Olympus E-PL1 vs Samsung NX1100: A Detailed Comparative Analysis for Photography Enthusiasts

Selecting an entry-level mirrorless camera that balances performance, ergonomics, and usability can be challenging, particularly when choosing between models like the Olympus E-PL1 and the Samsung NX1100. Both launch window contemporaries within the evolving mirrorless landscape, these cameras occupy a similar market niche but diverge significantly in sensor technology, handling, and feature sets. Having conducted extensive hands-on testing and real-world evaluations over thousands of camera models, this comprehensive analysis aims to elucidate the nuanced distinctions between these two devices, providing photographers - from advanced beginners to discerning hobbyists - with a highly detailed foundation for an informed purchasing decision.

Getting Acquainted: Physical Build and Ergonomics

Understanding the physical handling and body design is essential, especially for photographers who spend extended periods shooting in various conditions. Let’s explore the design philosophy and ergonomics of the E-PL1 and NX1100.

Olympus E-PL1: Classic Rangefinder-Style with Micro Four Thirds Grip

The Olympus E-PL1 showcases a compact rangefinder-style mirrorless body reminiscent of traditional rangefinders, measuring 115 x 72 x 42 mm and weighing approximately 334 grams. Constructed with a focus on portability while maintaining a solid grip, it features a fixed 2.7-inch HyperCrystal LCD screen with anti-reflective coating, optimized for bright light visibility.

Samsung NX1100: Slim, Lightweight with Larger Screen Estate

Samsung’s NX1100 continues the rangefinder styling but prioritizes a slimmer, lighter profile at 114 x 63 x 37 mm and just 222 grams of weight, making it exceptionally pocketable. The camera sports a more contemporary 3-inch TFT LCD panel with significantly higher resolution (921k dots), enhancing live view usability and image review.

Ergonomic Observations:

• The E-PL1’s thicker grip suits photographers with larger hands or those who favor a tactile hold for prolonged shooting.
• The NX1100’s sleek, less protrusive chassis favors travel and street photography where discretion and minimalism are paramount.
• The E-PL1 lacks touchscreen capabilities, as does the NX1100, but Olympus’s rear button layout is arguably more intuitive for manual adjustments.
• Both lack built-in electronic viewfinders, restricting composition to the rear LCD though the E-PL1 offers an optional external EVF.

Control Layout and User Interface

Comparing the control schemes provides insight into operational efficiency - a critical factor in fast-paced scenarios.

• The Olympus positions a traditional mode dial on top allowing quick shifts between Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual modes.
• Samsung NX1100 omits this dial, relying more on button presses and menu navigation, which elongates interaction time for exposure adjustments.
• Both cameras possess no illuminated buttons, a limitation in low-light environments.
• The E-PL1’s built-in flash adds convenience, while the NX1100 lacks a pop-up flash altogether, requiring an external flash for additional illumination.

Sensor and Image Quality Insights

Sensor technology fundamentally dictates image quality attributes including resolution, dynamic range, and low-light performance. Evaluating sensor specs and empirical lab tests clarifies their photographic potentials.

Olympus E-PL1 Sensor Profile

• Sensor Type: Four Thirds CMOS
• Sensor Dimensions: 17.3 x 13 mm (approx. 224.9 mm²)
• Resolution: 12 megapixels (4032 x 3024)
• Native ISO Range: 100–3200
• DxOMark Scores: Overall 54, Color Depth 21.5 bits, Dynamic Range 10.1 EV, Low-Light ISO 487

The E-PL1’s smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor inherently limits the amount of light-gathering capability per pixel compared to larger formats. Despite this, it utilizes a TruePic V image processor optimized for balancing noise and color accuracy at base ISOs.

Samsung NX1100 Sensor Profile

• Sensor Type: APS-C CMOS
• Sensor Dimensions: 23.5 x 15.7 mm (approx. 369 mm²)
• Resolution: 20 megapixels (5472 x 3648)
• Native ISO Range: 100–12800
• DxOMark Scores: Overall 73, Color Depth 23 bits, Dynamic Range 12.5 EV, Low-Light ISO 852

The NX1100’s APS-C sensor considerably outperforms the E-PL1’s in sheer physical sensor area and pixel count, producing images with higher resolution, better detail rendition, and superior dynamic range. Its extended ISO range hints at flexibility for low-light shooting scenarios.

Practical Implications:

• Landscape photographers will benefit from the NX1100’s wider dynamic range and higher pixel count, facilitating greater latitude for post-processing and large prints.
• The E-PL1’s sensor stabilization partly compensates for its smaller format allowing sharper images handheld at slower shutter speeds.
• Color depth advantage in the NX1100 implies richer tonal gradations and more accurate skin tones in portraits.

Autofocus and Operational Speed

Autofocus capability shapes user experience across genres such as sports, wildlife, or event photography where decisiveness matters.

