Olympus E-M1 III vs Samsung Galaxy NX

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III vs Samsung Galaxy NX: A Deep Dive for Photographers

When it comes to choosing a mirrorless camera tailored to your photography style, nuances matter. I've spent countless hours testing and comparing cameras across generations, and this time, I’m putting the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III - a pro-level Micro Four Thirds workhorse - head to head with the Samsung Galaxy NX, an entry-level APS-C mirrorless from a very different era. These two represent very different philosophies, eras, and capabilities, yet remain interesting to compare for curious enthusiasts and photographers looking for perspective on evolving camera tech.

This 2,500-word deep dive will cover everything from sensor tech and autofocus to usability and genre-specific performance. Whether you’re into landscape grandeur, wildlife action, or nimble street photography, I’ll provide hands-on tested insights to help you choose what fits your photographic ambitions best.

Size, Build, and Ergonomics: Handling Experience Sharpened by Time

First impressions count, and in my experience, the Olympus E-M1 III exhibits a significantly more robust and thoughtfully engineered design than the older Samsung Galaxy NX. The Olympus sports a classic SLR-style body with weather sealing, pronounced grip, and an intuitive button layout designed for professionals who demand reliability in the field.

Conversely, the Galaxy NX, launched in 2013, bears an SLR silhouette but prioritizes a slim profile and a large fixed rear touchscreen that was meant to bridge traditional photography with smartphone connectivity. It feels noticeably lighter but less durable - a trade-off reflective of its entry-level positioning and earlier generation component design.

The Olympus measures roughly 134x91x69 mm weighing 580g, with an emphasis on robust handling even when paired with heavier telephoto lenses. The Galaxy NX is a bit longer and flatter at 137x101x26 mm and around 495g but balances that with a larger 4.8-inch fixed touchscreen, though it lacks the articulation of the Olympus’s 3-inch fully articulating screen.

Ergonomically, the Olympus’s dedicated dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and drive modes are superb for fast adjustments - something I appreciate while on shoots where quick adaptability is needed. The Galaxy’s touchscreen-heavy interface sometimes feels clumsy for rapid setting tweaks, forcing you to dive through menus.

For photographers traveling light or those new to interchangeable lenses who prioritize screen size and simplicity, the Galaxy NX offers an open door. But for the seasoned pro or enthusiast who values tactile control and durability, Olympus steals the show in this category.

Sensor Showdown: Small But Mighty vs Bigger and Older

At the heart of every camera is its sensor, where the battle between Micro Four Thirds and APS-C formats comes into sharp focus - literally.

The Olympus E-M1 III sports a 20MP Four Thirds 17.4x13 mm CMOS sensor. Its smaller size (226.2 mm² sensor area) is balanced by the company’s TruePic IX processor, advanced noise reduction, and impressive image stabilization, which can add up to 7.5 stops of compensation in real world. Importantly, Olympus opted to omit an optical low-pass filter, theoretically improving resolving power and overall sharpness but challenging noise management at high ISOs.

In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy NX hosts a 20MP APS-C sensor measuring 23.5x15.7 mm - about 369 mm², substantially larger. Its early-2010s CMOS sensor comes with an anti-aliasing filter to reduce moiré but can soften fine details slightly. While the larger sensor naturally offers better light gathering capacity, keep in mind the NX's sensor technology is a decade old, lacking the latest advancements in dynamic range and noise control.

Practically, in well-lit scenarios, both cameras deliver similar resolution and impressive detail at base ISOs (Olympus’s ISO 200 vs Samsung’s ISO 100), but Olympus’s superior image stabilization allows for sharper handheld shots in low light despite its smaller sensor.

For landscape or studio portrait shooters who prize image pixel-pitch and resolution headroom, the Galaxy NX’s sensor delivers advantage in clean shadows and color fidelity thanks to the larger, older sensor architecture. But rapid focus and handheld night photography tend to favor Olympus’s advanced processing and stabilization.

Control Layout and User Interface: Professional Tactility vs Touchscreen Focus

Handling during a shoot can make or break your user experience. The Olympus E-M1 III offers an abundance of physical controls within easy reach, including dual control dials, dedicated function buttons (albeit not illuminated), and a shooting mode dial integrated with a power switch. Its fully articulating, touchscreen-enabled 3-inch LCD with 1,037k-dot resolution provides excellent framing and touch AF control.

Samsung Galaxy NX flips the scripting with a big 4.8-inch HD TFT touchscreen - fixed, but generous for framing and playback. Its interface depends heavily on touchscreen navigation inspired by smartphones. While handy for beginners or casual users, it slows me down when I want instant setting changes. The lack of dedicated dials and physical buttons creates friction during fast-paced shooting.

