• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Samsung NX1000 advantages over Olympus E-PM2

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.33 vs 3.75 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Higher-res screen
    307k vs 154k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More pixels
    20.3 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Olympus E-PM2 advantages over Samsung NX1000

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Fast startup
    ~0.70 vs 1.7 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    932 vs 840 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Less shutter lag
    0.20 vs 0.60 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    16 vs 10 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Kit with 14-42mm lens (Black)
  • Kit with 14-42mm lens (Black)
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Review Excerpt

  • Super compact and lightweight; Excellent image and print quality that rivals much more expensive CSCs and DSLRs; Solid low-light (high ISO) performance; Touchscreen LCD responsive and useful once you get used to it; Speedy and accurate AF on still subjects; Tons of advanced shooting features and customizing options.

  • Maddening menu system; No physical Mode dial; Motion AF not quite up to par; Mediocre HD video quality; No built-in flash (but a small external flash is included).

  • Read our Olympus E-PM2 Review

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic GF3

Samsung NX1000
Panasonic GF3
  • $413
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Touchscreen

Compare Samsung NX1000 vs Panasonic GF3

Olympus E-PM2
Panasonic GF3
  • $1599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • Bigger pixels
  • Internal flash

Compare Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic GF3

Compared to Sony NEX-3N

Samsung NX1000
Sony NEX-3N
  • $413
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Higher-res screen
  • $449
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking

Compare Samsung NX1000 vs Sony NEX-3N

Olympus E-PM2
Sony NEX-3N
  • $1599
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $449
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Olympus E-PM2 vs Sony NEX-3N

Compared to Samsung NX1100

Samsung NX1000
Samsung NX1100
  • $413
  • APS-C
  • $450
  • APS-C

Compare Samsung NX1000 vs Samsung NX1100

Olympus E-PM2
Samsung NX1100
  • $1599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Lens selection
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Olympus E-PM2 vs Samsung NX1100

Compared to Sony A5000

Samsung NX1000
Sony A5000
  • $413
  • APS-C
  • Higher-res screen
  • Hot shoe
  • $298
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking

Compare Samsung NX1000 vs Sony A5000

Olympus E-PM2
Sony A5000
  • $1599
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $298
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Olympus E-PM2 vs Sony A5000

Compared to Panasonic GM5

Samsung NX1000
Panasonic GM5
  • $413
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking

Compare Samsung NX1000 vs Panasonic GM5

Olympus E-PM2
Panasonic GM5
  • $1599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic GM5

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