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Canon 5D Mark II vs Olympus E-PM2

The Canon EOS 5D Mark II and the Olympus PEN E-PM2 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in September 2008 and September 2012. The 5D Mark II is a DSLR, while the E-PM2 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a full frame (5D Mark II) and a Four Thirds (E-PM2) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 21 megapixels, whereas the Olympus provides 15.9 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Canon 5D Mark II
versus
Olympus E-PM2
Canon 5D Mark II   Olympus E-PM2
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Canon EF mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
21 MP – Full Frame sensor 15.9 MP – Four Thirds sensor
1080/30p Video 1080/30p Video
ISO 100-6,400 (50 - 25,600) ISO 100-25,600
Optical viewfinder Viewfinder optional
3.0" LCD – 920k dots 3.0" LCD – 460k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed touchscreen
3.9 shutter flaps per second 8 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
850 shots per battery charge360 shots per battery charge
152 x 114 x 75 mm, 850 g 110 x 64 x 34 mm, 269 g
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Check 5D Mark II offers at
ebay.com
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Check E-PM2 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and the Olympus PEN E-PM2? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon 5D Mark II and the Olympus E-PM2. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The E-PM2 can be obtained in four different colors (black, silver, red, white), while the 5D Mark II is only available in black.

Size Canon 5D Mark II vs Olympus E-PM2
Compare 5D Mark II versus E-PM2 top
Comparison 5D Mark II or E-PM2 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Olympus E-PM2 is considerably smaller (59 percent) than the Canon 5D Mark II. Moreover, the E-PM2 is substantially lighter (68 percent) than the 5D Mark II. It is worth mentioning in this context that the 5D Mark II is splash and dust resistant, while the E-PM2 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Canon EF Lens Catalog (5D Mark II) and the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (E-PM2). Mirrorless cameras, such as the E-PM2, have moreover the advantage that they can use many lenses from other systems via adapters, as they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance.

Concerning battery life, the 5D Mark II gets 850 shots out of its Canon LP-E6 battery, while the E-PM2 can take 360 images on a single charge of its Olympus BLS-5 power pack.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 5D Mark II 152 mm 114 mm 75 mm 850 g 850 i Sep 2008 US$ 3 499ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-PM2 110 mm 64 mm 34 mm 269 g 360 i Sep 2012 US$ 499ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III 150 mm 160 mm 80 mm 1385 g 1800 i Aug 2007 US$ 7 999ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 1D X 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1551 g 1120 i Oct 2011 US$ 6 799ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1530 g 1210 i Feb 2016 US$ 5 999ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 5D 152 mm 113 mm 75 mm 895 g 400 i Aug 2005 US$ 3 299ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark III 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 950 g 950 i Mar 2012 US$ 3 499ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV 151 mm 116 mm 76 mm 890 g 900 i Aug 2016 US$ 3 499 amazon.com
9.
 
Canon 5DS 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 i Feb 2015 US$ 3 699ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 5DS R 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 i Feb 2015 US$ 3 699ebay.com
11.
 
Canon 6D 145 mm 111 mm 71 mm 770 g 1090 i Sep 2012 US$ 2 099ebay.com
12.
 
Canon 7D 148 mm 111 mm 74 mm 860 g 800 i Sep 2009 US$ 1 699ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-M10 II 120 mm 83 mm 47 mm 390 g 320 i Aug 2015 US$ 649ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-P5 122 mm 69 mm 37 mm 420 g 330 i May 2013 US$ 999ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus E-PL5 111 mm 64 mm 38 mm 325 g 360 i Sep 2012 US$ 599ebay.com
16.
 
Olympus E-PL6 111 mm 64 mm 38 mm 325 g 360 i May 2013 US$ 599ebay.com
17.
 
Olympus E-PM1 110 mm 64 mm 34 mm 265 g 330 i Jun 2011 US$ 499ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
  empty Camera
Model

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The E-PM2 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 86 percent) than the 5D Mark II, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon 5D Mark II features a full frame sensor and the Olympus E-PM2 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the E-PM2 is 74 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 2.0. The sensor in the 5D Mark II has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the E-PM2 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Canon 5D Mark II and Olympus E-PM2 sensor measures

With 21MP, the 5D Mark II offers a higher resolution than the E-PM2 (15.9MP), but the 5D Mark II nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 6.41μm versus 3.76μm for the E-PM2) due to its larger sensor. However, the E-PM2 is a much more recent model (by 4 years) than the 5D Mark II, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels.

