Olympus E-PL3 vs Samsung NX5

Following is a detailed comparison of the Olympus E-PL3 vs Samsung NX5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by rivals Olympus and Samsung. The image resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the NX5 (15MP) is very well matched but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and NX5 (APS-C) possess different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL3 was released 16 months after the NX5 making the cameras a generation away from each other. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Samsung NX5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting in to a thorough comparison, below is a brief overview of how the E-PL3 matches up versus the NX5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Samsung NX5. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Samsung NX5 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry around your camera regularly, you'll need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL3 features exterior measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX5 has specifications of 123mm x 87mm x 40mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 1.6") with a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL3 vs Samsung NX5 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Here is the front view scale comparison of the E-PL3 against the NX5.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and NX5 is 88 and 80 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's hard to visualize the difference between sensor sizes purely by looking at a spec sheet. The picture underneath might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL3 and NX5.

Clearly, both of the cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PL3 because of its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF more challenging and the Samsung NX5 will resolve more detail as a result of its extra 3 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop images much more aggressively. The more modern E-PL3 provides an edge in sensor tech.