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Nikon D3 vs Olympus E-5

The Nikon D3 and the Olympus E-5 are two professional cameras that were announced, respectively, in August 2007 and September 2010. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are based on a full frame (D3) and a Four Thirds (E-5) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 12.1 megapixels, whereas the Olympus provides 12.2 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Nikon D3
versus
Olympus E-5
Nikon D3   Olympus E-5
Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
Nikon F mount lenses Four Thirds lenses
12.1 MP – Full Frame sensor 12.2 MP – Four Thirds sensor
no Video 720/30p Video
ISO 200-6,400 (100 - 25,600) ISO 100-6,400
Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 922k dots 3.0" LCD – 920k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive)
11 shutter flaps per second 5 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
4300 shots per battery charge750 shots per battery charge
160 x 157 x 88 mm, 1300 g 142 x 117 x 75 mm, 873 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D3 and the Olympus E-5? 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 Nikon D3 and the Olympus E-5. 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 Nikon D3 vs Olympus E-5
Compare D3 versus E-5 top
Comparison D3 or E-5 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Olympus E-5 is considerably smaller (34 percent) than the Nikon D3. Moreover, the E-5 is markedly lighter (33 percent) than the D3. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

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 Nikon Lens Catalog (D3) and the Four Thirds Lens Catalog (E-5).

Concerning battery life, the D3 gets 4300 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL4a battery, while the E-5 can take 750 images on a single charge of its Olympus BLM-5 power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the D3 has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power. In order to provide similar functionality for the E-5, Olympus provides the HLD-4 vertical grip as an optional accessory (see here on ebay).

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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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.
 
Nikon D3 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1300 g 4300 i Aug 2007 US$ 4 999ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-5 142 mm 117 mm 75 mm 873 g 750 i Sep 2010 US$ 1 699ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark III 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1155 g 2200 i Feb 2007 US$ 4 499ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D2X 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1252 g 3800 i Sep 2004 US$ 4 999ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D2Xs 158 mm 150 mm 86 mm 1252 g 3800 i Jun 2006 US$ 4 699ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D3S 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1240 g 4200 i Oct 2009 US$ 5 199ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D3X 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1260 g 4400 i Dec 2008 US$ 7 999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D4 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1340 g 2600 i Jan 2012 US$ 5 999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D4S 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1350 g 3020 i Feb 2014 US$ 6 499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D5 160 mm 159 mm 92 mm 1415 g 3780 i Jan 2016 US$ 6 499ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D300 147 mm 114 mm 74 mm 925 g 1000 i Aug 2007 US$ 1 799ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D700 147 mm 123 mm 77 mm 1074 g 1000 i Jul 2008 US$ 2 999ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-3 142 mm 116 mm 75 mm 876 g 750 i Oct 2007 US$ 1 699ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-450 130 mm 91 mm 53 mm 440 g 500 i Mar 2009 US$ 499ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus E-600 130 mm 94 mm 60 mm 535 g 500 i Aug 2009 US$ 449ebay.com
16.
 
Olympus E-620 130 mm 94 mm 60 mm 521 g 500 i Feb 2009 US$ 699ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A77 143 mm 104 mm 81 mm 732 g 470 i Aug 2011 US$ 1 399ebay.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 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-5 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 66 percent) than the D3, 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. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D3 features a full frame sensor and the Olympus E-5 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the E-5 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 D3 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the E-5 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Nikon D3 and Olympus E-5 sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the E-5 offers a slightly higher resolution of 12.2 megapixels, compared with 12.1 MP of the D3. 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 4.29μm versus 8.43μm for the D3). However, it should be noted that the E-5 is much more recent (by 3 years) than the D3, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently.

The Nikon D3 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Olympus E-5 are ISO 100 to ISO 6400 (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.

D3 versus E-5 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. 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 D3 provides substantially higher image quality than the E-5, with an overall score that is 25 points higher. This advantage is based on 1.9 bits higher color depth, 1.7 EV in additional dynamic range, and 2.1 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar 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.
 
Nikon D3 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832i23.512.2229081
2.
 
Olympus E-5 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.610.551956
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark III APS-H 10.1 3888 2592i22.711.7107871
4.
 
Nikon D2X APS-C 12.2 4288 2848i22.110.947659
5.
 
Nikon D2Xs APS-C 12.2 4288 2848i22.210.948959
6.
 
Nikon D3S Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832720/24p23.512.0325382
7.
 
Nikon D3X Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032i24.713.7199288
8.
 
Nikon D4 Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/30p24.713.1296589
9.
 
Nikon D4S Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/60p24.413.3307489
10.
 
Nikon D5 Full Frame 20.7 5588 37124K/30p25.112.3234388
11.
 
Nikon D300 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848i22.112.067967
12.
 
Nikon D700 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832i23.512.2230380
13.
 
Olympus E-3 Four Thirds 10.0 3648 2736i21.610.557156
14.
 
Olympus E-450 Four Thirds 10.0 3648 2736i21.510.551256
15.
 
Olympus E-600 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024i21.510.354155
16.
 
