• 0.98 inch 285.7mm2
  • 4.7 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1600
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400

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Differences

Sigma SD15 advantages over Olympus E-5

  • Larger sensor
    0.98 inch vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 7.84 vs 4.29 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Lighter weight
    680g vs 892g
    Lighter weight
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
    Yes vs No
    A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré

Olympus E-5 advantages over Sigma SD15

  • Lens selection
    Good vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • 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
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 870 vs 250 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More cross-type AF points
    11 vs 1
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    921k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.58x vs 0.53x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    12.3 vs 4.7 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • More AF points
    11 vs 5
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.0 fps vs 3.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Both provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Both provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • 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
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • 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
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSLR-A300

Sigma SD15
Sony DSLR-A300
  • $1500
  • 0.98 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Top deck display
  • $563
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
Olympus E-5
Sony DSLR-A300
  • $1700
  • 4/3
  • Top deck display
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $563
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Canon 50D

Sigma SD15
Canon 50D
  • $1500
  • 0.98 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
Olympus E-5
Canon 50D
  • $1700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $1000
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Olympus E30

Sigma SD15
Olympus E30
  • $1500
  • 0.98 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1299
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Olympus E-5
Olympus E30
  • $1700
  • 4/3
  • Longer stills battery life
  • HDMI out
  • $1299
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight

Compared to Sony DSLR-A330

Sigma SD15
Sony DSLR-A330
  • $1500
  • 0.98 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Top deck display
  • $530
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
Olympus E-5
Sony DSLR-A330
  • $1700
  • 4/3
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Top deck display
  • $530
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Less expensive

Compared to Sony DSLR-A550

Sigma SD15
Sony DSLR-A550
  • $1500
  • 0.98 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Top deck display
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
Olympus E-5
Sony DSLR-A550
  • $1700
  • 4/3
  • Top deck display
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
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