Olympus E-M10 vs Samsung NX100

Olympus E-M10 vs. Samsung NX100: A Thorough Comparative Analysis for Serious Photographers

In the entry-level mirrorless camera arena, Olympus and Samsung each offered compelling options during the early 2010s. Today, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 and the Samsung NX100 stand out as representative models that embody distinct technological philosophies and cater to different photographic priorities. This comprehensive evaluation distills over a decade of hands-on testing experience with both brands and models to equip photography enthusiasts and professionals with practical insights for informed decision-making.

We examine these two cameras through a multi-dimensional lens - addressing image quality, autofocus performance, build and ergonomics, usability across a broad range of photographic genres, and overall value propositions. This is not a casual overview; it is a detailed dissection grounded in technical analysis, real-world performance evaluation, and rigorous user scenario considerations.

Physical Design and Ergonomics: Compactness vs. Handling

The physical build and form factors of the Olympus E-M10 and Samsung NX100 immediately illustrate divergent design intentions. The Olympus E-M10 adopts a traditional SLR-style mirrorless body with pronounced grip contours and a relatively thick chassis, aimed at delivering a stable hold, especially with larger lenses common to Micro Four Thirds systems. Conversely, the NX100 opts for a more compact, rangefinder-style silhouette with a slimmer profile.

Measured precisely, the E-M10 dimensions (119x82x46 mm) and 396g weight create a tactile heft that aligns with extended handheld shooting comfort. The NX100’s compact 120x71x35 mm frame and lighter 282g weight enhance portability, making it less obtrusive for street or travel photography but potentially less ergonomic for users with larger hands or heavier glass.

On top, the Olympus integrates a densely packed but logically arranged control layout with multiple dials and buttons, facilitating rapid manual exposure adjustments and custom configurations. The Samsung’s less cluttered top surface reflects its simpler control schema, which might appeal to beginners but could limit workflow efficiency for advanced users.

This comparison highlights differing priorities: Olympus favoring tactile feedback and control granularity, Samsung prioritizing minimalism and reduced size. For users valuing comprehensive physical controls and durable handling, the Olympus E-M10’s ergonomic design outperforms. The NX100 benefits those desiring ultra-portability and discretion but sacrifices handling precision.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Four Thirds vs. APS-C Considerations

Sensor performance is paramount to photographic quality. The Olympus E-M10 utilizes a 16MP Four Thirds-sized CMOS sensor (17.3x13 mm), conforming to the Micro Four Thirds standard. Samsung’s NX100 features a 15MP APS-C CMOS sensor (23.4x15.6 mm), larger by over 60% in surface area.

Measured via DxOMark benchmarks, Olympus scores an overall 72 points, with color depth of 22.8 bits and dynamic range of 12.3 EV stops, alongside a low-light ISO rating of 884. Samsung records an overall score of 62, color depth close to 22.6 bits but a notably narrower dynamic range of 10.7 EV stops and reduced low-light ISO of 563.

In real shooting scenarios, the Olympus’ smaller sensor delivers slightly crisper images with better highlight retention and dynamic latitude. The downside relates to inherent noise elevation at high ISOs due to reduced pixel pitch, although the E-M10’s TruePic VII processor applies effective noise reduction algorithms.

Meanwhile, the NX100’s larger sensor theoretically offers better signal-to-noise ratio and shallower depth of field potential at equivalent apertures, but practical gains are diminished due to older sensor technology and less advanced processing. Color accuracy is comparable, though Olympus exhibits more natural skin tone reproduction, crucial for portraiture.

Resolution-wise, both deliver approximately 4600x3400 pixels, which supports large prints and moderate cropping. Olympus’s antialiasing filter presence promotes moiré avoidance at slight expense of absolute sharpness, whereas Samsung also includes AA filtering but with less effective suppression.

In low-light and astrophotography, the Olympus E-M10’s improved dynamic range and noise handling offer a tangible advantage for extended exposures and starfield capture.

Autofocus Systems: Precision and Responsiveness

Autofocus (AF) performance is critical for dynamic photography and discerning professionals. The Olympus E-M10 boasts a hybrid contrast-detection AF with 81 focus points, including face detection, touch-enabled AF, continuous AF tracking, and selective AF zones. The NX100 relies on a contrast-detection system too, but with only 15 focus points and no face or eye detection, and lacks continuous tracking.

Testing reveals the E-M10’s AF system is markedly faster and more reliable in both bright and low-light conditions, especially for subject tracking and focus lock during burst shooting. The touchscreen AF on Olympus enhances compositional flexibility, allowing for rapid acquisition on demanding subjects such as wildlife or sports athletes.

