Olympus E-PM1 vs Samsung NX300M

Lets look a little more closely at the Olympus E-PM1 versus Samsung NX300M, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Samsung. There is a sizable difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-PM1 (12MP) and NX300M (20MP) and the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and NX300M (APS-C) provide totally different sensor size.

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The E-PM1 was launched 13 months prior to the NX300M making them a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before going straight to a thorough comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the E-PM1 scores vs the NX300M in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PM1 & Samsung NX300M. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery & Samsung NX300M Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera, you will need to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-PM1 has outer measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX300M has specifications of 122mm x 64mm x 41mm (4.8" x 2.5" x 1.6") having a weight of 331 grams (0.73 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PM1 versus Samsung NX300M in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are working with during that time. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the E-PM1 against the NX300M.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM1 and NX300M is 89 and 86 respectively.

Often, it is hard to see the gap between sensor sizing just by going over a spec sheet. The graphic below should give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PM1 and NX300M.

As you can see, both of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PM1 because of its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Samsung NX300M will deliver more detail utilizing its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos way more aggressively. The older E-PM1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.