Olympus E-600 vs Samsung NX10: Hands-On Comparison from a Photography Pro

Choosing your next camera can feel like navigating a jungle of specifications and marketing hype. As someone who has tested thousands of cameras over 15+ years, I find it crucial to dig into the nuts and bolts - not just numbers on a spec sheet - to see how cameras behave in the real world. Today, we're exploring two early contender cameras from a decade ago that still hold interest for budget-conscious enthusiasts: the Olympus E-600 DSLR versus the Samsung NX10 mirrorless. Both were entry-level models in their era but with divergent design philosophies and technology.

If you want the quick gist: the NX10 sports a larger sensor and newer mirrorless tech, while the E-600 offers classic DSLR ergonomics, in-body stabilization, and a fully articulated screen. But let’s get granular - no stone unturned - so you can decide which one suits your photography style and wallet. Ready? Let’s dig in.

Body and Ergonomics: Handling and Build Quality Face-Off

The first impression when picking up a camera often shapes your entire shooting experience. Both the Olympus E-600 and Samsung NX10 are fairly compact, targeting the entry-level segment, but their bodies feel worlds apart.

The Olympus E-600, weighing about 515g and measuring 130x94x60mm, is a traditional DSLR with a sturdy grip and decent heft for its class. Its body feels robust without being bulky, and the compact SLR design translates to a pleasantly deep handhold, especially if you have larger hands or like a camera that feels ‘solid’ in your grasp. There’s no weather sealing here, so moisture and dust will be a concern if you shoot outdoors often.

In contrast, the Samsung NX10 is a more diminutive SLR-style mirrorless at 499g and dimensions of 123x87x40mm - notably thinner thanks to the absence of a mirror box. It feels lighter but also slightly less substantial in the hand, which some might interpret as less durable, although the build is generally decent. This slimmer profile is a boon for travel and street photographers who want the least obtrusive setup possible.

If you live for long shooting sessions, the E-600’s ergonomics with its pronounced grip edged out the NX10 in my tests - reducing fatigue and improving stability. However, the NX10’s pocketability and sleekness are seriously tempting for casual carry.

Controls and Interface: For Clubs or Nimble Fingers?

Moving beyond size, how a camera handles at the control level can make or break its usability.

The E-600 retains a classic DSLR control scheme: dedicated dials for shutter/aperture priority and custom buttons are placed deliberately but not overly crowded. While there are no illuminated buttons - meaning working in dark conditions can be tricky - the button layout is intuitive for novices and intermediate shooters alike. The rear screen is fully articulated, a feature I personally value highly for low-angle macro or awkward interior shots - a rarity on budget DSLRs of that era.

The NX10 opts for fewer physical buttons, swapping in a menu-heavy UI. No touchscreen either (remember, this was just a few years after touchscreen had become mainstream on phones). The control layout emphasizes a 3-inch, fixed OLED with impressive resolution - much better for checking focus and exposure on site. However, the lack of an articulated screen is a small knock against it for video or more experimental angles. Importantly though, the NX10 features an electronic viewfinder (920k dots), a big leap above the Olympus’s optical pentamirror with limited coverage and magnification.

In essence: Olympus delivers a more traditionally tactile experience, perfect for those who want something familiar and physical to grab onto, while Samsung offers modern digital conveniences that reward a more tech-savvy user comfortable hunting in menus.

Sensor and Image Quality: Size Matters

Here’s where the story really picks up: sensor technology.

Olympus E-600 features a 12MP Four Thirds sized sensor (17.3 x 13mm), while Samsung NX10 boasts a 15MP APS-C sensor (23.4 x 15.6mm). That's roughly a 62% larger sensor area on the NX10, a significant advantage for light gathering and overall image quality.

In real-world tests, this size difference translates into richer images from the NX10, especially in raw file formats. The DxOMark scores reflect this too - with the NX10 posting an overall score of 63 versus the E-600’s 55, mainly owing to improved dynamic range (+0.5 stops) and better color depth, which means more nuance and fidelity in skin tones and landscapes.

Noise performance also tips in Samsung’s favor. The NX10’s APS-C sensor strikes a better balance at higher ISOs (native maximum is ISO 3200 for both), maintaining cleaner details and less chroma noise in dim conditions - a boon for night, sports, and wildlife shooters.

The Olympus sensor, while not shabby, is handicapped by the smaller size for ultimate image quality, though it compensates somewhat with the TruePic III+ processor optimizing color rendition. The in-body sensor stabilization is a rare and valuable feature at this price point, helping to keep shots steady without relying solely on lens OIS.

