Olympus E-PL8 vs Samsung NX500

Here, we will be looking at the Olympus E-PL8 vs Samsung NX500, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by brands Olympus and Samsung. There is a huge difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-PL8 (16MP) and NX500 (28MP) and the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and NX500 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor size.

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The E-PL8 was announced 20 months after the NX500 which makes them a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before going right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the E-PL8 matches up against the NX500 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL8 and Samsung NX500. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery and Samsung NX500 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry around your camera often, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL8 has got exterior dimensions of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) while the Samsung NX500 has specifications of 120mm x 64mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL8 vs Samsung NX500 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have at the time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the E-PL8 compared to the NX500.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL8 and NX500 is 86 and 87 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to see the difference in sensor sizes simply by looking through technical specs. The image here should give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL8 and NX500.

As you can tell, each of these cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-PL8 having a smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Samsung NX500 will render greater detail with its extra 12 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more recent E-PL8 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.