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

Buy From

Differences

Samsung NX500 advantages over Olympus E-M1X

  • 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
  • Thinner
    42 mm vs 75 mm
    Thinner
  • More pixels
    28.2 vs 20.4 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Olympus E-M1X advantages over Samsung NX500

  • 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
  • Fast startup
    ~0.80 vs 1.5 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 870 vs 370 shots
    Capture more photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    5 years vs 9 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Less shutter lag
    0.09 vs 0.20 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    60.7 fps vs 8.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    60.7 fps vs 8.5 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    49 vs 6 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 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
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Both provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • 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

  • 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

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Samsung NX500
Kit with 16-50mm PZ Lens (Black)
  • Kit with 16-50mm PZ Lens (Black)
  • Kit with 16-50mm PZ Lens (Brown)
  • Kit with 16-50mm PZ Lens (White)
All NX500 Deals

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus E-M1X
Body Only
All E-M1X Deals

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.

  • Read our Samsung NX500 Review

  • Terrific overall image quality for a 20MP 4/3" sensor; Very good high ISO performance this sensor size; Very impressive & improved AF performance; Extremely fast, responsive overall performance; New Intelligent Subject Detection AF feature works well; More video features; Outstanding IBIS.

  • Image quality not improved from (updated) E-M1 II; Faces tough competition with image quality at this price point, especially at higher ISOs; EVF feels somewhat outdated; Expensive for a Micro Four Thirds camera.

  • Read our Olympus E-M1X Review

The Competition

Compared to Sony A6300

Samsung NX500
Sony A6300
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $846
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Samsung NX500 vs Sony A6300

Olympus E-M1X
Sony A6300
  • $2133
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $846
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Olympus E-M1X vs Sony A6300

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

Compare Samsung NX500 vs Sony A6500

Olympus E-M1X
Sony A6500
  • $2133
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-M1X vs Sony A6500

Compared to Panasonic GH5

Samsung NX500
Panasonic GH5
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion

Compare Samsung NX500 vs Panasonic GH5

Olympus E-M1X
Panasonic GH5
  • $2133
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • Built-in GPS
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion

Compare Olympus E-M1X vs Panasonic GH5

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

Compare Samsung NX500 vs Leica TL2

Olympus E-M1X
Leica TL2
  • $2133
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-M1X vs Leica TL2

Compared to Panasonic GH6

Samsung NX500
Panasonic GH6
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Samsung NX500 vs Panasonic GH6

Olympus E-M1X
Panasonic GH6
  • $2133
  • 4/3
  • Built-in GPS
  • Longer video battery life
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Newer

Compare Olympus E-M1X vs Panasonic GH6

Compare Other Cameras?