Olympus E-PL3 vs Samsung NX100

The following is a extended comparison of the Olympus E-PL3 vs Samsung NX100, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Samsung. The image resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the NX100 (15MP) is fairly similar but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and NX100 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL3 was manufactured 13 months after the NX100 making them a generation away from each other. The two cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting right into a in depth comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the E-PL3 grades against the NX100 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Samsung NX100. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Samsung NX100 Gallery.

If you are aiming to travel with your camera often, you should factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL3 comes with exterior dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX100 has proportions of 120mm x 71mm x 35mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") with a weight of 282 grams (0.62 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL3 vs Samsung NX100 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached at that moment. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the E-PL3 vs the NX100.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and NX100 is 88 and 88 respectively.

Generally, it can be hard to envision the gap between sensor dimensions simply by going over specs. The pic below will help give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL3 and NX100.

All in all, the two cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL3 because of its tinier sensor will make getting shallow depth of field tougher and the Samsung NX100 will offer you extra detail due to its extra 3MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos more aggressively. The more modern E-PL3 will have an edge in sensor innovation.