Olympus E-M1 vs Samsung HZ15W

Lets take a more detailed look at the Olympus E-M1 versus Samsung HZ15W, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Samsung. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-M1 (16MP) and HZ15W (12MP) and the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and HZ15W (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-M1 was launched 4 years later than the HZ15W and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Samsung HZ15W being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a complete comparison, below is a short summary of how the E-M1 grades vs the HZ15W in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus OM-D E-M1 and Samsung HZ15W. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M1 Gallery and Samsung HZ15W Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera often, you'll have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-M1 enjoys exterior dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") having a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) whilst the Samsung HZ15W has measurements of 105mm x 61mm x 37mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5") having a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-M1 versus Samsung HZ15W in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have at that time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the E-M1 vs the HZ15W.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-M1 and HZ15W is 71 and 90 respectively.

Often, it's tough to see the difference between sensor sizing purely by reading through specifications. The graphic below will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-M1 and HZ15W.

To sum up, both of these cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-M1 because of its larger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Olympus E-M1 will give more detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop photos much more aggressively. The fresher E-M1 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.