Olympus E-P1 vs Samsung NX5: An In-Depth Hands-On Camera Showdown for Enthusiasts and Pros

In the vibrant era of early mirrorless cameras, the Olympus PEN E-P1 and Samsung NX5 emerged as contenders aiming to redefine digital photography with compact bodies and fresh features. Nearly a decade and a half later, these models still offer intriguing insights into the evolution of mirrorless tech - but which one holds up better for contemporary photographers? Having put both through their paces over numerous shoots, from crisp portraits to fast-moving wildlife and everything in between, I’m excited to share a detailed, no-nonsense comparison that cuts through the specs hype to offer practical guidance.

So buckle up - we’re diving into sensor tech, autofocus wizardry, shooting ergonomics, image quality, and a full spectrum of use cases. Along the way, I’ll sprinkle real-world anecdotes and a few quips because hey, camera talk shouldn’t feel like decoding hieroglyphics.

Getting Acquainted: Design and Ergonomics - Form Follows Function?

At first glance, the Olympus E-P1 and Samsung NX5 couldn’t be more different in styling philosophy. The E-P1 adopts the classic rangefinder-style silhouette - a small, neat chassis that echoes the charm of film cameras. Its minimalist charm won me over on street strolls, where a bulky rig feels like announcing your presence at dawn.

Conversely, the Samsung NX5 sports a more traditional DSLR-esque body - larger, chunkier, with a pronounced grip. It feels heavier in hand (499g vs. Olympus’ modest 355g), which initially made me want to hit the gym, but this heft translates to a steadier hold when pairing with heavier telephoto lenses or during longer sessions. The size difference (123x87x40mm for NX5 versus 121x70x36mm for E-P1) underpins this contrast in handling.

The ergonomics reflect their body styles too: the NX5 features a dedicated electronic viewfinder (EVF) - a big plus in bright lighting or fast action where LCD viewing gets frustrating. The E-P1 eschews a viewfinder altogether, relying solely on a 3-inch fixed LCD screen with a hyper-crystal LCD and anti-reflective coating. This screen works well but can struggle in harsh sunlight compared to NX5’s OLED display, which, while sharing the same 3-inch / 230k resolution spec, delivers punchier contrast and deeper blacks - vital when framing shots on sunny days.

Both cameras rely on external SD/SDHC cards, single slots, modest battery lives (300 shots for Olympus, 400 for Samsung), and modest shutter speed ranges topping out at 1/4000s.

Controls and layout show the Olympus sticking to simplicity with fewer buttons and dials, appealing to casual shooters and those who appreciate minimalism. On the other hand, Samsung’s more complex top deck, sporting a pop-up built-in flash and more conventional dial arrangement, suits photographers transitioning from DSLRs who want manual control without fuss.

For me, there’s a palpable pleasure in the E-P1’s lightweight subtlety when roaming urban landscapes, but if I’m targeting active wildlife or sports, the NX5’s grip and EVF combo offer undeniable advantages.

The Sensor Face-Off: Size, Resolution, and Image Quality Nuance

Under the hood, these cameras reveal their age as well as engineering priorities of their eras. The Olympus E-P1 boasts a 12-megapixel Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm (about 224.90 mm²), while the Samsung NX5 has a larger 15-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor sized at 23.4 x 15.6 mm (365.04 mm²).

That sensor size difference is vital. Larger sensors typically capture more light, yielding cleaner images, richer dynamic range, and lower noise at higher ISOs. Samsung’s APS-C sensor, with its 1.5x crop factor, generally outperforms the smaller Four Thirds sensor of Olympus for low-light performance and depth-of-field control.

DxOMark scores back this up: the Olympus E-P1 achieves an overall score of 55, with a color depth of 21.4 bits and dynamic range of 10.4 EV steps - respectable but showing its age. Samsung NX5 hasn’t been tested by DxOMark, yet with its sensor size and technology, it likely surpasses the E-P1 in low-light ISO noise and dynamic range, albeit marginally given both debuted around the same timeframe.

Resolution-wise, NX5 offers 15 megapixels (max 4592x3056), compared to E-P1’s 12 megapixels (4032x3024). Those extra pixels translate to more cropping flexibility and larger prints without loss of detail, although pixel density differences might impact noise and detail sharpness differently.

Both cameras use an anti-aliasing filter, which slightly softens image detail to prevent moiré - common for their generation but increasingly omitted in modern sensors. So while either can produce pleasing resolution, especially paired with quality lenses, don’t expect razor-sharp pixel peeping glory.

Designing the Photographer’s Experience: The Viewfinder and Rear Screen

One area where costly compromises can impact usability is framing and image review. The Samsung NX5 beats the Olympus E-P1 hands down by including a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) with approximately 0.57x magnification and full coverage.

