Canon EOS 700D Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM vs Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIS: The Battle of the Best Cameras for Photography Enthusiasts!

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. If you’re looking for a versatile and capable camera for everyday photography, two popular contenders often come to mind: the Canon EOS 700D with the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens and the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIS. Both cameras offer a compelling blend of features and performance, but which one reigns supreme? Let’s dive deep into their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.

Sensor Size and Image Quality

The Canon EOS 700D boasts a larger APS-C sensor compared to the Micro Four Thirds sensor in the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIS. This difference translates to a larger surface area for capturing light, potentially leading to better low-light performance and shallower depth of field. However, the smaller sensor in the Olympus camera offers benefits in terms of portability and lens size.
Canon EOS 700D:

• Sensor Size: APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm)
• Image Quality: Generally known for good image quality with vibrant colors and decent dynamic range.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIS:

• Sensor Size: Micro Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm)
• Image Quality: Offers excellent image quality with good detail and dynamic range, especially considering its smaller sensor size.

Autofocus and Performance

Both cameras offer decent autofocus capabilities, with the Canon EOS 700D featuring a 9-point autofocus system and the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIS employing a 121-point contrast-detection autofocus system. While the Olympus camera boasts a higher number of focus points, the Canon camera’s phase-detection autofocus system may be faster and more accurate in certain situations, particularly for tracking moving subjects.
Canon EOS 700D:

• Autofocus: 9-point phase-detection autofocus
• Performance: Generally known for decent autofocus performance, particularly in good lighting conditions.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIS:

• Autofocus: 121-point contrast-detection autofocus
• Performance: Offers reliable autofocus with good accuracy and speed, especially for static subjects.

Design and Ergonomics

The Canon EOS 700D features a traditional DSLR design with a large grip and a comfortable button layout. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIS, on the other hand, sports a more compact and lightweight mirrorless design. The choice between these two designs ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Canon EOS 700D:

• Design: Classic DSLR design with a large grip and a comfortable button layout.
• Ergonomics: Feels comfortable and familiar for DSLR users.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIS:

• Design: Compact and lightweight mirrorless design with a sleek and modern look.
• Ergonomics: Feels comfortable and easy to hold, especially for smaller hands.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras offer decent video capabilities, with the Canon EOS 700D recording 1080p video at 30fps and the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIS recording 4K video at 30fps. The Olympus camera‘s 4K video recording capability is a significant advantage for those who prioritize video quality. However, the Canon camera‘s video quality is still respectable, particularly for casual video recording.
Canon EOS 700D:

• Video Resolution: 1080p at 30fps
• Features: Offers basic video recording features, including manual controls and stereo sound.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIS:

• Video Resolution: 4K at 30fps
• Features: Offers advanced video recording features, including 4K video, slow motion, and time-lapse.

Lens Selection and Versatility

The Canon EOS 700D benefits from a vast and diverse lens ecosystem, offering a wide range of options for various photographic needs. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIS, while having a smaller lens selection, still offers a good variety of Micro Four Thirds lenses, which are generally smaller and lighter than their DSLR counterparts.
Canon EOS 700D:

• Lens Selection: Vast and diverse lens ecosystem with a wide range of options.
• Versatility: Offers great flexibility with a wide variety of lenses for different photography styles.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIS:

• Lens Selection: Smaller lens selection compared to Canon but still offers a good variety of Micro Four Thirds lenses.
• Versatility: Offers good versatility with a good selection of lenses for various photographic needs.

Battery Life and Portability

The Canon EOS 700D, being a DSLR, typically has a longer battery life compared to the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIS. However, the Olympus camera‘s smaller size and lighter weight make it significantly more portable, ideal for travel photography or everyday use.
Canon EOS 700D:

• Battery Life: Generally has a longer battery life compared to the Olympus camera.
• Portability: Larger and heavier than the Olympus camera, making it less portable.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIS:

• Battery Life: Shorter battery life compared to the Canon camera.
• Portability: Compact and lightweight, making it more portable for travel and everyday use.

Price and Value

The Canon EOS 700D is often available at a more affordable price point compared to the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIS. However, considering the newer features and technology offered by the Olympus camera, it can be argued that it offers better value for money.
Canon EOS 700D:

• Price: Generally more affordable than the Olympus camera.
• Value: Offers good value for money, especially if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIS:

• Price: More expensive than the Canon camera.
• Value: Offers good value for money, considering its newer features and technology.

The Verdict: Which Camera is Right for You?

Ultimately, the best camera for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize affordability, a larger sensor, and a vast lens selection, the Canon EOS 700D might be a better choice. However, if you value portability, 4K video recording, and a more modern camera design, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIS could be the ideal option.

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Specs

While comparing specs is essential, it’s also crucial to consider your personal shooting style and what you value most in a camera. The Canon EOS 700D offers a classic DSLR experience, while the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIS provides a more compact and modern approach to photography. Ultimately, the best camera is the one that fits your needs and inspires you to capture amazing images.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Which camera is better for beginners?
A: Both cameras are good options for beginners. The Canon EOS 700D is a classic DSLR with a user-friendly interface, while the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIS offers a more compact and intuitive mirrorless experience.
Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography?
A: The Canon EOS 700D, with its larger APS-C sensor, generally offers better low-light performance compared to the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIS.
Q: Which camera is better for video recording?
A: The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIS offers superior video capabilities with its 4K video recording feature.
Q: Which camera is better for travel photography?
A: The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIS, with its compact and lightweight design, is a better choice for travel photography.
Q: Which camera is better for wildlife photography?
A: Both cameras can be used for wildlife photography, but the Canon EOS 700D might be slightly better due to its larger sensor and faster autofocus. However, the Olympus camera’s smaller and lighter lens options can be more convenient for wildlife photography.