• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 36.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Nikon D800E advantages over Olympus E-PL6

  • Larger sensor
    35mm 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
    ~ 4.88 vs 3.75 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 900 vs 360 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • 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
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Higher-res screen
    307k vs 205k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More pixels
    36.3 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Olympus E-PL6 advantages over Nikon D800E

  • Less expensive
    $300 vs $3300 (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
  • Thinner
    38 mm vs 81 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    325g vs 1008g
    Lighter weight
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

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

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Buy the Olympus E-PL6

Review Excerpt

  • Rugged build; Excellent controls; Extremely high resolution, even more than the D800; Dual cards; Surprising high ISO performance.

  • Moire problem with certain subjects; Very large files; Slower frame rate; Battery life lower than D700.

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D800

Nikon D800E
Nikon D800
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
Olympus E-PL6
Nikon D800
  • $299
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Nikon D800E
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • More cross-type AF points
Olympus E-PL6
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $299
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Touchscreen
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Panasonic GF5

Nikon D800E
Panasonic GF5
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Thinner
Olympus E-PL6
Panasonic GF5
  • $299
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Bigger pixels
  • Internal flash

Compared to Nikon D810

Nikon D800E
Nikon D810
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • $2278
  • 35mm
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Faster JPEG shooting
Olympus E-PL6
Nikon D810
  • $299
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Touchscreen
  • $2278
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Panasonic GF7

Nikon D800E
Panasonic GF7
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $590
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
Olympus E-PL6
Panasonic GF7
  • $299
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $590
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas
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