Olympus E-PL6 vs Samsung NX500

In this write-up, we are analyzing the Olympus E-PL6 and Samsung NX500, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Samsung. There is a big difference between the resolutions of the E-PL6 (16MP) and NX500 (28MP) and the E-PL6 (Four Thirds) and NX500 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL6 was manufactured 6 months before the NX500 which means that they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the E-PL6 scores vs the NX500 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL6 and Samsung NX500. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL6 Gallery and Samsung NX500 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera frequently, you're going to have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL6 provides external measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Samsung NX500 has dimensions of 120mm x 64mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.5" x 1.7") along with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL6 and Samsung NX500 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are employing at the time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the E-PL6 against the NX500.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL6 and NX500 is 88 and 87 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to envision the contrast between sensor sizing simply by reading through technical specs. The photograph underneath will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL6 and NX500.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL6 because of its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field more challenging and the Samsung NX500 will give you extra detail due to its extra 12MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos a little more aggressively.