Olympus E-PL5 vs Samsung NX300

On this page, we will be looking at the Olympus E-PL5 and Samsung NX300, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Samsung. The sensor resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the NX300 (20MP) is pretty well matched but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and NX300 (APS-C) have totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL5 was launched 14 months earlier than the NX300 which makes them a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before diving straight to a full comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the E-PL5 grades against the NX300 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Samsung NX300. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Samsung NX300 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry around your camera regularly, you will need to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL5 features physical dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Samsung NX300 has sizing of 122mm x 64mm x 41mm (4.8" x 2.5" x 1.6") and a weight of 331 grams (0.73 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL5 and Samsung NX300 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the E-PL5 compared to the NX300.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL5 and NX300 is 88 and 86 respectively.

Quite often, it is very hard to envision the difference between sensor sizes simply by looking at a spec sheet. The picture here might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL5 and NX300.

As you can see, both of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-PL5 featuring a tinier sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field tougher and the Samsung NX300 will give you more detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more aged E-PL5 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.