• APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Samsung NX300 advantages over Olympus PEN-F

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.29 vs 3.36 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~1.20 vs 1.8 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • 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
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos

Olympus PEN-F advantages over Samsung NX300

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.4 fps vs 8.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    43 vs 14 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    10.5 fps vs 7.1 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    39 vs 5 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/6000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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

  • 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

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

  • Highest resolution Olympus 4/3" camera yet; Excellent image quality for its class; Very good dynamic range; Fast autofocus; Fast burst speeds; Lots of fun creative filter options; Built-in EVF, Wi-Fi.

  • Expensive; No weather sealing; Mediocre battery life; No 4K video; No mic or headphone jacks.

  • Read our Olympus PEN-F 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 PEN-F
Sony NEX-7
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $1248
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus PEN-F 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 PEN-F
Fujifilm X-E1
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus PEN-F vs Fujifilm X-E1

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 PEN-F
Fujifilm X-E2
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus PEN-F vs Fujifilm X-E2

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Samsung NX300
Panasonic GX85
  • $1200
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • NFC
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Samsung NX300 vs Panasonic GX85

Olympus PEN-F
Panasonic GX85
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Olympus PEN-F vs Panasonic GX85

Compared to Olympus E-PL8

Samsung NX300
Olympus E-PL8
  • $1200
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Lens selection

Compare Samsung NX300 vs Olympus E-PL8

Olympus PEN-F
Olympus E-PL8
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compare Olympus PEN-F vs Olympus E-PL8

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