Olympus E-PL5 vs Samsung NX100

Let's look more in depth at the Olympus E-PL5 and Samsung NX100, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by rivals Olympus and Samsung. The sensor resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the NX100 (15MP) is relatively close but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and NX100 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL5 was manufactured 2 years after the NX100 which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick overview of how the E-PL5 grades vs the NX100 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Samsung NX100. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Samsung NX100 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL5 provides external measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX100 has proportions of 120mm x 71mm x 35mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 282 grams (0.62 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL5 and Samsung NX100 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you select during that time. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the E-PL5 vs the NX100.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL5 and NX100 is 88 and 88 respectively.

In many cases, it is very hard to visualise the difference in sensor sizes just by viewing specs. The image below will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL5 and NX100.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PL5 because of its smaller sensor will make achieving bokeh more challenging and the Olympus E-PL5 will render extra detail due to its extra 1MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The younger E-PL5 will have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.