• 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 20.8 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 102,400
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Nikon D5 advantages over Olympus E-PL10

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.45 vs 3.75 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer video battery life
    110 vs 80 minutes
    Capture more video
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Higher-res screen
    590k vs 346k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More pixels
    20.8 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Higher extended ISO
    3276800 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Olympus E-PL10 advantages over Nikon D5

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Less expensive
    $549 vs $4245
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • 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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    39 mm vs 92 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    4 years vs 8 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    380g vs 1415g
    Lighter weight
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • 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

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D5

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus E-PL10

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent image quality; Excellent high ISO performance; Fast 153-point autofocus system; Fast continuous shooting speeds; 4K video recording; Pro-quality camera body; Outstanding battery life.

  • Large and heavy body might not be right for all; Loud shutter; Underutilized touchscreen; Low ISO dynamic range not as good as predecessor; Extended high ISOs not very useful; Sluggish Live View AF.

The Competition

Compared to Canon EOS-1D C

Nikon D5
Canon EOS-1D C
  • $5371
  • 35mm
  • Touchscreen
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $6989
  • 35mm
Olympus E-PL10
Canon EOS-1D C
  • $549
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $6989
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Nikon D4S

Nikon D5
Nikon D4S
  • $5371
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $5999
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
Olympus E-PL10
Nikon D4S
  • $549
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $5999
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Canon 1DX Mark II

Nikon D5
Canon 1DX Mark II
  • $5371
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $2999
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO
Olympus E-PL10
Canon 1DX Mark II
  • $549
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $2999
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Panasonic GX850

Nikon D5
Panasonic GX850
  • $5371
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $548
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas
Olympus E-PL10
Panasonic GX850
  • $549
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $548
  • 4/3
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • Wider angle kit lens

Compared to Olympus E-PL9

Nikon D5
Olympus E-PL9
  • $5371
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Olympus E-PL10
Olympus E-PL9
  • $549
  • 4/3
  • Newer
  • $700
  • 4/3
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