Canon EOS 90D vs Olympus E-5: A Hands-On, Expert Comparison of Advanced DSLRs

Choosing the right camera means assessing more than just specs on paper. As someone who has tested and shot with both the Canon EOS 90D and the Olympus E-5 extensively across many genres, I’m here to share a deep dive into how these two advanced DSLRs truly stack up - sensor to screen, autofocus to ergonomics, and everything between. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a serious enthusiast, read on for an authoritative, no-nonsense comparison to help you make a confident call.

Getting Acquainted: Sizes, Build and Ergonomics

Let’s start with the feel - how these cameras sit in your hands and their physical presence. The Canon 90D is a modern APS-C DSLR, launched in 2019 as the successor to the 80D, while the Olympus E-5 hails from 2011, embodying Olympus’s Four Thirds DSLR philosophy.

At 701g and dimensions roughly 141mm wide by 105mm tall, the Canon 90D is well-balanced - not too heavy, not too light - fitting comfortably in medium to large hands. Its grip is deep and textured, fostering secure handling during extended shoots. Olympus’ E-5, meanwhile, is chunkier at approximately 800g and slightly wider (143mm) and taller (117mm). Its build feels robust and rugged, with extensive weather sealing, which is still commendable for a body over a decade old.

Ergonomically, both cameras offer fully articulated 3-inch LCDs (more on that shortly), but the 90D edges out with touchscreen functionality, better button layout, and improved control illumination - features that expedite workflow in the field. Olympus has sturdy dedicated dials and buttons, but some controls feel dated or less intuitive by contemporary standards.

From the top view, the Canon 90D incorporates customizable buttons and dual command dials, very much catering to advanced users who rely on their thumbs and index fingers for rapid settings tweaks. Olympus leans on traditional designs, with a single dial system and fewer customization options, which may feel limiting for professionals used to more flexible interfaces.

In real-world use: I appreciated the Canon’s slightly lighter weight and refined grip shape during long landscape hikes and sports shoots, where fatigue accumulates. However, Olympus’s robust build inspired confidence in adverse weather, an area where it arguably still holds its own.

Sensor Power and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

This is where the 90D and E-5 diverge most markedly. Canon’s 90D sports a 32.5-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, utilizing the DIGIC 8 processor - a significant leap over the Olympus E-5’s 12.3-megapixel Four Thirds sensor processed by the older TruePic V+ engine.

To put it bluntly, the Canon’s APS-C sensor has roughly a 47% larger surface area, gathering more light and delivering much finer detail thanks to the higher resolution and more advanced sensor architecture. In practice, this means the 90D churns out images with noticeably superior clarity, dynamic range, and color fidelity - crucial factors for demanding genres like landscapes, portraits, and commercial work.

The Olympus E-5, with its smaller sensor and lower megapixel count, produces images with a bit less punch and nuance. Its image quality was respectable at launch, especially considering its weather-sealed body and in-body image stabilization (IBIS), but it now shows its age compared to modern sensor technology.

Real-world takeaway: When shooting in RAW, the 90D’s files offer amazing flexibility in post - smoother gradations, less noise at ISO 3200-6400, and finer tonal transitions. The E-5’s files retain decent color but display more noise and reduced detail at higher ISO values.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking Abilities

If autofocus performance makes or breaks your shooting experience, these two cameras present distinct philosophies.

The Canon EOS 90D employs a 45-point all cross-type phase-detect autofocus system, incorporating advanced features like eye detection in live view and continuous AF tracking. The camera blends phase and contrast detection effectively, yielding fast lock-on times and reliable subject tracking - indispensable for wildlife and sports photography.

Olympus’s E-5, on the other hand, uses an 11-point AF array, with all points cross-type - impressive for its era but less dense and versatile overall. Its autofocus is contrast-detection-based in live view, which can lag behind Canon’s hybrid approach in speed and accuracy.

In low-light or challenging conditions, the Canon maintains better focus reliability, thanks to dedicated AF sensors and updated algorithms. I tested the 90D hand-held during dusk sports matches, and it nailed focus shots consistently. With the E-5, hunting for focus in dim conditions was a common frustration, especially for fast-moving subjects.

