Olympus E-P5 vs Samsung NX200: An Expert Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing a mirrorless camera in the entry-level range can be challenging - especially when two very different contenders like the Olympus E-P5 and Samsung NX200 vie for attention. I’ve spent extensive hands-on time with both models, delving beyond specs into real-world performance, handling, and usability. My goal here is to help you understand how these cameras compare - not just on paper - but in practical scenarios across multiple photography styles. Whether you’re a budding portrait artist, landscape lover, or hybrid photo/video enthusiast, this deep dive will clarify which might better suit your creative needs.

Let’s unpack their respective strengths and weaknesses with a comprehensive, no-fluff approach.

First Impressions: Size, Shape, and Handling

Mirrorless cameras are often prized for their compactness, but how do these two measure up in terms of ergonomics?

Right off the bat, the Olympus E-P5 feels chunkier with its rangefinder-style design, sporting dimensions of 122 x 69 x 37 mm and weighing 420 grams. The Samsung NX200 is noticeably smaller and lighter at 117 x 63 x 36 mm and just 223 grams, making it exceptionally portable.

In real use, the E-P5’s more robust grip and tactile surface provide confidence, particularly when paired with heavier lenses. Meanwhile, the NX200’s svelte profile favors street and travel photography if minimizing bulk is a priority. But this small size difference also means the NX200’s controls are slightly cramped, impacting quick manual adjustments.

Control Layout and Usability Differences

Handling isn’t just about size; it’s how the controls sit under your fingers when framing the shot. Both cameras eschew a traditional optical viewfinder but offer optional electronic finders.

The E-P5 features a larger array of external control dials - aperture, shutter speed, exposure compensation - paired with a tilting touchscreen LCD, contributing to a flexible, hands-on shooting experience without fumbling through menus. The screen is also touch-capable, adding an intuitive way to focus or navigate menus.

The NX200, on the other hand, opts for a simpler top layout with fewer physical dials and a fixed AMOLED screen without touch support. This reduction simplifies the interface but limits manual shooting speed and composition angles.

For photographers who like to rapidly tweak exposure settings while shooting, I find Olympus’s approach more aggressive and satisfying, especially in dynamic environments like sports or wildlife.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Sensor size and technology are foundational to image quality, influencing everything from resolution to high ISO performance.

The Samsung NX200 is equipped with a larger APS-C sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.7 mm, with a 20MP resolution. This sensor advantage translates to richer image details, broader dynamic range (12.6 EV tested by DxO), and better performance in low-light, with an overall DxO score of 69. The NX200’s sensor area of 368.95 mm² offers benefits in depth of field control and noise suppression.

In contrast, the Olympus E-P5 utilizes a Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm and 16MP resolution with an anti-aliasing filter. Although smaller - 224.9 mm² sensor area - the E-P5 boasts superior noise handling, excelling in color depth (22.8 bits) and an impressive dynamic range of 12.4 EV. Its maximum native ISO of 25600 vs. the NX200’s 12800 provides additional flexibility in dim conditions, though with natural caveats on image noise.

In practical terms, for landscape and portrait shooters craving larger prints or more cropping room, the NX200’s higher resolution and sensor size will edge out the E-P5. Meanwhile, if you prioritize color fidelity and higher ISO usability - think event or night photography - the E-P5 holds its own remarkably well.

LCD Screen and Viewfinder Experience

How you view and compose your shots matters greatly, and both cameras take different routes here.

The Olympus E-P5 sports a 3-inch tilting, touch-sensitive LCD with 1,037k dots of resolution. This delivers clear, vibrant previews and great flexibility for shooting at odd angles - especially handy in macro or street photography. Touch-to-focus and touch-shoot make for an intuitive interface that many will appreciate.

The Samsung NX200 offers a fixed 3-inch AMOLED screen, packing 614k dots, which impresses with rich colors and deeper blacks but can be challenging to see under bright sunlight. The absence of tilt and touchscreen may frustrate some photographers used to modern touch-based interfaces.

Neither offers a built-in viewfinder, but both support optional electronic viewfinders to improve visibility in strong ambient light.

Autofocus Systems: Tracking and Speed in Action

Autofocus can make or break decisive moments, and these two cameras approach it quite differently.

The Olympus E-P5 houses a 35-point contrast-detection AF system with face detection and continuous AF tracking modes. It’s one of the rare Micro Four Thirds cameras from its era to boast 9fps burst shooting, something I tested extensively during my wildlife shoots. While the contrast-based AF can lag behind phase detection systems, Olympus’s processing delivers sharp, reliable focus acquisition for portraits and reasonably quick tracking in motion scenarios.

The Samsung NX200 features a 15-point contrast AF array and runs at up to 7fps burst rate. However, it lacks continuous AF tracking, which limits its utility for fast-moving subjects like sports or wildlife. Single AF and selective AF modes are adequate for portraits and landscapes but less flexible overall.

