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Olympus E-M5 III vs Samsung NX20

Portability
80
Imaging
61
Features
88
Overall
71
Olympus OM-D E-M5 III front
 
Samsung NX20 front
Portability
83
Imaging
61
Features
73
Overall
65

Olympus E-M5 III vs Samsung NX20 Key Specs

Olympus E-M5 III
(Full Review)
  • 20MP - Four Thirds Sensor
  • 3" Fully Articulated Display
  • ISO 200 - 25600
  • Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
  • 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
  • 4096 x 2160 video
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • 414g - 125 x 85 x 50mm
  • Launched October 2019
  • Replaced the Olympus E-M5 II
  • Refreshed by OM System OM-5
Samsung NX20
(Full Review)
  • 20MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fully Articulated Screen
  • ISO 100 - 12800
  • 1/8000s Max Shutter
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Samsung NX Mount
  • 341g - 122 x 90 x 40mm
  • Launched April 2012
  • Previous Model is Samsung NX11
  • Newer Model is Samsung NX30
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Olympus E-M5 III vs Samsung NX20: A Hands-On Odyssey Through Two Mirrorless Eras

In the ever-evolving landscape of mirrorless cameras, comparing two bodies from distinct periods can offer fascinating insights not only into tech progress but into how photographers’ needs shape camera design. Today, I’m pulling from years of wrangling thousands of cameras to pit the Olympus OM-D E-M5 III (announced late 2019) against Samsung’s now-ancient but once-bright NX20 (released in 2012). Two advanced mirrorless SLR-style bodies, both aimed at enthusiasts, yet separated by seven years of development - a gulf in sensors, autofocus tech, video chops, and ergonomics. Let’s unpack how each fares across a gamut of photographic arenas, and what each tells us about the shifting market and user expectations.

Olympus E-M5 III vs Samsung NX20 size comparison
Right off the bat: a size and feel comparison that sets the tone. Olympus is chunkier but still pocket-viable; Samsung leans more compact.

Getting to Know the Contenders: Build and Handling Realities

While specs matter, real-world shooting hinges on how a camera feels in hand, how intuitively controls respond, and how weatherproofing assists in dodging the unpredictable.

The Olympus E-M5 III maintains the classic SLR-style body shape Olympus fans adore, coupled with a robust magnesium alloy frame, offering weather-sealing (dust and splash resistant) - key for outdoor enthusiasts or anyone who’s ambushed by a sprinkle mid-shoot. At 414 grams, it’s solid without being unwieldy. Olympus dials it home with a tactile grip and an emphatic shutter button placement. It combines classic control dials with a touch-sensitive fully articulated 3-inch, 1040k-dot LCD – perfect for low or high angle shooting.

On the other hand, the Samsung NX20 is a slimmer, lighter body weighing 341 grams, with a modest 122x90x40mm footprint, sporting a slightly older fully articulating 3-inch OLED screen with just 614k dots. It lacks weather sealing and stabilization, and some may find the control layout less intuitive; it’s a product of an era when Samsung was still trying to find its footing in mirrorless design. Some buttons feel less tactile, and without touchscreen, navigation can feel like negotiating ancient ruins on occasion.

[Top view reveals significant ergonomic evolution over years. Olympus offers more dedicated dials and better access than Samsung’s sparser layout.]
Olympus E-M5 III vs Samsung NX20 top view buttons comparison

Sensors and Image Quality: Chip Wars Across the Ages

Olympus uses a 20MP Four Thirds MOS sensor, while Samsung employs a similarly sized 20MP APS-C CMOS sensor, though with a larger sensor surface area (368.95 mm² vs Olympus’s 226.20 mm²). Sensor size difference directly impacts noise performance and final image quality potential, especially in low light. Olympus’s 2.1x crop factor shrinks the field of view compared to Samsung’s 1.5x, impacting lens choices and depth of field.

Olympus E-M5 III vs Samsung NX20 sensor size comparison

After rigorous testing in varied lighting (studio, daylight, and low light), the NX20’s APS-C sensor delivers better dynamic range (DxO Mark score supports this) and cleaner high ISO performance. Highlights retain more detail, shadows open up with less noise, and colors feel more nuanced.

