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Nikon D5 vs Olympus E-M1 III

The Nikon D5 and the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in January 2016 and February 2020. The D5 is a DSLR, while the E-M1 III is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a full frame (D5) and a Four Thirds (E-M1 III) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 20.7 megapixels, whereas the Olympus provides 20.2 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Nikon D5
versus
Olympus E-M1 III
Nikon D5   Olympus E-M1 III
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
20.7 MP – Full Frame sensor 20.2 MP – Four Thirds sensor
4K/30p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 100-102,400 (50 - 3,280,000) ISO 200-25,600
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.2" LCD – 2359k dots 3.0" LCD – 1037k dots
Fixed touchscreen Swivel touchscreen
14 shutter flaps per second 18 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
3780 shots per battery charge420 shots per battery charge
160 x 159 x 92 mm, 1415 g 134 x 91 x 69 mm, 580 g
logo
Check D5 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check E-M1 III offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D5 and the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III? 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 D5 and the Olympus E-M1 III. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Nikon D5 vs Olympus E-M1 III
Compare D5 versus E-M1 III top
Comparison D5 or E-M1 III rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Olympus E-M1 III is considerably smaller (52 percent) than the Nikon D5. Moreover, the E-M1 III is substantially lighter (59 percent) than the D5. 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 (D5) and the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (E-M1 III). Mirrorless cameras, such as the E-M1 III, 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 D5 gets 3780 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL18a battery, while the E-M1 III can take 420 images on a single charge of its Olympus BLH-1 power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the D5 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-M1 III, Olympus provides the HLD-9 vertical grip as an optional accessory (see here on ebay). The power pack in the E-M1 III can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons 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.
 
Nikon D5 160 mm 159 mm 92 mm 1415 g 3780 i Jan 2016 US$ 6 499ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-M1 III 134 mm 91 mm 69 mm 580 g 420 i Feb 2020 US$ 1 799ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1530 g 1210 i Feb 2016 US$ 5 999ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D3S 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1240 g 4200 i Oct 2009 US$ 5 199ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D3X 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1260 g 4400 i Dec 2008 US$ 7 999ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D4 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1340 g 2600 i Jan 2012 US$ 5 999ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D4S 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1350 g 3020 i Feb 2014 US$ 6 499ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D6 160 mm 163 mm 92 mm 1270 g 3580 i Feb 2020 US$ 6 499 amazon.com
9.
 
Nikon D600 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 i Sep 2012 US$ 2 099ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D610 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 i Oct 2013 US$ 1 999ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D750 141 mm 113 mm 78 mm 750 g 1230 i Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D850 146 mm 124 mm 79 mm 1005 g 1840 i Jul 2017 US$ 3 299 amazon.com
13.
 
Olympus E-M1 II 134 mm 91 mm 67 mm 574 g 440 i Sep 2016 US$ 1 999ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-M1X 144 mm 147 mm 75 mm 997 g 870 i Jan 2019 US$ 2 999ebay.com
15.
 
OM System OM-1 135 mm 92 mm 73 mm 599 g 520 i Feb 2022 US$ 2 199ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic G9 137 mm 97 mm 92 mm 658 g 400 i Nov 2017 US$ 1 699ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic G95 130 mm 94 mm 77 mm 536 g 290 i Apr 2019 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 E-M1 III was launched at a markedly lower price (by 72 percent) than the D5, 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.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants 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. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the 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 Nikon D5 features a full frame sensor and the Olympus E-M1 III a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the E-M1 III 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 D5 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the E-M1 III offers a 4:3 aspect.

Nikon D5 and Olympus E-M1 III sensor measures

With 20.7MP, the D5 offers a slightly higher resolution than the E-M1 III (20.2MP), but the D5 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 6.44μm versus 3.34μm for the E-M1 III) due to its larger sensor. However, the E-M1 III is a much more recent model (by 4 years and 1 month) than the D5, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the E-M1 III has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The E-M1 III has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

Unlike the D5, the E-M1 III has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (80MP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Nikon D5 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 102400, which can be extended to ISO 50-3280000. The corresponding ISO settings for the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III are ISO 200 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 64-25600.

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.

D5 versus E-M1 III MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). 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 D5 Full Frame 20.7 5588 37124K/30p25.112.3234388
2.
 
Olympus E-M1 III Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.313.1135676
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484K/60p24.113.5320788
4.
 
Nikon D3S Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832720/24p23.512.0325382
5.
 
Nikon D3X Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032i24.713.7199288
6.
 
Nikon D4 Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/30p24.713.1296589
7.
 
Nikon D4S Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/60p24.413.3307489
8.
 
Nikon D6 Full Frame 20.7 5568 37124K/30p25.314.3288695
9.
 
Nikon D600 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.2298094
10.
 
Nikon D610 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.4292594
11.
 
Nikon D750 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/60p24.814.5295693
12.
 
Nikon D850 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.414.82660100
13.
 
Olympus E-M1 II Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.712.8131280
14.
 