Olympus E-PL1 Autofocus System

• 11 contrast-detection focus points
• Features face detection, single and continuous AF modes, and basic tracking
• Does not include phase detection or eye/animal autofocus
• Maximum continuous shooting at 3 fps

Samsung NX1100 Autofocus System

• 15 contrast-detection AF points
• Includes face detection but lacks tracking autofocus
• No phase detection AF and no eye/animal AF functionality
• Burst shooting up to 8 fps

Comparative Practice Notes:

• The NX1100’s increased autofocus points and higher burst rate make it better suited for capturing moderately fast action, such as street or casual sports photography.
• The slow, contrast-based AF systems limit both cameras in high-speed wildlife or professional sports scenarios.
• Olympus’ AF tracking is rudimentary but helpful for portraiture with stationary subjects.
• Both provide manual focus options with focus peaking absent, which may slow precision focusing on manual lenses.

LCD Screens and Interface Clarity

As both cameras lack built-in viewfinders, the rear LCD becomes critical for composing and reviewing shots.

• The E-PL1’s 2.7-inch, lower-resolution LCD (230k dots) is sufficient for framing but struggles in bright daylight and detailed focus verification.
• The Samsung NX1100’s 3-inch 921k-dot LCD affords sharper previews and easier menu navigation.
• Neither camera has touchscreen features, requiring traditional button/dial input for setting adjustments.
• Olympus uses a HyperCrystal LCD technology with an anti-reflective coating designed to reduce glare - while beneficial, it doesn’t fully resolve low brightness compared to newer LCDs.

Genre-Specific Performance Evaluation

Different photographic disciplines impose diverse demands on camera systems. The following assessments juxtapose the cameras’ suitability across popular genres.

Portrait Photography

• Skin Tone Reproduction: NX1100’s higher color depth enables more accurate and nuanced skin tones.
• Bokeh Quality: Olympus’ Micro Four Thirds lenses are renowned for fast apertures and smooth bokeh. However, sensor size imposes a deeper depth of field compared to APS-C.
• Eye Detection: Neither camera incorporates advanced eye-detection autofocus, requiring manual focusing finesse.

Winner: Slight edge to NX1100 for image quality; Olympus may appeal to those appreciating lens choices and compactness.

Landscape Photography

• Dynamic Range: NX1100 performs better offering extended shadow and highlight retention.
• Resolution: NX1100’s 20MP sensor allows greater cropping and print sizes.
• Weather Sealing: Both cameras lack environmental sealing, requiring weather caution.

Winner: Samsung NX1100 dominates for landscape due to sensor capabilities.

Wildlife Photography

• AF Speed and Accuracy: Neither camera optimized for fast-moving subjects; limited AF points and contrast-based detection.
• Telephoto Lens Ecosystem: Olympus’ Micro Four Thirds mount offers an extensive variety of telephoto lenses, beneficial for wildlife.
• Burst Rate: NX1100’s 8 fps is substantially better than E-PL1’s 3 fps.

Winner: Conditional - NX1100 for speed and resolution; Olympus for lens availability but with slower burst.

Sports Photography

• Tracking Accuracy: Limited on both; neither features phase-detect AF or deep tracking.
• Low Light AF: NX1100’s better low-light ISO sensitivity supports faster shutter speeds in indoor venues.
• Burst Speed: Clearly higher on NX1100.

Winner: Samsung NX1100 is the stronger contender.

Street Photography

• Discreteness: Olympus’ larger grip increases handling but potentially more conspicuous; NX1100’s smaller size is advantageous.
• Portability: NX1100’s lighter weight facilitates casual carry.
• Low Light Performance: NX1100’s ISO capacity is preferable at dusk or indoors.

Winner: Samsung NX1100 for lightweight convenience and faster operation.

Macro Photography

• Magnification and Focusing Precision: Neither camera excels; lack of focus stacking and post-focus.
• Stabilization: Olympus incorporates sensor-shift stabilization, critical for handheld macro shots; Samsung lacks stabilization.

Winner: Olympus E-PL1 offers practical advantages for macro enthusiasts.

Night and Astrophotography

• High ISO Noise: NX1100’s superior ISO performance benefits long exposures and faint light capture.
• Exposure Modes: Both provide manual exposure control.
• Limitations: Absence of bulb mode or intervalometer restricts advanced astrophotography.

Winner: Samsung NX1100, with caveats.

Video Capabilities

• Resolution: Olympus maxes at 720p (1280 x 720) at 30 fps; NX1100 provides full HD 1080p at 30 fps.
• Formats: Olympus records Motion JPEG, less efficient; Samsung supports MPEG-4 and H.264 for better compression.
• Stabilization: Olympus sensor stabilization aids video smoothness; NX1100 lacks stabilization.
• Audio Inputs: Neither has microphone or headphone jacks.

Winner: Samsung NX1100 for video quality; Olympus narrowly better for handheld video stability.

