• 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 20.8 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 102,400
  • 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

Buy From

Differences

Nikon D5 advantages over Olympus E-M10 III

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.45 vs 3.78 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.40 vs 1.0 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer video battery life
    110 vs 80 minutes
    Capture more video
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 3780 vs 330 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Higher-res screen
    590k vs 346k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.72x vs 0.62x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    20.8 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    12.1 fps vs 8.6 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    12.1 fps vs 8.6 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    183 vs 33 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    3276800 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Olympus E-M10 III advantages over Nikon D5

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Less expensive
    $799 vs $3299*
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    49 mm vs 92 mm
    Thinner
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 200 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • 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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D5

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus E-M10 III

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent image quality; Excellent high ISO performance; Fast 153-point autofocus system; Fast continuous shooting speeds; 4K video recording; Pro-quality camera body; Outstanding battery life.

  • Large and heavy body might not be right for all; Loud shutter; Underutilized touchscreen; Low ISO dynamic range not as good as predecessor; Extended high ISOs not very useful; Sluggish Live View AF.

  • Superbly-built, comfortable and compact body; Pairs beautifully with pancake kit lens; Excellent image quality; Excellent performance in most respects; Great single-shot autofocus; Really nice viewfinder and touch-screen display; Friendlier user interface courts amateurs.

  • Some controls are a bit small and tightly-packed; Hand grips are still a bit modestly-sized for larger lenses; Continuous and video autofocus just isn't up to snuff; New user interface can feel limiting to advanced photographers; Underwhelming battery life.

The Competition

Compared to Canon EOS-1D C

Nikon D5
Canon EOS-1D C
  • $4898
  • 35mm
  • Touchscreen
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $6989
  • 35mm
Olympus E-M10 III
Canon EOS-1D C
  • $549
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $6989
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon D4S

Nikon D5
Nikon D4S
  • $4898
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $5399
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
Olympus E-M10 III
Nikon D4S
  • $549
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $5399
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Olympus E-M10 II

Nikon D5
Olympus E-M10 II
  • $4898
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $349
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
Olympus E-M10 III
Olympus E-M10 II
  • $549
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $349
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive

Compared to Canon 1DX Mark II

Nikon D5
Canon 1DX Mark II
  • $4898
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $2999
  • 35mm
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Built-in GPS
Olympus E-M10 III
Canon 1DX Mark II
  • $549
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $2999
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Nikon D5
Panasonic GX85
  • $4898
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
Olympus E-M10 III
Panasonic GX85
  • $549
  • 4/3
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Higher max flash sync
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Compare Other Cameras?