Olympus E-PL3 vs Samsung NX mini

On this page, we will be matching up the Olympus E-PL3 vs Samsung NX mini, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Samsung. There is a crucial difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and NX mini (20.5MP) and the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and NX mini (1") boast totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL3 was announced 3 years earlier than the NX mini which is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before diving into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick summary of how the E-PL3 grades versus the NX mini in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Samsung NX mini. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Samsung NX mini Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera, you should factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL3 comes with external dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX mini has dimensions of 110mm x 62mm x 23mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 0.9") with a weight of 196 grams (0.43 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL3 vs Samsung NX mini in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are employing at that time. The following is a front view measurements comparison of the E-PL3 and the NX mini.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and NX mini is 88 and 93 respectively.

Usually, it is very hard to envision the gap between sensor dimensions merely by reading specs. The image below will help give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL3 and NX mini.

All in all, both of these cameras have different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL3 using its bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF simpler and the Samsung NX mini will deliver greater detail with its extra 8.5MP. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more aged E-PL3 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.