Olympus E-PL3 vs Samsung NX500

Lets take a closer look at the Olympus E-PL3 versus Samsung NX500, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by brands Olympus and Samsung. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and NX500 (28MP) and the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and NX500 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL3 was brought out 4 years before the NX500 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before diving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick overview of how the E-PL3 grades versus the NX500 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Samsung NX500. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Samsung NX500 Gallery.

When you are intending to travel with your camera frequently, you will want to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL3 has exterior measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX500 has dimensions of 120mm x 64mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.5" x 1.7") with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL3 versus Samsung NX500 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are employing at that time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the E-PL3 compared to the NX500.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL3 and NX500 is 88 and 87 respectively.

Generally, it can be tough to visualise the difference between sensor dimensions simply by checking specifications. The pic below will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL3 and NX500.

To sum up, the two cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL3 due to its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Samsung NX500 will resolve greater detail having its extra 16 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos much more aggressively. The more aged E-PL3 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.