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Nikon Z8 vs Olympus E-M1

The Nikon Z8 and the Olympus OM-D E-M1 are two enthusiast cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in May 2023 and September 2013. Both the Z8 and the E-M1 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on a full frame (Z8) and a Four Thirds (E-M1) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 45.4 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 Z8
versus
Olympus E-M1
Nikon Z8   Olympus E-M1
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Nikon Z mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
45.4 MP – Full Frame sensor 15.9 MP – Four Thirds sensor
8K/30p Video 1080/30p Video
ISO 64-25,600 (32 - 102,400) ISO 200-25,600
Electronic viewfinder (3690k dots) Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.2" LCD – 2089k dots 3.0" LCD – 1037k dots
Fully flexible touchscreen Tilting touchscreen
30 shutter flaps per second 10 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
340 shots per battery charge350 shots per battery charge
144 x 119 x 83 mm, 910 g 130 x 94 x 63 mm, 497 g
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Check Z8 price at
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Check E-M1 offers at
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon Z8 and the Olympus OM-D E-M1? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Nikon Z8 and the Olympus E-M1 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The E-M1 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the Z8 is only available in black.

Size Nikon Z8 vs Olympus E-M1
Compare Z8 versus E-M1 top
Comparison Z8 or E-M1 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 is notably smaller (29 percent) than the Nikon Z8. Moreover, the E-M1 is substantially lighter (45 percent) than the Z8. 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. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the Z8 gets 340 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL15c battery, while the E-M1 can take 350 images on a single charge of its Olympus BLN-1 power pack. The power pack in the Z8 can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

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 (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon Z8 144 mm 119 mm 83 mm 910 g 340 Y May 2023 3,999 amazon.com
2.
 
Olympus E-M1 130 mm 94 mm 63 mm 497 g 350 Y Sep 2013 1,399ebay.com
3.
 
Canon R5 138 mm 98 mm 88 mm 738 g 320 Y Jul 2020 3,899 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon R5 C 142 mm 101 mm 111 mm 770 g 320 Y Jan 2022 4,499 amazon.com
5.
 
Nikon D850 146 mm 124 mm 79 mm 1005 g 1840 Y Jul 2017 3,299 amazon.com
6.
 
Nikon Z6 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 310 Y Aug 2018 1,999ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon Z6 II 134 mm 101 mm 70 mm 705 g 410 Y Oct 2020 1,999 amazon.com
8.
 
Nikon Z7 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 330 Y Aug 2018 3,399ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon Z7 II 134 mm 101 mm 70 mm 705 g 420 Y Oct 2020 2,999 amazon.com
10.
 
Nikon Z9 149 mm 150 mm 91 mm 1340 g 740 Y Oct 2021 5,499 amazon.com
11.
 
Olympus E-M1 II 134 mm 91 mm 67 mm 574 g 440 Y Sep 2016 1,999ebay.com
12.
 
Olympus E-M5 122 mm 89 mm 43 mm 425 g 360 Y Feb 2012 1,299ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-M5 II 124 mm 85 mm 45 mm 469 g 310 Y Feb 2015 1,099ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-P5 122 mm 69 mm 37 mm 420 g 330 n May 2013 999ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus PEN-F 125 mm 72 mm 37 mm 427 g 330 n Jan 2016 1,199ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic S1R 149 mm 110 mm 97 mm 1016 g 380 Y Feb 2019 3,699 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A7R V 131 mm 97 mm 82 mm 723 g 530 Y Oct 2022 3,899 amazon.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The E-M1 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 65 percent) than the Z8, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon Z8 features a full frame sensor and the Olympus E-M1 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the E-M1 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 Z8 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the E-M1 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Nikon Z8 and Olympus E-M1 sensor measures

With 45.4MP, the Z8 offers a higher resolution than the E-M1 (15.9MP), but the Z8 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.35μm versus 3.76μm for the E-M1) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the Z8 is a much more recent model (by 9 years and 8 months) than the E-M1, 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 neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon Z8 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Z8 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 41.3 x 27.5 inches or 104.9 x 69.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 33 x 22 inches or 83.9 x 55.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 27.5 x 18.3 inches or 69.9 x 46.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Olympus E-M1 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 Z8 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 64 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 32-102400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Olympus OM-D E-M1 are ISO 200 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-25600.

