Olympus E-PL1 vs Samsung NX5

The following is a complete review of the Olympus E-PL1 vs Samsung NX5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by competitors Olympus and Samsung. The resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the NX5 (15MP) is very close but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and NX5 (APS-C) offer different sensor size.

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The E-PL1 was brought out at a similar time to the NX5 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Samsung NX5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick summation of how the E-PL1 grades against the NX5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Samsung NX5. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Samsung NX5 Gallery.

If you're going to travel with your camera often, you'll need to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL1 has got outer dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX5 has sizing of 123mm x 87mm x 40mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL1 vs Samsung NX5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilising at that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the E-PL1 and the NX5.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and NX5 is 86 and 80 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to imagine the gap in sensor dimensions merely by looking through specs. The image underneath may give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL1 and NX5.

All in all, each of the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL1 because of its smaller sensor is going to make getting bokeh more difficult and the Samsung NX5 will render greater detail having its extra 3MP. Greater resolution will let you crop photos a bit more aggressively.