A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
quick link 1 quick link 2
quick link 3
quick link 4
ad

When you use links on apotelyt.com to buy products,
the site may earn a commission.

PW

Canon XSi vs Olympus E-M5

The Canon EOS Rebel XSi (called Canon 450D in some regions) and the Olympus OM-D E-M5 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in January 2008 and February 2012. The XSi is a DSLR, while the E-M5 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-C (XSi) and a Four Thirds (E-M5) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 12.2 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 XSi
versus
Olympus E-M5
Canon XSi   Olympus E-M5
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Canon EF mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
12.2 MP – APS-C sensor 15.9 MP – Four Thirds sensor
no Video 1080/60i Video
ISO 100-1,600 ISO 200-25,600
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (1440k dots)
3.0" LCD – 230k dots 3.0" LCD – 610k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Tilting touchscreen
3.5 shutter flaps per second 9 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
500 shots per battery charge360 shots per battery charge
129 x 98 x 62 mm, 524 g 122 x 89 x 43 mm, 425 g
logo
Check XSi offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check E-M5 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS Rebel XSi and the Olympus OM-D E-M5? 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.

ad

Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Canon XSi and the Olympus E-M5 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 dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The E-M5 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the XSi is only available in black.

Size Canon XSi vs Olympus E-M5
Compare XSi versus E-M5 top
Comparison XSi or E-M5 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Olympus E-M5 is notably smaller (14 percent) than the Canon XSi. Moreover, the E-M5 is markedly lighter (19 percent) than the XSi. It is noteworthy in this context that the E-M5 is splash and dust-proof, while the XSi 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 (XSi) and the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (E-M5). Mirrorless cameras, such as the E-M5, 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 XSi gets 500 shots out of its Canon LP-E5 battery, while the E-M5 can take 360 images on a single charge of its Olympus BLN-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.

scroll hint
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 XSi 129 mm 98 mm 62 mm 524 g 500 i Jan 2008 US$ 799ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-M5 122 mm 89 mm 43 mm 425 g 360 i Feb 2012 US$ 1 299ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 40D 146 mm 108 mm 74 mm 822 g 750 i Aug 2007 US$ 1 299ebay.com
4.
 
Canon T1i 129 mm 98 mm 62 mm 520 g 400 i Mar 2009 US$ 799ebay.com
5.
 
Canon T2i 129 mm 98 mm 62 mm 530 g 440 i Feb 2010 US$ 699ebay.com
6.
 
Canon T3 130 mm 100 mm 78 mm 495 g 700 i Feb 2011 US$ 449ebay.com
7.
 
Canon T4i 133 mm 100 mm 79 mm 575 g 440 i Jun 2012 US$ 849ebay.com
8.
 
Canon T6i 132 mm 101 mm 78 mm 555 g 440 i Feb 2015 US$ 749ebay.com
9.
 
Canon T6s 132 mm 101 mm 78 mm 565 g 440 i Feb 2015 US$ 649ebay.com
10.
 
Canon XS 126 mm 98 mm 65 mm 502 g 500 i Jun 2008 US$ 449ebay.com
11.
 
Canon XT 127 mm 94 mm 64 mm 540 g 400 i Feb 2005 US$ 899ebay.com
12.
 
Canon XTi 127 mm 84 mm 65 mm 556 g 370 i Aug 2006 US$ 799ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-M1 130 mm 94 mm 63 mm 497 g 350 i Sep 2013 US$ 1 399ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-M5 II 124 mm 85 mm 45 mm 469 g 310 i Feb 2015 US$ 1 099ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus E-P5 122 mm 69 mm 37 mm 420 g 330 i May 2013 US$ 999ebay.com
16.
 
Olympus PEN-F 125 mm 72 mm 37 mm 427 g 330 i Jan 2016 US$ 1 199ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic GX7 123 mm 71 mm 55 mm 402 g 350 i Aug 2013 US$ 999ebay.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 naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The XSi was launched at a markedly lower price (by 38 percent) than the E-M5, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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 imaging sensor is a crucial determinant 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 more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon XSi features an APS-C sensor and the Olympus E-M5 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the E-M5 is 32 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 XSi has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the E-M5 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Canon XSi and Olympus E-M5 sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the E-M5 offers a higher resolution of 15.9 megapixels, compared with 12.2 MP of the XSi. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 3.76μm versus 5.19μm for the XSi). However, it should be noted that the E-M5 is much more recent (by 4 years) than the XSi, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently.

