Just Posted: Detailed hands-on Olympus PEN E-P5 preview

yabokkie, those are not bad lenses by any stretch of the imagination, even when compared to SLR lenses. Can you quantify what you mean by poor? Color? DOF? Sharpness? Edges? I am curious why you feel they are so poor. I know the Pany's tend toward cooler colors for example, but that is a preference choice, not an indication of a poor lense.

@yabokkie:
DPR finds the 20/1.7 to have "Impressive image quality at all apertures":
http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/panasonic_20_1p7_o20/4

The lens is good and even almost 4 years later, there's not much option for bright (at least F/1.8), compact and affordable primes with similar FoV (35-40mm) on DSLR and mirrorless formats.

What new lenses are you talking about? ...especially to compare to the 75 1.8, 45 1.8, 17 1.8 as well as the 20 1.7 and 25 1.4.

The early 24mp Sony sensors in the Sony NEX's and DSLR's are too noisy. Other than that, the NEX-7 really is the only really good NEX, the 6 being and feeling just plain cheap.

That is absolute nonsense. You say the Nex7 is a better camera? The Oly E-M5 took it to the cleaners, and so will the E-P5. And as Sony adds lenses, Oly and Pany add even more. That IS a Fact.

N7 is not better camera .

Only in AF performance.

Both the OMD and NEX7 won gold award on DPR.

The NEX-7 is in a higher price bracket than the EP-5. Nobody knows which will be a better camera, but on paper the NEX-7 sensor (one of the highest rated on DxOMark) and the eye-level VF could be preferable to some. m43 users will obviously prefer the EP5.

Sensor doesn't make the camera, but the NEX-7 sensor is an impressive performer.

http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Cameras/Camera-Sensor-Ratings

"a sony nex 7 which is a much better camera"
what's wrong with you man!! :))

The OMD definitely DOES NOT take the nex 7 "to the cleaners". They are both really good cameras and have pros & cons each. If you want absolute IQ, the NEX7 can't be beat in the mirrorless segment.

The level of detail and definition from the Nex 7 files are superior to the OMD & while the OMD is slightly less noisy in low light, the Nex 7 has better detail retention and the RAW file is more robust; particularly when recovering highlight/shadow.

I have both & consider them equal in their own ways. On the Nex, i'm good with the 24, 30, 50. On the OMD, I'm good with the 20 panny & 25 leica with occasional/rare 45 use.

nex7 is not a good camera .. thats why its easier to forget about it!
so half of your sentence is right actually :))

on a serious note, nex7 maybe good, but m43 is a very different and very complete system, its really silly to compare it with any other system, just because they are mirrorless!!

@happypoppeye: I think he means the Sigma primes. In the NEX world those count as prestige lenses.

I wonder if this VF will work on the Leica M (type 240)

I wouldn't trade my OM-D either, but if it were to get stolen/damaged beyond repair, then this EP-5 looks to be an excellent replacement camera to use with my still existing MFT lens collection

That's a weird comment Manuel. The OM-D is quite a pleasant looking camera with good lenses, although it lacks the incredible frame rate of the Nikon 1. Prices of all cameras drop after initial launch.

The 'pathetic little thing with the ugly lump' is the Nikon 1 V1, as everyone else understood at first.
Frankly, I can't see why anyone with a serious interest in photography - as opposed to being a gearhead - should care about such an OTT frame rate. 60 fps to make mediocre pictures? Meh.

It seems that V1 keeps getting bashed even at the current price level (way under RX100 for example). Truth is - there are nice and very reasonably priced lenses for it and it is vary cheap way to a very decent video quality. I really see not reason to offend those who decided to get one.

The OM-D is an an excellent camera even at its current price point. Gave away a Panasonic Lumix GX-1 - the Olympus is a superior camera. A comment to Manuel - you obviously have never used one.

My other camera is a Nikon D300S with an assortment of lenses. Love working with both cameras. Outstanding images from both. Please actually use something before you post negative comments and then you "may" have some basis for your comments.

