto focus.

I like APS-C. Its size delivers a nice compromise between full frame and Micro Four Thirds. I actually prefer it over MFT especially for photography and portrait shooting. APS-C is very close to the S35 sensor favored in cinema cameras too.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

• 28.2MP BSI APS-C CMOS Sensor
• DRIMe V Image Signal Processor
• 4K HEVC Video Recording at 24 fps
• 3.0″ 1036k-Dot Tilt-Touchscreen Monitor

This little beast is one I have to get my hands on as well as the NX-1. Samsung has got my attention. I’m always interested in a camera I will want to have with me and the NX500 is so compact it looks like a perfect candidate for that. Did I mention it shoots full 4K in the H.265 codec? That’s insane! Hopefully the sensor can handle movement. No jello please. I have plenty now with the A7s.

Here is all the news from Samsung.

MONACO – February 5, 2015 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd today announced the launch of its new camera, NX500, combining industry-leading design and technology for everyday use, with the capabilities that professional photographers can rely on. Featuring advanced technology such as high resolution 28MP BSI APS-C sensors, 4K and UHD video recording, a best in class DRIMeV image processor, NX AF system III, and Samsung Auto Shot, the NX500 has the core functionality of the NX1 engineered into a portable and convenient size. Updated connectivity via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi provide users with an advanced wireless experience, as well as the ability to seamlessly shoot and share their captured experiences.

“We recognize the sentimental value of a photograph in people’s lives and being able to capture and share the perfect moment from wherever they are. That is why Samsung has built a camera suitable for everyday photographers,” said Sangmoo Kim, Senior Vice President of IT & Mobile Communication at Samsung Electronics. “The compact size of the NX500 and its revolutionary shooting and focus speed allow consumers to enjoy superb image quality. We are redefining what is possible for people who are not professional photographers, and offering everyone the ability to capture their signature moments in every shot.”

​Superior image quality – 28MP Still and 4K Video

​The NX500 guarantees superb image quality and vivid photographs, regardless of the shooting scenario or subject. With its ultra-high resolution 28MP Back Side Illumination APS-C sensor, NX500 has the ability to take the perfect shot, even in low light situations. It also supports both 4K and UHD video recording, utilizing BSI APS-C sensors, the largest BSI sensor currently available, which provides more flexibility when it comes to recording movies.

​The built-in HEVC Codec, the most advanced compression technology available, brings efficiency to the storage of video clips by compressing high quality video to half the size and the bit rate of H.264 footage, without any compromise on quality. Additionally, still images captured from Interval Capture mode can easily be converted into a UHD Time-lapse video directly on the camera, without the need to transfer images to a PC.

​Unparalleled responsiveness

​The NX500 is equipped with a DRIMeV processor, which is much faster than its predecessor. This feature boasts superior color reproduction, improved noise reduction and enhanced image quality, providing users with results that serious photographers crave. Combined with an innovative 28MP sensor and Hybrid AF system, users can capture even the briefest of moments by simply focusing and shooting immediately, allowing for extreme speed and flexibility. Additionally, 9FPS continuous shooting means NX500 users can easily monitor and capture ongoing action shots. Further enhancing the NX500’s action capture capability, the Samsung Auto Shot (SAS) feature uses motion detection to accurately predict when to capture the perfect shot in difficult scenarios, such as when a child fields a baseball.

​Ergonomic design and functional connectivity

​The ergonomic design of the palm-sized NX500 allows users to carry the camera with a comfortable grasp at all times. With a Tilt and Flip up function, as well as bright vision through the display, users can easily take the perfect selfie. Also, the NX500 provides seamless wireless set-up with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC. With its outstanding data transfer speed and Bluetooth functionality, users can send both large images and video files swiftly to other smartphones and tablets.

​The Samsung NX500 will come in three colors: Black, White, and Brown, and will be available globally starting in March 2015.

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Filed in: 4K • Camera News • Featured Post • Mirrorless • New Release
Tagged with: NX-1 • NX500 • Samsung