Olympus’s sensor, though smaller, compensates with Olympus’s TruePic VIII processor bringing improved noise reduction and rendering capable of punchy colors and detail at base ISO levels. However, the native ISO range (200-25,600) means ISO 200 is effectively the base, unlike Samsung’s 100-12,800 - a slight disadvantage if your aim is ultra-clean wide apertures in very bright conditions.

Autofocus and Tracking: Precision in the Heat of the Moment

This is often where newer models shine, and the E-M5 III does not disappoint. Olympus employs a hybrid autofocus system with 121 contrast and phase detection points, face detection, touch AF - and crucially, efficient continuous autofocus and impressive subject tracking. Its 30fps electronic shutter burst is extraordinarily fast (in theory), although practical sustained speed sits around 10fps with continuous AF, offering smooth performance for wildlife, sports, or kids on the run.

The Samsung NX20’s PDAF system, with 15 contrast-based points and no phase detection, feels dated. Its AF speed is slower, focus hunting is more frequent, and continuous tracking struggles to maintain lock on fast-moving subjects. Burst mode caps at 8fps, sufficient for casual sports shooting but not quite enough for professional fast-action.

For photographers who rely on reliability and accuracy to catch decisive moments, Olympus takes a convincing lead here.

Optical Stabilization and Lens Ecosystem: The Weight of Compatibility

Olympus’s hallmark is in-body stabilization (IBIS) - a sensor-based 5-axis system extremely effective in reducing shake in handheld shooting, macro work, and video. This gives real advantages when shooting in less-than-ideal conditions or with lenses that lack stabilization.

Samsung relies on optical stabilization in select lenses, but the NX20 body itself does not offer IBIS. This difference significantly affects handheld low-light shooting or slow shutter speeds.

Lens ecosystems: Olympus boasts a mature, broad Micro Four Thirds lineup - over 100 lenses when factoring third-party options - covering everything from supergems to pro-grade zooms. The smaller sensor crop means lenses are generally more compact and affordable.

Samsung’s NX mount is a niche beast - roughly 32 native lenses plus some third-party offerings, but nowadays the mount is discontinued and not supported beyond NX30. This limits future upgrades and the availability of cutting-edge optics.

Display and Viewfinder: Composing Your Shots

Olympus’s OLED electronic viewfinder with 2,360k resolution is bright and crisp, covering 100% frame and providing excellent preview fidelity - a boon for precision composition and focusing in bright daylight.

Samsung’s OLED touchscreen-less EVF is less sharp; while it covers 100% frame, the resolution isn’t specified, and the lower brightness and contrast are noticeable in direct sunlight.

Olympus’s touchscreen LCD is fully articulating, extremely responsive, and supports touch AF and menu navigation - perfect for vloggers, macro shooters, or street photographers experimenting with low profiles.

Samsung, despite its OLED screen, leans heavily on physical buttons for navigation, which some purists appreciate, but others may find slow or clunky by today's standards.

Olympus E-M5 III vs Samsung NX20 Screen and Viewfinder comparison

Burst, Buffer, and Buffer Clearing: Chasing The Action

In practical use, Olympus’s 30fps burst mode sounds tantalizing - though in reality, you’ll comfortably get 10fps with autofocus on, and a buffer size that can handle roughly 30 RAW frames before slowing. For wildlife or sports shooters, this means capturing fast sequences with faithful focus results.

Samsung’s 8fps burst is respectable for its time but with a notably smaller buffer, making long sustained bursts challenging.

Battery Life and Storage: Daylong Shooters Think Twice

Olympus’s BLN-1 battery manages roughly 310 shots per charge - lower than some rivals but expected given stabilization and EVF extensive use. It supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with UHS-II, which promotes faster write speeds for high-res JPEGs, RAWs, and 4K video files.

Samsung’s BP1130 battery offers a longer battery life of around 360 shots, a tad longer thanks partly to a less demanding EVF and no IBIS. It uses SD/SDHC/SDXC cards without specifying UHS-II support - expect slower write speeds especially with video.

Video Capabilities: Stepping Into Cinema

Olympus steps up here with 4K video at 24fps (4096×2160) capped at 237 Mbps. While not boasting 60fps 4K or 10-bit internal recording, the footage quality benefits from IBIS and clean HDMI output, making it a solid pick for casual filmmakers or hybrid shooters. The external microphone port adds voice recording flexibility, though there’s no headphone jack.

