Olympus E-PM2 vs Samsung NX500

Its time to examine more in depth at the Olympus E-PM2 and Samsung NX500, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by brands Olympus and Samsung. There is a large difference among the image resolutions of the E-PM2 (16MP) and NX500 (28MP) and the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and NX500 (APS-C) use totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PM2 was unveiled 20 months earlier than the NX500 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before going through a in depth comparison, below is a simple view of how the E-PM2 grades vs the NX500 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PM2 & Samsung NX500. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery & Samsung NX500 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera regularly, you will have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PM2 provides outside measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) while the Samsung NX500 has sizing of 120mm x 64mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.5" x 1.7") having a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PM2 and Samsung NX500 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are utilising during that time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the E-PM2 and the NX500.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM2 and NX500 is 89 and 87 respectively.

Often, it's difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing only by viewing technical specs. The visual here may offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM2 and NX500.

As you have seen, both cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PM2 using its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Samsung NX500 will render more detail having an extra 12MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos far more aggressively. The older E-PM2 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.