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Canon 7D II vs Olympus E-520

The Canon EOS 7D Mark II and the Olympus E-520 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in September 2014 and May 2008. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are based on an APS-C (7D Mark II) and a Four Thirds (E-520) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 20 megapixels, whereas the Olympus provides 10 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Canon 7D II
versus
Olympus E-520
Canon 7D II   Olympus E-520
Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
Canon EF mount lenses Four Thirds lenses
20 MP – APS-C sensor 10 MP – Four Thirds sensor
1080/60p Video no Video
ISO 100-16,000 (100 - 51,200) ISO 100-1,600
Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 1040k dots 2.7" LCD – 215k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
10 shutter flaps per second 3.5 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
670 shots per battery charge750 shots per battery charge
149 x 112 x 78 mm, 910 g 136 x 92 x 68 mm, 535 g
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Check 7D Mark II offers at
ebay.com
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Check E-520 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS 7D Mark II and the Olympus E-520? 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 physical size and weight of the Canon 7D II and the Olympus E-520 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. 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.

Size Canon 7D II vs Olympus E-520
Compare 7D Mark II versus E-520 top
Comparison 7D Mark II or E-520 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Olympus E-520 is notably smaller (25 percent) than the Canon 7D II. Moreover, the E-520 is substantially lighter (41 percent) than the 7D Mark II. It is worth mentioning in this context that the 7D Mark II is splash and dust resistant, while the E-520 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 (7D Mark II) and the Four Thirds Lens Catalog (E-520).

Concerning battery life, the 7D Mark II gets 670 shots out of its Canon LP-E6N battery, while the E-520 can take 750 images on a single charge of its Olympus BLM-1 power pack.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. 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 7D II 149 mm 112 mm 78 mm 910 g 670 i Sep 2014 US$ 1 799ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-520 136 mm 92 mm 68 mm 535 g 750 i May 2008 US$ 699ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 6D 145 mm 111 mm 71 mm 770 g 1090 i Sep 2012 US$ 2 099ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 7D 148 mm 111 mm 74 mm 860 g 800 i Sep 2009 US$ 1 699ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 20D 144 mm 106 mm 72 mm 770 g 700 i Aug 2004 US$ 1 499ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 50D 146 mm 108 mm 74 mm 822 g 800 i Aug 2008 US$ 1 299ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 60D 145 mm 106 mm 79 mm 755 g 1100 i Aug 2010 US$ 1 399ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 70D 139 mm 104 mm 79 mm 755 g 920 i Jul 2013 US$ 1 199ebay.com
9.
 
Canon SL1 117 mm 91 mm 69 mm 407 g 380 i Mar 2013 US$ 549ebay.com
10.
 
Canon T5 130 mm 100 mm 78 mm 480 g 500 i Feb 2014 US$ 449ebay.com
11.
 
Canon T5i 133 mm 100 mm 79 mm 580 g 440 i Mar 2013 US$ 649ebay.com
12.
 
Canon T6i 132 mm 101 mm 78 mm 555 g 440 i Feb 2015 US$ 749ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-410 130 mm 91 mm 53 mm 435 g 500 i Mar 2007 US$ 699ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-420 130 mm 91 mm 53 mm 440 g 500 i Mar 2008 US$ 599ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus E-510 136 mm 92 mm 68 mm 538 g 750 i Mar 2007 US$ 799ebay.com
16.
 
Olympus E-600 130 mm 94 mm 60 mm 535 g 500 i Aug 2009 US$ 449ebay.com
17.
 
Olympus E-620 130 mm 94 mm 60 mm 521 g 500 i Feb 2009 US$ 699ebay.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 retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The E-520 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 61 percent) than the 7D 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 size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units 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 7D II features an APS-C sensor and the Olympus E-520 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the E-520 is 33 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.6 and 2.0. The sensor in the 7D Mark II has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the E-520 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Canon 7D II and Olympus E-520 sensor measures

With 20MP, the 7D Mark II offers a higher resolution than the E-520 (10MP), but the 7D Mark II has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.10μm versus 4.74μm for the E-520). However, the 7D Mark II is a much more recent model (by 6 years and 4 months) than the E-520, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels.