The resolution advantage of the Canon 5D Mark II implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the 5D Mark II for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 28.1 x 18.7 inches or 71.3 x 47.5 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 22.5 x 15 inches or 57.1 x 38 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 18.7 x 12.5 inches or 47.5 x 31.7 cm. The corresponding values for the Olympus E-PM2 are 23 x 17.3 inches or 58.5 x 43.9 cm for good quality, 18.4 x 13.8 inches or 46.8 x 35.1 cm for very good quality, and 15.4 x 11.5 inches or 39 x 29.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark II has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 50-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Olympus PEN E-PM2 are ISO 100 to ISO 25600 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

5D Mark II versus E-PM2 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. Of the two cameras under review, the 5D Mark II has a notably higher overall DXO score than the E-PM2 (overall score 7 points higher), which gives it an advantage in terms of imaging quality. This advantage is based on 1 bits higher color depth, 0.3 EV of lower dynamic range, and 1 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon 5D Mark II Full Frame 21.0 5616 37441080/30p23.711.9181579
2.
 
Olympus E-PM2 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.712.293272
3.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III Full Frame 21.0 5616 3744i24.012.0166380
4.
 
Canon 1D X Full Frame 17.9 5184 34561080/30p23.811.8278682
5.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484K/60p24.113.5320788
6.
 
Canon 5D Full Frame 12.7 4368 2912i22.911.1136871
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark III Full Frame 22.1 5760 38401080/30p24.011.7229381
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV Full Frame 30.1 6720 44804K/30p24.813.6299591
9.
 
Canon 5DS Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.712.4238187
10.
 
Canon 5DS R Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.612.4230886
11.
 
Canon 6D Full Frame 20.0 5472 36481080/30p23.812.1234082
12.
 
Canon 7D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.011.785466
13.
 
Olympus E-M10 II Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p23.112.584273
14.
 
Olympus E-P5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.812.489572
15.
 
Olympus E-PL5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.812.388972
16.
 
Olympus E-PL6 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.512.071768
17.
 
Olympus E-PM1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i21.010.349952
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
  empty Camera
Model

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, and both provide the same movie specifications (1080/30p).

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the 5D Mark II has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the E-PM2 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the E-PM2 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the VF-4. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon 5D Mark II and Olympus E-PM2 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIoptical i3.0 / 920 fixed i 1/8000s 3.9/s i i
2.
 
Olympus E-PM2optional i3.0 / 460 fixed i 1/4000s 8.0/s i i
3.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIIoptical i3.0 / 230 fixed i 1/8000s 5.0/s i i
4.
 
Canon 1D Xoptical i3.2 / 1040 fixed i 1/8000s 14.0/s i i
5.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIoptical i3.2 / 1620 fixed i 1/8000s 16.0/s i i
6.
 
Canon 5Doptical i2.5 / 230 fixed i 1/8000s 3.0/s i i
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIIoptical i3.2 / 1040 fixed i 1/8000s 6.0/s i i
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark IVoptical i3.2 / 1620 fixed i 1/8000s 7.0/s i i
9.
 
Canon 5DSoptical i3.2 / 1040 fixed i 1/8000s 5.0/s i i
10.
 
Canon 5DS Roptical i3.2 / 1040 fixed i 1/8000s 5.0/s i i
11.
 
Canon 6Doptical i3.0 / 1040 fixed i 1/4000s 4.5/s i i
12.
 
Canon 7Doptical i3.0 / 920 fixed i 1/8000s 8.0/s i i
13.
 
Olympus E-M10 II2360 i3.0 / 1040 tilting i 1/4000s 8.0/s i i
14.
 
Olympus E-P5optional i3.0 / 1037 tilting i 1/8000s 9.0/s i i
15.
 
Olympus E-PL5optional i3.0 / 460 tilting i 1/4000s 8.0/s i i
16.
 
Olympus E-PL6optional i3.0 / 460 tilting i 1/4000s 8.0/s i i
17.
 
Olympus E-PM1optional i3.0 / 460 fixed i 1/4000s 5.5/s i i
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
  empty Camera
Model

One feature that is present on the 5D Mark II, but is missing on the E-PM2 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The 5D Mark II writes its imaging data to Compact Flash cards, while the E-PM2 uses SDXC cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and Olympus PEN E-PM2 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIimono / monoiimini2.0iii
2.
 
Olympus E-PM2istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
3.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIIimono / iiii2.0iii
4.
 
Canon 1D Ximono / iiimini2.0iii
5.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIimono / monoiimini3.0iii
6.
 
Canon 5Dii / iiii2.0iii
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIIimono / monoiimini2.0iii
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark IVimono / monoiimini3.0iii
9.
 
Canon 5DSimono / monoiimini3.0iii
10.
 
Canon 5DS Rimono / monoiimini3.0iii
11.
 
Canon 6Dimono / monoiimini2.0iii
12.
 
Canon 7Dimono / iiimini2.0iii
13.
 
Olympus E-M10 IIistereo / monoiimicro2.0iii
14.
 
