Olympus 5010 vs. Samsung NX300: Expert Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing your next camera can be daunting, especially when the models serve very different photography niches. Here we compare two distinct cameras - the Olympus Stylus 5010 (often called the mju 5010) and the Samsung NX300 - to help you pinpoint which suits your shooting style, skill level, and creative ambitions. Drawing on years of hands-on testing and critical evaluation, we'll dissect their technology, performance, usability, and value across key photographic disciplines.

Getting to Know the Players: A Snapshot Overview

Olympus Stylus 5010

• Type: Ultracompact point-and-shoot
• Released: Early 2010
• Sensor: 1/2.3” CCD, 14MP
• Lens: Fixed 26–130mm equivalent (5x zoom), f/2.8–6.5
• Stabilization: Optical sensor-shift IS
• Display: 2.7” fixed LCD (230k dots)
• Video: 720p max, Motion JPEG
• Focus: Contrast-detection AF, single AF mode, no manual focus
• Special: Very compact, simple operation, aimed at casual photographers

Samsung NX300

• Type: Entry-level interchangeable lens mirrorless
• Released: Late 2013
• Sensor: APS-C CMOS, 20MP
• Lens mount: Samsung NX mount (32 lenses available)
• Stabilization: None in-body
• Display: 3.3” tilting AMOLED touchscreen (768k dots)
• Video: Full HD 1080p, H.264 format
• Focus: Hybrid AF with 247 points including phase detection, touch AF, face detection
• Special: Advanced control, versatile lens system, wireless connectivity

While they share the "camera" label, the Olympus 5010 and Samsung NX300 cater to different users and creative ambitions. The 5010 is about portability and convenience, while the NX300 brings enthusiast features and expandability.

Design and Handling: Size Matters but So Does Control

When evaluating a camera, size, weight, and ergonomics directly affect your shooting comfort and adaptability across environments.

The 5010’s ultracompact design fits snugly in a pocket - ideal if you prioritize absolute portability or need a reliable backup camera. Its simplified controls mean you'll mainly rely on auto exposure and limited user input, which might frustrate advanced users but serve beginners well.

The NX300’s larger body includes more physical controls and a tilting touchscreen that adapts to shooting angles, making operation more flexible. It feels more substantial and balanced, especially with larger lenses. The tactile feedback and control range cater to photographers who appreciate manual adjustments and want to grow their skills.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Understanding sensor technology and performance is key to predicting image potential.

The APS-C sensor on the NX300 is vastly larger, about 13x bigger in surface area, which fundamentally enhances image quality. Larger sensors collect more light, resulting in:

• Greater dynamic range, so you retain more detail in shadows and highlights.
• Better noise performance at higher ISO settings, essential for low-light and night photography.
• Higher resolution with more detail, allowing for large prints and flexible cropping.

The Olympus 5010’s small 1/2.3" CCD sensor is typical for compact cameras but limits performance in challenging light. With no RAW support, you're constrained to JPEG files, which offer less latitude during post-processing. However, in bright daylight or snapshot situations, it produces decent colors and sharpness.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Decisive Moment

Fast, accurate autofocus and shooting speed are critical in action, wildlife, and sports photography.

The Olympus 5010 has a basic contrast-detection AF system with no face or animal eye detection, limiting its speed and accuracy in fast-moving or low-contrast scenes. Continuous shooting is limited to 1 frame per second, suitable mainly for casual snapshots.

The NX300 significantly outperforms here. Its hybrid AF system uses phase-detection among 247 points, allowing quick focus acquisition and reliable tracking. Face detection further enhances portrait and street shooting capabilities. A burst rate up to 9 fps lets you capture fleeting action, making it a better choice for wildlife and sports shooting.

Artistic Expressiveness: Lenses and Aperture Control

Lens versatility and aperture options influence creative control, from bokeh to macro work.

The Olympus 5010’s built-in zoom lens offers moderate reach and decent low-light capability at the wide end (f/2.8), but at telephoto the aperture narrows to f/6.5, limiting background blur and low-light options.

The Samsung NX300’s removable lens mount provides ample creative freedom. You can pair it with fast primes (e.g., 30mm f/1.4) for dreamy portraits and shallow depth-of-field, or macro lenses for close-up detail. Manual focus is supported via touchscreen, inviting experimentation. However, you sacrifice in-body stabilization, relying on lens-based IS or a steady hand.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Portable gear must withstand varied conditions, so durability and weather sealing matter.

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedized protection, so both require care in inclement weather. The 5010 is a lightweight companion for casual use; the NX300’s more substantial build feels robust but adds weight. If you prioritize durability, external protection accessories might be necessary.

User Interface and Display: Seeing and Controlling Your Vision

The usability of a camera’s screen and controls can make or break your shooting experience.

The Olympus 5010’s fixed LCD is small and low resolution by today’s standards, adequate for framing and reviewing snaps but lacking advanced preview features. Controls are straightforward, with no touchscreen or manual exposure options.

The Samsung NX300 boasts a vibrant tilting AMOLED screen with a touchscreen interface, empowering you to shoot from creative angles and intuitively select focus points. The menu system and exposure controls invite exploration and learning. The longer self-timer duration on the NX300 suits group or creative shots.

Video Capabilities: For Vloggers and Filmmakers

Video quality adds new dimensions to creative storytelling.