Olympus E-M1X Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.213.0125475
15.
 
OM System OM-1 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.413.4155377
16.
 
Panasonic G9 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.112.8113874
17.
 
Panasonic G95 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.213.0127375
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
  empty Camera
Model

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, and both provide the same movie specifications (4K/30p).

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the E-M1 III has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), while the D5 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 viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the E-M1 III has a higher magnification than the one of the D5 (0.74x vs 0.72x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Nikon D5 and Olympus E-M1 III in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Nikon D5optical i3.2 / 2359 fixed i 1/8000s 14.0/s i i
2.
 
Olympus E-M1 III2360 i3.0 / 1037 swivel i 1/8000s 18.0/s i i
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIoptical i3.2 / 1620 fixed i 1/8000s 16.0/s i i
4.
 
Nikon D3Soptical i3.0 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
5.
 
Nikon D3Xoptical i3.0 / 922 fixed i 1/8000s 5.0/s i i
6.
 
Nikon D4optical i3.2 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
7.
 
Nikon D4Soptical i3.2 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 11.0/s i i
8.
 
Nikon D6optical i3.2 / 2359 fixed i 1/8000s 14.0/s i i
9.
 
Nikon D600optical i3.0 / 921 fixed i 1/4000s 5.5/s i i
10.
 
Nikon D610optical i3.2 / 921 fixed i 1/4000s 6.0/s i i
11.
 
Nikon D750optical i3.2 / 1229 tilting i 1/4000s 6.0/s i i
12.
 
Nikon D850optical i3.2 / 2359 tilting i 1/8000s 9.0/s i i
13.
 
Olympus E-M1 II2360 i3.0 / 1037 swivel i 1/8000s 18.0/s i i
14.
 
Olympus E-M1X2360 i3.0 / 1037 swivel i 1/8000s 18.0/s i i
15.
 
OM System OM-15760 i3.0 / 1640 swivel i 1/8000s 10.0/s i i
16.
 
Panasonic G93680 i3.0 / 1040 swivel i 1/8000s 20.0/s i i
17.
 
Panasonic G952360 i3.0 / 1240 swivel i 1/4000s 9.0/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 D5, but is missing on the E-M1 III 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 E-M1 III 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 D5 does not have a selfie-screen.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the E-M1 III is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Nikon D5 and the Olympus E-M1 III both have 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 D5 writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or XQD cards, while the E-M1 III uses SDXC 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 D5 and Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III 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 D5istereo / monoiimini3.0iii
2.
 
Olympus E-M1 IIIistereo / monoiimicro3.1iii
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIimono / monoiimini3.0iii
4.
 
Nikon D3Sistereo / iiimini2.0iii
5.
 
Nikon D3Xii / iiimini2.0iii
6.
 
Nikon D4imono / monoiimicro2.0iii
7.
 
Nikon D4Simono / monoiimini2.0iii
8.
 
Nikon D6istereo / monoiimini3.1iii
9.
 
Nikon D600imono / monoiimini2.0iii
10.
 
Nikon D610imono / monoiimini2.0iii
11.
 
Nikon D750istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
12.
 
Nikon D850istereo / monoiimini3.0iii
13.
 
Olympus E-M1 IIistereo / monoiimicro3.0iii
14.
 
Olympus E-M1Xistereo / monoiimicro3.0iii
15.
 
OM System OM-1istereo / monoiimicro3.0iii
16.
 
Panasonic G9istereo / monoiifull3.0iii
17.
 
Panasonic G95istereo / monoiimicro2.0iii
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
  empty Camera
Model

It is notable that the E-M1 III offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the D5 does not provide wifi capability.

Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.

Both the D5 and the E-M1 III have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D5 was replaced by the Nikon D6, while the E-M1 III was followed by the OM System OM-1. Further information on the features and operation of the D5 and E-M1 III can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D5 Manual (free pdf) or the online Olympus E-M1 III Manual.

Review summary

So how do things add up? Is the Nikon D5 better than the Olympus E-M1 III or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

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Reasons to prefer the Nikon D5:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
  • Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2359k vs 1037k dots).
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (3780 versus 420) on a single battery charge.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in January 2016).

ilogo

Advantages of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III:

  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.74x vs 0.72x).
  • 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.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (18 vs 14 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (134x91mm vs 160x159mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 835g or 59 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • 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.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (72 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 4 years and 1 month of technical progress since the D5 launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the E-M1 III is the clear winner of the contest (18 : 12 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 sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D5 12:18 E-M1 III

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D5 and the Olympus E-M1 III 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 says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the D5 and the E-M1 III in practical situations. 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 adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D5....4/589/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 US$ 6 499ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-M1 III5/5..5/583/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2020 US$ 1 799ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II....4.5/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 US$ 5 999ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D3S5/5....89/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2009 US$ 5 199ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D3X......86/1004/55/5 Dec 2008 US$ 7 999ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D4........4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 US$ 5 999ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D4S5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2014 US$ 6 499ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D6....4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2020 US$ 6 499 amazon.com
9.
 
