Unleash Your Photography Skills: Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM vs Olympus M.Zuiko 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 EZ Digital ED

Choosing the right camera for your needs can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular choices for enthusiasts and beginners alike are the Canon EOS 700D with Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and the **Olympus OM-D E-M5 with Olympus M.Zuiko 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 EZ Digital ED**. Both cameras offer impressive features and capabilities, but they cater to different photographic styles and preferences. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of each system, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.

Sensor Size and Image Quality

The Canon EOS 700D utilizes an APS-C CMOS sensor, while the Olympus OM-D E-M5 features a Micro Four Thirds sensor. The APS-C sensor is physically larger, providing a larger surface area for capturing light and producing higher resolution images. This translates to better low-light performance and a shallower depth of field, ideal for portraits and isolating subjects. However, the Micro Four Thirds sensor in the Olympus E-M5 is more compact, leading to a smaller and lighter camera body.
While the smaller sensor size might seem like a disadvantage, the Olympus E-M5 compensates with its excellent image stabilization system, allowing for sharper images, especially in low-light conditions. Moreover, Olympus’ image processing algorithms are renowned for their ability to deliver vibrant and detailed images, rivaling the image quality produced by APS-C cameras.

Autofocus and Performance

The Canon EOS 700D boasts a 9-point autofocus system, which is reliable and accurate for most shooting scenarios. However, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 takes autofocus to another level with its advanced contrast-detection system, offering faster and more precise focusing, especially for moving subjects. The E-M5’s autofocus system is particularly impressive in low-light conditions, where it outperforms the Canon EOS 700D.
In terms of burst shooting, the Canon EOS 700D can capture images at a rate of 4 frames per second, while the Olympus OM-D E-M5 can achieve a faster rate of 9 frames per second. This difference is particularly noticeable when shooting fast-paced action, with the E-M5 providing a better chance of capturing the perfect moment.

Lens Options and Versatility

The Canon EOS 700D benefits from a vast and diverse lens ecosystem, offering a wide range of choices for different photographic styles. The EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens bundled with the 700D provides a versatile range for everyday shooting, but Canon’s extensive lens lineup allows you to explore specialized lenses for macro photography, telephoto shooting, and more.
The Olympus OM-D E-M5, while having a smaller lens selection, still offers a decent range of M.Zuiko lenses. The 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 EZ Digital ED kit lens provides a similar focal length range to the Canon EF-S 18-135mm, making it suitable for various subjects. However, the Micro Four Thirds system‘s smaller sensor size means that the lenses are also smaller and lighter, making the overall system more portable.

Features and Ergonomics

Both cameras offer a good set of features, including built-in Wi-Fi for easy image sharing, full HD video recording, and a variety of shooting modes. The Canon EOS 700D features a tilting LCD screen, which is helpful for composing shots from different angles. The Olympus OM-D E-M5, on the other hand, boasts a more advanced electronic viewfinder (EVF), offering a higher resolution and refresh rate for a more responsive and immersive shooting experience.
In terms of ergonomics, both cameras are comfortable to hold and operate. The Canon EOS 700D has a more traditional DSLR design, with a larger grip and more physical controls. The Olympus OM-D E-M5, being a mirrorless camera, is smaller and lighter, making it more portable but potentially less comfortable for extended shooting sessions.

The Verdict: Which Camera is Right for You?

The Canon EOS 700D and the Olympus OM-D E-M5 are both capable cameras that offer excellent image quality and performance. The choice ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Canon EOS 700D with Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM is a good choice for:

• Photographers who prioritize image quality and low-light performance.
• Those who prefer a traditional DSLR design with a larger grip and physical controls.
• Users who want access to a vast and diverse lens ecosystem.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 with Olympus M.Zuiko 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 EZ Digital ED is a better option for:

• Photographers who value portability and compactness.
• Those who need fast and accurate autofocus, especially for moving subjects.
• Users who prefer a more advanced electronic viewfinder for a more immersive shooting experience.

Beyond the Basics: Exploring the Advantages of Each System

While both cameras offer a solid foundation for photography, diving deeper reveals additional benefits specific to each system. The Canon EOS 700D, with its APS-C sensor, excels in producing images with a shallower depth of field, ideal for creating stunning portraits with a blurred background. The larger sensor also translates to better low-light performance, allowing you to capture images in challenging lighting conditions without sacrificing image quality.
The Olympus OM-D E-M5, despite its smaller sensor, shines in its compact size and portability. The Micro Four Thirds system‘s smaller lenses significantly reduce the overall weight and size of the camera system, making it ideal for travel photography and everyday carry. The E-M5’s advanced image stabilization system also proves invaluable for capturing sharp images in low-light conditions and for shooting handheld with longer focal lengths.

The Power of the Ecosystem: Expanding Your Photographic Horizons

The Canon EOS 700D benefits from a vast lens ecosystem, offering a wide range of options for specialized photography. From macro lenses for capturing intricate details to telephoto lenses for capturing distant subjects, Canon’s extensive lens lineup allows you to explore different photographic styles and push the boundaries of your creativity.
The Olympus OM-D E-M5, while having a smaller lens selection, still offers a decent range of M.Zuiko lenses that cater to various photographic needs. The smaller sensor size also means that the lenses are more compact and lightweight, making the overall system more portable and travel-friendly.

Reaching a Final Decision: Understanding Your Needs

Ultimately, the decision between the Canon EOS 700D and the Olympus OM-D E-M5 boils down to your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize image quality, low-light performance, and a wide range of lens options, the Canon EOS 700D is a strong contender. However, if portability, fast autofocus, and a more immersive shooting experience are your top priorities, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 might be the better choice.

Beyond the Cameras: Exploring the Future of Photography

The world of photography is constantly evolving, and both Canon and Olympus continue to innovate and introduce new technologies. While the Canon EOS 700D and the Olympus OM-D E-M5 may be older models, they still offer a solid foundation for learning and exploring photography. As you progress in your photographic journey, you might consider upgrading to newer models with advanced features and capabilities.

Information You Need to Know

Q: Which camera is better for beginners?
Both cameras are suitable for beginners, but the Olympus OM-D E-M5 might be slightly easier to learn due to its simplified menu system and intuitive controls.
Q: Which camera is better for travel photography?
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 is ideal for travel photography due to its compact size and lightweight design, making it easier to carry around and shoot on the go.
Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography?
The Canon EOS 700D offers better low-light performance due to its larger sensor, but the Olympus OM-D E-M5’s advanced image stabilization system can help compensate for the smaller sensor.
Q: Which camera is better for video recording?
Both cameras offer full HD video recording, but the Olympus OM-D E-M5 provides better video quality and features, including a higher frame rate and more advanced video controls.
Q: Which camera is better for wildlife photography?
The Canon EOS 700D is a better choice for wildlife photography due to its larger sensor and wider range of telephoto lenses available in the Canon system.