• APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Samsung NX1100 advantages over Olympus E-PL9

  • Less expensive
    $600 vs $700 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • More pixels
    20.3 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Olympus E-PL9 advantages over Samsung NX1100

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Newer
    6 years vs 11 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 11 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Buy the Olympus E-PL9

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Samsung NX1000

Samsung NX1100
Samsung NX1000
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • $500
  • APS-C
Olympus E-PL9
Samsung NX1000
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony NEX-3N

Samsung NX1100
Sony NEX-3N
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Higher-res screen
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
Olympus E-PL9
Sony NEX-3N
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Sony A5000

Samsung NX1100
Sony A5000
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Higher-res screen
  • Hot shoe
  • $298
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
Olympus E-PL9
Sony A5000
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $298
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • NFC

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Samsung NX1100
Panasonic GX85
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
Olympus E-PL9
Panasonic GX85
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Olympus E-PL8

Samsung NX1100
Olympus E-PL8
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
Olympus E-PL9
Olympus E-PL8
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $599
  • 4/3
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