The Showdown Of The Decade: Olympus E-5 Vs Canon 60d – Which One Reigns Supreme?
What To Know
- The build quality and weather resistance of a DSLR camera are important considerations for photographers who work in challenging environments or who simply want a camera that can withstand the rigors of everyday use.
- The Canon 60D, on the other hand, has a polycarbonate body that is not as robust as the Olympus E-5’s magnesium alloy body.
- The Canon 60D is part of the Canon EF mount system, which boasts a vast selection of lenses from Canon and many third-party manufacturers.
The Olympus E-5 and Canon 60D are two powerful and versatile DSLR cameras that have captured the attention of photographers of all levels. Both cameras offer impressive features and capabilities, making them suitable for a wide range of photographic applications. However, there are some key differences between these two cameras that may influence your decision when choosing the right one for your needs. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the details of the Olympus E-5 vs Canon 60D, examining their specifications, performance, and overall strengths and weaknesses.
Sensor and Image Quality: Capturing the Essence of Your Vision
At the heart of any DSLR camera lies the sensor, which plays a crucial role in determining image quality. The Olympus E-5 boasts a 12.3-megapixel Live MOS sensor, while the Canon 60D features an 18-megapixel CMOS sensor. While the higher megapixel count of the Canon 60D may suggest an advantage in resolution, it’s important to consider other factors that contribute to image quality.
The Olympus E-5’s Live MOS sensor offers excellent low-light performance, with a native ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to 12800). This means that you can capture sharp and detailed images even in challenging lighting conditions, such as dimly lit interiors or nighttime scenes. The Canon 60D’s CMOS sensor also delivers good low-light performance, with a native ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to 12800). However, the Olympus E-5’s Live MOS sensor is generally regarded as having a slight edge in terms of noise control and dynamic range, particularly at higher ISO settings.
Autofocus and Performance: Capturing the Decisive Moment
Autofocus performance is another critical aspect to consider when comparing the Olympus E-5 and Canon 60D. Both cameras feature advanced autofocus systems, but there are some differences in their implementation.
The Olympus E-5 utilizes a contrast-detection autofocus system with 11 focus points, while the Canon 60D employs a phase-detection autofocus system with 9 focus points. Phase-detection autofocus is generally considered to be faster and more accurate than contrast-detection autofocus, especially when tracking moving subjects. However, the Olympus E-5’s contrast-detection autofocus system is still capable of delivering fast and reliable focusing, particularly in low-light conditions.
In terms of continuous shooting speed, the Canon 60D has a slight edge, with a maximum burst rate of 5.3 frames per second (fps) compared to the Olympus E-5’s 3.5 fps. This makes the Canon 60D a better choice for capturing fast-paced action or sports photography.
Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Enduring the Elements
The build quality and weather resistance of a DSLR camera are important considerations for photographers who work in challenging environments or who simply want a camera that can withstand the rigors of everyday use.
The Olympus E-5 features a robust magnesium alloy body that is both lightweight and durable. It is also weather-sealed, making it resistant to dust, moisture, and freezing temperatures. This makes the Olympus E-5 an excellent choice for outdoor photography, wildlife photography, or any situation where you may encounter harsh weather conditions.
The Canon 60D, on the other hand, has a polycarbonate body that is not as robust as the Olympus E-5’s magnesium alloy body. While it is still a durable camera, it is not weather-sealed, which means that it is not as well-suited for use in challenging outdoor conditions.
Lens Selection and Compatibility: Expanding Your Creative Horizons
The lens selection and compatibility of a DSLR camera system can greatly impact your ability to capture the images you envision.
The Olympus E-5 is part of the Micro Four Thirds system, which offers a wide range of lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, and other third-party manufacturers. Micro Four Thirds lenses are generally smaller and lighter than their full-frame counterparts, making them a good choice for photographers who value portability. However, the Micro Four Thirds system does not have as extensive a lens selection as some other DSLR systems, such as Canon’s EF mount system.
The Canon 60D is part of the Canon EF mount system, which boasts a vast selection of lenses from Canon and many third-party manufacturers. This makes the Canon 60D a more versatile camera system for photographers who need a wide range of lenses for different shooting situations.
Video Capabilities: Capturing Moving Images with Ease
Both the Olympus E-5 and Canon 60D offer video recording capabilities, although there are some differences in their specifications and features.
The Olympus E-5 can record Full HD (1080p) video at 30 fps or 24 fps. It also features a built-in stereo microphone and a headphone jack for monitoring audio. The Canon 60D can also record Full HD (1080p) video at 30 fps or 24 fps, but it offers a higher bit rate (50 Mbps) than the Olympus E-5 (30 Mbps). Additionally, the Canon 60D has a built-in monaural microphone and a microphone input for connecting an external microphone.
Price and Value: Weighing the Investment
The Olympus E-5 and Canon 60D are both relatively expensive DSLR cameras, but there is a significant difference in their pricing. The Olympus E-5 is typically priced higher than the Canon 60D, which may be a deciding factor for budget-conscious photographers.
However, it’s important to consider the value that each camera offers for its price. The Olympus E-5 offers excellent image quality, weather-sealed construction, and a robust autofocus system, while the Canon 60D offers a higher resolution sensor, faster continuous shooting speed, and a more extensive lens selection. Ultimately, the best value for you will depend on your individual needs and priorities.
Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Camera for Your Needs
The Olympus E-5 and Canon 60D are both excellent DSLR cameras that offer a range of features and capabilities to suit the needs of demanding photographers. While the Olympus E-5 excels in low-light performance, weather resistance, and image quality, the Canon 60D offers a higher resolution sensor, faster continuous shooting speed, and a more extensive lens selection.
Ultimately, the best camera for you will depend on your specific requirements and preferences. If you prioritize image quality, weather resistance, and low-light performance, the Olympus E-5 is a great choice. If you need a camera with a higher resolution sensor, faster continuous shooting speed, and a wider lens selection, the Canon 60D is a solid option.
What People Want to Know
1. Q: Which camera has a better autofocus system, the Olympus E-5 or the Canon 60D?
A: The Canon 60D generally has a faster and more accurate autofocus system than the Olympus E-5, especially when tracking moving subjects.
2. Q: Is the Olympus E-5 weather-sealed?
A: Yes, the Olympus E-5 is weather-sealed, making it resistant to dust, moisture, and freezing temperatures.
3. Q: Which camera has a higher resolution sensor, the Olympus E-5 or the Canon 60D?
A: The Canon 60D has a higher resolution sensor (18 megapixels) than the Olympus E-5 (12.3 megapixels).
4. Q: Which camera has a faster continuous shooting speed, the Olympus E-5 or the Canon 60D?
A: The Canon 60D has a faster continuous shooting speed (5.3 fps) than the Olympus E-5 (3.5 fps).
5. Q: Which camera has a more extensive lens selection, the Olympus E-5 or the Canon 60D?
A: The Canon 60D has a more extensive lens selection due to its compatibility with the Canon EF mount system.
