Olympus E-P1 vs Samsung NX200

The following is a comprehensive assessment of the Olympus E-P1 and Samsung NX200, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by competitors Olympus and Samsung. There is a crucial difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-P1 (12MP) and NX200 (20MP) and the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and NX200 (APS-C) provide different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-P1 was brought out 3 years prior to the NX200 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before diving into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple summary of how the E-P1 matches up vs the NX200 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P1 and Samsung NX200. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P1 Gallery and Samsung NX200 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera often, you'll need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus E-P1 offers outside dimensions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") having a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX200 has specifications of 117mm x 63mm x 36mm (4.6" x 2.5" x 1.4") and a weight of 223 grams (0.49 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-P1 and Samsung NX200 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the E-P1 and the NX200.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the E-P1 and NX200 is 86 and 90 respectively.

Often, it can be tough to visualize the difference in sensor dimensions only by seeing a spec sheet. The picture here will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P1 and NX200.

Clearly, the two cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-P1 due to its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field trickier and the Samsung NX200 will show greater detail having its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures more aggressively. The more aged E-P1 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.