Olympus E-PL1 vs Samsung NX mini

Following is a detailed review of the Olympus E-PL1 vs Samsung NX mini, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Samsung. There is a substantial difference among the image resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and NX mini (20.5MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and NX mini (1") boast different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL1 was released 4 years earlier than the NX mini which is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the E-PL1 scores against the NX mini with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Samsung NX mini. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Samsung NX mini Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL1 enjoys external dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX mini has specifications of 110mm x 62mm x 23mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 0.9") and a weight of 196 grams (0.43 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL1 vs Samsung NX mini in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have during that time. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the E-PL1 versus the NX mini.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and NX mini is 86 and 93 respectively.

In many cases, its hard to picture the difference in sensor sizes merely by researching a spec sheet. The image here will give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL1 and NX mini.

As you can see, both the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-PL1 because of its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF simpler and the Samsung NX mini will result in extra detail as a result of its extra 8.5MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures way more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.