This means no struggling to see your composition in bright environments or during fast action. The Olympus E-P1’s lack of any viewfinder can leave your eyes squinting at that 3” fixed screen, no matter how good its anti-reflective coating.

Both cameras feature fixed, non-touch LCDs at 230k resolution - a standard for their time but low by today’s standards. Olympus employs a hypercrystal LCD with AR coating, favoring visibility outdoors but still falling short of modern clarity. Samsung’s Active Matrix OLED tech results in richer, punchier colors and contrast.

From hands-on testing, the NX5’s EVF combo is a clear winner for those accustomed to shooting through a viewfinder rather than exclusively on an LCD. For casual and travel photographers, the E-P1’s sleek design and compactness outweigh its screen limitations, but serious shooters will want that EVF.

Autofocus Systems Put to the Test

Autofocus performance is often a deal-maker or breaker depending on your shooting style, whether for casual portraits or frenzied sports.

Both models employ contrast-detection AF only (no phase detection), common in early mirrorless. Olympus provides 11 focus points with face detection, while Samsung NX5 offers a finer 15-point AF system, also with face detection.

In practice, I found the NX5’s system to be marginally snappier and more reliable in varied lighting, albeit neither democratizes autofocus nirvana. Both cameras lack advanced continuous tracking or animal eye AF - features considered standard today - leading to occasional hunting or focus misses on erratic subjects.

Olympus does compensate somewhat with sensor-shift image stabilization, while Samsung lacks in-body stabilization, relying instead on lens-based systems. In low light or macro, Olympus's stabilization helps smaller apertures and slower shutter speeds, reducing blur.

Image Quality and Sample Shots: Who Wears the Crown?

For a picture’s worth a thousand words, here’s a curated gallery from both cameras covering diverse photography genres:

Olympus E P1 front Olympus E P1 screen back Samsung NX5 screen back

• Portraits: Olympus E-P1’s smaller sensor yields deeper depth of field, making selective backgrounds a bit trickier without wider aperture lenses. Skin tones are smooth but slightly less detailed compared to NX5’s richer, more nuanced color rendition. Eye detection works on both but lacks the precision and speed of contemporary systems.

• Landscapes: NX5’s higher resolution and larger sensor provide noticeably better dynamic range and color gradation. Olympus’ rangefinder style enhances compositional creativity but can’t match the sensor’s raw capability. Both capture images with decent sharpness but Olympus sometimes shows more highlight clipping, hinting at less dynamic latitude.

• Wildlife and Sports: Both cameras max out around 3 fps continuous shooting speeds - painfully slow for aggressive action. Autofocus limitations make chasing fast-moving subjects frustrating. NX5’s EVF allows better subject tracking than Olympus’ LCD-only framing.

• Street and Travel: Olympus E-P1’s compact rangefinder styling makes it ideal for street photogs wanting discretion. NX5, heavier and bulkier, stands out more, though ergonomic grip supports longer shooting.

• Macro: Olympus’ image stabilization offers a slight edge for handheld macro shots, aiding focusing precision where Samsung lacks such in-camera aids. Both rely on compatible lenses for adequate magnification.

• Night and Astro: Olympus’ in-body stabilization helps handheld long exposures, and although its sensor is smaller, it surprisingly handles ISO up to 6400 reasonably. Samsung limits at ISO 3200, which may hinder starry sky captures.

• Video: Both record 720p HD at 30 fps but differ slightly - Olympus uses Motion JPEG, less efficient but easier to edit, while Samsung encodes in more modern H.264, offering better compression. Neither provide microphone inputs or advanced video features, making video secondary.

Durability and Build: Taking a Beating in the Field

Neither camera is weather sealed or built to rugged pro standards - both are entry-level offerings emphasizing portability over resilience. Olympus’ lighter, sleeker chassis feels less robust than Samsung’s chunkier SLR-style body, which inspires more confidence when trekking rough terrain.

No environmental sealing means you’ll want caution in dusty or wet environments. Battery life is moderate on both, so carrying spares is advisable for longer shoots or travel.

Connectivity and Storage: What Year Is It Again?

Modern connectivity features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS are conspicuously absent from both cameras - a reflection of their release periods. Samsung offered optional GPS modules, a nice touch for travel photographers who like geo-tagging on the go. Both support HDMI output and USB 2.0 for image transfer, but otherwise no wireless bells or whistles.

Storage options are straightforward single slots for SD or SDHC cards, standard but not exciting.

Lens Ecosystems: The Heart of Image Making

Olympus’ Micro Four Thirds mount boasts a colossal ecosystem - over 100 lenses readily available from Olympus, Panasonic, and third parties. This rich choice means you can find everything from affordable primes to professional telephotos.

Samsung NX mount’s 32 lenses (at the time) limited options compared to Micro Four Thirds, with fewer third-party partners. Still, it covers core needs with quality primes and zooms from Samsung and select optics from Samyang.

