Olympus E-PL9 vs Samsung NX500

On this page, we are evaluating the Olympus E-PL9 and Samsung NX500, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Samsung. There exists a considerable gap between the image resolutions of the E-PL9 (16MP) and NX500 (28MP) and the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and NX500 (APS-C) provide different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL9 was introduced 3 years after the NX500 which is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before diving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short view of how the E-PL9 matches up versus the NX500 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL9 & Samsung NX500. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery & Samsung NX500 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL9 has got outer measurements of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") with a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) while the Samsung NX500 has dimensions 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-PL9 and Samsung NX500 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have during that time. Below is a front view dimension comparison of the E-PL9 compared to the NX500.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL9 and NX500 is 85 and 87 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizes simply by checking specifications. The picture below will help give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL9 and NX500.

Plainly, both of the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-PL9 using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field tougher and the Samsung NX500 will resolve greater detail using its extra 12 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images a bit more aggressively. The fresher E-PL9 should have an edge with regard to sensor technology.