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Olympus E-M1 vs Nikon D610

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 and the Nikon D610 are two enthusiast cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in September 2013 and October 2013. The E-M1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the D610 is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a Four Thirds (E-M1) and a full frame (D610) sensor. The Olympus has a resolution of 15.9 megapixels, whereas the Nikon provides 24.2 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Olympus E-M1
versus
Nikon D610
Olympus E-M1   Nikon D610
Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
Micro Four Thirds lenses Nikon F mount lenses
15.9 MP – Four Thirds sensor 24.2 MP – Full Frame sensor
1080/30p Video 1080/30p Video
ISO 200-25,600 ISO 100-6,400 (50 - 25,600)
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots) Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 1037k dots 3.2" LCD – 921k dots
Tilting touchscreen Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
10 shutter flaps per second 6 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
350 shots per battery charge900 shots per battery charge
130 x 94 x 63 mm, 497 g 141 x 113 x 82 mm, 850 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Olympus OM-D E-M1 and the Nikon D610? 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 Olympus E-M1 and the Nikon D610 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The E-M1 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the D610 is only available in black.

Size Olympus E-M1 vs Nikon D610
Compare E-M1 versus D610 top
Comparison E-M1 or D610 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D610 is notably larger (30 percent) than the Olympus E-M1. Moreover, the D610 is substantially heavier (71 percent) than the E-M1. 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 Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (E-M1) and the Nikon Lens Catalog (D610). Mirrorless cameras, such as the Olympus E-M1, have moreover the advantage that they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance and can thus use many lenses from other systems via adapters.

Concerning battery life, the E-M1 gets 350 shots out of its Olympus BLN-1 battery, while the D610 can take 900 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL15 power pack.

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
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus E-M1 130 mm 94 mm 63 mm 497 g 350 Y Sep 2013 1,399ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D610 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 Y Oct 2013 1,999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 6D 145 mm 111 mm 71 mm 770 g 1090 Y Sep 2012 2,099ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D750 141 mm 113 mm 78 mm 750 g 1230 Y Sep 2014 2,299ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D810 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 980 g 1200 Y Jun 2014 3,299ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon Df 144 mm 110 mm 67 mm 760 g 1400 Y Nov 2013 2,749ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D600 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 Y Sep 2012 2,099ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-M1 II 134 mm 91 mm 67 mm 574 g 440 Y Sep 2016 1,999ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus PEN-F 125 mm 72 mm 37 mm 427 g 330 n Jan 2016 1,199ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus E-M5 II 124 mm 85 mm 45 mm 469 g 310 Y Feb 2015 1,099ebay.com
11.
 
Olympus E-PL7 115 mm 67 mm 38 mm 357 g 350 n Aug 2014 599ebay.com
12.
 
Olympus E-P5 122 mm 69 mm 37 mm 420 g 330 n May 2013 999ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-M5 122 mm 89 mm 43 mm 425 g 360 Y Feb 2012 1,299ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-PL5 111 mm 64 mm 38 mm 325 g 360 n Sep 2012 599ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus E-PM2 110 mm 64 mm 34 mm 269 g 360 n Sep 2012 499ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic GH4 133 mm 93 mm 84 mm 560 g 500 Y Feb 2014 1,499ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic GH3 133 mm 93 mm 82 mm 550 g 540 Y Sep 2012 1,299ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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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 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 30 percent) than the D610, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the 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. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Olympus E-M1 features a Four Thirds sensor and the Nikon D610 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the D610 is 283 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.0 and 1.0. The sensor in the E-M1 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the D610 offers a 3:2 aspect.

Olympus E-M1 and Nikon D610 sensor measures

With 24.2MP, the D610 offers a higher resolution than the E-M1 (15.9MP), but the D610 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.97μm versus 3.76μm for the E-M1) due to its larger sensor. It is noteworthy in this context that the two cameras were released in close succession, so that their sensors are from the same technological generation. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the E-M1 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D610 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D610 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30.1 x 20.1 inches or 76.4 x 51 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24.1 x 16.1 inches or 61.1 x 40.8 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20.1 x 13.4 inches or 50.9 x 34 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 E-M1 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon D610 are ISO 100 to ISO 6400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-25600.

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.

E-M1 versus D610 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"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the D610 offers substantially better image quality than the E-M1 (overall score 21 points higher). The advantage is based on 2.1 bits higher color depth, 1.7 EV in additional dynamic range, and 2 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Olympus E-M1 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p23.012.775773
2.
 
Nikon D610 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.4292594
3.
 
Canon 6D Full Frame 20.0 5472 36481080/30p23.812.1234082
4.
 
Nikon D750 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/60p24.814.5295693
5.
 
Nikon D810 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60p25.714.8285397
6.
 
Nikon Df Full Frame 16.2 4928 3280none24.613.1327989
7.
 
Nikon D600 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.2298094
8.
 
Olympus E-M1 II Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.712.8131280
9.
 
Olympus PEN-F Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38881080/60p23.112.489474
10.
 
Olympus E-M5 II Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p23.012.584273
11.
 
Olympus E-PL7 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.712.487372
12.
 
Olympus E-P5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.812.489572
13.
 
Olympus E-M5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60i22.812.382671
14.
 
Olympus E-PL5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.812.388972
15.
 
Olympus E-PM2 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.712.293272
16.
 
Panasonic GH4 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34564K/30p23.212.879174
17.
 
Panasonic GH3 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p22.712.481271
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, and both provide the same movie specifications (1080/30p).

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the E-M1 has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), while the D610 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 has a higher magnification than the one of the D610 (0.74x vs 0.70x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Olympus E-M1 and Nikon D610 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
# image 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.
 
Olympus E-M12360 n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
2.
 
Nikon D610optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon 6Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 4.5/s n n
4.
 