In practical terms: Olympus offers more bang for the buck and exceptional variety, particularly for those gearing into macro, portrait, or street genres.

Raw Power: Processing Engines and ISO Handling

Olympus’ TruePic V processor focuses on noise reduction and color accuracy but noticeably struggles above ISO 800, with grain creeping in and color fidelity dipping. Samsung's DRIM engine, newer and optimized for APS-C, provides cleaner images at ISO 800 and 1600, though noise becomes obvious beyond 3200 ISO.

Both cameras serve best with natural light or moderate flash use rather than pushing high-ISO boundaries.

Price and Value: Crossing the Rubicon

Now the elephant in the room - pricing. As of their last known market values, Olympus E-P1 trundles in at approximately $180 (used and discontinued, naturally), while the Samsung NX5 can command around $500 new or lightly used.

Considering Olympus’ modest sensor and lacking EVF, Samsung feels pricier but justifiable for superior image quality, larger sensor, and EVF inclusion. However, in 2024, both cameras are vintage relics, and finding them new or with current support is improbable.

Still, for collectors or budget-conscious hobbyists stepping slowly into mirrorless worlds, the Olympus offers an affordable gateway with unique style, while Samsung NX5 tilts toward enthusiasts prioritizing image quality and traditional ergonomics.

Scoring Their Strengths: Overall and Genre-Specific Performance

Based on my tests and analysis, here’s a distilled scoring snapshot that captures relative strengths:

Delving deeper into how these translate across photography genres:

• Portraits: Olympus feels more accessible but limited in bokeh control; Samsung edges ahead with sensor size but less glamorous design.
• Landscape: Samsung’s sensor and dynamic range yield richer details and versatility.
• Wildlife / Sports: Both cameras are underwhelming here due to slow AF and frame rates.
• Street: Olympus reigns with compactness and stealth.
• Macro: Olympus wins on stabilization; Samsung depends on lens-shot steadiness.
• Night / Astro: Olympus’ IS and higher max ISO make it a more hopeful choice.
• Video: Neither impress, but Samsung slightly better codec.
• Travel: Olympus advances with smaller stature, Samsung brings versatility.
• Professional Use: Both fall short; Olympus favored for backup or stylistic shots.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Who Buys Which?

For the Street Photographer or Casual Traveler:
The Olympus E-P1’s elegant rangefinder styling, compact body, and in-body stabilization make it a delightful companion for candid urban snapshots and travel adventures. Its lens ecosystem offers endless creative avenues, and if you prize portability, it wins hands down.

For the Image Quality Purist or Enthusiast Shooter:
Samsung NX5’s larger APS-C sensor, higher resolution, EVF, and better AF performance cater well to those who prioritize image fidelity and manual control. Its styling suits those comfortable with DSLR ergonomics seeking a lightweight alternative without sacrificing handling.

For Portrait and Studio Use:
Neither camera challenges modern mirrorless or DSLR titans, but NX5’s sensor size provides more flattering bokeh with prime lenses, making it a marginally better pick if portraiture is your passion.

For Wildlife or Sports Photographers:
Honestly, neither camera fits. Frame rates and AF systems just don’t keep pace with contemporary demands. Modern alternatives (from Sony, Canon, Nikon) would serve better here.

Budget-Conscious Hobbyists or Vintage Gear Fans:
If you’re buying used for nostalgia or a budget setup, Olympus E-P1 offers charming aesthetics and solid image quality at a bargain price, but be prepared to accept no viewfinder and limited modern connections.

Summing Up: Mirroring the Mirrorless Revolution’s Early Days

Both Olympus PEN E-P1 and Samsung NX5 encapsulate early mirrorless ambitions - light, versatile, interchangeable lens systems challenging DSLRs. They offer distinct personalities: Olympus with retro cool and portability; Samsung with more conventional ergonomics and imaging chops.

Neither will wow you by today’s standards - but within their era’s context, each provides a meaningful photographic experience. Your choice hinges on style versus substance, portability versus sensor advantage, and what genres you cherish shooting most.

For my part, when around town or traveling light, I still reach for the Olympus E-P1’s blend of charm and stabilization. But when image quality or EVF framing matters more (and weight isn’t a firewall concern), the Samsung NX5 earns a nod.

Hopefully, this deep dive helps you find the right mirrorless companion - because in photography, as in life, it’s less about the gear and more about the joy of capturing the moment.

Happy shooting!

If you’ve enjoyed this comparison or want personal recommendations for other classics or current mirrorless models, ping me anytime. After testing thousands of cameras, I’m always thrilled to nerd out and share practical insights that go beyond specs sheets.

Photo Gallery and Scores Recap

For further reference, here’s a quick recap of sample photos and scores:

Olympus E P1 front Olympus E P1 screen back Samsung NX5 screen back