The NX100’s AF is comparatively sluggish and prone to hunting, limiting utility in fast-paced genres. Its lack of continuous AF tracking further restricts its suitability for action or wildlife photography.

Overall, the Olympus E-M10’s AF system equips the camera for a wider range of shooting conditions, offering more precision and usability.

Build Quality and Environmental Durability

Neither camera features environmental sealing. Both lack dustproof, weatherproof, shockproof, or freezeproof construction, restricting their use in harsh climates or physically demanding settings without protective accessories.

Build-wise, the Olympus E-M10 exhibits somewhat higher build quality with a magnesium alloy top plate and more robust chassis elements, contributing to sustained reliability over rigorous use.

Samsung’s plastic build results in a lighter camera but one more susceptible to wear and damage.

LCD Screen and User Interface

Displays are a crucial interface point. The Olympus E-M10 includes a 3-inch tilting TFT LCD touchscreen with 1,037k-dot resolution offering excellent brightness and contrast. Touch input expedites focus point selection and menu navigation, enhancing operational speed and ergonomic fluidity.

Conversely, the Samsung NX100 features a fixed 3-inch AMOLED screen with only 614k-dot resolution and no touch function. While vibrant colors characterize AMOLED panels, the fixed angle limits shooting versatility in awkward positions, and lack of touch reduces AF agility and menu navigation speed.

These interface differences impact daily usability: Olympus’s advanced screen promotes dynamic shooting workflows and intuitive control, whereas Samsung’s screen limits flexibility and speed.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

The Olympus E-M10 uses the extensively developed Micro Four Thirds mount, boasting over 100 native lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, and third-party manufacturers including Sigma and Tamron. This expansive ecosystem ranges from ultra-wide angle to super-telephoto, primes to zooms, and specialized optics such as macro and fisheye.

Samsung’s NX100, with its proprietary NX mount, offers a comparatively narrow lens selection - around 32 lenses, including primes and zooms but fewer options for specialized photography and telephoto zooms.

The Micro Four Thirds system also benefits from widespread adapter compatibility, allowing the use of legacy and manual focus lenses from various manufacturers.

For photographers aiming for long-term investment flexibility, Olympus’s lens ecosystem markedly surpasses Samsung’s, enabling expanded creative possibilities and smoother incremental upgrades.

Battery Life and Storage

The Olympus E-M10 uses a BLS-5 battery rated for approximately 320 shots per charge under CIPA standards. The Samsung NX100’s BP1130 battery yields slightly better endurance at 420 shots.

While the NX100 offers better longevity per charge, the E-M10’s superior performance features - with image stabilization and burst rates - mean actual usage is more intensive, possibly evening out battery drain.

Both models support a single SD card slot, compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC formats, ensuring ample storage options.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

In a modern context, connectivity matters for efficient image transfer and remote control. The Olympus E-M10 includes built-in wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi), enabling wireless image transfer, remote capture via smartphone apps, and instant social sharing.

The Samsung NX100 lacks any wireless connectivity options, reflecting its earlier generation release date.

Both cameras provide USB 2.0 ports and HDMI output for tethered workflows or external monitoring.

The Olympus’s Wi-Fi integration constitutes a significant advantage for contemporary photographers requiring seamless workflows.

Continuous Shooting and Drive Modes

Burst rates define suitability for action and sports. Olympus achieves up to 8 fps continuous shooting, offering buffer depth sufficient for moderate action sequences. Samsung manages 3 fps burst speeds, which constrain performance where decisive moment capture is critical.

The E-M10 supports multiple drive modes including self-timer, bracketing (AE and WB), and time-lapse recording - features advantageous for landscape and creative photography.

Samsung’s more limited drive modes and lack of time-lapse recording narrow functional scope.

Video Capabilities

Video remains auxiliary for both cameras but worth consideration. Olympus shoots Full HD 1080p at 30 fps, encoded in H.264 and Motion JPEG. Samsung records HD 720p at 30 fps only, with H.264 format.

Neither supports 4K or sophisticated video autofocus. The Olympus includes sensor-shift image stabilization which benefits handheld video smoothness; Samsung lacks this.

Audio ports are missing on both, limiting external microphone use and audio monitoring, though this restricts professional video usage.

Despite some limitations, Olympus’s superior resolution, stabilization, and codec support make it the preferable choice for casual videography.