If you prioritize autofocus accuracy and speed, especially for action or wildlife photography, Olympus’s system, aided by sensor-based 5-axis stabilization (more on that next), will better support your shooting style.

Image Stabilization: Stabilizing Your Shots in the Field

The Olympus E-P5’s standout feature is undoubtedly its sensor-based 5-axis image stabilization, something still rare in 2013 entry-level cameras.

This in-body stabilization compensates for pitch, yaw, roll, and planar shifts to greatly reduce blur from hand movement, proving invaluable in low-light or macro photography. I found it particularly useful when shooting handheld landscapes at slow shutter speeds.

The Samsung NX200, unfortunately, offers no in-body stabilization. Instead, it relies on stabilized lenses if available, limiting stability options to lens purchase decisions.

If you shoot handheld often or want macro flexibility, Olympus’s system decisively improves sharpness without tripod dependency.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Both cameras lack formal weather sealing or ruggedization features. The Olympus E-P5 weighs nearly double as much, indicating a more solid construction, with metal chassis elements and premium finishes. Samsung opts for lighter plastic components, trading durability for portability.

If you plan outdoor photography in unpredictable conditions, Olympus might withstand casual rough treatment marginally better - but neither is designed for harsh environments.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Lens availability often defines a system's long-term value.

The Olympus E-P5 uses the ubiquitous Micro Four Thirds mount, which boasts over 100 native lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, and third-party manufacturers. This extensive lens choice spans from fisheye and ultra-wide to super-telephoto and specialized macro optics. The wide ecosystem supports every genre - portrait, landscape, wildlife - easily.

The Samsung NX200 uses the proprietary Samsung NX mount, with a significantly smaller native lens lineup of about 32 lenses. Although some quality primes and zooms exist, the reduced selection can restrict versatility and drive costs higher for specific needs.

If you envision expanding your lens arsenal over time, I strongly recommend Micro Four Thirds for its mature and diverse catalog.

Battery Life and Storage

Both cameras use battery packs delivering comparable endurance rated at about 330 shots per charge under typical usage. In field tests, battery life was consistent with these claims - enough for a day’s shoot without frequent swaps.

Storage-wise, both accept a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card, standard practice. No dual-slot realities here, so managing backup strategies is essential for professional or event shoots.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Connectivity options highlight clear differences.

The Olympus E-P5 supports built-in Wi-Fi, enabling remote control, easy image transfer, and sharing via smartphone apps - a forward-thinking feature in 2013. This suits travelers or social photographers looking to quickly post online without cumbersome cables.

The Samsung NX200 offers no wireless connectivity. It requires tethered USB transfers, which feels dated and less convenient, especially now that wireless has become indispensable for many photographers.

Video Capabilities

While neither prioritizes video, both cover basic full-HD demands.

The Olympus E-P5 records 1080p video at 30fps in H.264 codec, supporting variable frame rates for slow or timelapse sequences. The lack of microphone or headphone ports is noticeable but standard for the time.

The Samsung NX200 shoots 1080p at 30fps and also supports 720p up to 60fps, offering modest slow-motion. It encodes video in MPEG-4 and H.264. Again, audio input is absent, limiting professional video uses.

Neither provides 4K or advanced video features, so if your focus leans heavily toward videography, more modern cameras will suit you better.

Practical Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s roll through major photography types evaluating which camera excels where:

Portrait Photography

Portrait shooters demand accurate skin tones, beautiful background separation, and reliable face detection autofocus.

• Olympus E-P5: With 16MP sensor and Micro Four Thirds optics, you can achieve smooth bokeh, especially with fast primes like the 45mm f/1.8. Face and eye detection autofocus help nail sharp eyes. The color depth produced by the sensor renders pleasing skin tones.

• Samsung NX200: The larger 20MP APS-C sensor captures more detail and slightly softer background blur thanks to sensor size advantage. However, lower AF points and no tracking limit focus accuracy on moving subjects.

Recommendation: Portrait-centric users benefit from the Olympus’s AF system and stabilization for handheld portraits, while Samsung offers resolution and bokeh with its APS-C sensor.

Landscape Photography

Landscape needs demand high resolution, sharpness, and strong dynamic range to capture highlights and shadows.

• Samsung NX200: Offers higher native resolution and slightly better dynamic range, ideal for large prints and cropping. The fixed screen can make composing tricky when shooting at low or high angles.

• Olympus E-P5: The slightly lower resolution but exceptional color depth shines in vivid nature scenes. Tilting touchscreen helps compose difficult shots. In-body stabilization is less beneficial here due to frequent tripod use.

Recommendation: If maximum resolution is paramount, pick Samsung. Otherwise, Olympus's handling perks and color accuracy make it a joy for landscape shooters.

Wildlife Photography

Fast autofocus, burst shooting, and telephoto reach are essentials.

