Which Camera Reigns Supreme? Canon EOS 700D Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM vs Samsung NX5 Samsung 30mm NX Pancake

Choosing the perfect camera can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with a multitude of options from different brands. Two popular contenders often vying for attention are the Canon EOS 700D paired with the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens and the Samsung NX5 with the Samsung 30mm NX pancake lens. Both offer compelling features and cater to different photographic needs. This blog post delves into a comprehensive comparison, exploring the strengths and weaknesses of each camera system, helping you make an informed decision.

The Canon EOS 700D: A Versatile DSLR for Beginners and Enthusiasts

The Canon EOS 700D, released in 2013, was a popular choice for aspiring photographers seeking a robust DSLR with excellent image quality and user-friendly controls. Let’s take a closer look at its key features:
Strengths:

• 18MP APS-C CMOS Sensor: The 700D boasts a sensor capable of capturing detailed images with vibrant colors and good dynamic range.
• 9-point Autofocus System: Its autofocus system provides accurate and fast focusing, making it suitable for capturing moving subjects.
• Full HD Video Recording: The 700D records high-quality Full HD videos at 30fps, offering versatility for both stills and video.
• Built-in Wi-Fi: Sharing images with your smartphone or tablet is a breeze with the built-in Wi-Fi connectivity.
• Large 3-inch Rotating LCD Screen: The rotating screen allows you to compose shots from different angles, making it convenient for selfies and macro photography.
• Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens: This versatile lens provides a wide range of focal lengths, covering everyday scenes, portraits, and landscapes. The STM (Stepping Motor) technology ensures quiet and smooth autofocus for video recording.

Weaknesses:

• Limited Low-Light Performance: The 700D struggles in low-light conditions, producing noisy images at high ISO settings.
• No 4K Video Recording: While Full HD video recording is sufficient for many, the lack of 4K resolution might be a deal-breaker for some.
• Older Technology: Released in 2013, the 700D is now considered an older model, lacking some of the advanced features found in newer cameras.

The Samsung NX5: A Compact Mirrorless System with a Focus on Simplicity

The Samsung NX5, released in 2013, was a compact mirrorless camera designed for users seeking a lightweight and easy-to-use system. Let’s delve into its key features:
Strengths:

• 20.3MP APS-C CMOS Sensor: The NX5 offers a high-resolution sensor, enabling detailed images and high-quality prints.
• Hybrid Autofocus System: Its autofocus system combines phase detection and contrast detection, providing fast and accurate focusing.
• Full HD Video Recording: The NX5 records Full HD videos at 30fps, offering good quality for everyday use.
• Compact Design: The NX5’s small size and lightweight body make it highly portable, perfect for travel photography.
• Samsung 30mm NX Pancake Lens: This compact and lightweight lens is ideal for everyday photography, offering a standard 45mm equivalent field of view.
• Wi-Fi and NFC Connectivity: Sharing images and connecting to smartphones is made easier with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC functionality.

Weaknesses:

• Limited Lens Options: Compared to Canon’s extensive lens ecosystem, the Samsung NX system has a limited selection of lenses.
• No Viewfinder: The NX5 lacks a viewfinder, making it challenging to shoot in bright sunlight or when using the camera at awkward angles.
• Discontinued System: Samsung has discontinued its NX camera system, making it difficult to find spare parts or accessories.

A Detailed Comparison: Canon EOS 700D vs Samsung NX5

Image Quality:
Both cameras offer excellent image quality. The Canon EOS 700D excels in dynamic range and color reproduction, while the Samsung NX5 delivers sharp detail and vibrant colors. However, the 700D’s image processing tends to be more forgiving, producing pleasing results even in challenging lighting conditions.
Autofocus Performance:
The Canon EOS 700D’s 9-point autofocus system is fast and accurate, especially for capturing moving subjects. The Samsung NX5’s Hybrid Autofocus system is also quite capable, but it may struggle in low-light conditions.
Video Quality:
Both cameras offer Full HD video recording at 30fps. The Canon EOS 700D’s video quality is generally considered slightly better, with better image stabilization and more responsive autofocus.
Portability and Design:
The Samsung NX5 is significantly more compact and lightweight than the Canon EOS 700D. Its pancake lens further enhances its portability. The 700D, however, offers a more robust and traditional DSLR design with a larger grip and button layout.
Lens Ecosystem:
Canon has a vast and diverse lens ecosystem, offering a wide range of choices for different photographic genres. Samsung’s NX system, however, has a limited selection of lenses, making it challenging to find specialized optics.
Price and Availability:
The Canon EOS 700D and Samsung NX5 are both relatively affordable cameras. However, the discontinued status of the Samsung NX system might make it challenging to find a new NX5 at a reasonable price.

The Bottom Line: Choosing the Right Camera for You

Both the Canon EOS 700D and the Samsung NX5 are capable cameras with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Canon EOS 700D is a versatile DSLR with a robust build, a wide lens selection, and excellent image quality. It’s a good choice for beginners and enthusiasts looking for a reliable camera with a rich feature set. The Samsung NX5, on the other hand, is a compact and lightweight mirrorless camera that prioritizes portability and simplicity. Its small size and lightweight design make it ideal for travel and everyday photography.
Ultimately, the best camera for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize image quality, a wide lens selection, and a robust DSLR experience, the Canon EOS 700D is a great option. If you value portability, simplicity, and a compact design, the Samsung NX5 might be the better choice. However, consider that Samsung has discontinued its NX camera system, so future support and lens availability might be limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which camera is better for beginners?
Both cameras are suitable for beginners. The Canon EOS 700D offers a more traditional DSLR experience with a larger grip and a comprehensive button layout, making it easier for beginners to learn the basics of photography. The Samsung NX5’s simplified menu system and automatic modes might be more appealing to users who prefer a less intimidating learning curve.
Q2: Which camera is better for travel photography?
The Samsung NX5’s compact size and lightweight design make it a better choice for travel photography. Its pancake lens further enhances its portability, making it easy to pack and carry around. The Canon EOS 700D, while still portable, is larger and heavier, making it less ideal for extended travel.
Q3: Which camera is better for low-light photography?
The Canon EOS 700D generally performs better in low-light conditions, producing less noise at high ISO settings. The Samsung NX5’s image quality can suffer at higher ISO sensitivities.
Q4: Which camera has a better lens selection?
Canon has a significantly larger and more diverse lens ecosystem than Samsung. This means that you have a wider range of choices for different photographic genres, from wide-angle to telephoto lenses. The Samsung NX system has a limited lens selection, making it challenging to find specialized optics.
Q5: Which camera is better for video recording?
Both cameras offer Full HD video recording at 30fps. The Canon EOS 700D’s video quality is generally considered slightly better, with better image stabilization and more responsive autofocus. However, the Samsung NX5’s video quality is still respectable for everyday use.