I would be on the V1 in a heartbeat if they hadn't given it the worst controls and interface ever. Seriously, no MF rings, no mode dial...just shoddy. Most could be fixed with a firmware update.

Otherwise, the shape, integral EVF, size, sensor performance--I'm fine with all that. But it's too slow to adjust/change settings.

Manuel, yes I know - I was illustrating the stupidity of your comment. If you think the Nikon 1 image quality is poor then you obviously have no experience of the camera. Commenting without knowledge makes you look foolish.
60fps is great for any form of action photography and is a truly useful feature - not a gimmick. I should have thought that would have been obvious to any photographer.

It‘s actually an editorial decision? I always thought it was some timezone weirdness going on. It's a bad policy if you ask me; since your layout is like a blog I expect newest stories to appear at the top, not several posts down. I‘ve missed many stories because of it, particularly when there are many announcements. You should really move to a format more like a newspaper or the bbc news site where you can keep a leading story up that is clearly differentiated from the stories below it.

I have to agree with monkeybrain. Although it's understandable that DPR wants to stick their top story at the top, it does make easy to miss another news as well. Even I have missed some already because of that.

You guys could give a minor layout update to differantiate that 'sticky top post' than the rest. So we users know what and where we're looking for.

@highwave--yep I wish it had a viewfinder.. remove the mode dial-- or just put the flash in front ;-) no pop up ..maybe.. just a compromise..

Great idea! Then I could just dump all of my M4/3 lenses cheap on eBay.

You still whining about Robin Wong after all these years. He has more talent in his little finger than you can imagine. The man has integrity. Look it up.

I agree with Ricardo. For another, perhaps more unbiast view, have a look at Thom Hogan's sansmirror.com. He rightly questions the place of the EP5 and I tend to agree. What exactly, is the point of the EP5? Looks a bit like an OM-D with a built-in flash, but without the built-in EVF. At quite a premium to boot. Makes the OM-D a compelling proposition at this stage...

@olypan - I have looked up. If you look carefully, I do give him credit for the good, I just don't think he is not biased. So to you, unless I say nothing but all positives for him- and I do agree he does have his positives, then I am a bad bad person.

I have seen his photography, you don't have to tell me what he has and hasn't. I have my own talent too after all. The issue is not whether he is talented or not. The issue is that everything he writes is all positive towards the brand.

You say he has integrity and so do I. If I didn't, I would not credit him on the good, don't you think? But nothing but gloriously positive words for the Olympus brand will do either right?

2 Wongs don't make a wight.

That would be hilarious, if there were two wongs here...

There are wany more than two people wong here.

EM-5 was/is a good value.

Sure, lets have a laugh and look up the comments under the em5 announcement.

Touch focus. Something a lot of DSLR users don't get. You tap anywhere on the screen, and it selects that focal point (far more options than the best DSLR), and also take the pic in an instant.
For the record, at first people could not understand a phone without buttons. A phone needs lots of buttons! they would say, but the cool people learned to do more on a simple LCD touch display. Many old folks still don't get it.

The question you should ask is why anyone would buy this over any of the Fuji APS-C X cameras, Sony NEX-6, and similar offerings from Panasonic for less.

Focus speed, shutter speed, body size, lens lineup, style, Oly JPEG colors, grip feel, touch focus, kit lens, wifi, personal preferences...

I keep having to edit, because I keep finding more things it has over those other 2 cameras. :-)

Citrontokyo, are you saying the oly kit lens(17mm or 14-42) are better vs the the fuji 18-55(neither are not)? Also are you implying that oly color is better vs fuji color(impossible to say, i enjoy both)? Also, i believe I like the style of the xe-1 vs the ep-5 any day.

for the same reason some people can't understand why others still insist on buying a DSLR when lighter and equally competent alternatives are available ...

