Olympus E-P1 vs Samsung Galaxy NX: A Hands-On Comparative Review for Today’s Photography Enthusiasts

Photography technology has evolved exponentially over the past decade, but certain cameras retain significance when examined through both a historical and practical lens. Today, I’m diving deep into two early mirrorless offerings that still resonate with enthusiasts seeking distinctive photographic experiences: the Olympus PEN E-P1 (2009) and the Samsung Galaxy NX (2013). While these cameras debuted four years apart, they each represent a different approach to entry-level mirrorless design and technology, bringing nuanced strengths and trade-offs.

In this detailed comparison, I’ve leveraged extensive hands-on experience and methodical testing protocols to evaluate these cameras across all major photography genres while also contextualizing their technological step-ups and limitations. For readers passionate about making an informed decision - whether for collection, specialized use, or even budget-conscious shooting - this guide will elucidate their real-world performance and value proposition.

The Physical Experience: Handling and Ergonomics

One of the first impressions you get when picking up any camera is its build, ergonomics, and control layout. These tactile factors affect everything from shooting comfort to usability in fast-paced scenarios.

Olympus E-P1: Classic Rangefinder Charm Meets Compact Design

The Olympus PEN E-P1 sports a distinctive rangefinder-style mirrorless body, measuring a trim 121 x 70 x 36 mm and weighing approximately 355 grams. This size makes it supremely pocketable compared to traditional DSLRs, lending itself well to street and travel photography where discretion and portability matter. The magnesium alloy body feels solid for its class and era but lacks weather sealing, a common compromise in this price segment at the time.

Its minimalist control scheme eschews excess buttons, emphasizing menu-driven settings. While this simplicity can be appealing for beginners, it occasionally slows down quick adjustments, notably with no rear touch interface - a limitation by today’s standards.

Samsung Galaxy NX: SLR-Style, Hefty, and Touch Optimized

In contrast, the Galaxy NX adopts an SLR-style body type, considerably larger at 137 x 101 x 26 mm and heavier at about 495 grams. Despite a slimmer depth, the broader grip and more robust chassis impart a thicker, weightier hand feel, closer to DSLR ergonomics. This provides a more secure hold for extended shoots but sacrifices some portability.

Crucially, the Galaxy NX embraces a giant 4.8-inch touchscreen covering much of the rear surface, and it’s touch-optimized. This tech-forward approach anticipates the smartphone interface paradigm, making it intuitive and fast to operate - especially for manual focus and menu navigation.

From the top angles, you’ll note that while the E-P1's controls are minimal and designed for simplicity, the Galaxy NX adds a built-in flash (absent on the E-P1), a more pronounced mode dial, and a dedicated exposure compensation button for faster on-the-fly adjustments. Both cameras lack illuminated buttons, which can be a nuisance in low light.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Battle of the Formats

At the heart of every camera lies its sensor, the sensor size and technology largely determining resolution, dynamic range, noise performance, and depth of field control.

Olympus E-P1: Early Micro Four Thirds Workhorse

The PEN E-P1 employs a 12MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring roughly 17.3 x 13 mm, with a crop factor of about 2.1x. Back in 2009, this sensor delivered respectable resolution and decent color depth, yet was somewhat behind in noise performance, especially above ISO 800.

DxOMark rates it with a color depth of 21.4 bits, dynamic range of 10.4 EV, and low-light ISO up to 536 before noise becomes intrusive. While these numbers don’t compete with today’s sensors, the PEN’s image output suits casual to intermediate work, particularly where depth of field or compact lenses offer a creative advantage.

The camera includes a traditional anti-aliasing filter, slightly smoothing details but reducing moiré - a balanced choice for its time.

Samsung Galaxy NX: Aspen-like APS-C Shooter with Modern Resolution

Samsung’s Galaxy NX steps up with a 20MP APS-C CMOS sensor sized at 23.5 x 15.7 mm - a significant jump in sensor area, about 64% larger than the Olympus. With a crop factor of 1.5x, the APS-C sensor improves noise handling, dynamic range, and overall image fidelity.

Samsung never officially submitted this sensor for DxOMark testing, but real-world usage confirms excellent RAW file latitude, great color depth, and high sensitivity range up to ISO 25600, far outperforming the E-P1 in low-light. The Galaxy NX supports an anti-aliasing filter as well, with a clean render and good detail retention.

