The Ultimate Showdown: Canon EOS 700D vs Olympus OM D E M5 II – Which One Should You Buy?

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when faced with two popular contenders like the Canon EOS 700D and the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II. Both cameras offer exceptional image quality and features, but cater to different needs and preferences. This comprehensive comparison will delve into their strengths and weaknesses, helping you make an informed decision for your photographic journey.

Design and Build Quality

The Canon EOS 700D, also known as the Rebel T5i, boasts a classic DSLR design with a large, comfortable grip. Its body is made of polycarbonate, making it lightweight and durable. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 II, on the other hand, is a mirrorless camera with a compact and rugged build. Its magnesium alloy body is weather-sealed, offering protection against dust and moisture.
Canon EOS 700D:

• Pros: Comfortable grip, familiar DSLR design.
• Cons: Larger and heavier than the OM-D E-M5 II.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 II:

• Pros: Compact and lightweight, weather-sealed body, premium build quality.
• Cons: Smaller grip, may feel less comfortable for larger hands.

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, while the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II boasts a 16.1-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor.
Canon EOS 700D:

• Pros: Larger sensor size, generally produces images with better dynamic range and low-light performance.
• Cons: Lower resolution than the OM-D E-M5 II.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 II:

• Pros: Higher resolution, smaller sensor size allows for smaller and lighter lenses.
• Cons: May exhibit slightly less dynamic range and low-light performance compared to the EOS 700D.

Autofocus and Performance

The Canon EOS 700D uses a 9-point autofocus system, which is reliable and accurate, but not as advanced as the OM-D E-M5 II’s autofocus system. The Olympus camera features a 37-point contrast-detection autofocus system with face detection and tracking, offering faster and more precise focusing, especially in low-light conditions.
Canon EOS 700D:

• Pros: Reliable autofocus system, good for general photography.
• Cons: Slower autofocus performance compared to the OM-D E-M5 II.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 II:

• Pros: Fast and accurate autofocus, excellent for tracking moving subjects.
• Cons: Not as widely used as Canon’s autofocus system, may require some adjustment for users accustomed to Canon cameras.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras offer decent video capabilities, but the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II edges out the Canon EOS 700D with its advanced features. The Canon camera can record 1080p video at 30fps, while the Olympus camera can record 1080p video at 60fps and even 4K video at 30fps. The OM-D E-M5 II also boasts advanced video features like in-body image stabilization and focus peaking.
Canon EOS 700D:

• Pros: Simple and straightforward video recording.
• Cons: Limited video resolution and frame rates compared to the OM-D E-M5 II.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 II:

• Pros: Advanced video features, high frame rates, 4K recording.
• Cons: May require a learning curve for advanced video settings.

Lens Selection and System

The Canon EOS 700D benefits from a vast and affordable lens ecosystem, offering a wide range of choices for different photographic needs. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 II utilizes the Micro Four Thirds system, which offers a smaller and lighter lens selection, with a growing range of high-quality lenses.
Canon EOS 700D:

• Pros: Extensive lens selection, wide range of price points.
• Cons: Lenses tend to be larger and heavier compared to Micro Four Thirds lenses.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 II:

• Pros: Compact and lightweight lens selection, excellent image quality.
• Cons: Smaller lens selection compared to Canon, may have fewer options for specific genres.

Features and Connectivity

The Canon EOS 700D and the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II offer a range of features and connectivity options. Both include built-in Wi-Fi for wireless image transfer and remote control, but the OM-D E-M5 II also features NFC for quick pairing with compatible devices. The Olympus camera also boasts advanced features like in-body image stabilization, which helps to reduce camera shake and improve image sharpness.
Canon EOS 700D:

• Pros: Simple and intuitive features, easy to use.
• Cons: Fewer advanced features compared to the OM-D E-M5 II.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 II:

• Pros: Advanced features like in-body image stabilization, NFC connectivity.
• Cons: May require a learning curve for advanced features.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right Camera

The choice between the Canon EOS 700D and the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Canon EOS 700D:

• Best for: Beginner photographers looking for a comfortable and affordable DSLR with a vast lens selection.
• Ideal for: General photography, portraits, landscapes.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 II:

• Best for: Enthusiast photographers seeking a compact and weather-sealed camera with advanced features and excellent image quality.
• Ideal for: Street photography, travel, wildlife, video.

Beyond the Comparison: The Future of Photography

While the Canon EOS 700D and the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II represent two distinct approaches to photography, the landscape of camera technology is constantly evolving. The rise of mirrorless cameras like the OM-D E-M5 II has challenged the dominance of DSLRs, offering a compelling blend of portability, performance, and advanced features. As technology advances, we can expect even more innovative cameras to emerge, blurring the lines between traditional and modern photography.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Which camera is better for beginners?
A: The Canon EOS 700D is generally considered more beginner-friendly due to its familiar DSLR design and simple operation. However, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II is also a good option for beginners who are comfortable adapting to a mirrorless system.
Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography?
A: The Canon EOS 700D typically offers better low-light performance due to its larger sensor size, but the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II’s advanced autofocus system can also excel in low-light situations.
Q: Which camera is better for video recording?
A: The Olympus OM-D E-M5 II is the clear winner for video recording, offering higher frame rates, 4K resolution, and advanced features like in-body image stabilization.
Q: Which camera is better for travel photography?
A: The Olympus OM-D E-M5 II is a better choice for travel photography due to its compact size, lightweight design, and weather-sealed body.
Q: Which camera has a wider lens selection?
A: The Canon EOS 700D has a wider and more affordable lens selection due to its use of the Canon EF lens system.