Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Samsung NX300

Here, we will be analyzing the Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Samsung NX300, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Samsung. There exists a crucial gap among the sensor resolutions of the SP-590 UZ (12MP) and NX300 (20MP) and the SP-590 UZ (1/2.3") and NX300 (APS-C) boast different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The SP-590 UZ was brought out 5 years prior to the NX300 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SP-590 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Samsung NX300 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a complete comparison, here is a simple summary of how the SP-590 UZ matches up against the NX300 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SP-590 UZ and Samsung NX300. The entire galleries are available at Olympus SP-590 UZ Gallery and Samsung NX300 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera often, you need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus SP-590 UZ provides external dimensions of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") having a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs) while the Samsung NX300 has measurements of 122mm x 64mm x 41mm (4.8" x 2.5" x 1.6") along with a weight of 331 grams (0.73 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Samsung NX300 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you use at that time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the SP-590 UZ vs the NX300.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SP-590 UZ and NX300 is 72 and 86 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to imagine the difference in sensor sizing simply by looking through specs. The graphic below will help give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-590 UZ and NX300.

All in all, both the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SP-590 UZ due to its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF trickier and the Samsung NX300 will provide you with greater detail having its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs way more aggressively. The older SP-590 UZ will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.