The resolution advantage of the Canon 7D II implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the 7D Mark II for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 27.4 x 18.2 inches or 69.5 x 46.3 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 21.9 x 14.6 inches or 55.6 x 37.1 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 18.2 x 12.2 inches or 46.3 x 30.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Olympus E-520 are 18.2 x 13.7 inches or 46.3 x 34.7 cm for good quality, 14.6 x 10.9 inches or 37.1 x 27.8 cm for very good quality, and 12.2 x 9.1 inches or 30.9 x 23.2 cm for excellent quality prints.

The 7D Mark II has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Canon EOS 7D Mark II has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 16000, which can be extended to ISO 100-51200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Olympus E-520 are ISO 100 to ISO 1600 (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.

7D Mark II versus E-520 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 7D Mark II provides substantially higher image quality than the E-520, with an overall score that is 15 points higher. This advantage is based on 1 bits higher color depth, 1.4 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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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 7D II APS-C 20.0 5472 36481080/60p22.411.8108270
2.
 
Olympus E-520 Four Thirds 10.0 3648 2736i21.410.454855
3.
 
Canon 6D Full Frame 20.0 5472 36481080/30p23.812.1234082
4.
 
Canon 7D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.011.785466
5.
 
Canon 20D APS-C 8.2 3504 2336i21.911.072162
6.
 
Canon 50D APS-C 15.1 4752 3168i21.811.469663
7.
 
Canon 60D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.211.581366
8.
 
Canon 70D APS-C 20.0 5472 36481080/30p22.511.692668
9.
 
Canon SL1 APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.811.384363
10.
 
Canon T5 APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.911.372463
11.
 
Canon T5i APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.711.268161
12.
 
Canon T6i APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.712.091971
13.
 
Olympus E-410 Four Thirds 10.0 3648 2736i21.110.049451
14.
 
Olympus E-420 Four Thirds 10.0 3648 2736i21.510.452756
15.
 
Olympus E-510 Four Thirds 10.0 3648 2736i21.210.044252
16.
 
Olympus E-600 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024i21.510.354155
17.
 
Olympus E-620 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024i21.310.353655
  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 are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The 7D Mark II indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the E-520 does not. The highest resolution format that the 7D Mark II can use is 1080/60p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The 7D Mark II and the E-520 are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The viewfinder in the 7D Mark II offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the E-520 (95%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the 7D Mark II has a higher magnification (0.63x vs 0.46x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon 7D II, the Olympus E-520, and comparable 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 7D IIoptical i3.0 / 1040 fixed i 1/8000s 10.0/s i i
2.
 
Olympus E-520optical i2.7 / 215 fixed i 1/4000s 3.5/s i i
3.
 
Canon 6Doptical i3.0 / 1040 fixed i 1/4000s 4.5/s i i
4.
 
Canon 7Doptical i3.0 / 920 fixed i 1/8000s 8.0/s i i
5.
 
Canon 20Doptical i1.8 / 118 fixed i 1/8000s 5.0/s i i
6.
 
Canon 50Doptical i3.0 / 920 fixed i 1/8000s 6.3/s i i
7.
 
Canon 60Doptical i3.0 / 1040 swivel i 1/8000s 5.3/s i i
8.
 
Canon 70Doptical i3.0 / 1040 swivel i 1/8000s 7.0/s i i
9.
 
Canon SL1optical i3.0 / 1040 fixed i 1/4000s 4.9/s i i
10.
 
Canon T5optical i3.0 / 460 fixed i 1/4000s 3.0/s i i
11.
 
Canon T5ioptical i3.0 / 1040 swivel i 1/4000s 5.0/s i i
12.
 
Canon T6ioptical i3.0 / 1040 swivel i 1/4000s 5.0/s i i
13.
 
