• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600
  • 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Olympus E-PL6 advantages over Panasonic S5 IIX

  • Less expensive
    $300 vs $2200 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Thinner
    38 mm vs 81 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    325g vs 714g
    Lighter weight
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos

Panasonic S5 IIX advantages over Olympus E-PL6

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
    ~ 5.93 vs 3.75 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    5.9K vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • 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
    19 months vs 11 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
    613k vs 205k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More pixels
    24.2 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • 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

  • 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
  • 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

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Olympus E-PM1

Olympus E-PL6
Olympus E-PM1
  • $299
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Shoots 60p video
Panasonic S5 IIX
Olympus E-PM1
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compared to Panasonic GF5

Olympus E-PL6
Panasonic GF5
  • $299
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Bigger pixels
  • Internal flash
Panasonic S5 IIX
Panasonic GF5
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Internal flash
  • Thinner

Compared to Panasonic GF7

Olympus E-PL6
Panasonic GF7
  • $299
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $590
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas
Panasonic S5 IIX
Panasonic GF7
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $590
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Canon R6 Mark II

Olympus E-PL6
Canon R6 Mark II
  • $299
  • 4/3
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight
  • $2432
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
Panasonic S5 IIX
Canon R6 Mark II
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • High resolution composite
  • Top deck display
  • $2432
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Panasonic S5 II

Olympus E-PL6
Panasonic S5 II
  • $299
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
Panasonic S5 IIX
Panasonic S5 II
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • $2000
  • 35mm
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