Nikon D750optical Y3.2 / 1229 tilting n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
5.
 
Nikon D810optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y n
6.
 
Nikon Dfoptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s n n
7.
 
Nikon D600optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s Y n
8.
 
Olympus E-M1 II2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 18.0/s n Y
9.
 
Olympus PEN-F2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
10.
 
Olympus E-M5 II2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
11.
 
Olympus E-PL7optional n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n Y
12.
 
Olympus E-P5optional n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s Y Y
13.
 
Olympus E-M51440 n3.0 / 610 tilting Y 1/4000s 9.0/s n Y
14.
 
Olympus E-PL5optional n3.0 / 460 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n Y
15.
 
Olympus E-PM2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n Y
16.
 
Panasonic GH42359 n3.0 / 1036 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s Y n
17.
 
Panasonic GH31746 n3.0 / 614 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One feature that differentiates the E-M1 and the D610 is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The E-M1 reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while the D610 offers no blur reduction with lenses that themselves do not provide optical image stabilization.

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 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 Olympus E-M1 and the Nikon D610 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.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the E-M1 and the D610 write their files to SDXC cards. The D610 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the E-M1 only has one slot. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of 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 Olympus OM-D E-M1 and Nikon D610 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Olympus E-M1Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
2.
 
Nikon D610Ymono / monoYYmini2.0---
3.
 
Canon 6DYmono / monoY-mini2.0Y--
4.
 
Nikon D750Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0Y--
5.
 
Nikon D810Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
6.
 
Nikon DfY- / ---mini2.0---
7.
 
Nikon D600Ymono / monoYYmini2.0---
8.
 
Olympus E-M1 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.0Y--
9.
 
Olympus PEN-FYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
10.
 
Olympus E-M5 IIYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
11.
 
Olympus E-PL7Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
12.
 
Olympus E-P5Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
13.
 
Olympus E-M5Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
14.
 
Olympus E-PL5Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
15.
 
Olympus E-PM2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
16.
 
Panasonic GH4Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
17.
 
Panasonic GH3Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0Y--
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It is notable that the E-M1 offers wifi support, while the D610 does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

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

Both the E-M1 and the D610 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The E-M1 was replaced by the Olympus E-M1 II, while the D610 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the E-M1 and D610 can be found, respectively, in the Olympus E-M1 Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon D610 Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Olympus E-M1 and the Nikon D610? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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

  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • 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 0.70x).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1037k vs 921k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (130x94mm vs 141x113mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 353g or 42 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (30 percent cheaper at launch).

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Advantages of the Nikon D610:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (24.2 vs 15.9MP), which boosts linear resolution by 26%.
  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (21 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (2.1 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (1.7 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (2 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (900 versus 350) out of a single battery charge.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the E-M1 emerges as the winner of the contest (16 : 13 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

E-M1 16:13 D610

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Olympus E-M1 and the Nikon D610 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the E-M1 or the D610 perform in practice. 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 following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major 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
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus E-M15/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2013 1,399ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D6104/5+ +..87/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 1,999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 6D5/5+ +..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 2,099ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D7505/5+ +4/590/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 2,299ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D8105/5..5/586/1005/54.5/5 Jun 2014 3,299ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon Df4/5....81/1004/54/5 Nov 2013 2,749ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D6004/5+ +..87/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 2,099ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-M1 II5/5+ +5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 1,999ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus PEN-F....4/582/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 1,199ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus E-M5 II5/5+ +4.5/581/1005/55/5 Feb 2015 1,099ebay.com
11.
 
Olympus E-PL74/5+....5/54/5 Aug 2014 599ebay.com
12.
 
Olympus E-P55/5+ +..78/1004.5/55/5 May 2013 999ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-M54/5+ +..80/1004.5/55/5 Feb 2012 1,299ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-PL53/5+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 599ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus E-PM23/5....77/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 499ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic GH45/5+ +..85/1005/55/5 Feb 2014 1,499ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic GH35/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 1,299ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. 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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Other camera comparisons

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

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    Specifications: Olympus E-M1 vs Nikon D610

    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 Olympus E-M1 Nikon D610
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Micro Four Thirds lenses Nikon F mount lenses
    Launch Date September 2013 October 2013
    Launch Price USD 1,399 USD 1,999
    Sensor Specs Olympus E-M1 Nikon D610
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Four Thirds Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 17.3 x 13.0 mm 35.9 x 24.0 mm
    Sensor Area 224.9 mm2 861.6 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 21.6 mm 43.2 mm
    Crop Factor 2.0x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 15.9 Megapixels 24.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4608 x 3456 pixels 6016 x 4016 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.76 μm 5.97 μm
    Pixel Density 7.08 MP/cm2 2.80 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video 1080/30p Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 25,600 ISO 100 - 6,400 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 25,600 ISO 50 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor TruePIC VII EXPEED 3
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 73 94
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.0 25.1
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.7 14.4
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 757 2925
    Screen Specs Olympus E-M1 Nikon D610
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.74x 0.70x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2360k dots
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 1037k dots 921k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Olympus E-M1 Nikon D610
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peakingno Peaking Feature
    Continuous Shooting 10 shutter flaps/s 6 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy150 000 actuations150 000 actuations
    Electronic ShutterYESno E-Shutter
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Dual card slots
    UHS card support UHS-I UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Olympus E-M1 Nikon D610
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Body Specs Olympus E-M1 Nikon D610
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Olympus BLN-1 Nikon EN-EL15
    Battery Life (CIPA)350 shots per charge900 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 130 x 94 x 63 mm
    (5.1 x 3.7 x 2.5 in)
    141 x 113 x 82 mm
    (5.6 x 4.4 x 3.2 in)
    Camera Weight 497 g (17.5 oz) 850 g (30.0 oz)
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