Olympus E-410optical i2.5 / 215 fixed i 1/4000s 3.0/s i i
14.
 
Olympus E-420optical i2.7 / 215 fixed i 1/4000s 3.5/s i i
15.
 
Olympus E-510optical i2.5 / 215 fixed i 1/4000s 3.0/s i i
16.
 
Olympus E-600optical i2.7 / 230 swivel i 1/4000s 4.0/s i i
17.
 
Olympus E-620optical i2.7 / 230 swivel i 1/4000s 4.0/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 7D Mark II, but is missing on the E-520 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 Canon 7D II has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The 7D Mark II writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or SDXC cards, while the E-520 uses Compact Flash or xD Picture cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails.

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 7D Mark II and Olympus E-520 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 7D IIistereo / monoiimini3.0iii
2.
 
Olympus E-520ii / iiii2.0iii
3.
 
Canon 6Dimono / monoiimini2.0iii
4.
 
Canon 7Dimono / iiimini2.0iii
5.
 
Canon 20Dii / iiii1.1iii
6.
 
Canon 50Dii / iiimini2.0iii
7.
 
Canon 60Dimono / monoiimini2.0iii
8.
 
Canon 70Distereo / monoiimini2.0iii
9.
 
Canon SL1imono / monoiimini2.0iii
10.
 
Canon T5imono / monoiimini2.0iii
11.
 
Canon T5iistereo / monoiimini2.0iii
12.
 
Canon T6iistereo / monoiimini2.0iii
13.
 
Olympus E-410ii / iiii2.0iii
14.
 
Olympus E-420ii / iiii2.0iii
15.
 
Olympus E-510ii / iiii2.0iii
16.
 
Olympus E-600ii / iiii2.0iii
17.
 
Olympus E-620ii / iiii2.0iii
  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

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Canon 7D II (unlike the E-520) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that the 7D Mark II has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.

Both the 7D Mark II and the E-520 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. Neither of the two has a direct successor, so they represent the end of the respective camera lines from Canon and Olympus. Further information on the features and operation of the 7D Mark II and E-520 can be found, respectively, in the Canon 7D II Manual (free pdf) or the online Olympus E-520 Manual.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Canon 7D II or the Olympus E-520 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

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Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS 7D Mark II:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (20 vs 10MP) with a 44% higher linear resolution.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (15 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (1.4 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (1 stops ISO advantage).
  • Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 1080/60p movies.
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 95%).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.63x vs 0.46x).
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.7") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 215k dots).
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 3.5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • More modern: Reflects 6 years and 4 months of technical progress since the E-520 launch.

ilogo

Arguments in favor of the Olympus E-520:

  • More compact: Is smaller (136x92mm vs 149x112mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 375g or 41 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (750 versus 670) out of a single battery charge.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (61 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in May 2008).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the 7D Mark II is the clear winner of the match-up (19 : 6 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

7D Mark II 19:06 E-520

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 7D II and the Olympus E-520 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the 7D Mark II or the E-520. 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 why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear 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 7D II4.5/5+3.5/584/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2014 US$ 1 799ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-520..87/100..+ +4.5/54.5/5 May 2008 US$ 699ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 6D5/5+ +..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 2 099ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 7D5/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2009 US$ 1 699ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 20D......+ +.... Aug 2004 US$ 1 499ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 50D..+ +..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2008 US$ 1 299ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 60D5/5+..79/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2010 US$ 1 399ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 70D5/5+ +..83/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2013 US$ 1 199ebay.com
9.
 
Canon SL14/5+..78/1004/54/5 Mar 2013 US$ 549ebay.com
10.
 
Canon T53/5+....4/54.5/5 Feb 2014 US$ 449ebay.com
11.
 
Canon T5i......76/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2013 US$ 649ebay.com
12.
 
