Difference Between Olympus E-P3 and Nikon D5100

Olympus E-P3 vs Nikon D5100 | Nikon D5100 vs Olympus E-P3 Features, Performance Compared | Megapixel, ISO vale, fps, Shutter lag, AF points, HD video,  Storage

Nikon and Olympus are two of the best camera brands available today. They are giants in the camera industry. Nikon D5100 is an entry level DSLR camera while Olympus E-P3 is a MIL camera. Both of these cameras are under 1000 dollar models that are suitable for users who want to upgrade from the point and shoot cameras.

Resolution of the camera

Resolution of the camera is one of the main facts a user must look into when buying a camera. This is also known as the megapixel value. The D5100 features a 16.2 megapixel sensor built into it. This camera also has 14 bit A/D conversion. On the other hand, the E-P3 has a 12.3 megapixel sensor. The resolution and the performance of the D5100 sensor are better than the E-P3.

ISO performance

ISO value range is also an important feature. The ISO value of the sensor means how much sensitive the sensor is to a given quantum of light. This feature is very important in night shots and sports and action photography. However, increasing the ISO value causes a noise in the photograph. The E-P3 has ISO sensitivity range of 100 to 12800 ISO. The D5100 goes a step further to create an ISO range of 100 to 6400 ISO with extended settings up to 25600 ISO.

Frames per second rate

Frames per second rate or more commonly known as the FPS rate is also an important aspect when it comes to sports, wildlife and action photography. FPS rate means the mean number of photos the camera can shoot per second on a certain setting. The D5100 features an impressive frame rate for an entry level DSLR camera. It can go up to 4 frames per second. The E-P3, on the other hand, can go up to 3 frames per second. In the sense of speed, the D5100 excels the E-P3.

Shutter lag and recovery time

A DSLR would not take the picture as soon as the shutter release is pressed. In most of the conditions, the auto focusing and auto white balancing would take place after the button is pressed. Therefore, there is a time gap between the press and the actual photo taken. This is known as the shutter lag of the camera. In the sense of autofocus speed and accuracy, both E-P3 and the D5100 are almost the same.

Number of autofocus points

Autofocus points or AF points are the points which are built into the memory of the camera. If the priority is given to an AF point, camera will use its autofocus ability to focus the lens to the object in the given AF point. The D5100 uses an 11 point cross type system. The E-P3 features a 35 area AF system which is impressive for its class.

High definition movie recording

High definition movies or HD movies correspond to movies having resolution higher than standard definition movies. HD movie modes are 720p and 1080p. 720p has dimensions of 1280×720 pixels while the 1080p has dimensions of 1920×1080 pixels. Both of these cameras can record movies of 1080p.

Weight and dimensions

TheE-P3 measures 122 x 69.1 x 34.2mm in dimensions and weighs 369 grams with battery, on the other hand, the D5100 measures 128 x 97 x 79 mm, which is larger than the E-P3, and it weighs about 560 grams with battery.

Storage medium and capacity

In DSLR cameras, the inbuilt memory is almost negligible. An external storage device is required to hold images. Both of these cameras are capable of handling a single memory card of SDXC or lower.

Live view and flexibility of the display

Live view is the ability to use the LCD as a viewfinder. This can be convenient because the LCD gives a clear preview of the picture in good colors. The D5100 features a 3 inch vary angle LCD with live view and an electronic view finder. The E-P3 being a MIL camera only has the LCD. An optional electronic viewfinder for the E-P3 can be bought separately.

Nikon D5100 vs. OlympusE-P3

Nikon D5100 and Olympus E-P3 are cameras of two classes. If you prefer professionalism and quality of a DSLR, the D5100 is the choice. If the bulky size and weight are a problem, the E-P3 will suffice your high quality photo needs.