( /me ducks and runs for cover ... )

I'm saying that the 17mm f1.8 is faster than the zoom of either Fuji or Sony. I'm also saying that many people like Oly colors, which may encourage them to prefer this cam. Again, style, same thing. It's personal.
Basically, writing off a camera like this when it has so much to offer shows how little thought went into the post. Besides style and colors (and other personal preference aspects like feel) you can't seriously debate the richness of the micro 4/3 system, and more specifically, the great design of this camera. Does Fuji have touch AF, or the small size of this cam? Does Sony have the lenses to compete with micro 4/3?
The poster I responded to says basically, "why choose a red car, when you can have a blue or yellow one?"
Pffft! Each camera has it's strong points, and aspects that affect personal preferences. You have to be crazy not to see this.

I say this as a Pentax DSLR shooter.

Most of the things listed are not unique to this camera or are no better. Oly grips are terrible, much worse than Sony (Fuji's aren't great, either.) Touch focus is available on cheaper Panasonics, some of which also focus faster (not to mention the blazing fast Nikon 1). Sure, it's a nice camera, but similar cameras from other makes are cheaper. The NEX-6 offers almost exactly the same features, plus an evf, for less. About the only major feature Oly offers is the IBIS, and that's not necessarily better in all circumstances. The lens selection is an advantage, but other MFT cameras can also use them. A much cheaper Panasonic G6 has an OLED evf, fully articulated screen, better video specs, and a much more sophisticated WiFi implementation. And equally fast autofocus, touch focus, and access to the same lenses. No IBIS and no goofy writing on the front, but I'd take a G6 every time, for hundreds less.

You're missing the point, there is no 'better' in personal preference.

M Jesper, thank you. Exactly my point. And in far fewer words.

no clue what you trying to say mate (Ybor)

look at the NEX-6, it has a built in EVF, and it has a correct zoom-lens for that price, it is just one example. Now, you will say that you should then buy NEX-6. Well, that is what I did, but, i opted for NEX-7 when at the shop. It was for me worth the 250$ more.

Look at the nice prime kit lens you can get for the Pen. Just curious, how fast is that zoom of yours?

5 Axis Image stabilisation... this opens a world of opportunities..

Nex7 may be smaller and cheaper... but good luck carrying your tripod around with those manual lenses.

Can you give another example of a range-topping enthusiast model being announced with a list price of $600, then it might sound less like wishful thinking.

@Digitall Sorry mate now I understand what you meant. So for you special guys (who doesn't want to enter m43) Oly should launch a new pricing scheme?

By the looks of it, Oly completely ignored you folks, this time again .. how bad is that!!

No problem at all. See my POV, Buying a M43 for that price, cameras and other systems need to be considered. It's all very interesting for those in the M43 system, hand it is a tempting option to enter the system with some perks. Therefore, and having to invest in lenses, this camera starts to be expensive to the displayed price. Other systems may be more tempting based on APS-C format sensor. For me, the M43 has to justify on the basis of price and maneuverability, without these qualities for me the M43 is not justified at all. Preferring systems with larger sensors and the benefits resulting therefrom. Personally I do not change the format APS-C with the possibilities of today's cameras have the ~same size of a M43. Yes, I really like this camera, but not at any price, I think the M43 system needs to captivate more clients, and I think this way it becomes more difficult to justify. Mainly in the U.S. and EU market.

This would be really great for $100 but at $1000 it's only great. Someone buy me one so I can stop posting how much it cost... um, how broke I am.

For every one else who can not afford this, I would suggest EPL5 which is a fine camera for its current price around 550 for body on Amazon or pick the previous EP3 (Amazon has it new body at 369 to 899 from 5 different vendors). Better yet support your local retail camera store for deals.
Why should this cost a lot less then EM5 if it has similar top features or same value at least. Some features here in EP5 are plus or minus from EM5 but both are top quality cameras.

you walk beside your shoes, Adrian.

