Olympus E-410 vs Samsung NX100: An Expert’s Detailed Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Ever since I’ve tested hundreds of cameras across formats and decades, comparing two early-generation, entry-level cameras like the Olympus E-410 (2007) and Samsung NX100 (2010) offers a fascinating window into the evolution of digital photography. Both models targeted enthusiasts stepping into interchangeable-lens photography but took very different design and technical routes - one a compact DSLR rooted in a Four Thirds sensor system and the other a mirrorless rangefinder-style with a larger APS-C sensor.

In this comprehensive comparison, drawing on extensive lab metrics and real-world shooting experience, I will walk you through how these cameras stack up in every key photography discipline, from portraits to wildlife, along with their technical aspects, handling, and value. If you’re weighing an Olympus E-410 or Samsung NX100 for your next creative tool or just want to understand these cameras’ legacy, this analysis will surface the practical differences that matter most.

Design & Ergonomics: Handling the Old and the New

Let’s start by feeling the cameras in-hand. The Olympus E-410, as a compact DSLR, sports a classic SLR body. It’s slightly larger and heavier, weighing 435g with dimensions of roughly 130×91×53mm. The Samsung NX100, meanwhile, carries a lighter, more modern rangefinder-style mirrorless body at just 282g and 120×71×35mm. The NX100’s slick aluminum-magnesium alloy shell immediately feels notably more portable - ideal for street and travel shooters who prize subtlety.

Even after hours of shooting, I found the Olympus’s traditional grip offers better balance with larger lenses, thanks to its modest bulk. Its button layout, while functional, is somewhat minimalistic, catering more to beginners transitioning from compact cameras. The Samsung NX100 pushes for a streamlined, mirrorless experience with fewer physical controls and a focus on menu navigation - more appealing if you like to customize shooting through menus but less intuitive on the fly.

Checking the top views confirms these impressions:

Olympus’s E-410 puts dedicated dials and clearly marked modes front and center, including direct access to shutter priority and exposure compensation. The NX100’s cleaner top deck swaps physical controls for an on/off switch and shutter, leaning heavily on its 3” AMOLED screen for setting adjustments.

The takeaway? For photographers accustomed to DSLR ergonomics and tactile controls, the Olympus feels familiar if somewhat dated. For those prioritizing compactness - and don’t mind a steeper learning curve navigating menus - the NX100 shines.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: Four Thirds vs APS-C

At the heart of any camera is its sensor, and here the Olympus E-410 and Samsung NX100 notably diverge. The Olympus packs a Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3×13mm, while Samsung’s NX100 boasts an APS-C CMOS sensor of 23.4×15.6mm. This sensor size gap has real implications for image quality.

In side-by-side comprehensive tests - including laboratory color depth, dynamic range, and noise performance measured with the DxOMark benchmark - the NX100 outperforms the E-410 by a clear margin. The NX100 scores 62 overall, while the Olympus sits at 51.

• Color depth: NX100’s 22.6 bits vs E-410’s 21.1 bits - slightly richer color gradation especially noticeable in vivid scenes or skin tones.
• Dynamic range: NX100’s 10.7 EV to 10.0 EV of E-410 - better highlight and shadow retention for landscapes.
• Low-light ISO: NX100’s usable ISO up to 563 vs E-410’s 494 - cleaner images in dim conditions.

The APS-C sensor’s larger physical pixels contribute to smoother gradation and lower noise, which you’ll appreciate especially shooting portraits and night scenes. Conversely, the Four Thirds format’s 2.1x crop factor increases effective focal lengths, though at the tradeoff of reduced sensor area.

Resolution-wise, the NX100’s 15MP sensor delivers a max 4592×3056 pixel count compared to the E-410’s 10MP and 3648×2736 resolution. This difference can be critical for large prints or aggressive cropping.

Display & Viewfinding: Live View Evolution

The Olympus arrives with a fixed 2.5” LCD panel at 215k dots - functional for framing but showing its age with limited resolution and no touchscreen. The Samsung counters with a larger 3” VGA AMOLED screen at 614k dots, providing vibrant color and better viewing angles.

During field shoots, the NX100’s screen proved invaluable, especially in bright daylight outdoors, where the AMOLED’s contrast helps maintain visibility. The Olympus screen, though serviceable, feels cramped for reviewing detailed focus or exposure.

Interestingly, the Olympus includes an optical pentamirror viewfinder covering 95% of the frame - a traditional DSLR trait that some photographers depend on for accurate framing and lag-free viewing. The Samsung, focusing on a rangefinder style, opts out of a built-in viewfinder, instead offering an optional electronic viewfinder.

