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

Nikon D5500 vs Olympus E-PM2

The Nikon D5500 and the Olympus PEN E-PM2 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in January 2015 and September 2012. The D5500 is a DSLR, while the E-PM2 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-C (D5500) and a Four Thirds (E-PM2) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 24 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
Nikon D5500
versus
Olympus E-PM2
Nikon D5500   Olympus E-PM2
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
24 MP – APS-C sensor 15.9 MP – Four Thirds sensor
1080/60p Video 1080/30p Video
ISO 100-25,600 ISO 100-25,600
Optical viewfinder Viewfinder optional
3.2" LCD – 1037k dots 3.0" LCD – 460k dots
Swivel touchscreen Fixed touchscreen
5 shutter flaps per second 8 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
820 shots per battery charge360 shots per battery charge
124 x 97 x 70 mm, 470 g 110 x 64 x 34 mm, 269 g
logo
Check D5500 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check E-PM2 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D5500 and the Olympus PEN E-PM2? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

ad

Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Nikon D5500 and the Olympus E-PM2 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The D5500 can be obtained in two different colors (black, red), while the E-PM2 is available in four color-versions (black, silver, red, white).

Size Nikon D5500 vs Olympus E-PM2
Compare D5500 versus E-PM2 top
Comparison D5500 or E-PM2 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Olympus E-PM2 is considerably smaller (41 percent) than the Nikon D5500. Moreover, the E-PM2 is substantially lighter (43 percent) than the D5500. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the D5500 nor the E-PM2 are weather-sealed.

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 (D5500) and the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (E-PM2). Mirrorless cameras, such as the E-PM2, have moreover the advantage that they can use many lenses from other systems via adapters, as they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance.

Concerning battery life, the D5500 gets 820 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL14a battery, while the E-PM2 can take 360 images on a single charge of its Olympus BLS-5 power pack.

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

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.
 
Nikon D5500 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 470 g 820 i Jan 2015 US$ 899ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-PM2 110 mm 64 mm 34 mm 269 g 360 i Sep 2012 US$ 499ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 750D 132 mm 101 mm 78 mm 555 g 440 i Feb 2015 US$ 749ebay.com
4.
 
Canon M5 116 mm 89 mm 61 mm 427 g 295 i Sep 2016 US$ 979ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D3200 125 mm 96 mm 77 mm 505 g 540 i Apr 2012 US$ 599ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D3300 124 mm 98 mm 76 mm 430 g 700 i Jan 2014 US$ 499ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D3400 124 mm 98 mm 76 mm 445 g 1200 i Aug 2016 US$ 499ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D5100 128 mm 97 mm 79 mm 560 g 660 i Apr 2011 US$ 749ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D5200 129 mm 98 mm 78 mm 555 g 500 i Nov 2012 US$ 749ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D5300 125 mm 98 mm 76 mm 480 g 600 i Oct 2013 US$ 799ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D5600 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 465 g 970 i Nov 2016 US$ 699ebay.com
12.
 
Olympus E-P5 122 mm 69 mm 37 mm 420 g 330 i May 2013 US$ 999ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-PL5 111 mm 64 mm 38 mm 325 g 360 i Sep 2012 US$ 599ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-PL6 111 mm 64 mm 38 mm 325 g 360 i May 2013 US$ 599ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus E-PL7 115 mm 67 mm 38 mm 357 g 350 i Aug 2014 US$ 599ebay.com
16.
 
Olympus E-PM1 110 mm 64 mm 34 mm 265 g 330 i Jun 2011 US$ 499ebay.com
17.
 
Samsung NX30 127 mm 96 mm 58 mm 375 g 360 i Jan 2014 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 obviously take relative prices into account. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The E-PM2 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 44 percent) than the D5500, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and 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 are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D5500 features an APS-C sensor and the Olympus E-PM2 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the E-PM2 is 39 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 2.0. The sensor in the D5500 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the E-PM2 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Nikon D5500 and Olympus E-PM2 sensor measures

With 24MP, the D5500 offers a higher resolution than the E-PM2 (15.9MP), but the D5500 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.91μm versus 3.76μm for the E-PM2) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the D5500 is a much more recent model (by 2 years and 3 months) than the E-PM2, 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 D5500 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D5500 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D5500 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Olympus E-PM2 are 23 x 17.3 inches or 58.5 x 43.9 cm for good quality, 18.4 x 13.8 inches or 46.8 x 35.1 cm for very good quality, and 15.4 x 11.5 inches or 39 x 29.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Nikon D5500 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600. The Olympus PEN E-PM2 offers exactly the same ISO settings.

