Olympus E-PL3 vs Samsung NX10

The following is a thorough assessment of the Olympus E-PL3 versus Samsung NX10, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by companies Olympus and Samsung. The sensor resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the NX10 (15MP) is relatively comparable but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and NX10 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL3 was revealed 18 months after the NX10 which makes them a generation away from each other. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Samsung NX10 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight to a full comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the E-PL3 scores vs the NX10 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Samsung NX10. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Samsung NX10 Gallery.

For those who are planning to travel with your camera frequently, you have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL3 has physical measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) and the Samsung NX10 has specifications 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-PL3 versus Samsung NX10 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PL3 against the NX10.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL3 and NX10 is 88 and 80 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to visualise the difference in sensor dimensions just by going through a spec sheet. The picture below might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL3 and NX10.

Clearly, the two cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL3 having a smaller sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Samsung NX10 will produce extra detail because of its extra 3 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The fresher E-PL3 is going to have an edge in sensor tech.