Olympus E-PL5 vs Samsung NX300: An In-Depth Showdown for Mirrorless Enthusiasts

Choosing your next mirrorless camera can sometimes feel like stepping into the ring for a heavyweight bout without knowing the fighters. Today, we’re settling the score between two entry-level mirrorless contenders from yesteryear but still great learning tools and budget-friendly options: the Olympus E-PL5 and the Samsung NX300. Both announced within a year of each other (2012 and 2013 respectively), they represent distinct philosophies and technological choices that shape everyday use and photographic versatility.

Having filmed, shot, and compared hundreds (okay, probably thousands) of cameras across decades, I’m here to share not only the specs but also how these machines fare when the rubber meets the road - cluttered city streets, rolling landscapes, fleeting wildlife moments, and more. Think of this as a friendly sparring match spiced with a few tough love punches to keep it honest.

A Size and Ergonomics Face-Off: How They Feel in Hand

Before plopping down serious cash or even adding to cart, I always urge photographers to handle their potential weapon of choice. Size, weight, grip contours, button layout - these tactile realities either enhance or drain your enjoyment.

Let’s start by comparing the physical dimensions and weight:

• Olympus E-PL5: 111 x 64 x 38 mm, 325 g
• Samsung NX300: 122 x 64 x 41 mm, 331 g

They’re remarkably similar in weight, but the NX300 is slightly larger.

The Olympus sticks with a subtly compact, rangefinder-style body that I found comfortable for day-long outings. Its smaller thickness and a somewhat rounded grip suit those with smaller hands or who prefer a lighter carry. Plus, the E-PL5 offers a tilting 3-inch touchscreen (460K dots), handy for creative angles and self-portraits - very selfie-friendly, by Olympus’s own design.

The NX300 ups the display ante with a 3.3-inch tilting touchscreen boasting a vibrant Active Matrix OLED panel at 768K dots - sharp, bright, and ideal under harsh sunlight or indoor dimness.

On controls, the Samsung’s slightly larger body accommodates more customizable buttons, but neither camera sports an electronic viewfinder upfront; instead, relying on their LCDs or optional accessories (Olympus offers an EVF dock, Samsung none). It’s a minor inconvenience for some, yet the clean top plate on both will appeal to minimalists.

In practice, the Olympus control layout felt a tad more intuitive to me. The tactile feedback from the dials and easy access to exposure compensation improved on-the-fly tweaking during shoots. Samsung’s NX300 responds well but didn’t quite match the precision feel - not that it’s a deal-breaker, especially for beginners.

Sensor Specs and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Now let’s talk image quality, which starts at the sensor. The Olympus E-PL5 uses a 16MP Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, while the Samsung NX300 boasts a 20MP APS-C sensor sized 23.5 x 15.7 mm - significantly larger in sensor area.

A larger sensor almost always translates into better performance in low light, improved dynamic range, and the ability to create more background separation (bokeh). With a crop factor of about 2.0x on Micro Four Thirds (Olympus) and 1.5x on APS-C (Samsung), this means that the Samsung gives you a wider field of view at equivalent focal lengths, which can be valuable for landscapes or indoor shooting where space is limited.

Technical analysis of image quality metrics

• Color Depth: NX300 (23.6 bits) beats E-PL5 (22.8 bits) - slight edge in color gradation ability
• Dynamic Range: NX300 (12.7 EV) marginally outperforms E-PL5 (12.3 EV) - better detail in shadows and highlights
• Low Light ISO Score: NX300 (942) is superior to E-PL5 (889) - better noise performance at high ISO

During practical tests shooting portraits and landscapes, the Samsung sensor’s advantage in dynamic range gave images that retained more detail in tricky lighting, such as golden hour shadows or bright skies. The Olympus sensor, while solid for the times, showed more noise above ISO 1600 and thinner shadow detail.

Both cameras have anti-aliasing filters, slightly softening fine detail to avoid moiré - a wise engineering choice for general use, but sharpening in post is often needed.

Autofocus Systems and Speed: Catching the Moment

Autofocus (AF) can be a decisive factor in capturing fleeting wildlife, children at play, or dynamic street scenes.

• Olympus E-PL5: Contrast-detection AF only, 35 focus points
• Samsung NX300: Hybrid AF system (contrast + phase detection), 247 focus points

The Samsung’s hybrid autofocus system leverages the speed and accuracy of phase detection, significantly faster and more reliable in tracking moving subjects compared to purely contrast-based systems.