At 20MP resolution (5472 x 3648 max), it offers more cropping freedom and larger print output capability, making it more attractive for landscape, wildlife, and professional workflows.

LCD and Viewfinder: Framing Your Shot with Confidence

Display technology and viewfinder presence heavily influence how photographers interact with their subject and frame their shots.

The Olympus E-P1 utilizes a 3-inch fixed HyperCrystal LCD with an anti-reflective coating but only 230k dot resolution - very basic, especially in bright ambient conditions. It has no touchscreen or articulating mechanism, limiting shooting versatility, especially for complex angles.

Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy NX boasts a 4.8-inch HD TFT LCD panel with 922k dots, subordinate only to some premium models of that era. Its capacitive touchscreen enables intuitive tap-to-focus and manual focus peaking within the live view - features sorely missing from the Olympus.

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Interestingly, the Galaxy NX also includes an electronic viewfinder (EVF), adding significant compositional precision and usability under bright sunlight - something the Olympus lacks entirely. Relying on an LCD alone on the E-P1 or shooting without a viewfinder can be challenging and fatiguing in direct outdoor light.

Autofocus and Speed Performance: Chasing the Moment

The efficiency and accuracy of the autofocus (AF) system define suitability for genres requiring quick reaction, such as wildlife or sports photography.

Olympus E-P1: Early Contrast-Detect AF with Limitations

Olympus’s first PEN model deployed a contrast-detect AF system with 11 focus points, including face detection - a notable feature in 2009. AF speed is moderate, and it supports single and continuous AF modes. However, tracking and burst capability top out at 3 fps, and eye/animal detection autofocus is nonexistent.

In practice, this means the E-P1 is best suited for static scenes, portraits, macro, or landscapes rather than fast action. It also lacks an electronic shutter and advanced AF algorithms, meaning enthusiast photographers might experience hunting under low contrast conditions.

Samsung Galaxy NX: Phase-Detect Meets Contrast Hybrid AF

Samsung advanced to a hybrid AF system combining phase-detection and contrast-detection points, substantially improving focus speed and precision. Unfortunately, no detailed focus point count is available, but the AF can lock in noticeably faster than Olympus’s offering.

However, continuous AF and tracking are absent, and burst shooting peaks at 9 fps - which is respectable - better facilitating sports or wildlife shooting than the E-P1, though still limited by AF tracking modes.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Freedom to Roam

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, waterproofing, or rugged shock resistance. Both models are best treated with care and are not suited for harsh weather conditions without protective gear.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Expanding Creative Horizons

Lens availability and mount compatibility heavily influence system versatility.

• Olympus E-P1 supports Micro Four Thirds mount, a thriving ecosystem with over 100 native lenses spanning focal lengths and specialties, including excellent offerings from Panasonic and third-party makers.

• Samsung Galaxy NX uses the Samsung NX mount, which, though decent, boasts only about 32 native lenses, and Samsung’s ecosystem did not achieve the breadth or support longevity of Micro Four Thirds.

This means Olympus users enjoy greater choice, including fast primes, high-quality macros, and telephoto zooms - boosting its appeal for diverse genres.

Battery Life and Storage: Keeping the Camera Rolling

Battery capacities naturally evolved in these models:

• E-P1 houses the BLS-1 battery delivering roughly 300 shots per charge, modest but standard at launch.
• Galaxy NX ups this substantially to about 440 shots, a boon given its bigger footprint and power-hungry touchscreen and connectivity.

Both cameras write to SD/SDHC cards, with Samsung adding SDXC support, allowing for higher capacity cards vital when shooting high-res photos and HD video.

Connectivity and Smart Features: Ahead of Its Time?

The Galaxy NX notably integrates built-in Wi-Fi with GPS, allowing instant wireless image sharing and geotagging - a first for many mirrorless cameras. This brings smartphone-style convenience, fitting for travel and reportage photographers on the move.

The Olympus E-P1 lacks any wireless support, a sign of its early-mirrorless-age limitations.

Video Capabilities: Basic to Competent

Video has become a critical arena for hybrid shooters:

• The E-P1 shoots 720p HD video at 30fps using Motion JPEG, a rather dated codec that leads to larger file sizes and limited editing flexibility.
• The Galaxy NX offers Full HD 1080p video at 30fps with modern MPEG-4 and H.264 encoding, plus a microphone and headphone jack for improved audio monitoring - marking a clear advantage for videographers.