The resolution advantage of the Olympus E-M5 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the E-M5 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 23 x 17.3 inches or 58.5 x 43.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 18.4 x 13.8 inches or 46.8 x 35.1 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 15.4 x 11.5 inches or 39 x 29.3 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon XSi are 21.4 x 14.2 inches or 54.3 x 36.2 cm for good quality, 17.1 x 11.4 inches or 43.4 x 28.9 cm for very good quality, and 14.2 x 9.5 inches or 36.2 x 24.1 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon EOS Rebel XSi has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 1600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Olympus OM-D E-M5 are ISO 200 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.

XSi versus E-M5 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the E-M5 has a markedly higher DXO score than the XSi (overall score 10 points higher), which will translate into better image quality. The advantage is based on 0.9 bits higher color depth, 1.5 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.3 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.

scroll hint
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 XSi APS-C 12.2 4272 2848i21.910.869261
2.
 
Olympus E-M5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60i22.812.382671
3.
 
Canon 40D APS-C 10.1 3888 2592i22.111.370364
4.
 
Canon T1i APS-C 15.1 4752 31681080/20p21.711.566363
5.
 
Canon T2i APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.111.578466
6.
 
Canon T3 APS-C 12.2 4272 2848720/30p21.911.075562
7.
 
Canon T4i APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.711.272262
8.
 
Canon T6i APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.712.091971
9.
 
Canon T6s APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.612.091570
10.
 
Canon XS APS-C 10.1 3888 2592i22.010.971962
11.
 
Canon XT APS-C 8.0 3456 2304i21.810.863760
12.
 
Canon XTi APS-C 10.1 3888 2592i22.111.066462
13.
 
Olympus E-M1 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p23.012.775773
14.
 
Olympus E-M5 II Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p23.012.584273
15.
 
Olympus E-P5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.812.489572
16.
 
Olympus PEN-F Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38881080/60p23.112.489474
17.
 
Panasonic GX7 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60p22.612.271870
  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 also of capturing video footage. The E-M5 indeed provides for movie recording, while the XSi does not. The highest resolution format that the E-M5 can use is 1080/60i.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the E-M5 has an electronic viewfinder (1440k dots), while the XSi has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinder in the E-M5 offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the XSi (95%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the E-M5 has a higher magnification (0.58x vs 0.54x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon XSi and Olympus E-M5 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

scroll hint
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 XSioptical i3.0 / 230 fixed i 1/4000s 3.5/s i i
2.
 
Olympus E-M51440 i3.0 / 610 tilting i 1/4000s 9.0/s i i
3.
 
Canon 40Doptical i3.0 / 230 fixed i 1/8000s 6.5/s i i
4.
 
Canon T1ioptical i3.0 / 920 fixed i 1/4000s 3.4/s i i
5.
 
Canon T2ioptical i3.0 / 1040 fixed i 1/4000s 3.7/s i i
6.
 
Canon T3optical i2.7 / 230 fixed i 1/4000s 3.0/s i i
7.
 
Canon T4ioptical i3.0 / 1040 swivel i 1/4000s 5.0/s i i
8.
 
Canon T6ioptical i3.0 / 1040 swivel i 1/4000s 5.0/s i i
9.
 
Canon T6soptical i3.0 / 1040 swivel i 1/4000s 5.0/s i i
10.
 
Canon XSoptical i2.5 / 230 fixed i 1/4000s 3.0/s i i
11.
 
Canon XToptical i1.8 / 115 fixed i 1/4000s 3.0/s i i
12.
 
Canon XTioptical i2.5 / 230 fixed i 1/4000s 3.0/s i i
13.
 
Olympus E-M12360 i3.0 / 1037 tilting i 1/8000s 10.0/s i i
14.
 
Olympus E-M5 II2360 i3.0 / 1037 swivel i 1/8000s 10.0/s i i
15.
 
Olympus E-P5optional i3.0 / 1037 tilting i 1/8000s 9.0/s i i
16.
 
Olympus PEN-F2360 i3.0 / 1037 swivel i 1/8000s 10.0/s i i
17.
 
