Olympus E-PL1 vs Samsung NX300

On this page, we are evaluating the Olympus E-PL1 and Samsung NX300, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Samsung. There is a crucial difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and NX300 (20MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and NX300 (APS-C) offer different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL1 was launched 4 years prior to the NX300 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before going into a more detailed comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the E-PL1 grades versus the NX300 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Samsung NX300. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Samsung NX300 Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera, you need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL1 comes with external measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Samsung NX300 has proportions of 122mm x 64mm x 41mm (4.8" x 2.5" x 1.6") having a weight of 331 grams (0.73 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL1 and Samsung NX300 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the E-PL1 compared to the NX300.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and NX300 is 86 and 86 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to imagine the difference in sensor measurements just by viewing a spec sheet. The photograph below may give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1 and NX300.

As you can see, both cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PL1 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF more challenging and the Samsung NX300 will provide you with more detail utilizing its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The older E-PL1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.