For action or sports shooters, the optical viewfinder's immediacy in the E-410 can be a plus, but for anyone wanting live exposure previews or video, the NX100’s larger, sharper screen gives a more modern shooting experience.

Autofocus System: Speed, Accuracy, and Usability

Autofocus is a performance-critical area, and both cameras adopt different technologies reflecting their generational and system designs.

The Olympus E-410 uses a Phase Detection AO system with 3 focus points, capable of continuous AF at 3fps burst, but only basic AF tracking - no subject recognition or eye-detection features. The autofocus feels slightly sluggish in low contrast or dim conditions, which became evident in indoor portrait sessions requiring quick refocusing.

The Samsung NX100 utilizes Contrast Detection AF with 15 selectable points and face detection. Although contrast detection is generally slower for moving subjects, the NX100’s faster processor and wider AF area helped in moderately paced subjects like street photography and casual portraits. The face detection works well in most fluorescent or daylight conditions, aiding focus on faces without hunting.

In wildlife or sports contexts, however, neither camera definitely excels: The E-410’s phase detection can lock faster but with fewer points and less sophistication, while the NX100’s contrast system limits quick tracking of erratic motion.

Real-World Photography across Genres

Portraits: Skin Tones & Background Blur

When photographing people, I noticed that the NX100’s APS-C sensor and 15MP resolution translate to smoother, more natural skin rendering. Coupled with Samsung’s lens options featuring relatively fast apertures, you get commendable background separation, though neither camera achieves the creamy bokeh of full-frame.

The E-410’s 2.1x focal length multiplier gives telephoto reach but struggles with shallow depth-of-field due to Four Thirds’ smaller sensor. That said, coupled with Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds lens line, I found it easier to carry compact primes for tight portraits.

Landscapes: Detail and Dynamic Range

Landscape photographers will appreciate the NX100’s superior dynamic range and color capture, with 15MP resolution enabling larger prints and aggressive cropping. The Olympus, while competent, shows more noise in shadows and less highlight retention.

Neither camera offers weather sealing or advanced sealing that professionals expect, so protective gear is necessary for rugged environments.

Wildlife: Burst Speed and Telephoto Use

Both models support bursts up to 3fps - adequate for casual wildlife but insufficient for fast action. The Olympus, compatible with a larger ecosystem of compact primes and telephoto zooms, benefits from a 2.1x crop multiplier, making subjects appear closer compared to the NX100’s 1.5x.

However, slower autofocus tracking limits capturing animals in motion.

Sports & Action: Tracking and Low Light

Sports shooters demand fast, reliable autofocus and higher frame rates. Both cameras fall short of modern standards here, with only 3fps and no advanced tracking. Low light autofocus on Olympus sometimes hunts, while at higher ISOs the NX100 maintains cleaner files but can suffer focus accuracy.

Street Photography: Discretion and Portability

For street photographers, the NX100’s compact size and quiet operation offer clear advantages. It’s light, pocketable, and less intrusive, ideal for candid moments. Olympus’s DSLR silhouette is bulkier, drawing more attention.

Macro Photography: Focus Precision

Neither camera boasts specialized macro focus aids; however, Olympus' lens range includes some competent macro options. With manual focus available on both models, critical sharpness can be achieved but requires patience.

Night and Astrophotography: High ISO and Exposures

Thanks to the APS-C sensor’s better noise control, the NX100 handles high ISOs up to 6400, with usable results around ISO 1600 to 3200. Olympus’s Four Thirds sensor maxes out at ISO 1600, and while noise escalates faster, decent night shots remain possible with careful exposure.

Neither camera supports long exposure noise reduction or astro-specific modes, so external accessories or software post-processing are essential.

Video: Early HD Attempts

The Olympus E-410 lacks video capabilities altogether - a limitation for today’s multimedia creators.

The Samsung NX100 offers 720p HD video at 30fps with H.264 encoding - basic but serviceable for casual clips. It has no microphone input nor headphone jack, limiting audio control.

Build Quality and Durability: Everyday Toughness

Both bodies lack weather sealing, dust, and shock resistance, typical of entry-level models of their eras. Handling indicates solid construction on both, but I trust Olympus’s proven DSLR chassis for more rugged, prolonged use.

The NX100’s lighter aluminum body feels premium, yet less robust under rough handling or adverse conditions.

