Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!
The goal of this overview is to provide a detailed comparison of two popular camera models from Semi-Pro Mirrorless category, introduced by Olympus. We are going to take a closer look at the technical and physical characteristics, features, and performance. The models we are going to assess and compare in this review are PEN-F and OM-D E-M5 II. Both products that we are going to review are equipped with the same type of sensor - CMOS. However, they have different resolution. Thus, Olympus PEN-F comes with a 20.0 MP CMOS sensor, while the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II features a 16.0 MP CMOS sensor.
Now, before we can move on to our comparison, let's take a moment to look at the key characteristics of Olympus PEN-F and Olympus OM-D E-M5 II.
Olympus PEN-F Key Features:
Olympus OM-D E-M5 II Key Features:
Sensor Resolution | 20.0 MP vs 16.0 MP | 20% more pixels |
Battery Life | 330 shots vs 310 shots | 20 more frames with a single charge |
Weight | 427 g vs 469 g | 42 g lighter |
Dxo Color Depth | 23.1 vs 23 | Better color depth |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/16000 vs 1/8000 | Faster shutter speed |
Environmental Sealing | Yes vs No | Shoot at tough conditions |
Microphone Port | Yes vs No | High quality audio recording option |
Dxo Low Light Iso | 896 vs 894 | Better High ISO performance |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.74 vs 0.62 | 0.12 better magnification |
Touch Screen | Yes | Yes | Easy control of camera functions |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ | Large display |
Screen Resolution | 1,037k dots | 1,037k dots | High resolution screen |
Screen Type | Fully Articulated | Fully Articulated | Help viewing and changing settings easily |
Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic | Better framing and control |
Raw Support | Yes | Yes | Better image quality |
AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes | Yes | Very handy for portraits |
Timelapse Recording | Yes | Yes | Creative shooting |
Bracketing | Yes | Yes | Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR |
Continuous Shooting | 10.0 fps | 10.0 fps | Nice continuous shooting |
Image Stabilization | Yes | Yes | Built-in stabilization |
Flash Sync Port | Yes | Yes | Port for Flash Sync |
Sensor Resolution | 20.0 MP | 16.0 MP | Small sensor resolution |
Headphone Port | No | No | No headphone port |
Built-In Flash | No | No | No built-in flash |
Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Olympus PEN-F and Olympus OM-D E-M5 II from the front view.
Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.
After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.
Speaking of weight, Olympus PEN-F is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 42g less than the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.
Are Olympus PEN-F and Olympus OM-D E-M5 II any different in terms of sensor type?
In fact, that's exactly what makes these two models really different. Thus, it is a good point to consider if your are choosing between these two cameras. Olympus PEN-F features a 20.0 MP Four Thirds sized CMOS sensor and boasts of a TruePic VII processor . Olympus OM-D E-M5 II, in its turn, comes with a 16.0 MP Four Thirds sized CMOS sensor and TruePic VII processor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Olympus PEN-F and Olympus OM-D E-M5 II by the size of their sensors.
Olympus PEN-F and Olympus OM-D E-M5 II are identical by this indicator, as each feature a sensor of the same size. Thus, both cameras will provide the same level of control in terms of the depth of field if you use them with the same focal length and aperture.
If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.
This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Olympus PEN-F and Olympus OM-D E-M5 II in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.
Photography Type | Olympus PEN-F | Olympus OM-D E-M5 II |
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Street Photography |
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Sports Photography |
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Daily Photography |
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Landscape Photography |
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Hopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Olympus PEN-F or Olympus OM-D E-M5 II, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.
What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Olympus PEN-F and Olympus OM-D E-M5 II here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Olympus PEN-F deserves a higher Total Score than the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
Olympus PEN-F | Olympus OM-D E-M5 II | |
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General | ||
Brand | Olympus | Olympus |
Model | PEN-F | OM-D E-M5 II |
Announced | Jan 27, 2016 | Feb 06, 2015 |
Body Type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | SLR-style mirrorless |
Sensor | ||
Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Size | Four Thirds | Four Thirds |
Sensor Dimensions | 17.3 x 13 mm | 17.3 x 13 mm |
Sensor Area | 224.90 mm2 | 224.90 mm2 |
Sensor Resolution | 20.0 MP | 16.0 MP |
Max Image Resolution | 5184 x 3888 | 4608 x 3456 |
Max Native ISO | 25,600 | 25,600 |
Max Boosted ISO | n/a | n/a |
Min Native ISO | 200 | 200 |
RAW Support | ||
Lens | ||
Manual Focus | ||
Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
Number of Lenses | 94 | 94 |
Focal Length Multiplier | 2x | 2x |
Macro Focus Range | ||
AutoFocus | ||
AF Touch | ||
AF Continuous | ||
AF Single | ||
AF Tracking | ||
AF Selective | ||
AF Center | ||
AF Multi Area | ||
AF Live View | ||
AF Face Detection | ||
AF Contrast Detection | ||
AF Phase Detection | ||
Number of Focus Points | 81 | 81 |
Number of Cross Focus Points | n/a | n/a |
Screen | ||
Screen Type | Fully Articulated | Fully Articulated |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ |
Screen Resolution | 1,037k dots | 1,037k dots |
Live View | ||
Touch Screen | ||
ViewFinder | ||
ViewFinder | Electronic | Electronic |
ViewFinder Resolution | 2,360k dots | 2,360k dots |
ViewFinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
ViewFinder Magnification | 0.62 | 0.74 |
Photography Features | ||
Min Shutter Speed | 60 s | 60 s |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 s | 1/16000 s |
Continuous Shooting | 10.0 fps | 10.0 fps |
Shutter Priority | ||
Aperture Priority | ||
Manual Exposure Mode | ||
Exposure Compensation | ||
Custom White Balance | ||
Image Stabilization | ||
Built-in Flash | ||
Flash Range | 0 | 0 |
Flash Modes | Flash Auto, Redeye, Fill-in, Flash Off, Red-eye Slow sync (1st curtain), Slow sync (1st curtain), Slow sync (2nd curtain) | Auto, redeye, fill, redeye slow sync, slow sync, 2nd-curtain slow sync, manual |
External Flash | ||
AE Bracketing | ||
WB Bracketing | ||
Exposure Modes | ||
Multi-Segment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF-Area | ||
Center Weighted | ||
DxO Sensor Scores | ||
DxO Sensor Score | 74 | 73 |
DxO Color Depth | 23.1 | 23.0 |
DxO Dynamic Range | 12.4 | 12.4 |
DxO Low Light ISO | 894 | 896 |
Video Features | ||
Video Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p) | 1920 x 1080 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p), 640 x 480 (30p) |
Max Video Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
Video Formats | MPEG-4, H.264, Motion JPEG | MPEG-4, H.264, Motion JPEG |
Microphone Port | ||
Headphone Port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless Connectivity | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
Physical | ||
Environmental Sealing | ||
Water Proof | ||
Dust Proof | ||
Shock Proof | ||
Crush Proof | ||
Freeze Proof | ||
Weight | 427 g | 469 g |
Physical Dimensions | 125 x 72 x 37 mm | 124 x 85 x 45 mm |
Battery Life | 330 shots | 310 shots |
Battery Type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Model | BLN-1 | BLN-1 |
Other Features | ||
Self Timer | ||
Timelapse Recording | ||
GPS | ||
Storage Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Storage Slots | 1 | 1 |
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