Olympus E-PM1 vs Samsung NX5

In this write-up, we are looking at the Olympus E-PM1 vs Samsung NX5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by companies Olympus and Samsung. The resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the NX5 (15MP) is very similar but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and NX5 (APS-C) feature different sensor sizing.

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The E-PM1 was announced 18 months after the NX5 making the cameras a generation away from one another. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Samsung NX5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going in to a in depth comparison, below is a quick summation of how the E-PM1 scores against the NX5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Samsung NX5. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Samsung NX5 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry around your camera regularly, you need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PM1 comes with exterior measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) and the Samsung NX5 has measurements of 123mm x 87mm x 40mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 1.6") along with a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PM1 vs Samsung NX5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached at the time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the E-PM1 compared to the NX5.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PM1 and NX5 is 89 and 80 respectively.

Normally, it's tough to visualize the contrast between sensor sizes purely by reviewing specifications. The pic here may provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PM1 and NX5.

Plainly, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PM1 with its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF trickier and the Samsung NX5 will deliver extra detail with its extra 3 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics far more aggressively. The more modern E-PM1 should have an edge in sensor innovation.