Olympus E-620 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024i21.310.353655
17.
 
Sony A77 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.280178
  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-5 indeed provides for movie recording, while the D3 does not. The highest resolution format that the E-5 can use is 720/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The D3 and the E-5 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 viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the D3 has a higher magnification than the one of the E-5 (0.70x vs 0.58x), 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 Nikon D3, the Olympus E-5, 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.
 
Nikon D3optical i3.0 / 922 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
2.
 
Olympus E-5optical i3.0 / 920 swivel i 1/8000s 5.0/s i i
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIoptical i3.0 / 230 fixed i 1/8000s 10.0/s i i
4.
 
Nikon D2Xoptical i2.5 / 235 fixed i 1/8000s 5.0/s i i
5.
 
Nikon D2Xsoptical i2.5 / 230 fixed i 1/8000s 5.0/s i i
6.
 
Nikon D3Soptical i3.0 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
7.
 
Nikon D3Xoptical i3.0 / 922 fixed i 1/8000s 5.0/s i i
8.
 
Nikon D4optical i3.2 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
9.
 
Nikon D4Soptical i3.2 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
10.
 
Nikon D5optical i3.2 / 2359 fixed i 1/8000s 14.0/s i i
11.
 
Nikon D300optical i3.0 / 922 fixed i 1/8000s 6.0/s i i
12.
 
Nikon D700optical i3.0 / 922 fixed i 1/8000s 8.0/s i i
13.
 
Olympus E-3optical i2.5 / 230 swivel i 1/8000s 5.0/s i i
14.
 
Olympus E-450optical i2.7 / 215 fixed i 1/4000s 3.5/s i i
15.
 
Olympus E-600optical i2.7 / 230 swivel i 1/4000s 4.0/s i i
16.
 
Olympus E-620optical i2.7 / 230 swivel i 1/4000s 4.0/s i i
17.
 
Sony A772359 i3.0 / 921 full-flex i 1/8000s 12.0/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 differentiates the E-5 and the D3 is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The E-5 reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while the D3 offers no blur reduction with lenses that themselves do not provide optical image stabilization.

The E-5 has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the D3 does not have a selfie-screen.

The Nikon D3 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 D3 writes its imaging data to Compact Flash cards, while the E-5 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 Nikon D3 and Olympus E-5 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.
 
Nikon D3ii / iiimini2.0iii
2.
 
Olympus E-5istereo / iiimini2.0iii
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIii / iiii2.0iii
4.
 
Nikon D2Xii / iiii2.0iii
5.
 
Nikon D2Xsii / iiii2.0iii
6.
 
Nikon D3Sistereo / iiimini2.0iii
7.
 
Nikon D3Xii / iiimini2.0iii
8.
 
Nikon D4imono / monoiimicro2.0iii
9.
 
Nikon D4Simono / monoiimini2.0iii
10.
 
Nikon D5istereo / monoiimini3.0iii
11.
 
Nikon D300ii / iiimini2.0iii
12.
 
Nikon D700ii / iiimini2.0iii
13.
 
Olympus E-3ii / iiii2.0iii
14.
 
Olympus E-450ii / iiii2.0iii
15.
 
Olympus E-600ii / iiii2.0iii
16.
 
Olympus E-620ii / iiii2.0iii
17.
 
Sony A77istereo / 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 cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.

Both the D3 and the E-5 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D3 was replaced by the Nikon D4, while the E-5 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the D3 and E-5 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D3 Manual (free pdf) or the online Olympus E-5 Manual.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon D3 and the Olympus E-5? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Arguments in favor of the Nikon D3:

  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (25 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (1.9 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (1.7 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (2.1 stops ISO advantage).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.70x vs 0.58x).
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (11 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (4300 versus 750) on a single battery charge.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in August 2007).

ilogo

Reasons to prefer the Olympus E-5:

  • Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 720/30p video.
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • More compact: Is smaller (142x117mm vs 160x157mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 427g or 33 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (66 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 3 years of technical progress since the D3 launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the D3 comes out slightly ahead of the E-5 (10 : 9 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.

D3 10:09 E-5

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D3 and the Olympus E-5 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 comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the D3 or the E-5. 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 where reviews by experts come in. 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.
 
Nikon D3......+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 US$ 4 999ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-54/5....75/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2010 US$ 1 699ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark III............ Feb 2007 US$ 4 499ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D2X......+ +.... Sep 2004 US$ 4 999ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D2Xs............ Jun 2006 US$ 4 699ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D3S5/5....89/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2009 US$ 5 199ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D3X......86/1004/55/5 Dec 2008 US$ 7 999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D4........4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 US$ 5 999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D4S5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2014 US$ 6 499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D5....4/589/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 US$ 6 499ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D300..+ +..+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 US$ 1 799ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D700..89/100..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2008 US$ 2 999ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-3..88/100..+ +o4/5 Oct 2007 US$ 1 699ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-450........4/54/5 Mar 2009 US$ 499ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus E-600..........4.5/5 Aug 2009 US$ 449ebay.com
16.
 