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.

D5500 versus E-PM2 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. 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 review, the D5500 provides substantially higher image quality than the E-PM2, with an overall score that is 12 points higher. This advantage is based on 1.4 bits higher color depth, 1.8 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.6 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.

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.
 
Nikon D5500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0143884
2.
 
Olympus E-PM2 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.712.293272
3.
 
Canon 750D APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.712.091971
4.
 
Canon M5 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.412.4126277
5.
 
Nikon D3200 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/30p24.113.2113181
6.
 
Nikon D3300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.312.8138582
7.
 
Nikon D3400 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.813.9119286
8.
 
Nikon D5100 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.513.6118380
9.
 
Nikon D5200 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60i24.213.9128484
10.
 
Nikon D5300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.9133883
11.
 
Nikon D5600 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0130684
12.
 
Olympus E-P5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.812.489572
13.
 
Olympus E-PL5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.812.388972
14.
 
Olympus E-PL6 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.512.071768
15.
 
Olympus E-PL7 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.712.487372
16.
 
Olympus E-PM1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i21.010.349952
17.
 
Samsung NX30 APS-C 20.0 5472 36481080/60p23.512.4101476
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
  empty Camera
Model

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the D5500 provides a higher frame rate than the E-PM2. It can shoot video footage at 1080/60p, while the Olympus is limited to 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the D5500 has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the E-PM2 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the E-PM2 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the VF-4. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Nikon D5500 and Olympus E-PM2 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.
 
Nikon D5500optical i3.2 / 1037 swivel i 1/4000s 5.0/s i i
2.
 
Olympus E-PM2optional i3.0 / 460 fixed i 1/4000s 8.0/s i i
3.
 
Canon 750Doptical i3.0 / 1040 swivel i 1/4000s 5.0/s i i
4.
 
Canon M52360 i3.2 / 1620 tilting i 1/4000s 9.0/s i i
5.
 
Nikon D3200optical i3.0 / 921 fixed i 1/4000s 4.0/s i i
6.
 
Nikon D3300optical i3.0 / 921 fixed i 1/4000s 5.0/s i i
7.
 
Nikon D3400optical i3.0 / 921 fixed i 1/4000s 5.0/s i i
8.
 
Nikon D5100optical i3.0 / 921 swivel i 1/4000s 4.0/s i i
9.
 
Nikon D5200optical i3.0 / 921 swivel i 1/4000s 5.0/s i i
10.
 
Nikon D5300optical i3.2 / 1037 swivel i 1/4000s 5.0/s i i
11.
 
Nikon D5600optical i3.2 / 1037 swivel i 1/4000s 5.0/s i i
12.
 
Olympus E-P5optional i3.0 / 1037 tilting i 1/8000s 9.0/s i i
13.
 
Olympus E-PL5optional i3.0 / 460 tilting i 1/4000s 8.0/s i i
14.
 
Olympus E-PL6optional i3.0 / 460 tilting i 1/4000s 8.0/s i i
15.
 
Olympus E-PL7optional i3.0 / 1037 tilting i 1/4000s 8.0/s i i
16.
 
Olympus E-PM1optional i3.0 / 460 fixed i 1/4000s 5.5/s i i
17.
 
Samsung NX302359 i3.0 / 1036 swivel i 1/8000s 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 difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The D5500 has one, while the E-PM2 does not. While the built-in flash of the D5500 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The D5500 has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the E-PM2 does not have a selfie-screen.

The Nikon D5500 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.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the D5500 and the E-PM2 write their files to SDXC cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

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 D5500 and Olympus PEN E-PM2 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.
 
Nikon D5500istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
2.
 
Olympus E-PM2istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
3.
 
Canon 750Distereo / monoiimini2.0iii
4.
 
Canon M5istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
5.
 
Nikon D3200imono / monoiimini2.0iii
6.
 
Nikon D3300imono / monoiimini2.0iii
7.
 
Nikon D3400imono / monoiimini2.0iii
8.
 
Nikon D5100imono / monoiimini2.0iii
9.
 
Nikon D5200istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
10.
 
Nikon D5300istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
11.
 
Nikon D5600istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
12.
 
Olympus E-P5istereo / monoiimicro2.0iii
13.
 
Olympus E-PL5istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
14.
 
Olympus E-PL6istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
15.
 
Olympus E-PL7istereo / monoiimicro2.0iii
16.
 
Olympus E-PM1istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
17.
 
