Nikon D700 Vs Olympus Om-d E-m1: Which Camera Is Right For You?

In the realm of photography, the Nikon D700 and Olympus OM-D E-M1 stand as two towering titans, captivating the imaginations of photographers worldwide. While both cameras share the common goal of capturing breathtaking images, they diverge in their approaches, offering distinct advantages and cater to different photographic needs. This comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of these two remarkable cameras, unveiling their strengths, weaknesses, and the factors that set them apart. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring enthusiast, this exploration will provide valuable insights to guide your decision-making process.

Image Quality: Capturing the Essence of Reality

At the heart of every camera lies its image quality, the ability to translate the visual world into stunning photographs. Both the Nikon D700 and Olympus OM-D E-M1 excel in this regard, delivering exceptional results that satisfy even the most discerning photographers.

The Nikon D700 boasts a 12.1-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor, renowned for its ability to capture intricate details and produce images with remarkable clarity and dynamic range. Its low-light performance is particularly impressive, allowing photographers to push the boundaries of creativity in challenging lighting conditions.

The Olympus OM-D E-M1, on the other hand, features a 16-megapixel Four Thirds CMOS sensor, which, despite its smaller size compared to the D700’s sensor, delivers equally impressive image quality. The E-M1 excels in capturing sharp, vibrant images with excellent color reproduction. Its 5-axis image stabilization system further enhances image quality by minimizing camera shake, resulting in blur-free shots even at slower shutter speeds.

Design and Ergonomics: Comfort and Control in Your Hands

The design and ergonomics of a camera play a crucial role in the overall user experience. Both the Nikon D700 and Olympus OM-D E-M1 exhibit thoughtful design choices that prioritize comfort and control.

The Nikon D700 features a traditional DSLR form factor, with a large, comfortable grip and well-positioned controls that make it a joy to handle. Its weather-sealed construction ensures reliable performance even in harsh weather conditions, making it an ideal choice for outdoor photographers.

The Olympus OM-D E-M1, on the other hand, adopts a more compact and lightweight design, making it an excellent option for travel and street photography. Its intuitive touchscreen interface and customizable buttons provide quick access to various settings, allowing photographers to focus on capturing the perfect shot without fumbling with complex menus.

Performance: Capturing the Decisive Moment

Performance is paramount when it comes to capturing fleeting moments and fast-paced action. Both the Nikon D700 and Olympus OM-D E-M1 deliver impressive performance that caters to the needs of demanding photographers.

The Nikon D700 offers a rapid continuous shooting speed of 5 frames per second (FPS), allowing photographers to capture sequences of action without missing a beat. Its autofocus system is also highly responsive and accurate, ensuring sharp focus even on moving subjects.

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 takes performance to another level with its blazing-fast continuous shooting speed of up to 10 FPS in single autofocus mode and 6.5 FPS in continuous autofocus mode. Its autofocus system is equally impressive, boasting 81 focus points and the ability to track moving subjects with remarkable precision.

Video Capabilities: Expanding Creative Horizons

In the realm of videography, both the Nikon D700 and Olympus OM-D E-M1 offer compelling features that cater to the needs of videographers and filmmakers.

The Nikon D700 records Full HD (1920 x 1080) videos at 24, 25, or 30 FPS, providing ample flexibility for various video projects. Its external microphone input allows for the use of external microphones for enhanced audio quality.

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 takes video capabilities a step further, offering 4K (3840 x 2160) video recording at 30 or 24 FPS, delivering stunningly detailed and cinematic footage. Its built-in 5-axis image stabilization system ensures steady videos, even when shooting handheld.

Lens Selection: Expanding Your Photographic Possibilities

Lens selection plays a vital role in expanding the creative possibilities of any camera system. Both the Nikon D700 and Olympus OM-D E-M1 offer access to a wide range of lenses that cater to various photographic genres.

Nikon’s extensive F-mount lens lineup consists of over 100 lenses, ranging from wide-angle to telephoto, macro to fisheye, and everything in between. This vast selection ensures that Nikon D700 users have the flexibility to explore different photographic styles and subjects.

Olympus, on the other hand, offers a growing selection of Micro Four Thirds lenses that are specifically designed for its mirrorless camera system. While the lens selection is not as extensive as Nikon’s, it covers a wide range of focal lengths and specialties, providing OM-D E-M1 users with the tools they need to capture stunning images in various situations.

Price and Value: Weighing the Investment

The Nikon D700 and Olympus OM-D E-M1 occupy different price points, reflecting their respective features and capabilities.

The Nikon D700, being a more established camera, can be found at a lower price compared to the Olympus OM-D E-M1. However, it’s important to consider the cost of additional lenses and accessories that may be needed to fully utilize the camera’s potential.

The Olympus OM-D E-M1, while initially more expensive than the D700, offers excellent value for money. Its compact size, advanced features, and impressive image quality make it a compelling choice for photographers who prioritize portability and versatility.

Verdict: Choosing the Right Camera for Your Needs

The Nikon D700 and Olympus OM-D E-M1 are both exceptional cameras that cater to different photographic needs and preferences. The D700 is an excellent choice for photographers who value traditional DSLR handling, weather-sealed construction, and access to a vast lens selection.

The Olympus OM-D E-M1, on the other hand, is ideal for photographers who prioritize portability, advanced features, and stunning 4K video capabilities. Its compact size and intuitive touchscreen interface make it an excellent companion for travel, street, and wildlife photography.

Ultimately, the decision between the Nikon D700 and Olympus OM-D E-M1 depends on your individual requirements and preferences. Consider the factors discussed in this comparison, such as image quality, design and ergonomics, performance, video capabilities, lens selection, and price, to determine which camera best aligns with your photographic vision and style.

FAQs:

1. Which camera has better low-light performance, the Nikon D700 or the Olympus OM-D E-M1?

Both cameras offer impressive low-light performance, but the Nikon D700 has a slight edge due to its larger sensor size.

2. Is the Olympus OM-D E-M1 weather-sealed?

Yes, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 is weather-sealed, making it resistant to dust and moisture.

3. Can I use Nikon lenses on the Olympus OM-D E-M1?

Yes, it is possible to use Nikon lenses on the Olympus OM-D E-M1 with the help of an adapter.

4. Which camera has a faster continuous shooting speed, the Nikon D700 or the Olympus OM-D E-M1?

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 has a faster continuous shooting speed of up to 10 FPS compared to the Nikon D700’s 5 FPS.

5. Does the Nikon D700 have 4K video recording capabilities?

No, the Nikon D700 does not have 4K video recording capabilities. It is limited to Full HD (1920 x 1080) video recording.