In real-world wildlife shoots, the NX300 excelled in locking focus on fluttering birds and errant pets. The higher number of focus points also gave finer positioning flexibility, supporting various AF modes like face detection and continuous tracking with impressive steadiness.

The Olympus’s 35 points, while sufficient for casual shooting and stills, sometimes hunted during fast action, occasionally missing the focus entirely or lagging behind sudden movements.

Both cameras support face detection autofocus, but neither offers advanced animal eye AF that we see in modern cameras - understandable given their vintage.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Toughness in the Field

Neither camera features weather sealing, dustproof, shockproof, or freezeproof capabilities. This is a sticking point if you routinely shoot in unpredictable environments or challenging conditions like rain-soaked landscapes or dusty trails.

The build quality of both is plastic with some metal components. The Olympus body feels marginally more robust, with less creaking under pressure. Samsung’s slightly larger dimensions mean it could accommodate a sturdier frame, but overall both are delicate and best treated with care.

Pro users or adventure photographers would need to look elsewhere if ruggedness is a priority, or else invest in weatherproof lens covers and protective cases.

Ergonomics and Interface: How User-Friendly Are They?

Both cameras feature tilting touchscreens that tilt upwards to around 80 degrees and downwards roughly 45 degrees - great for low- and high-angle shots. The touch responsiveness on the NX300, thanks to the OLED display, was noticeably quicker and more intuitive than E-PL5’s.

Menus on both are well-laid out, with Olympus adhering to their traditional icon-driven navigation, while Samsung’s interface felt more modern and smooth. The wide angle and size of NX300’s screen slightly edges it out for ease of use.

In the field, the Olympus’s touchscreen shutter release is handy for selfies and creative compositions, but I missed the ability to focus and shoot with a simple tap on the NX300’s screen on the go (surprisingly, the Samsung’s touchscreen is primarily for menu navigation).

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Here Olympus shines due to the mature Micro Four Thirds mount, supported widely across brands - Olympus owns around 107 lenses compatible with the E-PL5, including primes, zooms, macros, and specialty lenses.

Samsung’s NX mount lens ecosystem is much smaller, with about 32 native lenses available and, unfortunately, the line is discontinued - limiting future expansion or used lens buying options.

If you’re wedded to a broad lens variety or want access to highly specialized glass (macro, super-telephoto, fisheye), the Olympus system offers flexibility and affordability.

Remember: lens choice often outweighs sensor specs in determining final image quality.

Battery Life and Storage Options

• Olympus E-PL5: CIPA rated 360 shots per charge
• Samsung NX300: CIPA rated 330 shots per charge

Battery life is modest on both, typical for mirrorless of their era. For a day's shoot, carrying a spare battery is essential.

Both use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with single card slots - no dual backup slots here. The Olympus battery (BLS-5) and Samsung battery (BP1130) are proprietary but widely available in the used market.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Samsung NX300 has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, allowing handy wireless image transfer and remote control from compatible devices - a boon for social media sharers or tethered shooting enthusiasts.

The E-PL5 has Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless data transfer, but this requires purchasing an Eye-Fi SD card, adding expense and occasional connectivity woes.

Neither camera features Bluetooth, GPS integration is optional for the NX300, and both offer HDMI and USB 2.0 ports.

Burst Rates and Shutter Speed Performance

• Olympus E-PL5: 8 fps continuous shooting, max shutter speed 1/4000 sec
• Samsung NX300: 9 fps continuous shooting, max shutter speed 1/6000 sec

Both cameras manage fast action respectsably, but the NX300’s shutter speed ceiling and slightly higher fps rate grant an advantage in sports or fast wildlife photography.

Video Capabilities - Which Film Better?

Both cameras cap video capture at Full HD 1080p at 30fps, using H.264 and MPEG-4 codecs. The NX300 markets video as a big selling point, with the brighter OLED screen aiding framing and focus in video mode.

Neither offers 4K or advanced video features like log color profiles, headphone or microphone ports. Notably, Olympus has sensor-based image stabilization, helping smoother handheld video, while Samsung lacks stabilization altogether - a big con in shaky handheld shooting.

For casual video, both suffice, but in my filming tests, Olympus produces steadier footage overall, thanks to in-body stabilization compensating lens shake.

Real-World Photography Scenarios

Now, let’s see how these cameras perform across common photography scenes - the real test of their worth.

Portrait Photography

Portraits thrive on pleasing skin tones, smooth bokeh, sharp eye detection, and reliable autofocus.