Samsung NX30istereo / 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 D5500 has a microphone port, which is missing on the E-PM2. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

Both the D5500 and the E-PM2 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D5500 was replaced by the Nikon D5600, while the E-PM2 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the D5500 and E-PM2 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D5500 Manual (free pdf) or the online Olympus E-PM2 Manual.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Nikon D5500 better than the Olympus E-PM2 or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

ilogo

Advantages of the Nikon D5500:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (24 vs 15.9MP) with a 25% higher linear resolution.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (12 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (1.4 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (1.8 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (0.6 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60p versus 1080/30p).
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • 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 (1037k vs 460k dots).
  • 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.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (820 versus 360) on a single battery charge.
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • More modern: Reflects 2 years and 3 months of technical progress since the E-PM2 launch.

ilogo

Arguments in favor of the Olympus PEN E-PM2:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (8 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More compact: Is smaller (110x64mm vs 124x97mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 201g or 43 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (44 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in September 2012).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D5500 is the clear winner of the match-up (18 : 8 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D5500 18:08 E-PM2

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D5500 and the Olympus E-PM2 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of 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 D5500 and the E-PM2 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 hands-on reviews by experts 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.

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.
 
Nikon D55005/5+..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2015 US$ 899ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-PM23/5....77/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 499ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 750D5/5....75/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 US$ 749ebay.com
4.
 
Canon M54/5+4/582/1004/54/5 Sep 2016 US$ 979ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D32005/5+ +..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2012 US$ 599ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D33003/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2014 US$ 499ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D34004/5+4/576/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2016 US$ 499ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D51005/5+ +..76/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2011 US$ 749ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D52004/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2012 US$ 749ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D53004/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 US$ 799ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D56004/5..4/579/1004.5/54/5 Nov 2016 US$ 699ebay.com
12.
 
Olympus E-P55/5+ +..78/1004.5/55/5 May 2013 US$ 999ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-PL53/5+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 599ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-PL6............ May 2013 US$ 599ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus E-PL74/5+....5/54/5 Aug 2014 US$ 599ebay.com
16.
 
Olympus E-PM1..86/100..71/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2011 US$ 499ebay.com
17.
 
Samsung NX303/5....77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2014 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 above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

logo
Check D5500 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check E-PM2 offers at
ebay.com

Other camera comparisons

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

~
  • 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: Nikon D5500 vs Olympus E-PM2

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

Camera Specifications
Camera Model Nikon D5500 Olympus E-PM2
Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
Launch Date January 2015 September 2012
Launch Price USD 899 USD 499
Sensor Specs Nikon D5500 Olympus E-PM2
Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
Sensor Format APS-C Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
Sensor Size 23.5 x 15.6 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
Sensor Area 366.6 mm2 224.9 mm2
Sensor Diagonal 28.2 mm 21.6 mm
Crop Factor 1.5x 2.0x
Sensor Resolution 24 Megapixels 15.9 Megapixels
Image Resolution 6000 x 4000 pixels 4608 x 3456 pixels
Pixel Pitch 3.91 μm 3.76 μm
Pixel Density 6.55 MP/cm2 7.08 MP/cm2
Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
Movie Capability 1080/60p Video 1080/30p Video
ISO Setting 100 - 25,600 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
Image Processor EXPEED 4 TruePic VI
DXO Sensor Quality (score) 84 72
DXO Color Depth (bits) 24.1 22.7
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.0 12.2
DXO Low Light (ISO) 1438 932
Screen Specs Nikon D5500 Olympus E-PM2
Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Viewfinder optional
Viewfinder Field of View 95%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.57x
LCD Framing Live View Live View
Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
LCD Resolution 1037k dots 460k dots
LCD Attachment Swivel screen Fixed screen
Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
Shooting Specs Nikon D5500 Olympus E-PM2
Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
Continuous Shooting 5 shutter flaps/s 8 shutter flaps/s
Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
UHS card support UHS-I UHS-I
Connectivity Specs Nikon D5500 Olympus E-PM2
External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
Microphone Port External MIC port no MIC socket
Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
Body Specs Nikon D5500 Olympus E-PM2
Battery Type Nikon EN-EL14a Olympus BLS-5
Battery Life (CIPA)820 shots per charge360 shots per charge
Body Dimensions 124 x 97 x 70 mm
(4.9 x 3.8 x 2.8 in)
110 x 64 x 34 mm
(4.3 x 2.5 x 1.3 in)
Camera Weight 470 g (16.6 oz) 269 g (9.5 oz)
logo
Check D5500 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check E-PM2 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  »  Nikon D5500 vs Olympus E-PM2