Samsung’s NX20 trails offering 1080p up to 30fps using the same codecs but lacking 4K entirely. Given its age, it’s not surprising, but the absence of a mic port is a limiting factor for serious video users.

Specialized Photography: How They Stack Across Genres

Let's look at genre-specific performance, using real-world testing and what my extensive experience tells me.

Photography Type Olympus E-M5 III Samsung NX20 Notes
Portrait Excellent Good Olympus’s face detection, bokeh control, and IBIS shine. Samsung’s APS-C sensor aids shallow DoF but lens options are limited.
Landscape Very Good Good Olympus’s weather sealing and articulating screen are big pluses; Samsung’s larger sensor catches more highlight/shadow info.
Wildlife Very Good Fair Olympus’s faster AF and burst rate pull ahead. Samsung struggles with tracking.
Sports Very Good Fair Burst and AF accuracy favor Olympus decisively here.
Street Good Very Good Samsung’s smaller size and lighter weight offers better portability; Olympus’s articulating touch LCD eases candid shots.
Macro Excellent Good IBIS and focus bracketing in Olympus elevate macro shoots. Samsung lacks these.
Night/Astro Good Fair Larger sensor of Samsung aids noise but Olympus’s software stabilization and slow shutter improve results.
Video Very Good Fair Olympus’s 4K video, mic input surpass Samsung’s 1080p options.
Travel Good Very Good Samsung’s lighter, more compact size and longer battery life edge Olympus.
Professional Work Very Good Fair Olympus’s ruggedness, file formats, and interface lend better workflow integration.

Image Quality and Samples in Practice: Olympus vs Samsung

Shooting side by side in natural daylight, studio, and late dusk, Olympus’ images exhibit snappy color rendition, punchy contrast, and pleasing skin tones - blacks stay rich with good highlight retention. Samsung’s files are larger and carry more texture in RAW files but require more processing attention to tame shadows and noise.

Bokeh control - while inherently limited on Four Thirds - is surprisingly nice on Olympus due to high-quality lenses and image stabilization allowing slower shutter speeds for creative effects. Samsung’s APS-C sensor naturally produces shallower depth of field but suffers from older autofocus reliability leading to missed critical focus in portraiture.

Reliability, Weather Resistance, and Workflow Integration

For professionals or serious enthusiasts, a camera isn’t just about images but uptime, durability, and ease of integration.

Olympus builds in weather sealing at the body level (splash/dust resistance), rare in cameras below the pro-level price bracket, enabling worry-free shooting in diverse environments. It also supports multiple color profiles, in-camera RAW processing, and extensive manual controls.

Samsung’s NX20 lacks any weather proofing and its discontinued mount makes future workflow integration headaches inevitable - plus manufacturer support ended years ago, meaning no firmware updates or accessory refreshes.

Price and Value: What Are You Really Paying For?

Both cameras launched priced near $1100-$1200 in their day, targeting advanced amateurs.

Today, the E-M5 III holds better resale and remains supported with firmware and lenses. It offers compelling value for travel, wildlife, and video-centric shooters willing to invest in Micro Four Thirds ecosystem longevity.

The NX20 now sits in a bargain bucket niche, appealing mainly to collectors or hobbyists inclined toward affordable APS-C retro-style bodies. But beware: longevity and lens availability issues limit practical future use.

Verdict: Which Camera Fits Your Vision?

Choose the Olympus OM-D E-M5 III if:

  • You want a comfortable, weather-sealed body with extensive physical controls.
  • You shoot wildlife, sports, or macro requiring fast AF and strong stabilization.
  • You value 4K video alongside stills.
  • You favor a mature lens ecosystem and future-proof investment.
  • You relish active touchscreen, eye and face detection autofocus.
  • Your style includes creative exposure bracketing and focus stacking.

Opt for the Samsung NX20 if:

  • Your budget is tight and you want a capable APS-C mirrorless retro-styled device.
  • You prioritize small size and light weight above all.
  • You shoot primarily street or casual portraits, with limited burst needs.
  • You’re comfortable coping with older tech and a smaller lens lineup.
  • You want solid image quality at base ISO without the bells and whistles.

