Olympus 1s vs Samsung NX300M

On this page, we will be reviewing the Olympus 1s and Samsung NX300M, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Samsung. There is a significant difference between the sensor resolutions of the 1s (12MP) and NX300M (20MP) and the 1s (1/1.7") and NX300M (APS-C) offer different sensor size.

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The 1s was revealed 2 years later than the NX300M and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus 1s being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Samsung NX300M being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple view of how the 1s grades versus the NX300M in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus 1s and Samsung NX300M. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus 1s Gallery and Samsung NX300M Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera, you'll need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus 1s comes with external measurements of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") having a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) while the Samsung NX300M has dimensions of 122mm x 64mm x 41mm (4.8" x 2.5" x 1.6") with a weight of 331 grams (0.73 lbs).

Check out the Olympus 1s and Samsung NX300M in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilising during that time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the 1s and the NX300M.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the 1s and NX300M is 79 and 86 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's hard to imagine the gap between sensor sizing only by looking at specs. The photograph here should provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the 1s and NX300M.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The 1s using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Samsung NX300M will resolve extra detail because of its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more modern 1s should have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.