Olympus SZ-15 vs Samsung NX1

Below, we are reviewing the Olympus SZ-15 versus Samsung NX1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Pro Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Samsung. There is a huge difference between the sensor resolutions of the SZ-15 (16MP) and NX1 (28MP) and the SZ-15 (1/2.3") and NX1 (APS-C) use totally different sensor size.

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The SZ-15 was unveiled 15 months earlier than the NX1 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SZ-15 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go through a full comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the SZ-15 matches up against the NX1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-15 and Samsung NX1. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery and Samsung NX1 Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera regularly, you have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus SZ-15 provides external dimensions of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX1 has proportions of 139mm x 102mm x 66mm (5.5" x 4.0" x 2.6") with a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-15 versus Samsung NX1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have at that time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the SZ-15 against the NX1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-15 and NX1 is 88 and 66 respectively.

In many cases, it's hard to visualise the contrast between sensor dimensions just by reading technical specs. The pic here might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-15 and NX1.

As you can tell, the two cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-15 with its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field more difficult and the Samsung NX1 will offer you more detail having an extra 12 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images somewhat more aggressively. The more aged SZ-15 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.