• Olympus E-P5: Faster burst speed (9fps) and better continuous AF tracking offer an edge when capturing moving wildlife. The plentiful MFT lenses include versatile super-telephoto zooms.

• Samsung NX200: 7fps burst is good but lack of continuous AF tracking may result in more missed shots. Lens choices for wildlife are more limited.

Recommendation: Olympus wins decisively for action and wildlife photography due to superior AF tracking and faster shooting.

Sports Photography

Sports demands mirror wildlife: fast focus, tracking, and fast frame rates.

• Olympus E-P5’s 9fps burst and continuous AF modes provide reliable responsiveness.

• Samsung NX200 falls short here given no reliable AF tracking and slower sync speed (max flash sync 180 vs Olympus’s 320).

Recommendation: Olympus is a better choice for sports.

Street Photography

Street shooters prefer discreet, lightweight gear with quiet shooting and flexible handling.

• Samsung NX200: Lightweight and discrete, plus AMOLED screen with deep contrast helps in street environments.

• Olympus E-P5: Bulkier but silent shutter mode and the in-body stabilization assist in grab-and-go candid shots.

Recommendation: For ultra-discreet travel, Samsung works well. But Olympus’s versatility makes it a more all-around tool.

Macro Photography

Macro needs precision focusing and stabilization.

• Olympus E-P5’s 5-axis IS and tilting screen allow precise handheld macro shots.

• Samsung NX200 lacks IS, requiring tripods or stabilized lenses.

Recommendation: Olympus is more macro-friendly.

Night and Astrophotography

High ISO performance and long exposures are paramount.

• Olympus E-P5’s 25600 max ISO and excellent noise management take the lead.

• Samsung NX200 trails due to lower max ISO and weaker low-light scores.

Recommendation: Olympus offers a clear advantage for night shooting.

Video Work

Neither camera targets modern videographers.

• Both offer 1080p at 30fps, but lack inputs and advanced stabilization.

• Olympus has timelapse recording and touch focusing perks.

Recommendation: Both are entry-level video options; Olympus has a slight edge.

Travel Photography

Travel photographers want versatile, lightweight gear with good battery and connectivity.

• Samsung NX200 excels on size and weight but lacks wireless features.

• Olympus E-P5 offers Wi-Fi, more lenses, and better stabilization but is heavier.

Recommendation: Preference depends on whether portability or connectivity matters more.

Professional Work

Neither camera is truly professional-grade, but:

• Olympus’s raw support, exposure bracketing, and robust IS suit hybrid shooters.

• Samsung’s APS-C sensor offers higher resolution advantage.

Overall Scoring and Performance Summary

Both cameras earn solid marks for their respective eras, with Olympus scoring slightly higher overall (72 DxO vs. 69) thanks to stabilization and imaging robustness. Samsung’s advantage lies in sensor size and resolution.

Considering photographic genres, Olympus leads in action, macro, and low light; Samsung edges out in resolution-dependent uses like landscape and detail-rich work.

Sample Image Gallery: Comparing Real-World Output

Examining side-by-side samples reveals the Samsung’s stronger detail extraction and dynamic range in daylight scenes, while Olympus exhibits richer color fidelity and less noise at high ISO.

Summarizing Strengths and Practical Recommendations

Olympus E-P5

• Pros: Superior in-body 5-axis stabilization, faster burst shooting, flexible and intuitive touchscreen interface, better video features, extensive lens ecosystem, Wi-Fi connectivity, excellent handling.
• Cons: Smaller Four Thirds sensor limits ultimate resolution and shallow depth-of-field; heavier and bulkier; no built-in EVF.

Ideal for: Wildlife and sports shooters, macro enthusiasts, low-light photographers, those seeking integrated stabilization, and users valuing connectivity and tactile controls.

Samsung NX200

• Pros: Larger APS-C sensor with higher resolution, compact and lightweight body, AMOLED screen with vibrant colors.
• Cons: No in-body stabilization, fewer lenses, no wireless connectivity, slower max shutter speed, limited continuous autofocus tracking.

Ideal for: Travel and street photographers prioritizing size and resolution, enthusiasts focused on landscape detail, and photographers comfortable with manual (or lens-based) stabilization.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

Selecting between the two depends on your priorities.

If you want speed, stabilization, and a more versatile lens system - and don’t mind a slightly heavier camera - the Olympus E-P5 remains a compelling choice even years after release. Its handling and real-world performance in diverse shooting conditions set it apart.

If your shooting leans more toward high-resolution images, portability, and simpler controls, and you value a compact system for travel or street, the Samsung NX200 delivers solid image quality, though it requires accepting some limitations in autofocus sophistication and connectivity.

I always advise testing handling in person, but with this detailed comparison, hopefully you better understand the cameras’ nuanced strengths for various photography types.

Happy shooting, and may your next camera be the perfect partner for your creative vision.

Note: For a visual overview of their physical and design differences, control layouts, and real-world output, please refer to the included images throughout this article.