Best Equipment Best Gear Camera Comparisons

Nikon D500 vs Olympus E-M5 II – Comparison

Let’s compare the Nikon D500 vs Olympus E-M5 II. The Nikon is a DSLR made for action, while the Fuji is an all-around mirrorless camera.

Our comparison table below covers all the important specifications of each camera. Below that, we specifically talk about the new improvements and which model is better suited for your needs.


Nikon D500 Advantages:

  • Megapixels –  4.8 more megapixels. For printing big and cropping, the Nikon D500 is a much better choice.
  • Sensor Format – APS-C is bigger than MFT, which results in slightly less noise at higher ISO levels.
  • ISO – 1,638,400 vs 25,600. Higher maximum ISO sensitivity.
  • AF Points – 153 vs 83. More means you can be more specific when focusing on your subject
  • Cross-type AF Points – 99 vs 0. Cross-type beat regular points when it comes to low light accuracy.
  • LCD – 3.2″ vs 3.0″.
  • LCD Resolution – Higher resolution.
  • Top LCD Display – When shooting in semi-auto/manual modes, you can quickly preview all of your settings.
  • Video Resolution – 4K video available
  • Headphone Jack – Useful for previewing your audio quality straight out the camera.
  • Dual Card Slots – More room for extra photos, or simply for backup.
  • JPEG Buffer Size – 200 vs 18. Useful for long bursts.
  • RAW Buffer Size – 200 vs 13.
  • Built-in NFC
  • Bluetooth Support
  • USB 3.0 – Faster file transferring out the camera.
  • Battery Life – 1240 shots vs 310 shots.

The Nikon D500 costs a lot more so it’s no surprise it beats the E-M5 II in many departments. First, the sensor is bigger and has 5 more megapixels, along with a way higher maximum ISO making it better for extreme low light situations. AF system is superior as well, but that’s because the D500 was made for action/wildlife photography. It’s got 2 memory card slots, 200 shots RAW/JPEG buffer, much longer battery life, USB 3.0 support and can also record 4K videos!

If you want to take pictures of pretty much anything, but also want a professional camera for action, the D500 is your best choice.

You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews.

Olympus E-M5 II Advantages:

  • Body Image Stabilization – The Olympus E-M5 II has built-in body stabilization for photos and videos, which is an excellent feature for traveling and shooting in low light.
  • Focus Peaking – Very useful for seeing if your subject is in focus (both photo and video).
  • Viewfinder Magnification – Higher magnification.
  • Faster Max Shutter Speed – 1/16000 vs 1/8000.
  • Weight – The Olympus E-M5 II weighs 387g less.
  • Size – The Olympus E-M5 II is noticeably smaller.
  • Less Expensive – The E-M5 II body costs around $900 less

The E-M5 II has one big advantage; built-in body stabilization. With most other companies, you need to have a lens with stabilization built-in for it to work, while the Olympus will do that automatically regardless of what lens yo use. For traveling or using older lenses, this can often be a big advantage! It’s also smaller and lighter, but that’s a personal preference.

You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews.

Leave a Comment