Olympus’s 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder offers 100% coverage and 0.74x magnification, perfect for precise composition – a must for professionals. The Galaxy NX’s lack of a dedicated EVF forces framing via the large screen, which is less practicable in bright outdoor conditions.

If you prioritize fast operation with buttons and dials you can learn by muscle memory, Olympus takes a convincing lead. The Galaxy NX’s touchscreen appeal is strong for casual or travel shooters but limits speed and customization.

Autofocus and Burst Rate: Catching Action in Its Tracks

Autofocus has evolved dramatically over the last decade, and that gulf is evident when comparing these two.

The Olympus E-M1 III features a hybrid system with 121 phase-detect AF points and contrast detection, delivering fast, confident subject acquisition even in challenging lighting. It supports continuous AF, face and eye detect AF (including impressive real-time eye detection), and tracks subjects reliably during high-speed bursts up to 60fps with electronic shutter.

The Samsung Galaxy NX offers contrast-detection AF only (no phase-detection points specified), no continuous or tracking AF modes, and a modest continuous shooting speed of 9fps.

For wildlife and sports photographers, the Olympus is a clear pick. I’ve field-tested it tracking birds mid-flight and athletes in motion, with excellent hit rates. The Galaxy NX’s AF works well for static subjects but lacks the sophistication necessary for fast-moving subjects or precise focus stacking.

Image Stabilization and Low-Light Performance: The Olympus Edge

Olympus’s 5-axis in-body image stabilization is a standout - I've consistently achieved solid handheld exposures at shutter speeds well below a 1/30 second with long focal lengths, substantially reducing motion blur. This advantage opens doors for macro, low-light, and travel handheld shooting scenarios.

The Galaxy NX does not include any form of sensor-shift stabilization, placing the onus entirely on lenses (or tripod use) to prevent blur. Its native ISO sensitivity ranges from 100-25600, matching the Olympus’s upper limits, but noise control and dynamic range under dim conditions don’t compare favorably.

Night and astrophotographers will appreciate Olympus’s combination of image stabilization and clean high ISO performance, where I could push ISO 3200 or higher while maintaining natural skin tones or star detail without noisy artifacts.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Breadth vs Niche

Lens options can limit or liberate your creativity. Olympus, via the Micro Four Thirds mount, boasts 107 lenses from multiple respected manufacturers (Olympus, Panasonic, Sigma, Tamron, etc.). This extensive selection spans ultra-wide, telephoto, macro, and specialized lenses like fast primes and professional-grade optics.

Samsung’s NX mount ecosystem is considerably smaller, with about 32 lenses available and limited third-party support, reflecting the mount’s short market life. While some excellent prime and zoom options exist, the lens mount feels less future-proof and more restricted for ambitious photographers.

If I were investing in a system, Olympus’s ecosystem flexibility appeals more, especially when paired with adapters to use legacy lenses. Samsung’s ecosystem is sufficient for casual shooters but lacks the depth for niche photographic styles.

Video Capabilities: Pro-Level 4K vs Basic Full HD

While both cameras support video, their approaches and capabilities differ substantially.

Olympus offers 4K UHD video recording (4096x2160 at 24p and 3840x2160 at 30p/25p/23.98p) encoded in H.264, with built-in audio input/output ports for external mic and headphone monitoring - critical for video professionals. Its in-body stabilization also smooths handheld footage.

Samsung Galaxy NX restricts video to Full HD 1920x1080p, with older compression formats and no 4K. It includes mic and headphone ports, though video controls and codec choice are limited.

While the Galaxy NX could be a casual video shooter’s tool, Olympus is much better suited for vloggers and creators requiring high-res, stabilized footage with professional audio options.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Everyday Usability

The Olympus E-M1 III uses a BLH-1 battery rated for around 420 shots per charge, slightly less than typical DSLR standards but aligned with mirrorless norms. Dual SD card slots with UHS-II on the primary slot allow buffer overflow solutions, versatile backup, and efficient workflow.

Samsung Galaxy NX’s battery offers about 440 shots per charge - marginally better but with a smaller single SD slot lacking rapid write speed support. USB 3.1 connectivity on Olympus surpasses Galaxy’s USB 2.0, favoring faster transfers - significant for professionals working extensively in the field.

Connectivity and Wireless Features: Modern Convenience vs Early Integration

Olympus incorporates built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling remote camera control, instant image transfer, and in-app updating - features reflecting more recent user expectations. It lacks GPS, but I find Bluetooth functionality a reliable tether for wireless triggers and smartphones.

In contrast, Samsung Galaxy NX stands out for having built-in GPS (a rarity for mirrorless cameras at its launch) but lacks Bluetooth or NFC connectivity to modernize sharing workflows. Wi-Fi is built-in but less refined compared to Olympus.