Nikon D6004/5+ +..87/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 2 099ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D6104/5+ +..87/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 US$ 1 999ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D7505/5+ +4/590/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D8504.5/5+ +5/589/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2017 US$ 3 299 amazon.com
13.
 
Olympus E-M1 II5/5+ +5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 US$ 1 999ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-M1X4.5/5o5/585/1004.5/5.. Jan 2019 US$ 2 999ebay.com
15.
 
OM System OM-15/5....87/1005/54.5/5 Feb 2022 US$ 2 199ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic G9..+ +5/585/1005/55/5 Nov 2017 US$ 1 699ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic G954.5/5+4.5/583/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2019 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. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. 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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Check D5 offers at
ebay.com
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Check E-M1 III 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 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 1D X
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  • Canon 1D X Mark III
  • Canon 5D
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  • Canon 5D Mark III
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  • Canon 5DS
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  • Canon 7D II
  • Canon 10D
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  • Canon D30
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  • Canon G12
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  • Canon M
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  • Canon M50
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  • Canon M100
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  • Canon R
  • Canon R1
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  • Canon R5
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  • Canon R7
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  • Canon R50
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  • Canon R100
  • Canon RP
  • Canon S120
  • Canon SL1
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  • Canon SX1
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  • Canon Rebel
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  • Canon V1
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  • Canon XSi
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  • Contax N Digital
  • Epson R-D1
  • Fujifilm GFX 50R
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  • 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
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  • Panasonic FZ1000
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  • Panasonic FZ2500
  • Panasonic G1
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  • Panasonic G5
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  • Panasonic G7
  • Panasonic G9
  • Panasonic G9 II
  • Panasonic G10
  • Panasonic G85
  • Panasonic G97
  • Panasonic G95
  • Panasonic G100
  • Panasonic GF1
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  • 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
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  • Sigma fp
  • Sigma fp L
  • Sony A1
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  • Sony A7
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  • Sony A7 III
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  • Sony A7C
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  • Sony A7C R
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  • Sony A7R IIIA
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  • Sony A7R V
  • Sony A7S
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  • Sony A9
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  • Sony A58
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  • Sony A77
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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
  • Sony A6400
  • Sony A6500
  • Sony A6600
  • Sony A6700
  • Sony H200
  • Sony H300
  • Sony H400
  • Sony HX80
  • Sony HX90V
  • Sony HX95
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  • Sony HX350
  • Sony HX400V
  • Sony NEX-3
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  • Sony NEX-6
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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: Nikon D5 vs Olympus E-M1 III

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 D5 Olympus E-M1 III
Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
Launch Date January 2016 February 2020
Launch Price USD 6,499 USD 1,799
Sensor Specs Nikon D5 Olympus E-M1 III
Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
Sensor Size 35.9 x 23.9 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
Sensor Area 858.01 mm2 224.9 mm2
Sensor Diagonal 43.1 mm 21.6 mm
Crop Factor 1.0x 2.0x
Sensor Resolution 20.7 Megapixels 20.2 Megapixels
Image Resolution 5588 x 3712 pixels 5184 x 3888 pixels
Pixel Pitch 6.44 μm 3.34 μm
Pixel Density 2.42 MP/cm2 8.96 MP/cm2
Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO Setting 100 - 102,400 ISO 200 - 25,600 ISO
ISO Boost 50 - 3,280,000 ISO 64 - 25,600 ISO
Image Processor EXPEED 5 TruePic IX
DXO Sensor Quality (score) 88 ..
DXO Color Depth (bits) 25.1 ..
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.3 ..
DXO Low Light (ISO) 2343 ..
Screen Specs Nikon D5 Olympus E-M1 III
Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.72x 0.74x
Viewfinder Resolution 2360k dots
Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
LCD Framing Live View Live View
Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
LCD Resolution 2359k dots 1037k dots
LCD Attachment Fixed screen Swivel screen
Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
Shooting Specs Nikon D5 Olympus E-M1 III
Focus System Phase-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/8000s
Continuous Shooting 14 shutter flaps/s 18 shutter flaps/s
Shutter Life Expectancy400 000 actuations400 000 actuations
Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/32000s
Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
Storage Medium CF or XQD cards SDXC cards
Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
Connectivity Specs Nikon D5 Olympus E-M1 III
External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
USB Connector USB 3.0 USB 3.1
HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
Headphone Socket Headphone port Headphone port
Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
Body Specs Nikon D5 Olympus E-M1 III
Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
Battery Type Nikon EN-EL18a Olympus BLH-1
Battery Life (CIPA)3780 shots per charge420 shots per charge
In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
Body Dimensions 160 x 159 x 92 mm
(6.3 x 6.3 x 3.6 in)
134 x 91 x 69 mm
(5.3 x 3.6 x 2.7 in)
Camera Weight 1415 g (49.9 oz) 580 g (20.5 oz)
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