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

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Differences

Samsung NX500 advantages over Olympus PEN-F

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (DCI) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,379 vs 894 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    13.9 vs 12.4 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • More pixels
    28.2 vs 20.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Olympus PEN-F advantages over Samsung NX500

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
  • Less shutter lag
    0.14 vs 0.20 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.4 fps vs 8.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    10.5 fps vs 8.5 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    39 vs 6 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • 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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Buy the Samsung NX500

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Buy the Olympus PEN-F

Review Excerpt

  • Very good image quality with high-resolution files; Excellent high ISO performance with RAW files; Very good dynamic range; Fast AF performance; Compact design with good build quality; Better ergonomics than predecessor; 4K video recording.

  • High ISO noise reduction too strong; AF struggles in low-light; Buffer depth is shallow with RAW files; No option for EVF; No built-in flash (external one included); 4K Video is cropped with narrower FOV.

  • 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.

The Competition

Compared to Samsung NX3000

Samsung NX500
Samsung NX3000
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
Olympus PEN-F
Samsung NX3000
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Samsung NX500
Panasonic GX85
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • NFC
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Olympus PEN-F
Panasonic GX85
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video

Compared to Olympus E-PL8

Samsung NX500
Olympus E-PL8
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Lens selection
Olympus PEN-F
Olympus E-PL8
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Sony A6500

Samsung NX500
Sony A6500
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • More pixels
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Olympus PEN-F
Sony A6500
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Leica TL2

Samsung NX500
Leica TL2
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • Faster RAW shooting
Olympus PEN-F
Leica TL2
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
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