Nikon D800 vs Olympus E-500

Below, we are evaluating the Nikon D800 and Olympus E-500, both Advanced DSLR cameras by competitors Nikon and Olympus. There is a huge difference among the resolutions of the D800 (36MP) and E-500 (8MP) and the D800 (Full frame) and E-500 (Four Thirds) possess different sensor sizing.

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The D800 was released 6 years after the E-500 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).

Before we go through a in depth comparison, below is a simple view of how the D800 matches up against the E-500 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon D800 and Olympus E-500. The complete galleries are provided at Nikon D800 Gallery and Olympus E-500 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to travel with your camera, you will need to factor its weight and size. The Nikon D800 features outside dimensions of 146mm x 123mm x 82mm (5.7" x 4.8" x 3.2") and a weight of 900 grams (1.98 lbs) and the Olympus E-500 has specifications of 130mm x 95mm x 66mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.6") and a weight of 479 grams (1.06 lbs).

See the Nikon D800 and Olympus E-500 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the D800 versus the E-500.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the D800 and E-500 is 54 and 70 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to picture the contrast in sensor dimensions only by viewing technical specs. The pic below should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the D800 and E-500.

As you have seen, both the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The D800 because of its larger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Nikon D800 will render extra detail as a result of its extra 28 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop images much more aggressively. The more recent D800 provides an edge in sensor tech.