Canon 7D vs Olympus E-M5

Below, we are comparing the Canon 7D versus Olympus E-M5, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by rivals Canon and Olympus. The image resolution of the 7D (18MP) and the E-M5 (16MP) is fairly well matched but the 7D (APS-C) and E-M5 (Four Thirds) possess totally different sensor sizes.

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The 7D was released 3 years earlier than the E-M5 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Canon 7D being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus E-M5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight into a full comparison, below is a short view of how the 7D grades against the E-M5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon EOS 7D and Olympus OM-D E-M5. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon 7D Gallery and Olympus E-M5 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera frequently, you will have to consider its weight and proportions. The Canon 7D has got external measurements of 148mm x 111mm x 74mm (5.8" x 4.4" x 2.9") having a weight of 860 grams (1.90 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-M5 has measurements of 122mm x 89mm x 43mm (4.8" x 3.5" x 1.7") along with a weight of 425 grams (0.94 lbs).

Compare the Canon 7D versus Olympus E-M5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the 7D compared to the E-M5.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 7D and E-M5 is 56 and 81 respectively.

Typically, it's hard to see the contrast between sensor sizing purely by looking at a spec sheet. The photograph underneath will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the 7D and E-M5.

Clearly, each of these cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The 7D because of its larger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field easier and the Canon 7D will give you greater detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos much more aggressively. The older 7D is going to be behind in sensor tech.