• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Nikon D5300 advantages over Olympus E-PL9

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 600 vs 350 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More telephoto lens reach
    210 mm vs 84 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos

Olympus E-PL9 advantages over Nikon D5300

  • 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
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Thinner
    39 mm vs 76 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    6 years vs 10 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    473g vs 1035g
    Lighter weight
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    8.6 fps vs 5.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 100 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    8.6 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    14 vs 4 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

  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • 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
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • 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

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  • Body Only (Black)
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Review Excerpt

  • Excellent image quality similar to more expensive DSLRs (like the D7100); Great dynamic range; Responsive all-around performer; Excellent Full HD video-shooting quality; Built-in Wi-Fi with remote control and sharing features; Built-in GPS; Compact and lightweight size; 18-140mm kit lens performs well for its type and has a very versatile focus length range.

  • AA-filterless sensor makes it more prone to moire; Burst speed slows with highest quality 14-bit RAW images; Live View mode not as good as some competitors; No external headphone jack; GPS receiver not very sensitive.

  • Read our Nikon D5300 Review

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D7100

Nikon D5300
Nikon D7100
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $695
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon D5300 vs Nikon D7100

Olympus E-PL9
Nikon D7100
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $695
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Olympus E-PL9 vs Nikon D7100

Compared to Pentax K-3

Nikon D5300
Pentax K-3
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Fast startup
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D5300 vs Pentax K-3

Olympus E-PL9
Pentax K-3
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Olympus E-PL9 vs Pentax K-3

Compared to Canon T6s

Nikon D5300
Canon T6s
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $619
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • NFC

Compare Nikon D5300 vs Canon T6s

Olympus E-PL9
Canon T6s
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $619
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor

Compare Olympus E-PL9 vs Canon T6s

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Nikon D5300
Panasonic GX85
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive

Compare Nikon D5300 vs Panasonic GX85

Olympus E-PL9
Panasonic GX85
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter

Compare Olympus E-PL9 vs Panasonic GX85

Compared to Olympus E-PL8

Nikon D5300
Olympus E-PL8
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D5300 vs Olympus E-PL8

Olympus E-PL9
Olympus E-PL8
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $599
  • 4/3

Compare Olympus E-PL9 vs Olympus E-PL8

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