Olympus E-P5istereo / monoiimicro2.0iii
15.
 
Olympus E-PL5istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
16.
 
Olympus E-PL6istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
17.
 
Olympus E-PM1istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
  empty Camera
Model

It is notable that the 5D Mark II has a microphone port, which is missing on the E-PM2. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Canon 5D Mark II (unlike the E-PM2) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the 5D Mark II and the E-PM2 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The 5D Mark II was replaced by the Canon 5D Mark III, while the E-PM2 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the 5D Mark II and E-PM2 can be found, respectively, in the Canon 5D Mark II Manual (free pdf) or the online Olympus E-PM2 Manual.

Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Canon 5D Mark II and the Olympus E-PM2? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS 5D Mark II:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (21 vs 15.9MP) with a 17% higher linear resolution.
  • Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (7 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (1 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (920k vs 460k dots).
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (850 versus 360) on a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in September 2008).

ilogo

Advantages of the Olympus PEN E-PM2:

  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (8 vs 3.9 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More compact: Is smaller (110x64mm vs 152x114mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 581g or 68 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (86 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 4 years of technical progress since the 5D Mark II launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the 5D Mark II is the clear winner of the match-up (12 : 8 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

5D Mark II 12:08 E-PM2

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 5D Mark II and the Olympus E-PM2 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the 5D Mark II or the E-PM2 perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 5D Mark II4/591/100..79/1004/5.. Sep 2008 US$ 3 499ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-PM23/5....77/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 499ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III......+ +4.5/5.. Aug 2007 US$ 7 999ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 1D X5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2011 US$ 6 799ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II....4.5/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 US$ 5 999ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 5D..88/100..+ +o.. Aug 2005 US$ 3 299ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark III..+ +..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2012 US$ 3 499ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark IV4.5/5+ +4/587/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2016 US$ 3 499 amazon.com
9.
 
Canon 5DS..+..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 US$ 3 699ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 5DS R5/5+..83/1005/54.5/5 Feb 2015 US$ 3 699ebay.com
11.
 
Canon 6D5/5+ +..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 2 099ebay.com
12.
 
Canon 7D5/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2009 US$ 1 699ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-M10 II4.5/5+ +..80/1005/55/5 Aug 2015 US$ 649ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-P55/5+ +..78/1004.5/55/5 May 2013 US$ 999ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus E-PL53/5+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 599ebay.com
16.
 
Olympus E-PL6............ May 2013 US$ 599ebay.com
17.
 
Olympus E-PM1..86/100..71/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2011 US$ 499ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
  empty  Camera 
 Model 

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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Specifications: Canon 5D Mark II vs Olympus E-PM2

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

Camera Specifications
Camera Model Canon 5D Mark II Olympus E-PM2
Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Camera Lens Canon EF mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
Launch Date September 2008 September 2012
Launch Price USD 3,499 USD 499
Sensor Specs Canon 5D Mark II Olympus E-PM2
Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
Sensor Size 36.0 x 24.0 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
Sensor Area 864 mm2 224.9 mm2
Sensor Diagonal 43.3 mm 21.6 mm
Crop Factor 1.0x 2.0x
Sensor Resolution 21 Megapixels 15.9 Megapixels
Image Resolution 5616 x 3744 pixels 4608 x 3456 pixels
Pixel Pitch 6.41 μm 3.76 μm
Pixel Density 2.43 MP/cm2 7.08 MP/cm2
Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
Movie Capability 1080/30p Video 1080/30p Video
ISO Setting 100 - 6,400 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
ISO Boost 50 - 25,600 ISO no Enhancement
Image Processor DIGIC 4 TruePic VI
DXO Sensor Quality (score) 79 72
DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.7 22.7
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.9 12.2
DXO Low Light (ISO) 1815 932
Screen Specs Canon 5D Mark II Olympus E-PM2
Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Viewfinder optional
Viewfinder Field of View 98%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.71x
Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
LCD Framing Live View Live View
Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
LCD Resolution 920k dots 460k dots
LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
Shooting Specs Canon 5D Mark II Olympus E-PM2
Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
Continuous Shooting 3.9 shutter flaps/s 8 shutter flaps/s
Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
Storage Medium CF cards SDXC cards
Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
Connectivity Specs Canon 5D Mark II Olympus E-PM2
External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
Microphone Port External MIC port no MIC socket
Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
Body Specs Canon 5D Mark II Olympus E-PM2
Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
Battery Type Canon LP-E6 Olympus BLS-5
Battery Life (CIPA)850 shots per charge360 shots per charge
Body Dimensions 152 x 114 x 75 mm
(6.0 x 4.5 x 3.0 in)
110 x 64 x 34 mm
(4.3 x 2.5 x 1.3 in)
Camera Weight 850 g (30.0 oz) 269 g (9.5 oz)
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