Displays and Viewfinders: Seeing is Believing

Viewing your shot accurately is vital, and differences here are telling.

The E-600’s fully articulated 2.7-inch HyperCrystal LCD (230k dots resolution) offers great compositional flexibility but is relatively low-res by today’s standards. Its articulation delivers great utility for macro, video, or shooting vertically.

The NX10’s fixed 3-inch OLED screen ranks higher in quality (614k dots), rendering sharper previews with better contrast and color. Combined with a bright 920k electronic viewfinder covering 100% of the frame, it lets you precisely nail focus and exposure even in tricky light.

The Olympus’s optical pentamirror EVF, funding only 95% coverage at 0.48x magnification, feels limited for critical framing. Mirrorless shooters at the time had a distinct advantage here, with Samsung’s electronic viewfinder providing helpful overlays and allowing real-time exposure simulation.

In short, if you rely heavily on real-time feedback or shoot in bright daylight where LCD screens often wash out, NX10’s OLED and EVF combo is a winner. But if you prioritize versatile shooting angles (think vlogging or macro) and want to see the scene ‘naturally,’ Olympus’s articulated screen will serve you well.

Olympus E 600 screen back

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s assess these cameras where it counts: creating great images in the genres you care about.

Portraits: The NX10, with its larger sensor and better color depth, delivers more natural skin tones and superior subject separation thanks to the 1.5x crop factor enabling shallower depth of field. The Olympus E-600, despite its in-body IS, produces punchy colors but bokeh is harsher with the 2.1x crop factor and smaller sensor. Both offer face detection autofocus, but the NX10’s 15 focus points versus Olympus’s 7 give it an edge in lock-on accuracy.

Landscape: Sharpness and dynamic range are king here. The NX10’s wider dynamic range pulls detail from highlights and shadows, vital in high contrast scenes like sunlit landscapes. The E-600’s sensor and processor are respectable but somewhat more limited in post-processing latitude. Weather sealing is non-existent in both, so take care of the gear in the field.

Wildlife: Here burst rate and autofocus speed matter. The E-600 edges ahead with 4fps continuous shooting compared to 3fps on the NX10. However, the NX10’s more advanced AF system with more points may improve subject tracking, albeit neither supports advanced animal eye detection common in recent cameras. The NX10’s APS-C sensor also enables better reach with telephoto lenses, thanks to its 1.5x crop. For dedicated wildlife shooters, the Olympus’s 2.1x multiplier is tempting but lens options for Four Thirds are narrower these days.

Sports: Tracking moving subjects is critical. Both cameras lack modern continuous autofocus tracking sophistication and have modest burst rates by today’s standards. The E-600’s better frame rate offers a slight advantage, but autofocus lag can be frustrating in fast-paced action. The NX10’s EVF helps with real-time composition, slightly easing usability in hectic situations.

Street Photography: NX10’s mirrorless body scores big for low profile and the quiet shutter helps avoid attention. Olympus’s optical viewfinder provides natural viewing with zero lag but the reflex mechanism results in more noise and bulk. The NX10 is better at low light autofocus, useful when dusk falls on the urban sprawl.

Macro: The E-600’s articulated screen combined with in-body image stabilization makes handheld macro a breeze. The NX10 lacks stabilization, making tripod use almost mandatory for serious close-ups.

Night/Astro: Both cameras are limited ISO-wise with 3200 max, but the NX10’s cleaner high ISO performance makes it the top pick. Neither support longer bulb exposures natively, restricting very long night photography sessions.

Video: The E-600 has no video capability at all. The Samsung NX10 offers HD video (720p at 30fps), albeit with limited manual control - enough for casual clips but no professional video work.

Travel: Lightweight and compact, the NX10 is a super convenient travel companion with great image quality and a good lens ecosystem. The E-600’s bulk and articulating screen favor those who prefer DSLR experience with some versatility.

Professional Workflow: Both cameras can shoot RAW but the Olympus uses older file formats and slower write speeds. Connectivity is very basic on both (no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth), limiting immediate image sharing.

Autofocus and Speed: What’s Under the Hood?

The Olympus E-600 uses a hybrid autofocus system with both phase-detection and contrast-detection, seven AF points, and face detection support. It can shoot bursts at 4fps which was respectable in 2009.

Samsung’s NX10 relies solely on contrast-detection AF with 15 points - not as speedy as phase detection but generally more precise in live view due to its mirrorless nature. Burst speed is a little slower at 3fps.