In terms of underlying technology, the Z8 is build around a Stacked BSI-CMOS sensor, while the E-M1 uses a CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

Z8 versus E-M1 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. 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"). Of the two cameras under review, the Z8 provides substantially higher image quality than the E-M1, with an overall score that is 25 points higher. This advantage is based on 3.3 bits higher color depth, 1.5 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.8 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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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 Z8 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55048K/30p26.314.2254898
2.
 
Olympus E-M1 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p23.012.775773
3.
 
Canon R5 Full Frame 44.8 8192 54648K/30p25.314.6304295
4.
 
Canon R5 C Full Frame 44.8 8192 54648k/60p25.414.5308296
5.
 
Nikon D850 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.414.82660100
6.
 
Nikon Z6 Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/30p25.314.3329995
7.
 
Nikon Z6 II Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/60p25.014.4330394
8.
 
Nikon Z7 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.314.6266899
9.
 
Nikon Z7 II Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/60p26.314.72841100
10.
 
Nikon Z9 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55048K/30p26.314.4245198
11.
 
Olympus E-M1 II Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.712.8131280
12.
 
Olympus E-M5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60i22.812.382671
13.
 
Olympus E-M5 II Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p23.012.584273
14.
 
Olympus E-P5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.812.489572
15.
 
Olympus PEN-F Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38881080/60p23.112.489474
16.
 
Panasonic S1R Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/60p26.414.13525100
17.
 
Sony A7R V Full Frame 60.2 9504 63368k/24p26.514.83187100
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the Z8 provides a higher video resolution than the E-M1. It can shoot video footage at 8K/30p, while the Olympus is limited to 1080/30p.

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The two cameras under consideration are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the Z8 offers a substantially higher resolution than the one in the E-M1 (3690k vs 2360k dots). The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Nikon Z8, the Olympus E-M1, 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 Z83690 Y3.2 / 2089 full-flex Y 1/32000s 30.0/s n Y
2.
 
Olympus E-M12360 n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
3.
 
Canon R55760 Y3.2 / 2100 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
4.
 
Canon R5 C5760 Y3.2 / 2100 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n n
5.
 
Nikon D850optical Y3.2 / 2359 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n n
6.
 
Nikon Z63690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
7.
 
Nikon Z6 II3690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n Y
8.
 
Nikon Z73690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
9.
 
Nikon Z7 II3690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
10.
 
Nikon Z93690 Y3.2 / 2089 full-flex Y 1/32000s 30.0/s n Y
11.
 
Olympus E-M1 II2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 18.0/s n Y
12.
 
Olympus E-M51440 n3.0 / 610 tilting Y 1/4000s 9.0/s n Y
13.
 
Olympus E-M5 II2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
14.
 
Olympus E-P5optional n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s Y Y
15.
 
Olympus PEN-F2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
16.
 
Panasonic S1R5760 Y3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A7R V9440 n3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One feature that is present on the Z8, but is missing on the E-M1 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 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, both cameras under consideration feature an 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 Z8 and the Olympus E-M1 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 Z8 writes its imaging data to CFexpress (type B) or SDXC cards, while the E-M1 uses SDXC cards. The Z8 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the E-M1 only has one slot. The Z8 supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the E-M1 can use UHS-I cards (up to 104 MB/s).

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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 Z8 and Olympus OM-D E-M1 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 Z8Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
2.
 
Olympus E-M1Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
3.
 
Canon R5Ymono / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
4.
 
Canon R5 CYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
5.
 
Nikon D850Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0YYY
6.
 
Nikon Z6Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
7.
 
Nikon Z6 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
8.
 
Nikon Z7Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
9.
 
Nikon Z7 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
10.
 
Nikon Z9Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
11.
 
Olympus E-M1 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.0Y--
12.
 
Olympus E-M5Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
13.
 
Olympus E-M5 IIYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
14.
 
Olympus E-P5Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
15.
 
Olympus PEN-FYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
16.
 
Panasonic S1RYstereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
17.
 
Sony A7R VYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y

It is notable that the Z8 has a headphone jack, which is not present on the E-M1 This port makes it possible to attach external headphones and monitor the quality of sound during the recording process.