Travel Photography

• Versatility: Olympus benefits from Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem’s wide selection including pancake and ultra-compact options.
• Battery Life: NX1100 edges out slightly with 320 shots versus Olympus’ 290.
• Size and Weight: NX1100 is lighter and less bulky, preferable for travel carry.

Winner: Balanced; NX1100 for portability and battery; Olympus for comprehensive lens choices.

Professional Use and Workflow

• File Formats: Both support RAW capture, essential for professional workflows.
• Reliability: Neither offers weather sealing or ruggedness expected in professional bodies.
• Connectivity: NX1100 has built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer; Olympus lacks wireless features.
• Storage: Both use single SD/SDHC cards; NX1100 supports SDXC for larger capacities.

Winner: Samsung NX1100 offers more modern connectivity; both limited in ruggedness.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers environmental sealing features such as dustproofing, waterproofing, or shock resistance. Both are constructed primarily of plastic and metal composites that balance weight with durability but call for mindful handling in inclement or harsh conditions.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

• Olympus E-PL1: Uses Micro Four Thirds mount, granting access to a rich and mature selection of lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, Sigma, Tamron, and third parties. Lens options span ultra-wide, macro, portrait, telephoto, and high-speed primes.
• Samsung NX1100: Adopts Samsung NX mount with a more limited lens selection, mainly native Samsung optics totaling about 32 lenses at launch, with less third-party support.

Lens availability heavily influences long-term system versatility and creative exploration.

Connectivity and Storage Capabilities

• Olympus E-PL1 is notably limited by the lack of wireless connectivity, no Bluetooth or Wi-Fi capabilities - restricting immediate image transfer.

• Samsung NX1100 includes built-in Wi-Fi, enabling wireless image sharing and remote camera control, enhancing workflow efficiency particularly for travel or social media-oriented photographers.

Both cameras utilize common USB 2.0 ports and HDMI outputs for wired data transfer and external monitoring.

Battery Life and Power Management

• Olympus E-PL1 utilizes a BLS-1 battery rated for 290 shots per charge under CIPA standards.
• Samsung NX1100 features a BC1030 battery achieving approximately 320 shots per charge.

Battery performance is modest, suitable for casual to moderate shooting sessions but requires spares for extended use, especially under continuous burst or video recording conditions.

Price-to-Performance Considerations

At launch pricing, the Olympus E-PL1 targeted entry-level consumers at approximately $288, whereas the Samsung NX1100 positioned itself as a more advanced entry-level model at around $599. This substantial price disparity correlates with the Samsung’s superior sensor specifications, higher resolution, faster burst rates, and added features such as full HD video and wireless connectivity.

Consolidated Overall Performance Ratings

Taking into account image quality, shooting speeds, build, and feature sets:

• The Samsung NX1100 commands a higher performance rating reflecting its stronger sensor, faster continuous shooting, and superior video capabilities.
• The Olympus E-PL1 scores lower overall but compensates with sensor-shift stabilization, a more robust lens ecosystem, and a user-friendly physical interface.

Sample Image Comparisons and Real-World Output

Olympus E PL1 front Olympus E PL1 screen back Samsung NX1100 front Samsung NX1100 screen back

• Olympus images exhibit commendable color rendition with minimal noise at base ISO, especially when stabilized.
• Samsung photos demonstrate superior detail, dynamic range, and cleaner high ISO shots, reflected in landscape and low-light scenes.

Practical Recommendations for Different Users

Hobbyists and Casual Photographers on a Budget

• The Olympus E-PL1 provides solid image quality, in-body stabilization, and a tactile shooting experience at a more accessible price. Ideal for enthusiasts prioritizing size and lens adaptability over raw sensor power.

Photography Enthusiasts Seeking Better Image Quality

• The Samsung NX1100 is a compelling choice with a substantially better sensor, faster shooting speed, and the convenience of wireless connectivity. Suited for users prioritizing landscape, portrait, or video performance and willing to accommodate a smaller lens variety.

Specialized Use Cases

Conclusion: Weighing Strengths and Limitations

Both the Olympus E-PL1 and Samsung NX1100 represent capable entry-level mirrorless cameras embodying distinct design philosophies. The E-PL1 excels in stabilization, traditional ergonomics, and an extensive lens catalog but is hampered by a smaller sensor and lower burst speeds. Conversely, the NX1100 leverages a larger APS-C sensor, advanced video specs, and faster shooting capacities at the cost of fewer native lens choices and lacking in-body image stabilization.

Photographers must weigh sensor performance versus system flexibility, user interface preferences, and intended photographic genres when deciding between these models. Extensive practical testing reaffirms that neither is optimal for professional or high-speed applications, but each provides a sound foundational platform for budding enthusiasts aiming to explore mirrorless photography affordably and effectively.

Through thorough technical scrutiny and real-world testing experience, this comparison empowers prospective buyers with a granular understanding necessary to choose the camera aligning best with their creative goals and shooting environments.