• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Nikon D5200 advantages over Olympus E-PL8

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 500 vs 350 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More pixels
    24.1 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options

Olympus E-PL8 advantages over Nikon D5200

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Thinner
    38 mm vs 78 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    8 years vs 12 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    487g vs 827g
    Lighter weight
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    8.5 fps vs 4.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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

  • 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
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • 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

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D5200

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus E-PL8

Review Excerpt

  • Captures sharp, detailed photos with its new 24.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, even at higher ISOs; Features a familiar (D5100) but refined body design; Records Full HD video with full-time autofocus tracking; Packs a ton of advanced features into a consumer-friendly body at a great price.

  • Autofocuses a little slowly for its class and struggles at times in low light; Changing some basic settings takes more time and effort than it should; Mediocre kit lens.

The Competition

Compared to Sony A65

Nikon D5200
Sony A65
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Olympus E-PL8
Sony A65
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $798
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Nikon D3200

Nikon D5200
Nikon D3200
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $477
  • APS-C
  • Bigger RAW buffer
Olympus E-PL8
Nikon D3200
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $477
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Sony A58

Nikon D5200
Sony A58
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Olympus E-PL8
Sony A58
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Touchscreen
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Nikon D5200
Panasonic GX85
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Olympus E-PL8
Panasonic GX85
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Shoot 4K video

Compared to Olympus E-PL9

Nikon D5200
Olympus E-PL9
  • $500
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Olympus E-PL8
Olympus E-PL9
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas
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