Olympus E-PL9 vs Samsung NX10

Its time to look a bit more in depth at the Olympus E-PL9 vs Samsung NX10, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by brands Olympus and Samsung. The image resolution of the E-PL9 (16MP) and the NX10 (15MP) is pretty comparable but the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and NX10 (APS-C) use different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL9 was revealed 7 years later than the NX10 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Samsung NX10 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go through a more detailed comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the E-PL9 scores against the NX10 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL9 and Samsung NX10. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery and Samsung NX10 Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera, you need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL9 comes with exterior measurements of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") having a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX10 has specifications of 123mm x 87mm x 40mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL9 vs Samsung NX10 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you choose during that time. Following is the front view scale comparison of the E-PL9 compared to the NX10.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL9 and NX10 is 85 and 80 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements purely by going through a spec sheet. The visual here will give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL9 and NX10.

Clearly, the two cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PL9 using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Olympus E-PL9 will produce greater detail because of its extra 1MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The fresher E-PL9 provides an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.