Canon T6i5/5....75/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 US$ 749ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-410..86/100..+ +4/54.5/5 Mar 2007 US$ 699ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-420..85/100..+ +4/54.5/5 Mar 2008 US$ 599ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus E-510..89/100..+ +3.5/54.5/5 Mar 2007 US$ 799ebay.com
16.
 
Olympus E-600..........4.5/5 Aug 2009 US$ 449ebay.com
17.
 
Olympus E-6203/588/100..72/1004.5/55/5 Feb 2009 US$ 699ebay.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. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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  • Canon R5 C
  • Canon R6
  • Canon R6 Mark II
  • Canon R7
  • Canon R8
  • Canon R10
  • Canon R50
  • Canon R50 V
  • Canon R100
  • Canon RP
  • Canon S120
  • Canon SL1
  • Canon SL2
  • Canon SL3
  • Canon SX1
  • Canon SX10
  • Canon SX20
  • Canon SX30
  • Canon SX40
  • Canon SX50
  • Canon SX60
  • Canon SX70
  • Canon SX400
  • Canon SX410
  • Canon SX420
  • Canon SX430
  • Canon SX500
  • Canon SX510
  • Canon SX520
  • Canon SX530
  • Canon SX540
  • Canon SX600
  • Canon SX610
  • Canon SX620
  • Canon SX700
  • Canon SX710
  • Canon SX720
  • Canon SX730
  • Canon SX740
  • Canon Rebel
  • Canon T1i
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  • Canon T3
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  • Canon T5
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  • Canon T6
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  • Canon V1
  • Canon XC10
  • Canon XS
  • Canon XSi
  • Canon XT
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  • Contax N Digital
  • Epson R-D1
  • Fujifilm GFX 50R
  • Fujifilm GFX 50S
  • Fujifilm GFX 50S II
  • Fujifilm GFX 100
  • Fujifilm GFX 100 II
  • Fujifilm GFX 100RF
  • Fujifilm GFX 100S
  • Fujifilm GFX 100S II
  • Fujifilm X-A1
  • Fujifilm X-A2
  • Fujifilm X-A3
  • Fujifilm X-A5
  • Fujifilm X-A7
  • Fujifilm X-A10
  • Fujifilm X-E1
  • Fujifilm X-E2
  • Fujifilm X-E2S
  • Fujifilm X-E3
  • Fujifilm X-E4
  • Fujifilm X-E5
  • Fujifilm X-H1
  • Fujifilm X-H2
  • Fujifilm X-H2S
  • Fujifilm X-M1
  • Fujifilm X-M5
  • Fujifilm X-Pro1
  • Fujifilm X-Pro2
  • Fujifilm X-Pro3
  • Fujifilm X-S10
  • Fujifilm X-S20
  • Fujifilm X-T1
  • Fujifilm X-T2
  • Fujifilm X-T3
  • Fujifilm X-T4
  • Fujifilm X-T5
  • Fujifilm X-T10
  • Fujifilm X-T20
  • Fujifilm X-T30
  • Fujifilm X-T30 II
  • Fujifilm X-T50
  • Fujifilm X-T100
  • Fujifilm X-T200
  • Fujifilm X10
  • Fujifilm X20
  • Fujifilm X30
  • Fujifilm X70
  • Fujifilm X100
  • Fujifilm X100S
  • Fujifilm X100T
  • Fujifilm X100F
  • Fujifilm X100V
  • Fujifilm X100VI
  • Fujifilm XF10
  • Fujifilm XQ1
  • Fujifilm XQ2
  • Fujifilm XP120
  • Fujifilm XP130
  • Fujifilm XP140
  • Hasselblad X1D
  • Hasselblad X1D II
  • Hasselblad X2D 100C
  • Kodak AZ901
  • Kodak S-1
  • Leica C-LUX
  • Leica CL
  • Leica D-LUX Typ 109
  • Leica D-LUX 5
  • Leica D-LUX 6
  • Leica D-LUX 7
  • Leica D-LUX 8
  • Leica Digilux 3
  • Leica M Typ 240
  • Leica M-E Typ 240
