What To Know
- The Olympus E-5 offers a native ISO range of 100-6400, expandable to 25600, while the Canon 60D has a native ISO range of 100-12800, expandable to 25600.
- Live view is a useful feature for astrophotography, as it allows you to accurately focus on stars using a magnified view on the LCD screen.
- In addition to the key differences discussed above, the Olympus E-5 and Canon 60D offer a range of other features that may be relevant to astrophotographers.
The Olympus E-5 and Canon 60D are two popular digital SLR cameras that offer a range of features for astrophotography enthusiasts. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between these cameras to help you make an informed decision about which one is best suited for your needs.
Sensor and Image Quality
Both the Olympus E-5 and Canon 60D feature APS-C sensors, but they differ in resolution and pixel size. The E-5 has a 12-megapixel sensor with larger pixels (4.7 microns), while the 60D has an 18-megapixel sensor with smaller pixels (4.3 microns).
In low-light conditions, larger pixels are advantageous as they capture more light per pixel, resulting in better signal-to-noise ratio and reduced noise. Therefore, the E-5 has a slight edge over the 60D in terms of image quality at high ISO settings.
ISO Range and Performance
The ISO range is a crucial factor for astrophotography, as it determines the camera’s sensitivity to light. The Olympus E-5 offers a native ISO range of 100-6400, expandable to 25600, while the Canon 60D has a native ISO range of 100-12800, expandable to 25600.
Both cameras perform well at low ISO settings, producing sharp and detailed images. However, at higher ISO settings, the E-5 exhibits less noise and better dynamic range, thanks to its larger pixels.
Dynamic Range
Dynamic range refers to the camera’s ability to capture a wide range of tones from bright highlights to dark shadows. A wider dynamic range allows for more flexibility in post-processing, especially when recovering details from underexposed or overexposed areas.
The Olympus E-5 has a slightly wider dynamic range than the Canon 60D, especially at higher ISO settings. This means that the E-5 can capture more detail in both bright and dark areas of an image, reducing the need for extensive post-processing.
Lens Compatibility
The Olympus E-5 uses the Four Thirds (4/3) lens mount, while the Canon 60D uses the EF/EF-S lens mount. Both systems offer a wide range of lenses, including dedicated astrophotography lenses.
However, the 4/3 system has a smaller flange distance, which allows for the use of adapters to mount lenses from other systems, such as Nikon F-mount lenses. This flexibility can be beneficial for astrophotographers who own a collection of lenses from different systems.
Weather Sealing
Weather sealing is an important feature for astrophotography, as it protects the camera from the elements during outdoor shoots. The Olympus E-5 has a robust weather-sealed body, while the Canon 60D has a less comprehensive weather sealing system.
The E-5’s weather sealing is designed to withstand rain, dust, and freezing temperatures, making it a more reliable choice for astrophotography in harsh weather conditions.
Live View and Focusing
Live view is a useful feature for astrophotography, as it allows you to accurately focus on stars using a magnified view on the LCD screen. Both the Olympus E-5 and Canon 60D offer live view, but they differ in their implementation.
The E-5 has a dedicated live view button and a focus peaking function that highlights in-focus areas, making it easier to achieve precise focus. The 60D, on the other hand, has a more basic live view implementation without focus peaking.
Other Features
In addition to the key differences discussed above, the Olympus E-5 and Canon 60D offer a range of other features that may be relevant to astrophotographers:
- Built-in GPS: The E-5 has a built-in GPS, which can be useful for geotagging astrophotos and tracking shooting locations.
- Intervalometer: Both cameras offer built-in intervalometers, which allow you to capture a series of images at regular intervals for time-lapse photography.
- External flash support: Both cameras have hot shoes for connecting external flashes, which can be used to illuminate foreground objects in astrophotos.
Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice
The Olympus E-5 and Canon 60D are both capable cameras for astrophotography, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. The E-5 offers better image quality at high ISO settings, a wider dynamic range, weather sealing, and a more comprehensive live view implementation. The 60D has a higher resolution sensor, a wider ISO range, and a more extensive lens selection.
Ultimately, the best choice between the two depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize image quality, weather sealing, and advanced focusing features, the Olympus E-5 is a great option. If you prefer a higher resolution sensor, a wider ISO range, and a more extensive lens selection, the Canon 60D is a solid choice.
What You Need to Know
Q: Which camera has better noise performance at high ISO settings?
A: The Olympus E-5 has better noise performance at high ISO settings due to its larger pixels.
Q: Which camera has a wider dynamic range?
A: The Olympus E-5 has a slightly wider dynamic range, especially at higher ISO settings.
Q: Which camera has more weather sealing?
A: The Olympus E-5 has a more robust weather sealing system than the Canon 60D.
Q: Which camera has a better live view implementation?
A: The Olympus E-5 has a dedicated live view button and focus peaking function, while the Canon 60D has a more basic live view implementation.
Q: Which camera has a higher resolution sensor?
A: The Canon 60D has a higher resolution sensor with 18 megapixels, compared to the E-5’s 12 megapixels.
Q: Which camera has a wider ISO range?
A: The Canon 60D has a wider native ISO range of 100-12800, compared to the E-5’s 100-6400.
Q: Which camera has a wider lens selection?
A: The Canon EF/EF-S lens mount has a wider selection of lenses available, including dedicated astrophotography lenses.
