What To Know
- The Olympus OM-D E-M5 III, on the other hand, boasts a magnesium alloy body, making it incredibly durable and weather-sealed, ideal for shooting in challenging conditions.
- It has a dedicated dial for exposure compensation and a range of shooting modes, making it easy to use for both beginners and experienced photographers.
- If you’re a beginner looking for an affordable DSLR with a vast lens selection, the Canon EOS 700D is a solid option.
Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the mid-range DSLR and mirrorless camera market are the Canon EOS 700D with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and the **Olympus OM-D E-M5 III**. Both cameras offer impressive features and capabilities, but catering to different needs and preferences. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of each camera, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Canon EOS 700D is a classic DSLR with a traditional design. Its body is made of polycarbonate and feels sturdy, although it might not be as robust as some of its higher-end counterparts. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 III, on the other hand, boasts a magnesium alloy body, making it incredibly durable and weather-sealed, ideal for shooting in challenging conditions. The E-M5 III’s compact size and lightweight nature make it highly portable, perfect for travel photography.
Image Quality and Sensor
Both cameras offer excellent image quality, but with distinct characteristics. The Canon EOS 700D features an 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, delivering vibrant colors and good dynamic range. It excels in low-light conditions, capturing images with minimal noise. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 III boasts a 20.4-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, renowned for its high dynamic range and impressive detail. Although the sensor is smaller, the E-M5 III compensates with its superior image processing capabilities, producing exceptional image quality.
Autofocus and Performance
The Canon EOS 700D offers a 9-point autofocus system, which is decent for basic photography but may struggle with fast-moving subjects. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 III, however, takes autofocus to a whole new level with its 121-point contrast-detection autofocus system. This system is incredibly fast and accurate, making it ideal for capturing action and wildlife photography. The E-M5 III also boasts a faster burst rate, allowing you to capture more frames per second and ensure you don’t miss a crucial moment.
Video Capabilities
The Canon EOS 700D can record 1080p video at 30fps, offering decent quality for basic video recording. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 III, however, surpasses the 700D in video capabilities. It can record 4K video at 30fps, with impressive detail, color accuracy, and a wide dynamic range. The E-M5 III also features in-body image stabilization, which helps to minimize shake and produce smoother footage, even when shooting handheld.
Features and User Interface
The Canon EOS 700D offers a straightforward user interface and a plethora of features for beginners. It has a dedicated dial for exposure compensation and a range of shooting modes, making it easy to use for both beginners and experienced photographers. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 III, while offering a more advanced interface, can be intimidating for beginners due to its numerous buttons and settings. However, once you get accustomed to it, you’ll appreciate the level of control it offers.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The Canon EOS 700D boasts a long battery life, capable of lasting for hundreds of shots. However, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 III’s battery life is relatively shorter, requiring more frequent charging. Both cameras feature Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, allowing you to easily transfer images to your smartphone or tablet.
Lens Options and Price
The Canon EOS 700D benefits from the extensive Canon EF and EF-S lens ecosystem, offering a wide array of lenses to choose from. This vast selection provides flexibility and caters to diverse photographic needs. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 III utilizes the Micro Four Thirds system, which has a smaller lens selection compared to Canon. However, the Micro Four Thirds system offers a wide range of excellent lenses, including prime lenses renowned for their sharpness and portability. In terms of price, the Canon EOS 700D is generally more affordable than the Olympus OM-D E-M5 III.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Camera for You
The choice between the Canon EOS 700D with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and the Olympus OM-D E-M5 III ultimately boils down to your individual needs and preferences. If you’re a beginner looking for an affordable DSLR with a vast lens selection, the Canon EOS 700D is a solid option. Its user-friendly interface and decent image quality make it a great starting point for your photographic journey.
However, if you’re a more experienced photographer seeking a compact and versatile camera with exceptional image quality, autofocus performance, and video capabilities, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 III is the clear winner. Its weather-sealed design, advanced autofocus system, and 4K video recording capabilities make it an excellent choice for photographers who demand high-quality results.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which camera is better for beginners?
The Canon EOS 700D is a better choice for beginners due to its user-friendly interface, straightforward controls, and extensive resources available online.
2. Which camera is better for wildlife photography?
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 III is a superior choice for wildlife photography due to its lightning-fast autofocus system, compact size, and lightweight nature, allowing you to capture fleeting moments with ease.
3. Which camera has better video capabilities?
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 III offers superior video capabilities with its 4K video recording, in-body image stabilization, and a wide dynamic range.
4. Which camera is more portable?
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 III is significantly more portable than the Canon EOS 700D, thanks to its compact size and lightweight design.
5. Which camera has a better lens selection?
The Canon EOS 700D benefits from the vast Canon EF and EF-S lens ecosystem, offering a wider selection compared to the Micro Four Thirds system used by the Olympus OM-D E-M5 III.
