Olympus SZ-15 vs Samsung NX500

Here, we will be matching up the Olympus SZ-15 versus Samsung NX500, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Samsung. There exists a huge gap among the sensor resolutions of the SZ-15 (16MP) and NX500 (28MP) and the SZ-15 (1/2.3") and NX500 (APS-C) have different sensor sizing.

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The SZ-15 was manufactured 19 months prior to the NX500 which makes them a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-15 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX500 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving into a comprehensive comparison, here is a short view of how the SZ-15 matches up against the NX500 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-15 and Samsung NX500. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery and Samsung NX500 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-15 enjoys outer measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") and a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) and the Samsung NX500 has dimensions of 120mm x 64mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.5" x 1.7") along with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-15 versus Samsung NX500 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using at that moment. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the SZ-15 against the NX500.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-15 and NX500 is 88 and 87 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to picture the contrast in sensor sizes simply by looking through specifications. The pic below may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-15 and NX500.

Plainly, each of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The SZ-15 due to its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Samsung NX500 will render extra detail due to its extra 12MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs way more aggressively. The more aged SZ-15 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.