Olympus E-6203/588/100..72/1004.5/55/5 Feb 2009 US$ 699ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A775/591/100..81/100..5/5 Aug 2011 US$ 1 399ebay.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 ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, 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.

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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. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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  • Contax N Digital
  • Epson R-D1
  • Fujifilm GFX 50R
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  • Fujifilm X-A1
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  • Fujifilm X-T1
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  • Fujifilm X100S
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  • Fujifilm X100F
  • Fujifilm X100V
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  • Fujifilm XF10
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  • Fujifilm XP120
  • Fujifilm XP130
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  • Hasselblad X1D
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  • Hasselblad X2D 100C
  • Kodak AZ901
  • Kodak S-1
  • Leica C-LUX
  • Leica CL
  • Leica D-LUX Typ 109
  • Leica D-LUX 5
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  • Leica M Typ 240
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  • Leica M Typ 262
  • Leica M8
  • Leica M9
  • Leica M10
  • Leica M10-P
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  • Leica Q Typ 116
  • Leica Q2
  • Leica Q3
  • Leica S1
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  • Leica S3
  • Leica S Typ 006
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  • Leica S Typ 007
  • Leica SL
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  • Leica SL2-S
  • Leica SL3
  • Leica SL3-S
  • Leica T
  • Leica TL
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  • Leica V-LUX 1
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  • 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
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  • Nikon 1 V1
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  • Nikon 1 V3
  • Nikon Coolpix A
  • Nikon A1000
  • Nikon B500
  • Nikon B600
  • Nikon B700
  • Nikon D1
  • Nikon D1H
  • Nikon D1X
  • Nikon D2H
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  • Nikon D3
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  • Nikon D4S
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  • Nikon D6
  • Nikon D40
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  • Nikon D50
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  • Nikon D70
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  • Olympus E-M10
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  • Panasonic FZ80
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  • Panasonic S1
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  • Panasonic S1H
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  • Panasonic S9
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  • Pentax 645D
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  • Pentax K-1
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  • Pentax K-30
  • Pentax K-50
  • Pentax K-70
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  • Pentax KP
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  • Pentax MX-1
  • Pentax Q
  • Pentax WG-8
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  • Ricoh GR
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  • Ricoh WG-6
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  • Samsung NX1
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  • Sigma fp
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  • Sony A1
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  • Sony A7
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  • Sony A7C
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  • Sony A7S
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  • Sony A9
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  • Sony A58
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  • Sony A99
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  • Sony A850
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  • Sony A3000
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  • Sony A5100
  • Sony A6000
  • Sony A6100
  • Sony A6300
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  • Sony A6500
  • Sony A6600
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  • Sony H200
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  • Sony H400
  • Sony HX80
  • Sony HX90V
  • Sony HX95
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  • Sony NEX-3
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  • Sony NEX-C3
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  • Sony RX0
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  • Sony RX1
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  • Sony RX10
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  • Sony RX100
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  • 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: Nikon D3 vs Olympus E-5

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 Nikon D3 Olympus E-5
Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Four Thirds lenses
Launch Date August 2007 September 2010
Launch Price USD 4,999 USD 1,699
Sensor Specs Nikon D3 Olympus E-5
Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
Sensor Size 36.0 x 23.9 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
Sensor Area 860.4 mm2 224.9 mm2
Sensor Diagonal 43.2 mm 21.6 mm
Crop Factor 1.0x 2.0x
Sensor Resolution 12.1 Megapixels 12.2 Megapixels
Image Resolution 4256 x 2832 pixels 4032 x 3024 pixels
Pixel Pitch 8.43 μm 4.29 μm
Pixel Density 1.40 MP/cm2 5.42 MP/cm2
Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
Movie Capability no Video 720/30p Video
ISO Setting 200 - 6,400 ISO 100 - 6,400 ISO
ISO Boost 100 - 25,600 ISO no Enhancement
Image Processor EXPEED TruePic V+
DXO Sensor Quality (score) 81 56
DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.5 21.6
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.2 10.5
DXO Low Light (ISO) 2290 519
Screen Specs Nikon D3 Olympus E-5
Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x 0.58x
Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
LCD Framing Live View Live View
Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
LCD Resolution 922k dots 920k dots
LCD Attachment Fixed screen Swivel screen
Shooting Specs Nikon D3 Olympus E-5
Focus System Phase-detect AF Phase-detect AF
Continuous Shooting 11 shutter flaps/s 5 shutter flaps/s
Shutter Life Expectancy300 000 actuations150 000 actuations
Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
Storage Medium CF cards CF or XD cards
Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
Connectivity Specs Nikon D3 Olympus E-5
External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
Body Specs Nikon D3 Olympus E-5
Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
Battery Type Nikon EN-EL4a Olympus BLM-5
Battery Life (CIPA)4300 shots per charge750 shots per charge
Body Dimensions 160 x 157 x 88 mm
(6.3 x 6.2 x 3.5 in)
142 x 117 x 75 mm
(5.6 x 4.6 x 3.0 in)
Camera Weight 1300 g (45.9 oz) 873 g (30.8 oz)
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