Olympus E-PM1 vs Samsung NX300

On this page, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PM1 and Samsung NX300, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by companies Olympus and Samsung. There exists a crucial gap among the image resolutions of the E-PM1 (12MP) and NX300 (20MP) and the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and NX300 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PM1 was introduced 24 months prior to the NX300 which makes them a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting straight to a complete comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the E-PM1 matches up against the NX300 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Samsung NX300. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Samsung NX300 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry around your camera frequently, you will need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus E-PM1 features exterior dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX300 has specifications of 122mm x 64mm x 41mm (4.8" x 2.5" x 1.6") along with a weight of 331 grams (0.73 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PM1 and Samsung NX300 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have during that time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-PM1 and the NX300.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM1 and NX300 is 89 and 86 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to visualise the gap in sensor sizes purely by researching a spec sheet. The pic below should give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PM1 and NX300.

As you can see, each of these cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-PM1 with its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Samsung NX300 will render extra detail using its extra 8MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs more aggressively. The more aged E-PM1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.