Both cameras are relatively affordable, but there’s a big difference between the size and technology. The Canon T7i is a DSLR, while the Olympus E-M5 II is a mirrorless camera, so let’s see how they compare to each other.
Our comparison table below covers the important specifications of each camera. Below that, we specifically talk about the new improvements and which model is better suited for your needs.
| Canon T7i | E-M5 II | |
|---|---|---|
| Megapixels | 24.2 | 16.1 |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | Live MOS |
| Sensor Format | APS-C | Micro Four Thirds |
| Crop Factor | 1.6x | 2.0x |
| AA Filter | Yes | None |
| Image Resolution | 6000 x 4000 | 4608 x 3456 |
| Body Image Stabilization | Yes (Movie only) | Yes |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF/EF-S | Micro Four Thirds |
| ISO | 100 - 25,600 | 200 - 25,600 |
| Expanded ISO | 51,200 | None |
| AF Points | 45 | 81 Contrast |
| Cross-type AF Points | 45 | 0 phase |
| Continuous Mode | 6fps | 5fps/10fps |
| LCD | 3.0" - Fully Articulated | 3.0" - Fully Articulated |
| LCD Resolution | 1,040,000 dots | 1,037,000 dots |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Peaking | No | Yes |
| Top LCD Display | No | No |
| Viewfinder Type | Optical | EVF (2.36M) |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 95% | 100% |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.82x | 1.48x |
| Video Resolution | 1920x1080 (60/30/24p) | 1920x1080 (60/50/30/25/24p) |
| 1280x720 (60/50p) | 1280x720 (60/50/30/25/24p) | |
| Microphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | No | No |
| Memory Card Type | SD | SD |
| Dual Card Slots | No | No |
| SD UHS Support | UHS-I | UHS-II |
| Fastest Shutter Speed | 1/4000 | 1/16000 |
| Slowest Shutter Speed | 30" | 60" |
| Bulb Mode | Yes | Yes |
| JPEG Buffer Size | Unlimited | 18 |
| RAW Buffer Size | 27 | 13 |
| Time Lapse | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Flash | Yes | No |
| Max Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 | 1/250 |
| Startup Time | x | 0.8s |
| Built-in Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in GPS | No | No |
| Built- in NFC | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| USB Type | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
| Environmentally Sealed | No | Yes |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 600 shots | 310 shots |
| Battery Included | Yes (LP-E17) | Yes (BLN-1) |
| Weight | 18.8 oz (532g) | 16.5 oz (469g) |
| Size | 5.2 x 3.9 x 3.0" | 4.9 x 3.3 x 1.8" |
| Price | Amazon | Amazon |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2015 |
Canon T7i Advantages:
- 8 More Megapixels – The amount itself has nothing to do with quality, but by having more, you can print larger and crop a lot without losing details.
- Bigger Sensor – APS-C is bigger than MFT and you can expect better noise results
- Higher Max ISO -1 stop higher maximum ISO. Not an advantage for most situations because it’ll result in images with way too much noise, but it could prove to be useful in really extreme low light places
- AF System – While the E-M5 II has almost 40 more points, they’re all contrast based and are not as fast as phase-detection on the T7i. Plus, they’re cross-type so you can expect faster focusing in sports and wildlife. The E-M5 II will be okay here too, it’s just that contrast based AF works better with plenty of contrast (hence the name) and if the subject isn’t moving very quickly.
- LCD Screen – The screen fully articulates and this makes it better for recording videos of yourself
- Microphone Jack – The T7i allows you to plug in an external microphone if audio quality is important to you
- Bigger buffer – Unlimited JPEG buffer compared to 18 shots, and 13 RAW files versus 18. The T7i is a better choice if you often photograph any sort of action, whether it’s sports, races, wildlife or even kids running.
- Connectivity – The T7i also has built-in NFC and Bluetooth support
- Battery Life – Twice as long battery life
The T7i has a 2 year advantage on the E-M5 II, hence the increase in resolution. Its auto focus is faster for really fast moving subjects and in dark conditions.
Because of the microphone jack, Dual Pixel AF technology and an articulating LCD, it’s much better for video, but it isn’t as compact as the E-M5 II below. For a DSLR, it’s still very light so it’s far from heavy.
It’s also cheaper and lasts twice as long!
You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews.
Olympus E-M5 II Advantages:
- Body Image Stabilization – The E-M5 II has built-in stabilization that works even if you don’t have a lens with stabilization added. Big plus for expensive primes or older manual lenses.
- 10 vs 6fps – The E-M5 II can shoot at 10fps, but you lose auto focus! If you want to shoot burst with AF, then it can manage 5fps (1 less than the T7i).
- Focus Peaking – Every mirrorless camera offers focus peaking. If you’re focusing with a manual lens or have a bad eye sight, the camera highlights what part of your image is in focus. Great for video too!
- Viewfinder – Its coverage is 100% and what you see in the viewfinder is exactly what you get (exposure wise too)
- UHS-II – The E-M5 II supports SD UHS-II cards which have faster minimum writing/reading speeds
- Faster Max Shutter Speed – 1/16000 vs 1/4000
- Slowest Shutter Speed – 60″ vs 30″. Both have Bulb mode though.
- Faster Flash Sync Speed – 1/250 vs 1/200
- Size & Weight – The camera is a lot smaller and lighter
- Less Expensive – Body only, the E-M5 II costs around $250 less
If you’re looking to spend less and want a super compact and light camera, the E-M5 II is better since it’s got a MFT sensor and is mirrorless. Don’t forget the lower battery life if you plan on traveling a lot.
You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews.
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