Olympus E-PL9 vs Samsung NX3000

Its time to take a closer look at the Olympus E-PL9 vs Samsung NX3000, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Samsung. The resolution of the E-PL9 (16MP) and the NX3000 (20MP) is fairly similar but the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and NX3000 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL9 was revealed 3 years later than the NX3000 and that is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before delving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a simple summation of how the E-PL9 scores against the NX3000 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL9 & Samsung NX3000. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery & Samsung NX3000 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera regularly, you will have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL9 features outer dimensions 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 NX3000 has proportions of 117mm x 66mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.6" x 1.5") with a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL9 vs Samsung NX3000 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have attached at that moment. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the E-PL9 compared to the NX3000.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL9 and NX3000 is 85 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to see the gap between sensor measurements simply by reviewing specs. The photograph here might give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL9 and NX3000.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-PL9 with its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field harder and the Samsung NX3000 will offer more detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos way more aggressively. The more recent E-PL9 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.