Performance Across Photography Genres

Portrait Photography

Olympus E-M10’s precise face detection, superior color rendition, and availability of extensive Micro Four Thirds primes contribute to excellent portraiture. Its 2.1x crop factor enables effective subject isolation with fast lenses. Bokeh quality is respectable, though limited by sensor size compared to APS-C or full-frame.

Samsung NX100’s APS-C sensor naturally produces shallower depth of field, beneficial in portraits, but lagging AF speed and fewer native lens options temper its practicality.

Landscape Photography

The Olympus’s dynamic range and sensor detail support high-quality landscape capture, enhanced by weather-resistant accessories and an extensive selection of wide-angle lenses.

Samsung’s larger sensor size theoretically benefits landscapes, but limited dynamic range and slightly less resolution are disadvantages. Lack of weather sealing puts Olympus ahead on durability considerations.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

The Olympus’s faster autofocus, higher burst rates, and extensive telephoto lens options distinctly favor wildlife and sports photography. Continuous AF tracking and in-camera stabilization improve image sharpness during rapid movement.

Samsung’s slower AF and limited frames per second hamper efficacy in these demanding contexts.

Street and Travel Photography

Samsung NX100’s compact, lightweight build enhances discreetness and portability, advantageous in street and travel scenarios. Olympus’s larger body adds weight but offers increased handling comfort for extended sessions.

Olympus’s articulating touch screen and in-body stabilization also benefit travel photography, especially in low-light environments.

Macro Photography

Olympus Micro Four Thirds macro lenses paired with sensor stabilization provide superior focusing accuracy and image sharpness.

Samsung’s fewer macro lens options and lack of stabilization reduce effectiveness.

Night and Astrophotography

Olympus’s improved high ISO performance and sensor noise reduction make it better suited for low-light and night sky photography.

Samsung’s lower maximum native ISO and dynamic range limit astrophotography potential.

Professional Usage and Workflow Integration

Supporting uncompressed RAW files, comprehensive manual controls, and advanced connectivity, Olympus E-M10 integrates effectively with professional post-processing workflows. Its well-rounded feature set offers reliability for event and studio photographers on a budget.

Samsung, originally designed with less emphasis on professional features and workflow optimization, may satisfy hobbyists but falls short for serious professional work.

Summary of Technical Strengths and Weaknesses

Sample Image Showcase

For visual reference, we present comparative sample images illustrating skin tone rendition, dynamic range in landscapes, focal precision in macro, and detail preservation in low light from both cameras.

Olympus E M10 front Olympus E M10 screen back Samsung NX100 screen back

Recommendations by Photographer Profile and Use Case

• Enthusiast Portrait and Event Photographers: Olympus E-M10’s better autofocus, versatile lens choices, and superior color fidelity make it the preferable option for capturing human subjects and moments with precision.

• Landscape and Nature Photographers: Olympus’s superior dynamic range, sensor stabilization, and lens ecosystem provide better tools for high-quality nature imaging.

• Wildlife and Sports Shooters: Olympus again leads with faster burst rates and tracking abilities critical for action capture.

• Street and Travel Photographers: Samsung NX100 may be attractive for its smaller size and weight, reducing carry burden and attention in urban environments, but sacrifices AF speed and features.

• Macro and Night/Astrophotographers: Olympus's support for stabilization and superior ISO handling delivers better low-light performance and focusing accuracy.

• Video Hobbyists: Olympus supports Full HD recording with stabilization, outperforming NX100’s limited 720p capabilities.

• Budget-Conscious Buyers: Samsung offers a lower price point and better battery life, appealing to casual shooters on a tighter budget.

Final Evaluation

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 stands out as a better-rounded, more capable system across nearly all use cases, with clear advantages in autofocus performance, image quality, video, and system versatility. Its more sophisticated ergonomics and screen further streamline workflows.

The Samsung NX100’s legacy place is as a lightweight, compact entry-level mirrorless with a larger sensor, offering modest image quality benefits with tradeoffs in speed, features, and lens options. It is worthwhile primarily for highly portability-focused shooters with modest demands.

For photographers seeking a balance of image quality, responsiveness, and flexibility suitable for serious creative expression and professional workflows, Olympus E-M10 is the authoritative recommendation.

This comparative analysis embodies extensive testing experience spanning technical benchmarks and real-world shooting scenarios, presenting an uncompromised, data-driven perspective to empower photographers making a critical investment. Both cameras deliver foundational imaging capabilities; however, Olympus’s product consistently offers a more reliable, versatile photographic instrument suitable for a broader spectrum of demanding applications.