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

Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that the Z8 has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.

The Z8 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the E-M1 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the E-M1 was succeeded by the Olympus E-M1 II. Further information on the features and operation of the Z8 and E-M1 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon Z8 Manual (free pdf) or the online Olympus E-M1 Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Which of the two cameras – the Nikon Z8 or the Olympus E-M1 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

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Reasons to prefer the Nikon Z8:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (45.4 vs 15.9MP) with a 72% higher linear resolution.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (25 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (3.3 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (1.5 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (1.8 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (8K/30p vs 1080/30p).
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (3690k vs 2360k dots).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.80x vs 0.74x).
  • 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 (2089k vs 1037k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a full-flex screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/32000s vs 1/8000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (30 vs 10 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 2.0).
  • More solid recording: Has a full-sized HDMI port for a sturdy connection to an external recorder.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
  • More modern: Reflects 9 years and 8 months of technical progress since the E-M1 launch.

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Arguments in favor of the Olympus OM-D E-M1:

  • More compact: Is smaller (130x94mm vs 144x119mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 413g or 45 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (65 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in September 2013).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the Z8 is the clear winner of the match-up (23 : 4 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 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.

Z8 23:04 E-M1

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon Z8 and the Olympus E-M1 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the Z8 or the E-M1 perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

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 (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon Z85/5..5/594/1005/54.5/5 May 2023 3,999 amazon.com
2.
 
Olympus E-M15/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2013 1,399ebay.com
3.
 
Canon R54.5/5+4/591/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2020 3,899 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon R5 C..+ +........ Jan 2022 4,499 amazon.com
5.
 
Nikon D8504.5/5+ +5/589/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2017 3,299 amazon.com
6.
 
Nikon Z65/5..5/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 1,999ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon Z6 II4.5/5..4/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2020 1,999 amazon.com
8.
 
Nikon Z75/5+4.8/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 3,399ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon Z7 II4.5/5..4.5/5..4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2020 2,999 amazon.com
10.
 
Nikon Z95/5..4.5/594/1005/55/5 Oct 2021 5,499 amazon.com
11.
 
Olympus E-M1 II5/5+ +5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 1,999ebay.com
12.
 
Olympus E-M54/5+ +..80/1004.5/55/5 Feb 2012 1,299ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-M5 II5/5+ +4.5/581/1005/55/5 Feb 2015 1,099ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-P55/5+ +..78/1004.5/55/5 May 2013 999ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus PEN-F....4/582/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 1,199ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic S1R4.5/5..4.6/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2019 3,699 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A7R V5/5+ +4.5/592/100.... Oct 2022 3,899 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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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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    Specifications: Nikon Z8 vs Olympus E-M1

    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 Z8 Olympus E-M1
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Nikon Z mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date May 2023 September 2013
    Launch Price USD 3,999 USD 1,399
    Sensor Specs Nikon Z8 Olympus E-M1
    Sensor Technology Stacked BSI-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 45.4 Megapixels 15.9 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 8256 x 5504 pixels 4608 x 3456 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.35 μm 3.76 μm
    Pixel Density 5.30 MP/cm2 7.08 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 8K/30p Video 1080/30p Video
    ISO Setting 64 - 25,600 ISO 200 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 32 - 102,400 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor EXPEED 7 TruePIC VII
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 98 73
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 26.3 23.0
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.2 12.7
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 2548 757
    Screen Specs Nikon Z8 Olympus E-M1
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.80x 0.74x
    Viewfinder Resolution 3690k dots 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 2089k dots 1037k dots
    LCD Attachment Fully flexible screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Nikon Z8 Olympus E-M1
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/32000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 30 shutter flaps/s 10 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/32000sYES
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium CFexB or SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-II UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Nikon Z8 Olympus E-M1
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 3.2 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port full HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Geotagging GPS built-in no internal GPS
    Body Specs Nikon Z8 Olympus E-M1
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL15c Olympus BLN-1
    Battery Life (CIPA)340 shots per charge350 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 144 x 119 x 83 mm
    (5.7 x 4.7 x 3.3 in)
    130 x 94 x 63 mm
    (5.1 x 3.7 x 2.5 in)
    Camera Weight 910 g (32.1 oz) 497 g (17.5 oz)
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