@Naveed Akhtar The same story was with the Olympus E-P3, E-M5, etc.: some good design ideas, but poor marketing skills.
"E-P5 just doesn't make any real sense...Olympus' ego is showing more than their product marketing skills" Thom Hogan http://www.sansmirror.com/newsviews/im-not-sure-i-get-it.html

Marike, keep pouting 'like a man' (your words). Maybe if you stopped forcing your opinions on everyone I would stop enforcing my opinions about you, ever think of that? There are only so many ways I can point out the ridiculous, pointlessness of your comments, in every single article, your 'expert opinion' is not warranted. Express your opinion for sure, but we don't need it over and over and over against every single comment other make. Believe it or not, while this might not be for you, others out there might actually like it and guess what?! Your constant 'opinions' aren't going to change that. So say your piece, stop trying to 'force' it on everyone else who thinks differently to you.

Not forcing anything on anybody, people here are grown and quite capable of their own decisions.

You've been barking down every commenter on these boards. calling the OMD a "steaming pile". How is that not YOUR expert opinion?

If you can't keep it civil, and avoid personal attacks, you and I are going to have a problem. End of story.

Although, I thought it might have come in at 899 for body to start, I was out by 100 for body. My guess it is intended to compete against Fuji mirrorless with excellent build quality of EP5. Higher price is for earlier adopters who buy. I would expect 50 to 100 off by the summer sales in June/July. Olympus priced it as a statement to say it ranked right up with EM5 in quality and features, not under it, however while it may lack couple of features of EM5, it also gains a few more new impressive features as well, that serious shooters want. Yes?
We, who may be potential buyers, may wish it cost less, but it is worth it based on specs!

Can't agree more with you Adrian!!

I also wish if it would be around 700 to 800$ range and in an year time it probably will be! But even at 1000$ it worth every penny. I need to see if this year with EP5 will be better than without it and 300$ more in my bank?

But that's my decision to make on the basis of my financial condition, I can't blame Oly for rleasing such a feature rich camera .. can't spot a missing feature and can't spot an issue!

well done Olly!!

I on the other hand may want to benefit from all the extra features with my collection of m43rds lenses.

The x100s is not a substitution for the benefits of an ILC.

On the subject of the sensor, I am not sure it is really "much" better. It has poor support from software manufacturers and is riddles with artefacts. I will take a bit of noise over funny artefacts (personally).

And in 12-18 months time the WHOLE X100S will be worth maybe $500. The E-P5 owner can keep his 17mm and VF4 and upgrade just the body. Oh and they won't have to pay lots of money again for that hybrid viewfinder, now worthless in the X100S when the latest X200 is about. (speaking as an X100 owner who's X100 is worth less than a just a 35mm equiv lens in m43's, NEX etc).

Not to mention that the E-P5 can take, say the 45mm and 75mm as well...

cocopro .. x100 is 690$ at amazon used!
e-p3 was a horrible camera for its under-par iQ. om-d is holding its value good and e-p5 will hold its value, as it got a host of new features and i can't distinguish e-p3 from e-p1 enough!!

plus you can't just compare the devaluation .. see what featureset you like .. X100 and x100s are great with its hybrid VF and OMD-E5 or Pen EP5 will be awesome with all its featureset and flexibility of lenses!! so many pros, can't even list here ..

you chose what your shooting style is .. i know i cant live with one fixed focal length! :(

"steaming pile" AKA winner of the DPReview best camera of 2012 poll.

And being 'popular' also ensures something is 'the best' right?

"Cranky" is one way to put it.

When you say 'virtually the same' you obviously have a little trouble with numbers. 89, is actually quite a lot bigger than 69.. relatively speaking.

But Marike, you are right again, bang on. You should probably have mentioned the EVF and weather sealing though, I don't think enough people know about that.

You tilt your head in disbelief... no it is really true. Naw, don't pout, it's ok :P

@abortabort
No trouble with numbers, you are talking millimeters difference in height! If saving 20 mm is worth losing the VF, you must have extremely specific size priorities.

