• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600
  • 35mm 855.6mm2
  • 24.0 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 6400

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Differences

Olympus E-PL5 advantages over Leica M-D (Typ 262)

  • Rear display
    Yes vs No
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Less expensive
    $600 vs $5995 (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
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    8.1 fps vs 3.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Leica M-D (Typ 262) advantages over Olympus E-PL5

  • 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
    ~ 5.99 vs 3.75 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Newer
    8 years vs 12 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More pixels
    24.0 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos

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
  • 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
  • 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
Kit with 14-42mm lens

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Buy the Leica M-D (Typ 262)
Body Only (Black)

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).

  • Read our Olympus E-PL5 Review

The Competition

Compared to Olympus E-PL3

Olympus E-PL5
Olympus E-PL3
  • $329
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Shoots 60p video

Compare Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus E-PL3

Leica M-D (Typ 262)
Olympus E-PL3
  • $5995
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Lens selection

Compare Leica M-D (Typ 262) vs Olympus E-PL3

Compared to Panasonic GF6

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

Compare Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic GF6

Leica M-D (Typ 262)
Panasonic GF6
  • $5995
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $400
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Lens selection

Compare Leica M-D (Typ 262) vs Panasonic GF6

Compared to Olympus E-PL7

Olympus E-PL5
Olympus E-PL7
  • $329
  • 4/3
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Fast startup

Compare Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus E-PL7

Leica M-D (Typ 262)
Olympus E-PL7
  • $5995
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Lens selection

Compare Leica M-D (Typ 262) vs Olympus E-PL7

Compared to Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)

Olympus E-PL5
Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)
  • $329
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $7595
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Olympus E-PL5 vs Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)

Leica M-D (Typ 262)
Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)
  • $5995
  • 35mm
  • $7595
  • 35mm
  • Rear display
  • Focus peaking

Compare Leica M-D (Typ 262) vs Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)

Compared to Leica M10

Olympus E-PL5
Leica M10
  • $329
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $7662
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Olympus E-PL5 vs Leica M10

Leica M-D (Typ 262)
Leica M10
  • $5995
  • 35mm
  • $7662
  • 35mm
  • Rear display
  • Focus peaking

Compare Leica M-D (Typ 262) vs Leica M10

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