• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600
  • APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 20.9 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Olympus E-PL5 advantages over Nikon Z 30

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Thinner
    38 mm vs 59 mm
    Thinner
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos

Nikon Z 30 advantages over Olympus E-PL5

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    2 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
    346k vs 154k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More pixels
    20.9 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 60 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    11.0 fps vs 8.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 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

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Kit with 14-42mm lens
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Kit with 16-50mm Lens
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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

Nikon Z 30
Olympus E-PL3
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner

Compare Nikon Z 30 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

Nikon Z 30
Panasonic GF6
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $400
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • NFC

Compare Nikon Z 30 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

Nikon Z 30
Olympus E-PL7
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner

Compare Nikon Z 30 vs Olympus E-PL7

Compared to Canon EOS M50 II

Olympus E-PL5
Canon EOS M50 II
  • $329
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Olympus E-PL5 vs Canon EOS M50 II

Nikon Z 30
Canon EOS M50 II
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Newer
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Nikon Z 30 vs Canon EOS M50 II

Compared to Nikon Z fc

Olympus E-PL5
Nikon Z fc
  • $329
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $957
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Olympus E-PL5 vs Nikon Z fc

Nikon Z 30
Nikon Z fc
  • $697
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $957
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Thinner

Compare Nikon Z 30 vs Nikon Z fc

Compare Other Cameras?