  • Leica M Typ 262
  • Leica M8
  • Leica M9
  • Leica M10
  • Leica M10-P
  • Leica M10-R
  • Leica M11
  • Leica Q Typ 116
  • Leica Q2
  • Leica Q3
  • Leica S1
  • Leica S2
  • Leica S3
  • Leica S Typ 006
  • Leica S-E Typ 006
  • Leica S Typ 007
  • Leica SL
  • Leica SL2
  • Leica SL2-S
  • Leica SL3
  • Leica SL3-S
  • Leica T
  • Leica TL
  • Leica TL2
  • Leica V-LUX 1
  • Leica V-LUX 2
  • Leica V-LUX 3
  • Leica V-LUX 4
  • Leica V-LUX Typ 114
  • Leica V-LUX 5
  • Leica X1
  • Leica X2
  • Leica X Vario
  • Leica X Typ 113
  • Leica X-U Typ 113
  • Leitz Ur-Leica
  • Nikon 1 J4
  • Nikon 1 J5
  • Nikon 1 V1
  • Nikon 1 V2
  • Nikon 1 V3
  • Nikon Coolpix A
  • Nikon A1000
  • Nikon B500
  • Nikon B600
  • Nikon B700
  • Nikon D1
  • Nikon D1H
  • Nikon D1X
  • Nikon D2H
  • Nikon D2X
  • Nikon D2Xs
  • Nikon D3
  • Nikon D3S
  • Nikon D3X
  • Nikon D4
  • Nikon D4S
  • Nikon D5
  • Nikon D6
  • Nikon D40
  • Nikon D40X
  • Nikon D50
  • Nikon D60
  • Nikon D70
  • Nikon D70s
  • Nikon D80
  • Nikon D90
  • Nikon D100
  • Nikon D200
  • Nikon D300
  • Nikon D300S
  • Nikon D500
  • Nikon D600
  • Nikon D610
  • Nikon D700
  • Nikon D750
  • Nikon D780
  • Nikon D800
  • Nikon D800E
  • Nikon D810
  • Nikon D850
  • Nikon D3000
  • Nikon D3100
  • Nikon D3200
  • Nikon D3300
  • Nikon D3400
  • Nikon D3500
  • Nikon D5000
  • Nikon D5100
  • Nikon D5200
  • Nikon D5300
  • Nikon D5500
  • Nikon D5600
  • Nikon D7000
  • Nikon D7100
  • Nikon D7200
  • Nikon D7500
  • Nikon Df
  • Nikon L840
  • Nikon P900
  • Nikon P950
  • Nikon P1000
  • Nikon P1100
  • Nikon P7800
  • Nikon W150
  • Nikon W300
  • Nikon Z5
  • Nikon Z5 II
  • Nikon Z6
  • Nikon Z6 II
  • Nikon Z6 III
  • Nikon Z7
  • Nikon Z7 II
  • Nikon Z8
  • Nikon Z9
  • Nikon Z30
  • Nikon Z50
  • Nikon Z50 II
  • Nikon Zf
  • Nikon Z fc
  • Olympus E-1
  • Olympus E-3
  • Olympus E-5
  • Olympus E-30
  • Olympus E-300
  • Olympus E-330
  • Olympus E-400
  • Olympus E-410
  • Olympus E-420
  • Olympus E-450
  • Olympus E-500
  • Olympus E-510
  • Olympus E-520
  • Olympus E-600
  • Olympus E-620
  • Olympus E-M1
  • Olympus E-M1 II
  • Olympus E-M1 III
  • Olympus E-M1X
  • Olympus E-M5
  • Olympus E-M5 II
  • Olympus E-M5 III
  • Olympus E-M10
  • Olympus E-M10 II
  • Olympus E-M10 III
  • Olympus E-M10 IV
  • Olympus E-P1
  • Olympus E-P2
  • Olympus E-P3
  • Olympus E-P5
  • Olympus E-P7
  • Olympus E-PL1
  • Olympus E-PL2
  • Olympus E-PL3
  • Olympus E-PL5
  • Olympus E-PL6
  • Olympus E-PL7
  • Olympus E-PL8
  • Olympus E-PL9
  • Olympus E-PL10
  • Olympus E-PM1
  • Olympus E-PM2
  • Olympus PEN-F
  • Olympus Stylus 1
  • Olympus Stylus 1s
  • Olympus TG-4
  • Olympus TG-5
  • Olympus TG-6
  • Olympus XZ-1
  • Olympus XZ-2
  • OM System OM-1
  • OM System OM-1 II
  • OM System OM-3
  • OM System OM-5
  • OM System OM-5 II
  • OM System TG-7
  • Panasonic FZ80
  • Panasonic FZ80D
  • Panasonic FZ100
  • Panasonic FZ150
  • Panasonic FZ200
  • Panasonic FZ300
  • Panasonic FZ1000
  • Panasonic FZ1000 II
  • Panasonic FZ2500
  • Panasonic G1