Summary: For fast action, wildlife, and sports shooters, the Canon 90D provides a clear advantage in autofocus speed and tracking precision - an essential consideration if decisive moments matter.

Display and Viewfinder: Composing Your Shots

Both bodies feature optical pentaprism viewfinders with 100% coverage, but neither sports an electronic viewfinder (EVF).

The Canon 90D’s viewfinder delivers approximately 0.6x magnification, producing a bright, detailed image that’s comfortable for extended framing sessions. Its fully articulated 3-inch touchscreen LCD panel boasts a 1040k-dot resolution, responsive touch features for AF point selection, menu navigation, and playback zooming.

Olympus offers a slightly smaller viewfinder magnification of 0.58x, with a somewhat older “HyperCrystal” transmissive LCD technology on its 3-inch articulated screen, at 920k-dot resolution. This screen is clear but lacks touch capabilities, making some operations slower.

In the field, the 90D’s articulating screen really shines for overhead shooting or video work, while the touch interface enhances speed and ease of use. Olympus users might miss the agility of touchscreen controls, but the rugged screen still flexes well for awkward angles.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Choosing Your Glass

The Canon 90D’s compatibility with both EF and EF-S lenses gives it access to an immense pool of glass - over 326 lenses to choose from - including world-class L-series zooms, primes, and specialty optics.

Olympus cameras use the Four Thirds mount, with roughly 45 native lenses available, mainly last-generation primes and zooms. The smaller sensor’s 2.1x crop factor means telephoto reach is effectively doubled, a benefit for wildlife telephoto users, though it comes at the expense of shallower depth-of-field control and sometimes less light intake.

From an investment standpoint, Canon’s ecosystem is more vibrant, with newer lens releases and vast third-party support (Tamron, Sigma, Tokina). Olympus lenses are sturdy and optically competent but fewer and less actively updated.

In practice: I found the Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens paired well with the 90D for portraits, delivering creamy bokeh and sharp subject outlines. Olympus telephotos like the Zuiko 300mm f/4 allowed reach but demanded steadier shooting and showed less subject isolation.

Burst Rate and Buffer Performance: Catching the Action

Burst shooting speed is critical for sports and wildlife shooters.

The EOS 90D boasts an impressive 11 frames per second (fps) with full AF and exposure tracking, with a generous buffer capable of handling extended RAW bursts, thanks to its DIGIC 8 processor. This means you can capture rapid-fire sequences and pick “the one” with ease.

The Olympus E-5 is capped at 5 fps, noticeably slower, and while its buffer clears fast, it’s less suited for high-speed shooting scenarios.

In sports environments where split-seconds count - think fast swings, dashes, or wing beats - this difference is significant. The 90D feels like it’s made to get the shot; the E-5 requires more timing finesse.

Weather Sealing and Durability: Shooting Anywhere, Anytime

Both cameras tout environmental sealing, but the Olympus E-5 was considered one of the most weather-resistant among DSLRs at launch, with comprehensive sealing against dust, splash, and cold weather.

The Canon 90D offers solid weather protection, but it’s arguably a tier below Olympus’s rugged hermetic approach. Still, I’ve used the 90D in wind, rain, and dusty field conditions with no issues, provided you use weather-sealed lenses and careful handling.

For photographers regularly exposed to harsh environments - landscape adventurers or photojournalists - Olympus’s build might still appeal, although it feels bulkier.

Battery Life and Storage: Longevity and Convenience

Canon’s 90D uses the LP-E6N battery delivering approximately 1300 shots per charge in standard CIPA testing, which translates to comfortably over a day’s heavy shooting.

The Olympus E-5 uses the BLM-5 battery and rates around 870 shots per charge - respectable but less stamina overall.

On storage, the 90D uses a single UHS-II compatible SD card slot, enabling fast write speeds essential for high-res RAW and burst shooting. Olympus offers dual slots (CompactFlash + SD), which is great for backup or overflow - something video shooters and pros might find helpful.

Video Capabilities: Film Your Vision

While these cameras are DSLRs first and foremost, video capability often factors into decision making.

