Sigma SD1 vs Samsung NX5

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung NX5
      56
      Image cannot be found
      57
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found

      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Sigma SD1 and the Samsung NX5, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Sigma SD1 was introduced in September 2010 and Samsung NX5 was introduced in June 2010. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sigma SD1 Highlights

      • 15 MP APS-C CMOS (Foveon X3) Sensor
      • No Optical Low-pass Filter
      • 11 Focus Points (11 Cross-type)
      • 3.0" 460k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Samsung NX5 Highlights

      • 15 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 15 Focus Points
      • 3.0" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • Electronic Viewfinder
      • 3.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Sigma SD1
      4. Advantage of Samsung NX5
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Sigma SD1 and Samsung NX5.

      PROS

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung NX5

      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 499 g (1.10 lb / 17.60 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung NX5

      •   No Video Capture
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   2 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 400 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung NX5

      •   Sensor Resolution - 15 Megapixel
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Weight - 790 g (1.74 lb / 27.87 oz)
      •   Sensor Resolution - 15 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec

      Advantage of Sigma SD1

      Sigma SD1
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sigma SD1 over Samsung NX5.

      Sigma SD1 vs Samsung NX5
      Max Image Resolution 4800 x 3200 vs 4592 x 3056
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Higher Resolution Screen 460k dot vs 230k dot
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.63x vs 0.57x
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps vs 3.0 fps
      Average Metering vs
      Environmental Sealing vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sigma SD1.

      Sigma SD10
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      3 MP

      Sigma SD1 Merrill
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      15 MP

      Sigma SD14
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      5 MP

      Sigma SD9
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      3 MP

      Sigma SD15
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      5 MP

      Pentax K-01
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      16 MP

      Canon Rebel T5
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Olympus PEN E-P1
      Image cannot be found

      Micro Four Thirds

      12 MP

      Fujifilm X-S20
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      26.1 MP

      Sony ZV-E1
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Samsung GX-1L
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      6 MP

      Olympus OM-D E-M5 III
      Image cannot be found

      Micro Four Thirds

      20.4 MP

      Advantage of Samsung NX5

      Samsung NX5
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Samsung NX5 over Sigma SD1.

      Sigma SD1 vs Samsung NX5
      Video Capture vs
      More Focus Points 11 vs 15
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Live View vs
      Higher Viewfinder Coverage 96% vs 100%
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 15 sec vs 30 sec
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/2000 sec vs 1/4000 sec
      Spot Metering vs
      HDMI Output vs Mini
      Built-in Microphone vs Stereo
      Lighter 790 g (1.74 lb / 27.87 oz) vs 499 g (1.10 lb / 17.60 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Samsung NX5.

      Samsung NX10
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      15 MP

      Samsung NX3000
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      20.3 MP

      Samsung NX30
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      20.3 MP

      Samsung NX210
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      20.3 MP

      Samsung NX mini
      Image cannot be found

      1-inch

      20.5 MP

      Samsung NX11
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      15 MP

      Samsung NX500
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      28.2 MP

      Samsung NX200
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      20 MP

      Samsung NX1000
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      20.3 MP

      Samsung NX300M
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      20.3 MP

      Samsung NX2000
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      20.3 MP

      Samsung NX1
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      28.2 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Sigma SD1 Samsung NX5
        Built-in Flash
      WEAKNESSES Sigma SD1 Samsung NX5
        Timelapse Recording
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen460k dot230k dot
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Sigma SD1 and Samsung NX5 have 3.0" Fixed screens with 460k dot and 230k dot resolutions respectively.


      Viewfinder

      Sigma SD1 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinderSamsung NX5 has a built-in Electronic viewfinder. Sigma SD1 has 96% coverage with 0.95x (0.63x 35mm equivalent) magnification and Samsung NX5 has 100% coverage with 0.86x (0.57x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

      Sensor

      Sigma SD1 features a 15 megapixel APS-C CMOS (Foveon X3) sensor with dimensions of 24 x 16 mm and a total area of 384 mm2. Its native ISO range is []. Samsung NX5 features a 15 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.4 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 243.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Sigma SD1 is equipped with Dual TRUE II processor and can take pictures up to 4800 x 3200 resolution. Samsung NX5 is equipped with DRIM Engine processor and can take pictures up to 4592 x 3056 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4592 x 2584, 3872 x 2592, 3872 x 2176, 3008 x 2000, 3008 x 1688, 1920 x 1280, 1920 x 1080, 1472 x 976 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Sigma SD1 has Sigma SA lens mount and Samsung NX5 has Samsung NX lens mount. Due to their APS-C sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is equal to 1.5x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


      No Low-Pass Filter on Sigma SD1

      There is no optical low-pass filter (OLPF), also known as an anti-aliasing filter, in front of the sensor on Sigma SD1. This results in a slightly sharper image but may also introduce moiré patterns and aliasing artifacts when photographing subjects with fine, repetitive patterns or details.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Sigma SD1 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Samsung NX5 nothing can be done. On Samsung NX5 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Sigma SD1 nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Samsung NX5 comes with BP1130 battery pack with battery life of 400 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Sigma SD1 has a single Compact Flash (Type I, UDMA compatible) card slot. Samsung NX5 has a single SD/SDHC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/2000 sec on Sigma SD1, and up to 1/4000 sec on Samsung NX5. Sigma SD1 can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps. Samsung NX5 can shoot continuously up to 3.0 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 11.00 m on Samsung NX5. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe to Sigma SD1. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/180 sec on Samsung NX5.

      Physical Parameters

      Sigma SD1 body has dimensions of 146 x 113 x 80 mm (5.75 x 4.45 x 3.15") and Samsung NX5 body has dimensions of 123 x 87 x 40 mm (4.84 x 3.43 x 1.57"). Sigma SD1 weighs 790 g (1.74 lb / 27.87 oz) and Samsung NX5 weighs 499 g (1.10 lb / 17.60 oz).

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung NX5

      146 mm

      113 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      123 mm

      87 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      113 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      87 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Sigma SD1 and Samsung NX5

      Sigma SD1 and Samsung NX5 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung NX5

      GOOD
      74
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung NX5

      POOR
      52
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   2 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 400 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung NX5

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   2 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      55
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 400 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung NX5

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   2 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Live View
      GOOD
      77
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung NX5

      GOOD
      75
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   2 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 790 g (1.74 lb / 27.87 oz)
      GOOD
      78
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 499 g (1.10 lb / 17.60 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung NX5

      GOOD
      80
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 790 g (1.74 lb / 27.87 oz)
      GOOD
      78
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 499 g (1.10 lb / 17.60 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 400 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Sigma SD1 and Samsung NX5 and give them scores of 56 and 57 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Sigma SD1

      Samsung NX5

      OVERALL
      56
      OVERALL
      57

      Sensor

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung NX5

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Sensor Resolution - 15 Megapixel
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Sensor Resolution - 15 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung NX5

      POOR
      54
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      POOR
      54
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec

      Video

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung NX5

      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization
      BAD
      7
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720

      Focusing

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung NX5

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   2 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      AVERAGE
      67
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung NX5

      GOOD
      71
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot

      Connectivity

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung NX5

      POOR
      40
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Sigma SD1

      Samsung NX5

      GOOD
      77
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 790 g (1.74 lb / 27.87 oz)
      POOR
      41
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 499 g (1.10 lb / 17.60 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 400 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

      Amazon Affiliate Disclosure
      ZKelectronics is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon (.com, .co.uk, .ca, etc) and any other websites that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program.