Canon EF-S 17-85mm F 4-5.6 IS USM vs Samsung NX Mini NX M 9 27mm F 3.5 5.6 OIS: Which Lens Reigns Supreme?

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially with the vast array of options available. Two popular contenders often come up in discussions: the Canon EOS 60D paired with the Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens and the Samsung NX Mini equipped with the NX-M 9-27mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS lens. Both cameras cater to different needs and preferences, making it crucial to understand their strengths and weaknesses. This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key features, performance, and suitability for various photographic endeavors.

The Canon EOS 60D: A Reliable Workhorse

The Canon EOS 60D, released in 2010, has established itself as a reliable DSLR for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Featuring a 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, it delivers impressive image quality with excellent dynamic range and low-light performance. The 60D’s autofocus system, employing 9 cross-type points, ensures accurate and fast focusing, making it suitable for capturing fast-paced action.
Coupled with the Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens, the 60D offers a versatile zoom range covering wide-angle to telephoto perspectives. The lens’s image stabilization technology compensates for camera shake, allowing for sharper images even in low-light conditions. The 60D also boasts a 3.0-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 920,000 dots, providing clear and detailed image preview and playback.

The Samsung NX Mini: Compact and Stylish

The Samsung NX Mini, introduced in 2014, is a compact and stylish mirrorless camera that prioritizes portability and ease of use. It features a 20.5-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, delivering high-resolution images. The NX Mini’s autofocus system, utilizing 99 phase-detection points, ensures swift and accurate focusing.
The NX-M 9-27mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS lens provides a standard zoom range, suitable for everyday photography. The lens’s optical image stabilization helps minimize camera shake, producing sharper images. The NX Mini also features a 3.0-inch touchscreen LCD with a resolution of 921,600 dots, offering a responsive and intuitive user interface.

Image Quality: A Detailed Comparison

While both cameras offer excellent image quality, there are subtle differences to consider. The Canon EOS 60D, with its larger sensor, generally delivers better dynamic range, allowing for greater detail in highlights and shadows. The Samsung NX Mini, on the other hand, boasts a higher resolution, capturing more detail in images.
In terms of low-light performance, the Canon EOS 60D edges out the Samsung NX Mini due to its larger sensor size, which allows for better noise control in low-light conditions. However, the Samsung NX Mini’s OIS system helps to compensate for camera shake, resulting in sharper images in low-light situations.

Autofocus Performance: Speed and Accuracy

The Canon EOS 60D’s autofocus system, with its 9 cross-type points, offers fast and accurate focusing, particularly in low-light conditions. The Samsung NX Mini’s autofocus system, while boasting a wider coverage area with 99 phase-detection points, can sometimes struggle in low-light situations.
For photographers who prioritize speed and accuracy in focusing, the Canon EOS 60D might be the better choice. However, the Samsung NX Mini’s autofocus system is generally reliable and performs well in most shooting scenarios.

Features and Customization: A Look at the Options

Both cameras offer a range of features and customization options to cater to different shooting styles. The Canon EOS 60D features a more extensive set of manual controls, allowing photographers to fine-tune their settings for greater creative control. It also offers a wider selection of shooting modes, including manual, aperture-priority, and shutter-priority, providing more flexibility in controlling exposure.
The Samsung NX Mini, while offering a simpler and more streamlined user experience, still provides access to essential manual controls and shooting modes. It also features a Wi-Fi connection for easy image sharing and remote control.

Ergonomics and Handling: Comfort and Control

The Canon EOS 60D, being a DSLR, offers a more traditional and comfortable grip, making it easier to hold and operate for extended periods. Its larger body also provides ample space for buttons and dials, allowing for quick and convenient access to various settings.
The Samsung NX Mini, being a compact mirrorless camera, is designed for portability and ease of use. Its smaller size and lighter weight make it ideal for travel and everyday photography. However, the lack of a traditional grip might make it less comfortable to hold for extended periods.

Video Recording: Capturing Motion

Both cameras offer video recording capabilities, but their features and performance differ. The Canon EOS 60D can record 1080p video at 30fps, providing good quality footage. The Samsung NX Mini can also record 1080p video at 30fps, but its video quality is generally considered to be slightly inferior to the Canon EOS 60D.

Battery Life: Powering Your Photography

The Canon EOS 60D boasts a longer battery life, allowing for more shots before requiring a recharge. The Samsung NX Mini, due to its smaller size and features, has a shorter battery life. However, its compact size allows for easy carrying of spare batteries.

Final Note: Finding the Perfect Fit

The choice between the Canon EOS 60D with the Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens and the Samsung NX Mini with the NX-M 9-27mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS lens ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
If you prioritize image quality, versatility, and a traditional DSLR experience, the Canon EOS 60D might be the better choice. Its larger sensor, extensive manual controls, and longer battery life make it a reliable workhorse for various photographic endeavors.
However, if you value portability, ease of use, and a stylish design, the Samsung NX Mini is an excellent option. Its compact size, touchscreen interface, and Wi-Fi connectivity make it ideal for everyday photography and travel.

What People Want to Know

Q1: Which camera is better for beginners?
Both cameras are suitable for beginners, but the Samsung NX Mini‘s simpler interface and touchscreen controls might be more user-friendly for those new to photography.
Q2: Which camera is better for low-light photography?
The Canon EOS 60D generally performs better in low-light conditions due to its larger sensor, which allows for better noise control.
Q3: Which camera is better for video recording?
The Canon EOS 60D offers slightly better video quality compared to the Samsung NX Mini.
Q4: Which camera is more versatile?
The Canon EOS 60D offers a wider range of manual controls and shooting modes, making it more versatile for various photographic scenarios.
Q5: Which camera is more affordable?
The Samsung NX Mini is generally more affordable than the Canon EOS 60D, especially when considering the cost of lenses.