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

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Differences

Samsung NX300 advantages over Olympus E-PL7

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More pixels
    20.3 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster shutter
    1/6000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Olympus E-PL7 advantages over Samsung NX300

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Less expensive
    $600 vs $800 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Fast startup
    ~0.50 vs 1.2 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • More dots on screen
    1037k vs 768k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    24 vs 14 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    8.7 fps vs 7.1 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    17 vs 5 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • 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 Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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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Review Excerpt

  • Stylish "retro modern" design in two color schemes; attractive 3.3-inch AMOLED tilting touchscreen; new APS-C CMOS sensor with on-chip phase detection AF; better image quality, particularly in low light at high ISOs; faster all-around performance; improved Wi-Fi connectivity.

  • Camera feels more plasticky than expected when you pick it up; slower shot-to-speeds compared to rivals; poor buffer depth with raw files; aggressive anti-noise processing destroys detail in high ISO shots; display smudges easily and is rather dim; no EVF support.

  • Read our Samsung NX300 Review

  • Excellent image quality for its class including very good ISO performance; Improved performance and ergonomics over the E-PL5; LCD tilts 180 degree downward for easier selfies; Upgraded 3-axis IS system.

  • No built-in flash (but a small add-on flash is included); No built-in EVF; Default colors somewhat muted; Somewhat quirky menu system.

  • Read our Olympus E-PL7 Review

The Competition

Compared to Sony NEX-7

Samsung NX300
Sony NEX-7
  • $1200
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $1248
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Samsung NX300 vs Sony NEX-7

Olympus E-PL7
Sony NEX-7
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $1248
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Olympus E-PL7 vs Sony NEX-7

Compared to Fujifilm X-E1

Samsung NX300
Fujifilm X-E1
  • $1200
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Samsung NX300 vs Fujifilm X-E1

Olympus E-PL7
Fujifilm X-E1
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Olympus E-PL7 vs Fujifilm X-E1

Compared to Olympus E-PL5

Samsung NX300
Olympus E-PL5
  • $1200
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $329
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive

Compare Samsung NX300 vs Olympus E-PL5

Olympus E-PL7
Olympus E-PL5
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Fast startup
  • $329
  • 4/3

Compare Olympus E-PL7 vs Olympus E-PL5

Compared to Panasonic GF6

Samsung NX300
Panasonic GF6
  • $1200
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $400
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive

Compare Samsung NX300 vs Panasonic GF6

Olympus E-PL7
Panasonic GF6
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $400
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • NFC

Compare Olympus E-PL7 vs Panasonic GF6

Compared to Fujifilm X-E2

Samsung NX300
Fujifilm X-E2
  • $1200
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Samsung NX300 vs Fujifilm X-E2

Olympus E-PL7
Fujifilm X-E2
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Olympus E-PL7 vs Fujifilm X-E2

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