Nikon S31 vs Olympus E-M5

Here is a in depth assessment of the Nikon S31 and Olympus E-M5, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by brands Nikon and Olympus. There exists a big gap between the sensor resolutions of the S31 (10MP) and E-M5 (16MP) and the S31 (1/2.9") and E-M5 (Four Thirds) use totally different sensor measurements.

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The S31 was launched 14 months later than the E-M5 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. The two cameras offer different body type with the Nikon S31 being a Compact camera and the Olympus E-M5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the S31 grades versus the E-M5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix S31 and Olympus OM-D E-M5. The complete galleries are available at Nikon S31 Gallery and Olympus E-M5 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera often, you need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Nikon S31 features physical dimensions of 105mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.1" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-M5 has proportions of 122mm x 89mm x 43mm (4.8" x 3.5" x 1.7") with a weight of 425 grams (0.94 lbs).

Check the Nikon S31 and Olympus E-M5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the S31 versus the E-M5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the S31 and E-M5 is 90 and 81 respectively.

Typically, it's hard to see the gap between sensor sizing only by looking at a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will help offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the S31 and E-M5.

As you can see, both of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The S31 because of its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF trickier and the Olympus E-M5 will give you greater detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images a little more aggressively. The fresher S31 will have an edge with regard to sensor technology.