For travel and photojournalism, Olympus’s wireless suite better meets current connectivity demands.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

I’ve tested both cameras extensively, pushing them through their paces in various photography disciplines. Here’s how they fare:

Portraits: Olympus’s face and eye detection shine, rendering skin tones with excellent color fidelity aided by in-body stabilization, facilitating sharp, flattering portraits even in slower shutter contexts. Galaxy NX delivers ample resolution and pleasing colors but lacks eye detection and struggles with bokeh smoothness due to lens and sensor limitations.

Landscapes: Samsung’s larger APS-C sensor garners an advantage in dynamic range and fine detail capture at base ISO, ideal for daylight landscapes and studio work. Olympus’s smaller sensor is compensated by superior stabilization when shooting handheld and effectively shockproof weather sealing, making it the choice for outdoor ruggedness and poor weather.

Wildlife & Sports: Olympus is the hands-down winner with fast 121-point AF, burst rates up to 60fps, and durable all-weather construction. The Samsung’s slow contrast AF and 9fps burst max out basic usability and cannot compete in fast-action scenarios.

Street Photography: Galaxy’s large touchscreen and lightweight frame make for casual street use but its slower AF limits candid shooting. Olympus’s compact, weather-sealed body lets it blend into harsher environments but its 3-inch screen size and heft might slow nimble maneuvering.

Macro: Olympus’s excellent in-body IS, strong focus bracketing, and wider lens ecosystem give macro enthusiasts a versatile toolset. Galaxy lacks focus stacking and IS, making macro shooting more challenging.

Night/Astro: Olympus provides superior high-ISO performance, sensor-shift stabilization for long exposures, and reliable manual exposure modes. Galaxy can be forced into use but suffers more from noise and lacks tracking autofocus to aid night wildlife shots.

Video: Olympus outpaces Galaxy with 4K, audio options, and built-in stabilization. Galaxy remains a basic Full HD shooter for casual video.

Travel & Everyday: Galaxy’s touchscreen and lighter weight appeal to casual travelers seeking ease, while Olympus’s weather resistance, battery, and lens range suit professionals demanding reliability and versatility.

Olympus E M1 III front Olympus E M1 III screen back Samsung Galaxy NX front Samsung Galaxy NX screen back

Summarizing the Strengths and Limitations

Who Should Choose Which?

Choose Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III if you:

• Demand a rugged, weather-sealed system ready for heavy pro use.
• Shoot fast-moving subjects like sports or wildlife requiring blazing fast AF and high fps.
• Prefer an expansive lens ecosystem with serious macro, telephoto, and specialized lenses.
• Need 4K video capabilities alongside professional audio support.
• Rely on built-in 5-axis stabilization for handheld macro or low-light photography.
• Want robust tactile controls and a viewfinder that works in bright conditions.
• Are a working photographer or serious enthusiast willing to invest in a pro-grade system.

Consider Samsung Galaxy NX if you:

• Prioritize a large touchscreen and smartphone-like operation.
• Are a casual photographer or hobbyist exploring interchangeable lens cameras on a budget.
• Value GPS tagging and lightweight, easy handling over ruggedness.
• Mostly shoot static subjects or landscapes in good light.
• Don’t require in-body stabilization or high burst performance.
• Can live with a smaller and less future-proof lens ecosystem.
• Want a unique hybrid system that marries smartphone-style operation with mirrorless basics.

Final Thoughts: Evolution of Mirrorless and What It Teaches Us

The Olympus E-M1 Mark III stands today as a testament to mirrorless evolution - marrying compactness with professional features and image quality once deemed exclusive to DSLRs. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy NX serves as a fascinating glimpse into early attempts to merge camera and smartphone technology, albeit with compromises.

Throughout my hands-on testing, the Olympus consistently outperforms in image quality, autofocus, handling, and versatility. However, the Galaxy NX’s large touchscreen and access-friendly interface can still appeal to curious beginners or users prioritizing ease over speed.

When choosing a camera, ask yourself which features matter most - speed and rugged pro-quality, or simplicity and portability. The Olympus impresses with professional polish, while the Galaxy NX invites experimentation with its touchscreen interface.

Both cameras have valuable lessons for photographers and camera designers, showing the balancing act between innovation, usability, and image quality.

Choosing the right mirrorless camera is always a personal journey, informed by technical specs but ultimately decided by your shooting style, subject matter, and workflow. I hope this detailed comparison clarifies what each system brings to the table and gets you one step closer to your perfect photographic partner.

Happy shooting!

For more detailed hands-on photo comparisons and tips from a seasoned photographer's perspective, follow my ongoing reviews and field tests.