• 0.98 inch 285.7mm2
  • 4.7 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1600
  • 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.4 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 6400

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Differences

Sigma SD15 advantages over Olympus E-M5 III

  • Larger sensor
    0.98 inch vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 7.84 vs 3.36 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
    Yes vs No
    A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré

Olympus E-M5 III advantages over Sigma SD15

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • 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 (DCI) vs No
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • 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
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 310 vs 250 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Thinner
    49 mm vs 80 mm
    Thinner
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    5 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Lighter weight
    414g vs 680g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    1037k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.68x vs 0.53x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    20.4 vs 4.7 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    30.0 fps vs 3.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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 Sigma SD15

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus E-M5 III

Review Excerpt

  • Improved image quality; Very good dynamic range & high ISO performance for a modern MFT sensor; Very fast AF; Excellent image stabilization; 4K video recording; Weather-sealed build quality.

  • Below average battery life; Small size can be awkward with long, heavy lenses; One SD card slot.

The Competition

Compared to Olympus E30

Sigma SD15
Olympus E30
  • $1500
  • 0.98 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1299
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Olympus E-M5 III
Olympus E30
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $1299
  • 4/3
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Sony DSLR-A330

Sigma SD15
Sony DSLR-A330
  • $1500
  • 0.98 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Top deck display
  • $530
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
Olympus E-M5 III
Sony DSLR-A330
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $530
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Olympus E-5

Sigma SD15
Olympus E-5
  • $1500
  • 0.98 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1700
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Olympus E-M5 III
Olympus E-5
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $1700
  • 4/3
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Panasonic G100

Sigma SD15
Panasonic G100
  • $1500
  • 0.98 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $623
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
Olympus E-M5 III
Panasonic G100
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • High resolution composite
  • $623
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Olympus E-M10 IV

Sigma SD15
Olympus E-M10 IV
  • $1500
  • 0.98 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $666
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
Olympus E-M5 III
Olympus E-M10 IV
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $666
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Longer video battery life
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