• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 20.8 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 102,400

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Differences

Olympus E-PL5 advantages over Nikon D6

  • Less expensive
    $600 vs $6500 (MSRP)
    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
  • Thinner
    38 mm vs 92 mm
    Thinner

Nikon D6 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
    ~ 6.45 vs 3.75 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your 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
  • Newer
    5 years vs 12 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Higher-res screen
    590k vs 154k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More pixels
    20.8 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
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 60 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    327680 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

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 Olympus E-PL3

Olympus E-PL5
Olympus E-PL3
  • $329
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Shoots 60p video
Nikon D6
Olympus E-PL3
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

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
Nikon D6
Panasonic GF6
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $400
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Olympus E-PL7

Olympus E-PL5
Olympus E-PL7
  • $329
  • 4/3
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Fast startup
Nikon D6
Olympus E-PL7
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compared to Nikon D5

Olympus E-PL5
Nikon D5
  • $329
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $4891
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Nikon D6
Nikon D5
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Built-in GPS
  • $4891
  • 35mm
  • Higher extended ISO

Compared to Canon 1DX Mark III

Olympus E-PL5
Canon 1DX Mark III
  • $329
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $6499
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Nikon D6
Canon 1DX Mark III
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Longer exposure
  • $6499
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • On-sensor phase detect
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