• APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 18.0 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Canon T5i advantages over Olympus PEN-F

  • Less expensive
    $539 vs $999*
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.30 vs 3.36 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.70 vs 1.8 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 440 vs 330 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos

Olympus PEN-F advantages over Canon T5i

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Higher effective ISO
    894 vs 681 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    12.4 vs 11.2 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Thinner
    37 mm vs 78 mm
    Thinner
  • Less shutter lag
    0.14 vs 0.26 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.62x vs 0.53x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.4 fps vs 4.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    43 vs 15 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    10.5 fps vs 4.8 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    39 vs 6 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Both provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon T5i

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus PEN-F

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent image quality; 9 cross-type AF points; Stereo microphones; Built-in touchscreen; Multi-shot modes; Improved kit lens; Even more affordable.

  • Little-changed from the earlier T4i; Slow Live View and video autofocus; High ISO performance is unimproved; Below-average battery life; No dedicated AF illuminator.

  • Highest resolution Olympus 4/3" camera yet; Excellent image quality for its class; Very good dynamic range; Fast autofocus; Fast burst speeds; Lots of fun creative filter options; Built-in EVF, Wi-Fi.

  • Expensive; No weather sealing; Mediocre battery life; No 4K video; No mic or headphone jacks.

The Competition

Compared to Canon T4i

Canon T5i
Canon T4i
  • $539
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
Olympus PEN-F
Canon T4i
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Sony A57

Canon T5i
Sony A57
  • $539
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Olympus PEN-F
Sony A57
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Pentax K-5 IIs

Canon T5i
Pentax K-5 IIs
  • $539
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Olympus PEN-F
Pentax K-5 IIs
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony A58

Canon T5i
Sony A58
  • $539
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Olympus PEN-F
Sony A58
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Canon T5i
Panasonic GX85
  • $539
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Olympus PEN-F
Panasonic GX85
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
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