While the Olympus 5010 offers basic HD video, the codec and resolution are dated, resulting in larger file sizes and less smooth compression. Without a mic input or advanced modes, it's mostly for casual clips.

The Samsung NX300 delivers full HD with efficient H.264 compression, producing crisper footage. Despite lacking mic jacks, its larger sensor and better autofocus make for more cinematic results. Touch-to-focus during video adds flexibility, rendering it a more viable hybrid stills/video camera.

Battery Life and Storage

Practical usability depends heavily on how long you can shoot and store images.

The 5010 has no official battery life rating, but in use, its modest sensor and lack of power-hungry features extend endurance. However, the internal memory is very limited, so using SD cards is essential.

The NX300 boasts more power-hungry hardware but compensates with a larger battery capacity and user-swappable batteries for extended shoots. Its compatibility with large capacity SD cards enables serious shooting sessions without interruption.

Connectivity and Extras

Modern connectivity features enhance ease of sharing and remote control.

The Samsung NX300 offers built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, making it easy to pair with smartphones for quick image transfers or remote shutter release via app. This flexibility is a boon for social media creators and travelers.

The Olympus 5010 lacks any wireless option, requiring manual transfer via USB or card reader.

How They Perform Across Photography Styles

Let's review how each camera suits popular photography types based on our hands-on testing and feature analysis.

Olympus 5010 front Olympus 5010 screen back Samsung NX300 screen back

Portraits

• Olympus 5010: Decent skin tone rendition in ambient light. Lens aperture and fixed focal length limit background blur.
• Samsung NX300: Excellent skin tones, fast lenses available for creamy bokeh, and face detection AF greatly improves focus reliability.

Landscape

• Olympus 5010: Limited dynamic range and resolution restrict image quality for large prints.
• Samsung NX300: Superior dynamic range and detail reveal, especially with RAW files, perfect for vibrant landscapes.

Wildlife

• Olympus 5010: Slow AF and low burst rate hinder capturing fast-moving animals.
• Samsung NX300: Fast hybrid AF and high fps suitable for tracking wildlife in good light.

Sports

• Olympus 5010: Not practical due to slow shooting.
• Samsung NX300: Burst mode and tracking AF make it a capable budget sports camera.

Street Photography

• Olympus 5010: Compact and inconspicuous but limited low-light ability.
• Samsung NX300: Larger but versatile; tilting screen aids discretion but weight may be a concern.

Macro

• Olympus 5010: Macro mode down to 7cm, suitable for casual close-ups.
• Samsung NX300: Dependent on lens. Macro lenses available for serious shooters.

Night and Astro

• Olympus 5010: Limited ISO range and noise performance restrict night photography.
• Samsung NX300: Higher ISO capability and manual controls allow better low-light results.

Video

• Olympus 5010: Basic HD video, suitable for snapshots.
• Samsung NX300: Full HD, higher quality and more control.

Travel

• Olympus 5010: Ultra-portable and easy to carry.
• Samsung NX300: More versatile but heavier, better image quality and features for the serious traveler.

Professional Work

• Olympus 5010: Designed as a compact casual camera, not suitable for professional needs.
• Samsung NX300: Suitable for entry-level professionals wanting manual control and RAW workflow integration.

Overall Performance Scores and Value

Based on technical testing and real-world use, here are the performance scores reflecting a comprehensive evaluation:

Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown

See how each camera scores in different photography types:

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Olympus Stylus 5010 if…

• You want an ultra-compact, pocketable camera that’s easy to use without learning curve or manual settings.
• Your photography mostly involves casual snapshots and daylight travel photography.
• Budget is a primary concern and you accept limited creative control for convenience.
• You don’t need RAW capture or advanced autofocus.

Choose the Samsung NX300 if…

• You want a versatile camera with professional features but at an accessible price.
• You crave image quality with an APS-C sensor, and want RAW support for editing flexibility.
• You plan to invest in different lenses for portraits, macro, landscapes, or sports.
• Video and wireless connectivity are important to your workflow.
• You are ready to advance your photography skills and experiment with manual controls.

Final Thoughts: Matching the Camera to Your Creative Journey

The Olympus 5010 and Samsung NX300 serve markedly different roles. The 5010 shines as an ultracompact camera for casual users who prize simplicity and portability. Conversely, the NX300 is aimed at enthusiasts and budding professionals wanting more control, image quality, and lens versatility.

Both models reflect the photographic values of their times - the 5010 showcasing convenience, the NX300 heralding mirrorless innovation. Your choice boils down to your photographic goals, how much manual involvement you crave, and whether you prioritize portability or performance.

If you seek the most bang-for-your-buck enthusiast mirrorless camera from this era, the NX300 remains a compelling option, especially if you pair it with quality lenses. For a grab-and-go pocket camera that just works in a pinch, the Olympus 5010 can be a handy companion.

Whichever path you take, embrace the creative possibilities your camera unlocks. Explore, experiment, and don’t overlook the fun in intentional shooting. And of course, get hands-on testing where possible - feel the ergonomics, try out controls, and review sample images to find the tool that speaks to your photography soul.

Ready to learn more or start shooting? Consider pairing the Samsung NX300 with the popular 30mm f/2 lens for stunning portraits or try the Olympus 5010 for effortless snapshot memories. Whichever you choose, keep pushing your creative boundaries!