Adrian said:
people "would value a smaller solid built compact camera with a whole lot of options" vs the EM5.

As I said, the two cameras are essentially the same size and weight. When you mount the VF-4 on the EP5 to give it similar functionality to the EM5, you have a far bigger, bulkier AND more expensive camera. What's so hard to understand about that?

Yeah, I also said relatively speaking. 20mm isn't much on say, I dunno, 1 big dumb freakish looking jock that pouts. But on a camera that is only 69mm, that is a near 30% increase in a box volume. That IS quite a bit, but I can see how you might have difficulty comprehending that...

Oh and while being smaller, has about 300% more real estate to hold the camera with. See what the size difference is with the optional grip on the OM-D, then we'll talk.

@abortabort

You are a real class act, that's all I have to say. But anytime you want my address, you know where to find it. You can come over and I'll show you my masters degrees before I teach you some manners.

If I replaced my GH2 with this (and I might), I would use it just like my E-P1: with the Panasonic 20 on it in any pocket other than blue jeans. I learned on an SLR but I work just fine without an EVF.

EVF is removable. And its still more compact than a DSLR, especially when you consider the lenses. I know first-hand because I'm a Canon APS-C and FF DSLR user who also uses m4/3. For compact and light, I grab my m4/3. No contest.

An E-P5 and VF-4 in your pocket? Seriously? Let's be realistic. This is not a pocketable camera. It requires a camera bag, just like a DSLR. Taking off the VF-4 doesn't make it pocketable. It's barely pocketable with the body cap lens so what's the point? It's not RX100 pocketable, and it's priced like a D7100.

So other than differences in weight, you are not getting more camera for your money with an E-P5. You can buy a D7100 for the price of this camera and you'll have a far more performant camera with a beautiful bright OVF and a wonderfully good AF system.

IBIS and VR are minor conveniences. They mean nothing if your subject is moving, or if like most photographers, you aren't adverse to using a tripod.

As a second camera, it's fine. Not sure it's the best choice for a main body. But you can never win this argument with photographers for whom size is more important than performance. Thing is, the EP5 is not that small.

I agree with the comments about except about the tripod. I rarely see anybody using a tripod any more. Giiven that people are used to such an incredibly high level of convenience (auto everything) I don't think you can realistically say "Just use a tripod".

Well for $1450 you get a $500 lens and a $300 EVF, both of which you can keep when you upgrade. So that makes it a $650 body.

Marike - Good spot on the D7100 there, they have so much in common again, because they are cameras. Just like that great comparison to the Ricoh GR. Really got me thinking man, deep stuff.

@Marike6 There are different definitions of 'pockets'. I take my E-M5 with a pancake lens in my jacket pocket when I ski or am out with the kids. I did a run with the kids last week where I brought the E-M5 with me. No question this camera doesn't have the pocketability of a S90 or something like that - but it IS more portable than a dSLR. I never would have grabbed my 7D, gone for a run and got this shot: https://www.flickr.com/photos/47706598@N08/8716678984/in/photostream.

To me the benefit of this kind of camera is if you make it the ONLY camera you own. Then the slight premium in price pays off as you don't have to own a P&S or run two systems.

Your point about the 7100 are exactly opposite why I like the OM-D as my only camera. It is precisely because I do some video with it that the EVF and IBIS come into their own. For stills, agreed that IBIS is only so valuable.

"An E-P5 and VF-4 in your pocket? Seriously? Let's be realistic. This is not a pocketable camera. It requires a camera bag, just like a DSLR. Taking off the VF-4 doesn't make it pocketable. It's barely pocketable with the body cap lens"

Would you like me to post pictures of me putting my GF1 and 20mm (mounted) in my pocket?

and am having my GH1 with 20mm pancake mounted in my jacket pocket. I used to carry EP1 even more convineantly. But my D90 Nikon and even later on D5200 always needed a bag!!