Olympus E-PL3 vs Samsung Galaxy NX

On this page, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-PL3 and Samsung Galaxy NX, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by brands Olympus and Samsung. There exists a noticeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and Galaxy NX (20MP) and the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and Galaxy NX (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL3 was manufactured 21 months earlier than the Galaxy NX which makes them a generation apart from one another. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Samsung Galaxy NX being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going right into a in depth comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the E-PL3 scores versus the Galaxy NX when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Samsung Galaxy NX. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Samsung Galaxy NX Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you need to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL3 offers physical measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) and the Samsung Galaxy NX has sizing of 137mm x 101mm x 26mm (5.4" x 4.0" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 495 grams (1.09 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL3 and Samsung Galaxy NX in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have at that moment. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the E-PL3 compared to the Galaxy NX.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL3 and Galaxy NX is 88 and 82 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to see the contrast between sensor measurements just by reading through technical specs. The graphic underneath will help give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL3 and Galaxy NX.

As you can tell, both of those cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PL3 because of its tinier sensor will make shooting bokeh more challenging and the Samsung Galaxy NX will resolve extra detail due to its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures more aggressively. The older E-PL3 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.