• APS-C 372.9mm2
  • 10.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1600
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Nikon D60 advantages over Olympus E-PL5

  • 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
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.10 vs 3.75 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.50 vs 0.7 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 500 vs 360 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    100 vs 15 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Olympus E-PL5 advantages over Nikon D60

  • Less expensive
    $600 vs $700 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • 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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Higher effective ISO
    889 vs 562 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Thinner
    38 mm vs 64 mm
    Thinner
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    461k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    16.1 vs 10.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    8.1 fps vs 3.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Buy the Olympus E-PL5

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent image quality with good color and dynamic range; Great high ISO performance for its class; Extremely speedy performer, with fast and accurate autofocus on stationary subjects; Lightweight, compact and ergonomic design; Touchscreen LCD that tilts all the way forward for taking self portraits; Tons of advanced functions and customizable options.

  • Confusing and frustrating menu system takes hours to master; AF isn't optimal for taking fast-motion action shots; LCD viewfinding suffers under direct sunlight; Mediocre HD video quality; No built-in flash (but a small external flash is included).

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSLR-A200

Nikon D60
Sony DSLR-A200
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $470
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Olympus E-PL5
Sony DSLR-A200
  • $329
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Touchscreen
  • $470
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Sony DSLR-A300

Nikon D60
Sony DSLR-A300
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • More viewfinder magnification
  • $563
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
Olympus E-PL5
Sony DSLR-A300
  • $329
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $563
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Pentax K2000

Nikon D60
Pentax K2000
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $556
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More cross-type AF points
Olympus E-PL5
Pentax K2000
  • $329
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $556
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Panasonic GF6

Nikon D60
Panasonic GF6
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $400
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
Olympus E-PL5
Panasonic GF6
  • $329
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Better color depth
  • $400
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compared to Olympus E-PL7

Nikon D60
Olympus E-PL7
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
Olympus E-PL5
Olympus E-PL7
  • $329
  • 4/3
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Fast startup
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