JD750 Loc: SoCal

I took two cameras, a Nikon D750 with 85mm F1.8 and an Olympus OM-D EM-5 Mii and 45mm f1.8 and took some sample shots. I set Matrix metering, Aperture priority mode, AWB and JPEG output, on both cameras. All shots were hand held, natural late afternoon light with some high thin clouds. All attachments are SOOC. The results are interesting.

Size comparison with lens hoods


Light was changing fast here which explains the different shutter speeds.

(Download)


(Download)

The Nikon has always had problems with this color.

(Download)

The OM-D has IS in the body.

(Download)

The different metering algorithms are apparent.

(Download)


(Download)

The Olympus lens has a closer focusing distance than the Nikon

(Download)


(Download)

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

You are a terrible person! You give us those last two shots and then ask for our opinions on all the shots without passing out samples of the last two pictures. Do you specialize in torture?

It would be interesting to examine the histograms. An even better comparison would be the algorithms (which no manufacture shares) to see the priorities each sets to various items in the picture. These still are interesting results.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

My most sincere apologies. Were are my manners? If you would like to stop by my house, I will gladly provide samples of the last two shots. PM me for the address.

wmdooley

That view of the cameras shows why some people feel the need to downsize their gear.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Yes, the camera with the smaller sensor will tend to be smaller.

The OP called this an "unfair test". For one thing, there are no images where higher ISO is needed, framing in the third comparison set was different, and apparently VR len(es) not used.

fredpnm Loc: Corrales, NM

What camera calibration, in camera, did you use for each camera, vivid, standard, landscape, etc.?

CatMarley Loc: North Carolina

I am surprised that with your equipment you did not get sharp photos. Just to see if I were imagining something, I stepped outside my kitchen and took a snapshot of the azelias. Straight JPG from the camera Fuji X-T2 with kit lens. And a crop detail from another frame.

(Download)


(Download)

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Technically, this is an apples to pomegranates comparison.

Nikon is full frame, its lens is nearly twice the focal length, and it has no IBIS or VR.

The Olympus is Micro 4/3, the 45mm has the field of view of a 90mm on full frame, and has some of the best IBIS on the planet.

Pay your money and take your choice. Both have strong and weak points.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

Here is a photo of my azelea. No photo because my flowers have not as yet bloomed

R.G. Loc: Scotland

The Olympus tends to expose more to the right because it has to avoid the noise that comes from lightening dark areas. Presumably they see blown highlights as an acceptable risk.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

I wanted to do a test representative of most of what most people (including myself) shoot. High iso is more of a speciality. But you make a good point. I assume I know the answer but maybe not. Perhaps I shall do another test where high ISO is the criteria.

Framing was different in the 3rd because I shot the Olympus pic first, and the longer focus distance of the Nikor lens required me to move away to get it in focus.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Good point. Many people work hard to expose to the right, this camera does it for you? It is an interesting, perhaps a more modern method?

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Beautiful!

Well I was shooting pretty wide open on the lens. The DOF was narrower, and I was using medium resolution, on both cameras, perhaps that played a role.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

THAT is a very good question. I had both cameras set for what they consider standard.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Different framing would effect both focus and metering. When metering contains more of the darker area, that area wouldn't be so badly underexposed.