  • Panasonic G2
  • Panasonic G3
  • Panasonic G5
  • Panasonic G6
  • Panasonic G7
  • Panasonic G9
  • Panasonic G9 II
  • Panasonic G10
  • Panasonic G85
  • Panasonic G97
  • Panasonic G95
  • Panasonic G100
  • Panasonic GF1
  • Panasonic GF2
  • Panasonic GF3
  • Panasonic GF5
  • Panasonic GF6
  • Panasonic GF7
  • Panasonic GH1
  • Panasonic GH2
  • Panasonic GH3
  • Panasonic GH4
  • Panasonic GH5
  • Panasonic GH5 II
  • Panasonic GH5s
  • Panasonic GH6
  • Panasonic GH7
  • Panasonic GM1
  • Panasonic GM5
  • Panasonic GX1
  • Panasonic GX7
  • Panasonic GX8
  • Panasonic GX9
  • Panasonic GX85
  • Panasonic GX850
  • Panasonic L1
  • Panasonic L10
  • Panasonic LF1
  • Panasonic LX5
  • Panasonic LX7
  • Panasonic LX10
  • Panasonic LX100
  • Panasonic LX100 II
  • Panasonic S1
  • Panasonic S1 II
  • Panasonic S1H
  • Panasonic S1R
  • Panasonic S1R II
  • Panasonic S5
  • Panasonic S5 II
  • Panasonic S9
  • Panasonic TS7
  • Panasonic ZS70
  • Panasonic ZS80
  • Panasonic ZS100
  • Panasonic ZS200
  • Pentax 645D
  • Pentax 645Z
  • Pentax K-1
  • Pentax K-1 II
  • Pentax K-3
  • Pentax K-3 II
  • Pentax K-3 III
  • Pentax K-5
  • Pentax K-5 II
  • Pentax K-30
  • Pentax K-50
  • Pentax K-70
  • Pentax K-500
  • Pentax KP
  • Pentax K-S1
  • Pentax K-S2
  • Pentax MX-1
  • Pentax Q
  • Pentax WG-8
  • Pentax WG-90
  • Pentax WG-1000
  • Ricoh GR
  • Ricoh GR II
  • Ricoh GR III
  • Ricoh GR IIIx
  • Ricoh WG-6
  • Ricoh WG-60
  • Samsung NX1
  • Samsung NX30
  • Samsung NX500
  • Sigma fp
  • Sigma fp L
  • Sony A1
  • Sony A1 II
  • Sony A7
  • Sony A7 II
  • Sony A7 III
  • Sony A7 IV
  • Sony A7C
  • Sony A7C II
  • Sony A7C R
  • Sony A7R
  • Sony A7R II
  • Sony A7R III
  • Sony A7R IIIA
  • Sony A7R IV
  • Sony A7R IVA
  • Sony A7R V
  • Sony A7S
  • Sony A7S II
  • Sony A7S III
  • Sony A9
  • Sony A9 II
  • Sony A9 III
  • Sony A58
  • Sony A68
  • Sony A77
  • Sony A77 II
  • Sony A99
  • Sony A99 II
  • Sony A850
  • Sony A900
  • Sony A3000
  • Sony A5000
  • Sony A5100
  • Sony A6000
  • Sony A6100
  • Sony A6300
  • Sony A6400
  • Sony A6500
  • Sony A6600
  • Sony A6700
  • Sony H200
  • Sony H300
  • Sony H400
  • Sony HX80
  • Sony HX90V
  • Sony HX95
  • Sony HX99
  • Sony HX350
  • Sony HX400V
  • Sony NEX-3
  • Sony NEX-3N
  • Sony NEX-5
  • Sony NEX-5N
  • Sony NEX-5R
  • Sony NEX-5T
  • Sony NEX-6
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  • Sony NEX-C3
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  • Sony RX0
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  • Sony RX1
  • Sony RX1R
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  • Sony RX1R III
  • Sony RX10
  • Sony RX10 II
  • Sony RX10 III
  • Sony RX10 IV
  • Sony RX100
  • Sony RX100 II
  • Sony RX100 III
  • Sony RX100 IV
  • Sony RX100 V
  • Sony RX100 VI
  • Sony RX100 VII
  • Sony WX800
  • Sony ZV-1
  • Sony ZV-1 II
  • Sony ZV-1F
  • Sony ZV-E1
  • Sony ZV-E10
  • Sony ZV-E10 II
  • YI M1
  • Zeiss ZX1
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Specifications: Canon 7D II vs Olympus E-520