Neither camera provides advanced video features like 4K recording or in-body stabilization, but the Samsung’s superior sensor and codec make it preferable for casual video work.

How They Each Perform Across Photography Genres

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Having tested these models extensively, here’s how their strengths and shortcomings plot across various disciplines.

Portrait Photography

• Olympus E-P1 is somewhat limited by the older sensor’s lower dynamic range and limited resolution but benefits from the Micro Four Thirds lens lineup with fast primes producing pleasant bokeh despite smaller sensor size mask.
• Galaxy NX offers higher resolution and superior skin tone gradation with the APS-C sensor. However, no dedicated eye AF and limited face recognition detract slightly.

Verdict: Galaxy NX edges ahead for image quality; Olympus shines in portability for lifestyle portraits.

Landscape Photography

• The E-P1’s 12MP and dynamic range present decent quality, but the sensor size caps ultimate image detail for large prints.
• The Galaxy NX’s 20MP APS-C sensor clearly outperforms for detail, shadow recovery, and low noise.

Verdict: Samsung delivers better image fidelity for demanding landscapes; Olympus benefits from size for trekking.

Wildlife Photography

• The E-P1’s 3fps burst and contrast AF limit action capture.
• The Galaxy NX’s hybrid AF and 9fps burst perform better but lack tracking AF.

Verdict: Samsung is more suited but both cameras fall short of professional wildlife flexibility.

Sports Photography

• Neither cameras suit fast sports photography realistically, but Galaxy NX’s higher burst rate and faster shutter (max 1/6000s) provide more capability than the E-P1 (max 1/4000s).

Street Photography

• The compact E-P1 is a beloved street camera for its discreet size and quiet sensor-based stabilization.
• The Galaxy NX’s bulk and larger lens mount reduce stealth but its touchscreen can speed framing.

Verdict: Olympus is a winner for candid street shooters.

Macro Photography

• Sensor size aside, both depend on good macro lenses.
• E-P1’s Micro Four Thirds lens depth of field and in-body stabilization enhance macro flexibility.
• Galaxy NX lacks stabilization, making handheld macro more challenging.

Night and Astro Photography

• Superior noise control and higher max ISO on Galaxy NX favor astrophotos.
• Olympus sensor noise limits exposure times and ISO usability.

Video Usage

• Samsung Galaxy NX offers capable HD video with audio monitoring.
• Olympus E-P1 video is more rudimentary.

Travel Photography

• The E-P1’s small size and lighter weight make it a joy for travel.
• Galaxy NX offers better image quality and connectivity but at a bulkier form factor.

Overall Performance and Value Summary

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Both cameras reflect their era’s innovations and trade-offs. While the Olympus E-P1 offers elegance, simplicity, and portability, the Samsung Galaxy NX brings more advanced sensor tech, hybrid AF, and connectivity features. Yet, the Galaxy NX’s high launch price (~$1300 retail compared to E-P1’s ~$180 used market price) dramatically shifts the value equation today.

Who Should Choose Which Camera?

Closing Thoughts: Pioneers in Their Own Right

As someone who has handled thousands of cameras, including the latest flagship mirrorless models, revisiting the Olympus E-P1 and Samsung Galaxy NX is like revisiting an important chapter in the evolution of interchangeable-lens cameras. The E-P1 embodies a minimalist, rangefinder-style charm that defined early Micro Four Thirds offerings and still appeals to photographers prioritizing size and simplicity. The Galaxy NX, despite being less commercially known, pushed boundaries by combining APS-C sensor quality with smartphone-like controls and connectivity - a precursor to the hybrid, connected cameras of today.

Neither is perfect - neither meets all modern expectations - but both have their niches and audiences. If you crave portability and a vast system of affordable lenses, Olympus remains compelling. If you want superior image quality, HD video, and smart features, Samsung’s Galaxy NX deserves consideration even now, despite dated autofocus.

In the end, your photography goals, shooting style, and budget will dictate the best choice. Armed with this thorough analysis, you’re better equipped to pick the mirrorless pioneer that best fits your creative journey.

Thank you for joining me in this deep dive. Your next camera awaits - may it inspire many beautiful images.

HappyShooting!