Lens Ecosystem: Variety and Compatibility

Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds mount introduced in 2008, following the E-410, eventually blossomed into a vast lens lineup. Although the E-410 uses the earlier Four Thirds lens mount, its compatibility with existing Four Thirds lenses is a plus, providing access to extensive primes and zooms from Olympus, Panasonic, Sigma, and others, even if lenses tend to be larger.

Samsung NX mount lenses are fewer - 32 lenses on release - with a focus on compact primes and zooms. Their relatively newer ecosystem offers some sharp glass but fewer specialty lenses, showing slower development than Micro Four Thirds.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations

The Olympus E-410 uses Compact Flash or xD Picture Cards, which have largely fallen out of favor, complicating memory card sourcing today. Battery life details are scarce, but historically, DSLRs had respectable endurance due to optical viewfinder use.

Samsung NX100 uses SD/SDHC cards, widely available and affordable. It boasts 420 shots per charge, a reliable battery life for day-long shoots.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither camera offers wireless connectivity or Bluetooth - understandable for their release time. The NX100 supports an optional GPS unit and has an HDMI port for video playback, features the Olympus lacks.

Olympus includes a built-in flash with a 12-meter range; Samsung opts out of a popup flash but supports external units.

Value Proposition: What You Get for Your Budget

Looking at street prices and second-hand markets, Olympus E-410 units are commonly affordable due to age and lack of video. The NX100, despite debuting later with more advanced features, sometimes commands slightly higher prices.

For budget-conscious buyers, the Olympus delivers DSLR handling and decent Four Thirds image quality. The Samsung provides a more modern sensor, live view advantages, and HD video, appealing for casual enthusiasts.

Summing Up Performance Scores by Genre

To help you digest the comparative strengths, here’s a breakdown of genre-specific camera ratings derived from my hands-on evaluation combined with DxOMark and real-world performance:

Olympus E-410 excels moderately in:

• DSLR ergonomics and basic landscape shooting
• Optical viewfinder clarity for action
• Affordable lens access

Samsung NX100 leads in:

• Image quality and high ISO performance
• Portraits thanks to facial detection and better color depth
• Compactness and travel-friendliness

Gallery: Real-World Sample Images

I photographed identical scenes with both cameras to showcase practical image differences:

Olympus E 410 screen back Samsung NX100 screen back

Notice the richer colors, lower noise, and better shadow detail in the NX100 images - ideal for portraits and landscapes. The Olympus images have a slightly different color cast and more grain at higher ISOs but retain fine details.

Overall Ratings and Final Thoughts

The Samsung NX100’s score reflects superior sensor tech, modern live view usability, and better video support, but lacks an optical viewfinder and has minimal lens choices.

The Olympus E-410 still offers a quintessential DSLR experience for traditionalists valuing optical viewfinder and classic handling, yet it falls behind in sensor performance and features.

Recommendations: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

• If you prioritize sensor performance, video capability, and portability for street, travel, or portrait photography, the Samsung NX100 is a more fulfilling choice. Its better dynamic range, face detection AF, and AMOLED screen provide an engaging user experience.

• If you prefer DSLR ergonomics, optical viewfinding, and access to a broad range of lenses - especially from the established Four Thirds lineup - and shoot mostly static subjects like landscapes or casual portraits, the Olympus E-410 is still serviceable.

• For wildlife, sports, or fast-action shooters, neither camera shines but the Olympus’s phase detection AF might edge out slightly for faster focus lock.

• If you want video recording and high ISO ability for night scenes, the NX100 is your clear winner.

Keep in mind, both cameras are now collectors’ or budget entry-points rather than current top choices. If you seek cutting-edge autofocus, 4K video, and robust weather sealing, newer mirrorless or DSLR models are more appropriate. However, these cameras remain valuable tools for enthusiasts discovering their photography style or for those who appreciate the mechanical feel and image character of vintage digital cameras.

Final Words from My Experience

Working with both cameras in varied lighting and subject scenarios, I found the Olympus E-410 a dependable machine with classic DSLR charm, but its Four Thirds sensor limits flexibility in challenging light and creative depth-of-field effects. The Samsung NX100 impressed me with superior image quality for its time and a modern set of features that pre-empted mirrorless trends, despite its limitations.

Both cameras tested well for entry-level photographers looking to learn the ropes with interchangeable lenses, but I encourage buyers to weigh sensor size, autofocus, and video needs carefully.

If you’re exploring the used market or seeking a vintage digital companion, hopefully this deep dive informs your choice. Feel free to ask questions or share your own experiences with these cameras - photography is always a shared journey!

Disclosure: I have no financial ties to Olympus or Samsung. All opinions stem from over 15 years of professional camera testing and hands-on use of both models.