Nikon Z5 vs Olympus E-PL6

Here is a comprehensive analysis of the Nikon Z5 and Olympus E-PL6, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Nikon and Olympus. There exists a sizeable gap between the resolutions of the Z5 (24MP) and E-PL6 (16MP) and the Z5 (Full frame) and E-PL6 (Four Thirds) boast different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The Z5 was announced 6 years later than the E-PL6 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Nikon Z5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus E-PL6 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a in-depth comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the Z5 matches up versus the E-PL6 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Z5 and Olympus PEN E-PL6. The whole galleries are viewable at Nikon Z5 Gallery and Olympus E-PL6 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and volume. The Nikon Z5 provides exterior dimensions of 134mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.3" x 4.0" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 675 grams (1.49 lbs) while the Olympus E-PL6 has sizing of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs).

Take a look at the Nikon Z5 and Olympus E-PL6 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you choose during that time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the Z5 and the E-PL6.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the Z5 and E-PL6 is 62 and 88 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizing only by reading through specifications. The graphic underneath will help provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the Z5 and E-PL6.

To sum up, the two cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The Z5 with its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF simpler and the Nikon Z5 will give you more detail with its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The younger Z5 provides an edge in sensor innovation.