Panasonic GX72760 i3.0 / 1040 tilting i 1/8000s 5.0/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 difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The XSi has one, while the E-M5 does not. While the built-in flash of the XSi is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The XSi writes its imaging data to SDHC cards, while the E-M5 uses SDXC cards. The E-M5 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the XSi cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD 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 Rebel XSi and Olympus OM-D E-M5 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
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 XSiii / iiimini2.0iii
2.
 
Olympus E-M5istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
3.
 
Canon 40Dii / iiii2.0iii
4.
 
Canon T1iimono / monoiimini2.0iii
5.
 
Canon T2iistereo / iiimini2.0iii
6.
 
Canon T3istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
7.
 
Canon T4iistereo / monoiimini2.0iii
8.
 
Canon T6iistereo / monoiimini2.0iii
9.
 
Canon T6sistereo / monoiimini2.0iii
10.
 
Canon XSii / iiii2.0iii
11.
 
Canon XTii / iiii2.0iii
12.
 
Canon XTiii / iiii2.0iii
13.
 
Olympus E-M1istereo / monoiimicro2.0iii
14.
 
Olympus E-M5 IIistereo / monoiimicro2.0iii
15.
 
Olympus E-P5istereo / monoiimicro2.0iii
16.
 
Olympus PEN-Fistereo / monoiimicro2.0iii
17.
 
Panasonic GX7istereo / 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

Both the XSi and the E-M5 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The XSi was replaced by the Canon T1i, while the E-M5 was followed by the Olympus E-M5 II. Further information on the features and operation of the XSi and E-M5 can be found, respectively, in the Canon XSi Manual (free pdf) or the online Olympus E-M5 Manual.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Canon XSi better than the Olympus E-M5 or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

ilogo

Advantages of the Canon EOS Rebel XSi:

  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (500 versus 360) on a single battery charge.
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (38 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in January 2008).

ilogo

Arguments in favor of the Olympus OM-D E-M5:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (15.9 vs 12.2MP), which boosts linear resolution by 12%.
  • Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (10 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (1.5 EV of extra DR).
  • Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 1080/60i video.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • 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 (0.58x vs 0.54x).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (610k vs 230k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (9 vs 3.5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More compact: Is smaller (122x89mm vs 129x98mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 99g or 19 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • 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.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
  • More modern: Reflects 4 years of technical progress since the XSi launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the E-M5 is the clear winner of the contest (18 : 5 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. 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.

XSi 05:18 E-M5

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon XSi and the Olympus E-M5 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 technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the XSi or the E-M5 perform in practice. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts 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.

scroll hint
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 XSi..+ +..+ +4/54.5/5 Jan 2008 US$ 799ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-M54/5+ +..80/1004.5/55/5 Feb 2012 US$ 1 299ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 40D..+ +..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 US$ 1 299ebay.com
4.
 
Canon T1i..+ +..74/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2009 US$ 799ebay.com
5.
 
Canon T2i..+ +..77/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2010 US$ 699ebay.com
6.
 
Canon T3..80/100..69/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2011 US$ 449ebay.com
7.
 
Canon T4i4/5+ +..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2012 US$ 849ebay.com
8.
 
Canon T6i5/5....75/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 US$ 749ebay.com
9.
 
Canon T6s5/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 US$ 649ebay.com
10.
 
Canon XS..82/100..+ +3.5/54.5/5 Jun 2008 US$ 449ebay.com
11.
 
Canon XT..80/100..+ +o.. Feb 2005 US$ 899ebay.com
12.
 
Canon XTi..+ +..+ +o4/5 Aug 2006 US$ 799ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-M15/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2013 US$ 1 399ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-M5 II5/5+ +4.5/581/1005/55/5 Feb 2015 US$ 1 099ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus E-P55/5+ +..78/1004.5/55/5 May 2013 US$ 999ebay.com
16.
 
