Olympus E-PL8 vs Samsung NX3000

Here, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL8 versus Samsung NX3000, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by competitors Olympus and Samsung. The sensor resolution of the E-PL8 (16MP) and the NX3000 (20MP) is pretty similar but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and NX3000 (APS-C) boast different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL8 was brought out 2 years after the NX3000 which is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick view of how the E-PL8 grades versus the NX3000 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL8 & Samsung NX3000. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery & Samsung NX3000 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry around your camera often, you're going to have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL8 enjoys outside measurements of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) and the Samsung NX3000 has proportions of 117mm x 66mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.6" x 1.5") having a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL8 versus Samsung NX3000 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you select during that time. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the E-PL8 vs the NX3000.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL8 and NX3000 is 86 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to imagine the gap between sensor sizes simply by reviewing specs. The image below may offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL8 and NX3000.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-PL8 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Samsung NX3000 will deliver more detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The more recent E-PL8 should have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.