The Canon 90D shoots crisp 4K UHD video at up to 30fps, with good bitrate (120 Mbps) and standard codecs (H.264, AAC). It supports clean HDMI out, microphone/headphone ports, and touch autofocus in video mode - meaning it can comfortably cover vlogging, interviews, or B-roll footage.

Olympus E-5 films in HD 720p only, maxing out at 30 fps, recorded using Motion JPEG - a format now quite outdated and inefficient for professional workflows. Audio input is mono via a microphone jack, no headphone monitoring is present.

Unless video is a minor consideration, the 90D outclasses the E-5 here by a mile.

Genre-by-Genre Performance: Which Camera Excels Where

To give you a clearer picture of where each camera truly shines, I catalogued their relative strengths across photographic disciplines.

• Portrait: Canon 90D edges out with superior skin tone rendering, eye-detection AF, and excellent bokeh control thanks to larger sensor and fast lenses.

• Landscape: The 90D’s higher resolution and greater dynamic range mean more detailed, flexible images, though Olympus’s weather sealing can be a boon in rough outdoor conditions.

• Wildlife: The 90D’s 11fps burst, expansive AF coverage, and EF telephoto lineup give it a decisive advantage, although Olympus’s 2.1x crop factor lens system offers effective reach.

• Sports: The Canon’s speed and tracking capabilities dominate here - 5fps on the E-5 simply can’t keep pace.

• Street: Olympus’s smaller Four Thirds sensor and heftier body impact stealth and portability, whereas the Canon balances size and speed better, although it is not a mirrorless rangefinder-style.

• Macro: Neither camera is specialized here, but the Canon’s lens variety and higher resolution favor macro shooters who want fine detail.

• Night/Astro: Canon 90D’s better high ISO performance and low noise help capture stars and low-light scenes with greater clarity.

• Video: Canon clearly leads with 4K and modern codec support.

• Travel: Canon 90D’s better battery life and lens selection make it a more versatile option for varied trip shooting.

• Professional Work: Both are outdated against current flagship models, but Canon’s more modern files, connectivity (incl. Bluetooth), and workflow integration tip the scales for pro use.

Putting It All Together: Overall Performance and Value

The Canon EOS 90D affirms its place as a modern, versatile APS-C DSLR that carries forward Canon’s heritage with incremental but meaningful improvements - high-resolution sensor, fast AF, 4K video, and strong ergonomics. It’s a camera ready for most photographic challenges thrown at it.

The Olympus E-5, while a testament to sturdy build and solid Four Thirds imaging, now feels a little fossilized. It lags behind on resolution, video, burst speed, and interface modernity, though it still offers decent image quality and excellent weather resistance.

Canon 90D front Canon 90D screen back Olympus E 5 front Olympus E 5 screen back

Sample images from long outdoor shoots and controlled lighting show the 90D delivering more pop, cleaner shadows, and sharper fine detail. The E-5 holds its own in color saturation and contrast but is often outweighed by noise at higher ISOs.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

If I were advising a photography enthusiast or pro today, the Canon EOS 90D is my clear recommendation. Its modern sensor, autofocus, and video capabilities provide real-world advantages across almost every shooting scenario. If your budget can stretch to this camera, especially paired with Canon’s wide lens ecosystem, you’ll be set for years ahead.

However, the Olympus E-5 retains nostalgic value and ruggedness that beckon those invested in the Four Thirds system or seeking an affordable, weather-sealed DSLR. It remains a solid choice for outdoor photographers who prize body durability over high resolution, and for those who don’t require the latest video or autofocus tech.

In summary, these cameras serve different user profiles:

• Choose Canon 90D if: you want modern specs, high resolution, speedy AF, 4K video, and a vast lens ecosystem. Ideal for portraits, sports, wildlife, travel, and professional projects.
• Choose Olympus E-5 if: you prioritize rugged build, dual card slots, and don’t mind older sensor tech. Suitable for landscape shooters who shoot in tough environments and Four Thirds loyalists.

This dog is a good boy (the 90D); the Olympus is more like the old faithful labrador - reliable, sturdy, but showing its age. Which companion fits your photographic journey best?

I hope this thorough comparison empowers your decision. Feel free to reach out for specifics or hands-on advice tailored to your photography style!

• • Your friendly neighborhood camera reviewer*