• The Olympus E-PL5's sensor and Micro Four Thirds lenses deliver pleasing skin tones and respectable bokeh - though narrower than APS-C alternatives due to smaller sensor size and crop factor.
• Samsung NX300’s larger APS-C sensor excels in shallow depth of field and subject isolation.

Autofocus-wise, the NX300 nailed eye detection and face tracking more reliably in continuous AF mode, perfect for snapping kids on the move.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters prize dynamic range and resolution:

• NX300’s 20MP sensor offers higher resolution and better dynamic range for retaining shadow and highlight detail.
• Olympus E-PL5 feels a bit more limited in DR but still capable - especially when paired with sharp primes like the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7.

Neither camera is weather sealed, so handle with care in mist or rain.

Wildlife Photography

Here autofocus and burst rate count.

• Samsung’s hybrid AF and 9 fps frame rate make chasing birds and crawling critters easier.
• Olympus’ contrast AF and 8 fps are adequate for casual shots but falls short in lightning-fast scenarios.

Lens availability is also crucial: Olympus boasts several 300mm plus telephoto lenses; Samsung’s selection is sparse.

Sports Photography

Tracking fast players needs an agile AF system and fast shutter:

• Samsung dominates with hybrid AF, max shutter 1/6000, and 9 fps.
• Olympus fine for casual sports but struggles in fast-paced action.

Street Photography

Portability, discretion, and low light adaptation emphasize here.

• Olympus’ smaller size and tilt screen make stealthier shooting.
• Samsung is bulkier but superior in low light due to sensor size.

My personal sense: Olympus is easier to slip into crowds; Samsung is better when low light or cropping is a concern.

Macro Photography

Olympus offers better lens options here. Focus precision benefits from in-body stabilization, aiding close focus work.

Samsung relies on lens IS or tripod stability, which can be limiting.

Night & Astro Photography

High ISO performance and flexibility matter:

• Samsung’s APS-C sensor has a slight edge in noise handling.
• Olympus faces more noise above ISO 1600.

Neither offers intervalometer or built-in star tracking, so external gear required.

Travel Photography

A balance of weight, versatility, battery life:

• Olympus is more compact and lighter.
• Samsung offers better image quality but at the cost of size and slightly shorter battery.

Professional Work

Neither camera is a pro workhorse. Both lack ruggedness, card slots, advanced tethering, or premium codecs.

However, Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds system integrates well into workflows thanks to plentiful lens choices and mature RAW support.

Pricing and Value Assessment

• Olympus E-PL5: Approx. $400 (used/retro market)
• Samsung NX300: Approx. $750 (used market, rarer)

For the price-conscious beginner or hobbyist, the Olympus makes a compelling, cost-effective gateway into mirrorless photography.

If image quality and speed matter most, and budget allows, Samsung is still viable but be mindful of scarce lens options and discontinued support.

Olympus E PL5 front Olympus E PL5 screen back Samsung NX300 screen back

Final Scores and Genre-Specific Recommendations

Broadly scoring these cameras based on sensor quality, AF performance, handling, and versatility:

And breaking down strengths by photography type:

Wrapping Up: Which Camera Wins Your Heart?

Olympus E-PL5 is a charm if:

• You want a smaller, lighter system with a huge lens ecosystem
• You're budget-conscious without sacrificing image quality too much
• You prefer in-body stabilization for video and handheld shots
• You enjoy tilting touchscreens for creative angles and selfies

Samsung NX300 shines if:

• You need better image quality and faster autofocus performance
• You shoot fast action or wildlife frequently
• You appreciate a stunning OLED screen with excellent tilting
• Connectivity with built-in Wi-Fi/NFC matters

A Personal Anecdote

I carried the Olympus E-PL5 on a week-long European city trip where it served beautifully as a pocketable companion. The in-body stabilization saved many handheld shots and the vast lens selection let me go wide street and tight portraits with ease. The Samsung NX300, which I later tested on a wildlife reserve, felt like a turbocharged sprinter - fast focus, snappy bursts, and rich images. But it weighed noticeably more in my bag and its limited lens options meant less flexibility.

So, mirrorless fans: know your priorities because both offer delightful experiences, but your style and needs will determine the ultimate winner. For entry-level mirrorless that teaches you the ropes and keeps your budget sane, Olympus wins on balance. For more ambitious shooters craving speed and image quality - perhaps with a willingness to invest in a future-proof system - Samsung still punches above its weight.

Happy shooting, and may your next camera be the perfect tool for your creative vision.

Article illustrated with exclusive photos and real-world test shots.

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