Final Thoughts: Contextualizing a Generation Gap in Mirrorless

Handling these two cameras back-to-back is like time traveling through mirrorless evolution: Samsung’s NX20 representing a bold first wave of compact APS-C mirrorless innovation, stepping away from DSLRs, with some growing pains; Olympus’s E-M5 III embodies refined maturity - where processors, rapid AF, stabilization, and high-res EVFs come together in a polished hybrid tool.

I always advise to look beyond specs tables and marketing claims - centrist, experience-based testing reveals how these tools behave, and what delivers on photographers’ actual needs. Olympus is unquestionably more advanced, responsive, and future-proof - great for pros or dedicated enthusiasts. Samsung remains interesting as a budget retro alternative or for those fond of its sensor size and size/weight balance.

For the next step, testing actual lens combos, prototyping workflows, and shooting real assignments reveal the nuanced strengths and reveal any workflow friction. But in sum, Olympus OM-D E-M5 III stands as the more capable, versatile, and enduring choice in 2024’s market.


Olympus leads overall, combining reliability, image quality, and features with style.

If you have questions about specific uses or want help choosing lenses for these mounts, feel free to reach out - I’ve spent enough time in camera labs and dusty studios to guide you through the labyrinth.

Happy shooting!

Olympus E-M5 III vs Samsung NX20 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Olympus E-M5 III and Samsung NX20
 Olympus OM-D E-M5 IIISamsung NX20
General Information
Brand Name Olympus Samsung
Model type Olympus OM-D E-M5 III Samsung NX20
Type Advanced Mirrorless Advanced Mirrorless
Launched 2019-10-17 2012-04-20
Body design SLR-style mirrorless SLR-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Processor TruePic VIII -
Sensor type MOS CMOS
Sensor size Four Thirds APS-C
Sensor measurements 17.4 x 13mm 23.5 x 15.7mm
Sensor surface area 226.2mm² 369.0mm²
Sensor resolution 20 megapixel 20 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9
Max resolution 5184 x 3888 5472 x 3648
Max native ISO 25600 12800
Min native ISO 200 100
RAW data
Min enhanced ISO 64 -
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
Autofocus touch
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detect focus
Contract detect focus
Phase detect focus
Total focus points 121 15
Lens
Lens mount type Micro Four Thirds Samsung NX
Available lenses 107 32
Focal length multiplier 2.1 1.5
Screen
Range of display Fully Articulated Fully Articulated
Display sizing 3 inch 3 inch
Display resolution 1,040k dot 614k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch screen
Display tech - Active Matrix OLED screen
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Electronic Electronic
Viewfinder resolution 2,360k dot -
Viewfinder coverage 100 percent 100 percent
Viewfinder magnification 0.68x 0.7x
Features
Minimum shutter speed 60 secs 30 secs
Fastest shutter speed 1/8000 secs 1/8000 secs
Fastest quiet shutter speed 1/32000 secs -
Continuous shutter speed 30.0 frames/s 8.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Custom white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance no built-in flash 11.00 m
Flash modes Auto, redeye, fill, off, redeye slow sync, slow sync, 2nd-curtain slow sync, manual Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in, 1st/2nd Curtain, Smart Flash, Manual
External flash
AEB
White balance bracketing
Fastest flash sync 1/250 secs 1/180 secs
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Supported video resolutions 4096 x 2160 @ 24p / 237 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1920 x 810 (24 fps) 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
Max video resolution 4096x2160 1920x1080
Video format MPEG-4, H.264 MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless Built-In Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None Optional
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 414g (0.91 lb) 341g (0.75 lb)
Dimensions 125 x 85 x 50mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 2.0") 122 x 90 x 40mm (4.8" x 3.5" x 1.6")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating not tested 75
DXO Color Depth rating not tested 23.4
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested 12.9
DXO Low light rating not tested 785
Other
Battery life 310 photographs 360 photographs
Battery format Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID BLN-1 BP1130
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 secs, custom) Yes (2 sec to 30 sec)
Time lapse shooting
Storage media SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II supported) SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage slots 1 1
Retail pricing $1,199 $1,100