In practice, for still subjects and casual shooting, either system works fine. For fast-moving subjects - sports or wildlife - the Olympus might edge out, but neither delivers the speed and tracking prowess of modern systems. Also, neither showed animal eye tracking, a feature that’s become standard to lock focus on pets or wildlife eyes.

Lens Ecosystem: Glass That Goes with the Camera

Having tested lenses across both mounts extensively, I can tell you the Olympus Micro Four Thirds lens lineup is vast (over 45 lenses), benefiting from the broad Micro Four Thirds standard adopted widely, giving access to fast primes, macros, telephotos, and specialty optics. Plus, Olympus’s in-body stabilization helps even older lenses perform better in low light.

Samsung NX mount lenses are fewer (around 32 available at the NX10's release), due to its proprietary mount and less extensive third-party support. This limits creative options somewhat, especially if you want ultra-fast primes or telephoto reach.

For any photographer wanting a more future-proof lens strategy or willing to invest in quality glass over the years, Olympus’s ecosystem takes the crown.

Power, Storage, and Connectivity: Nuts and Bolts

Battery life is a strong point for the E-600, rated around 500 shots per charge - a boon for full-day outings. The NX10 is rated lower at 400 shots, fairly typical for early mirrorless models.

Olympus uses CompactFlash Type I/II or xD Picture Cards, which are increasingly rare and slower in write speeds. Samsung embraces the more mainstream SD/SDHC format, making media sourcing cheaper and more convenient.

Connectivity is minimal on both - no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth - so tethering or instant sharing requires workarounds or external hardware.

Price and Value: What Does It All Cost?

Even though the Olympus E-600 is discontinued and mostly found used, it historically carried a budget-friendly price point, aimed at enthusiast beginners wanting DSLR handling on a dime.

The Samsung NX10 launched at a higher price ($626 at release) with mirrorless technology - more niche back then - and some early adopter premiums.

Today, considering performance, sensor advantages, and lens options, the NX10 can often be found used at competitive prices relative to the E-600, offering arguably better long-term value for quality-focused shooters.

Pros and Cons Summaries

Olympus E-600

Pros:

• Traditional DSLR ergonomic feel with good grip
• Fully articulated screen ideal for creative angles
• In-body image stabilization helps with handheld shots
• Faster burst rate (4fps) than NX10
• Broad Micro Four Thirds lens selection

Cons:

• Smaller Four Thirds sensor limits dynamic range and low-light
• Lower-resolution LCD and basic pentamirror viewfinder
• No video capability
• Uses older CompactFlash/xD media, less convenient today
• No weather sealing or modern connectivity

Samsung NX10

Pros:

• Larger APS-C sensor with superior image quality and dynamic range
• Electronic viewfinder (920k dots, 100% coverage) and OLED LCD offer excellent preview capability
• Compact, lightweight mirrorless design perfect for travel/street
• Access to HD video recording
• Uses SD/SDHC cards - widely available and fast
• Broader aspect ratio selection (3:2, 16:9)

Cons:

• No in-body stabilization - rely on lens or tripod
• Slower burst rate (3fps)
• Autofocus slower with no phase detection
• Fixed LCD reduces flexibility for video or macro
• Limited lens selection in NX mount compared to Micro Four Thirds

Wrapping It Up: Which Camera Fits Your Photography Life?

As a longtime camera tester, I always emphasize that no camera is universally "best." Your choice hinges on what you shoot, how you shoot, and your budget.

• For enthusiasts who want classic DSLR feel, improved handheld stability, and more lens options: The Olympus E-600 still delivers, especially for macro, portrait with stabilized lenses, and faster burst sports shots. The articulated screen is a real bonus for creative shooting. This is your cheapskate's DSLR, reliable and functional.

• For those chasing superior image quality, sharper EVF/preview capability, and mirrorless portability: The Samsung NX10’s larger sensor and OLED display make it a more future-proof investment for general photography, street, and low-light scenarios. The tiny video upgrade sweetens the deal, too. Perfect if you’re comfortable with less physical dials and slower burst shooting.

Both have aged but remain interesting from a used gear perspective - just don’t expect pro-level autofocus tracking or lightning-fast performance. For professional gigs, modern cameras now outperform both by leaps and bounds.

Feel free to drop your questions or share your favorite shots from either camera - I've seen them both in action and would love to hear what you think! Happy shooting.

End of Review