Olympus E-PM1 vs Samsung NX500

Following is a in-depth comparison of the Olympus E-PM1 versus Samsung NX500, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by brands Olympus and Samsung. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the E-PM1 (12MP) and NX500 (28MP) and the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and NX500 (APS-C) use totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PM1 was revealed 4 years before the NX500 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting in to a in depth comparison, below is a simple view of how the E-PM1 scores against the NX500 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Samsung NX500. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Samsung NX500 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry around your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PM1 comes with physical dimensions 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 NX500 has measurements of 120mm x 64mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PM1 versus Samsung NX500 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using during that time. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the E-PM1 and the NX500.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM1 and NX500 is 89 and 87 respectively.

Generally, it can be tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes only by reading specifications. The pic here might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PM1 and NX500.

Plainly, the two cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PM1 with its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Samsung NX500 will offer extra detail because of its extra 16 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop photographs much more aggressively. The more aged E-PM1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.