Olympus PEN-F....4/582/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 US$ 1 199ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic GX74/5+..79/1005/55/5 Aug 2013 US$ 999ebay.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 

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, 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 comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

logo
Check XSi offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check E-M5 offers at
ebay.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

~
  • Credit Card
  • Canon 1D
  • Canon 1D Mark II
  • Canon 1D Mark II N
  • Canon 1D Mark III
  • Canon 1D Mark IV
  • Canon 1Ds
  • Canon 1Ds Mark II
  • Canon 1Ds Mark III
  • Canon 1D C
  • Canon 1D X
  • Canon 1D X Mark II
  • Canon 1D X Mark III
  • Canon 5D
  • Canon 5D Mark II
  • Canon 5D Mark III
  • Canon 5D Mark IV
  • Canon 5DS
  • Canon 5DS R
  • Canon 6D
  • Canon 6D Mark II
  • Canon 7D
  • Canon 7D II
  • Canon 10D
  • Canon 20D
  • Canon 30D
  • Canon 40D
  • Canon 50D
  • Canon 60D
  • Canon 70D
  • Canon 77D
  • Canon 80D
  • Canon 90D
  • Canon D30
  • Canon D60
  • Canon G1 X
  • Canon G1 X Mark II
  • Canon G1 X Mark III
  • Canon G3 X
  • Canon G5 X
  • Canon G5 X Mark II
  • Canon G7 X
  • Canon G7 X Mark II
  • Canon G7 X Mark III
  • Canon G9 X
  • Canon G9 X Mark II
  • Canon G12
  • Canon G15
  • Canon G16
  • Canon M
  • Canon M3
  • Canon M5
  • Canon M6
  • Canon M6 Mark II
  • Canon M10
  • Canon M50
  • Canon M50 Mark II
  • Canon M100
  • Canon M200
  • Canon R
  • Canon R1
  • Canon R3
  • Canon R5
  • Canon R5 Mark II
  • 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
  • Canon T2i
  • Canon T3
  • Canon T3i
  • Canon T4i
  • Canon T5
  • Canon T5i
  • Canon T6
  • Canon T6i
  • Canon T6s
  • Canon T7
  • Canon T7i
  • Canon T8i
  • Canon T100
  • Canon V1
  • Canon XC10
  • Canon XS
  • Canon XSi
  • Canon XT
  • Canon XTi
  • 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
  • Sony NEX-7
  • Sony NEX-C3
  • Sony NEX-F3
  • Sony RX0
  • Sony RX0 II
  • Sony RX1
  • Sony RX1R
  • Sony RX1R II
  • 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
loader
ad

Specifications: Canon XSi vs Olympus E-M5

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 XSi Olympus E-M5
Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Camera Lens Canon EF mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
Launch Date January 2008 February 2012
Launch Price USD 799 USD 1,299
Sensor Specs Canon XSi Olympus E-M5
Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
Sensor Format APS-C Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
Sensor Size 22.2 x 14.8 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
Sensor Area 328.56 mm2 224.9 mm2
Sensor Diagonal 26.7 mm 21.6 mm
Crop Factor 1.6x 2.0x
Sensor Resolution 12.2 Megapixels 15.9 Megapixels
Image Resolution 4272 x 2848 pixels 4608 x 3456 pixels
Pixel Pitch 5.19 μm 3.76 μm
Pixel Density 3.70 MP/cm2 7.08 MP/cm2
Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
Movie Capability no Video 1080/60i Video
ISO Setting 100 - 1,600 ISO 200 - 25,600 ISO
Image Processor DIGIC 3 TruePic VI
DXO Sensor Quality (score) 61 71
DXO Color Depth (bits) 21.9 22.8
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 10.8 12.3
DXO Low Light (ISO) 692 826
Screen Specs Canon XSi Olympus E-M5
Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
Viewfinder Field of View 95% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.54x 0.58x
Viewfinder Resolution 1440k dots
LCD Framing Live View Live View
Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
LCD Resolution 230k dots 610k dots
LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
Shooting Specs Canon XSi Olympus E-M5
Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
Continuous Shooting 3.5 shutter flaps/s 9 shutter flaps/s
Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations100 000 actuations
Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
Storage Medium SDHC cards SDXC cards
Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
UHS card support no UHS-I
Connectivity Specs Canon XSi Olympus E-M5
External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
Body Specs Canon XSi Olympus E-M5
Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
Battery Type Canon LP-E5 Olympus BLN-1
Battery Life (CIPA)500 shots per charge360 shots per charge
Body Dimensions 129 x 98 x 62 mm
(5.1 x 3.9 x 2.4 in)
122 x 89 x 43 mm
(4.8 x 3.5 x 1.7 in)
Camera Weight 524 g (18.5 oz) 425 g (15.0 oz)
logo
Check XSi offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check E-M5 offers at
ebay.com

Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

You are here Home  »  CAM-parator  »  Canon XSi vs Olympus E-M5