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 7D II Olympus E-520
Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
Camera Lens Canon EF mount lenses Four Thirds lenses
Launch Date September 2014 May 2008
Launch Price USD 1,799 USD 699
Sensor Specs Canon 7D II Olympus E-520
Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
Sensor Format APS-C Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
Sensor Size 22.4 x 15.0 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
Sensor Area 336 mm2 224.9 mm2
Sensor Diagonal 27 mm 21.6 mm
Crop Factor 1.6x 2.0x
Sensor Resolution 20 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Image Resolution 5472 x 3648 pixels 3648 x 2736 pixels
Pixel Pitch 4.10 μm 4.74 μm
Pixel Density 5.94 MP/cm2 4.44 MP/cm2
Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
Movie Capability 1080/60p Video no Video
ISO Setting 100 - 16,000 ISO 100 - 1,600 ISO
ISO Boost 100 - 51,200 ISO no Enhancement
Image Processor DIGIC 6 (Dual) TruePic III
DXO Sensor Quality (score) 70 55
DXO Color Depth (bits) 22.4 21.4
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.8 10.4
DXO Low Light (ISO) 1082 548
Screen Specs Canon 7D II Olympus E-520
Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
Viewfinder Field of View 100% 95%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.63x 0.46x
Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
LCD Framing Live View Live View
Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 2.7inch
LCD Resolution 1040k dots 215k dots
LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
Shooting Specs Canon 7D II Olympus E-520
Focus System Phase-detect AF Phase-detect AF
Continuous Shooting 10 shutter flaps/s 3.5 shutter flaps/s
Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
Storage Medium CF or SDXC cards CF or XD cards
Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
Connectivity Specs Canon 7D II Olympus E-520
External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
USB Connector USB 3.0 USB 2.0
HDMI Port mini HDMI no HDMI
Microphone Port External MIC port no MIC socket
Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
Geotagging GPS built-in no internal GPS
Body Specs Canon 7D II Olympus E-520
Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
Battery Type Canon LP-E6N Olympus BLM-1
Battery Life (CIPA)670 shots per charge750 shots per charge
Body Dimensions 149 x 112 x 78 mm
(5.9 x 4.4 x 3.1 in)
136 x 92 x 68 mm
(5.4 x 3.6 x 2.7 in)
Camera Weight 910 g (32.1 oz) 535 g (18.9 oz)
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