Olympus E-520 vs Samsung NX5

Below is a complete analysis of the Olympus E-520 versus Samsung NX5, former being a Entry-Level DSLR while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Samsung. There is a noticeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-520 (10MP) and NX5 (15MP) and the E-520 (Four Thirds) and NX5 (APS-C) possess different sensor measurements.

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The E-520 was launched 21 months prior to the NX5 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-520 being a Compact SLR camera and the Samsung NX5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight into a complete comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the E-520 scores against the NX5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-520 & Samsung NX5. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-520 Gallery & Samsung NX5 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to lug around your camera often, you will have to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-520 comes with exterior measurements of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") with a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX5 has measurements of 123mm x 87mm x 40mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 1.6") along with a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-520 versus Samsung NX5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the E-520 against the NX5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the E-520 and NX5 is 68 and 80 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to imagine the difference in sensor measurements just by viewing specs. The visual underneath will help offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-520 and NX5.

All in all, the 2 cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-520 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Samsung NX5 will render greater detail utilizing its extra 5MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots much more aggressively. The older E-520 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.