Olympus PEN E-P5 Hands-on Preview: Digital Photography Review

PEN E-P5 compared to other Olympus models

Olympus now has four Micro Four Thirds models that share the same sensor and image processor, but vary widely in features: E-PM2, E-PL5, E-P5 and OM-D E-M5. Here we take a look at how the E-P5 compares to the neighbouring models in the range, and to its predecessor the E-P3.

The Olympus PEN E-P5, between the PEN E-PL5 (left) and OM-D E-M5 (right).

The E-P5 sits between the PEN E-PL5 and the OM-D E-M5 in Olympus's range and, on paper, offers similar core imaging specs. Here's a quick summary of some of the key differences between these models:

	PEN E-PL5	PEN E-P5	OM-D E-M5
IS system	• 2-axis	• 5-axis	• 5-axis
Built-in flash	• No	• Yes	• No
Built-in EVF	• No	• No	• Yes
Weathersealing	• No	• No	• Yes
No. of control dials	• 1	• 2	• 2
Shutter speed range	• 60 - 1/4000 sec	• 60-1/8000 sec	• 60-1/4000 sec
ISO range	• 200-25600	• LOW, 200-25600	• 200-25600
Continuous shooting	• 8 fps	• 9 fps	• 9 fps
Screen type	• 460K dot LCD, 3", 16:9	• 1.04m dot LCD, 3", 3:2	• 610K dot OLED, 3", 3:2
Screen articulation	• 60° down, 170° up	• 50° down, 80° up	• 80° down, 80° up
Size	• 111 x 64 x 38 mm (4.4 x 2.5 x 1.5″)	• 122 x 69 x 37 mm (4.8 x 2.7 x 1.5″)	• 122 x 89 x 43 mm (4.8 x 3.5 x 1.7″)
Weight	• 325g (11.5 oz)	• 420g (14.8 oz)	• 425g (15.0oz)

Size and design compared to Olympus OM-D E-M5

The E-P5 is almost exactly the same width as the E-M5, but the latter's SLR-style EVF 'hump' makes it rather taller.


The cameras both have similar numbers of external controls, although what they do is subtly different - the E-M5's 4-way controller moves the active AF point by default, rather than activating specific functions. Both cameras have a tilting rear screen but, while it has a built-in EVF, the E-M5 lacks a pop-up flash. A key difference, of course, is that the E-M5 is weathersealed (although currently only its 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 kit zoom and the 60mm 1:2.8 Macro are sealed to match).

From the top you can see that the E-M5's viewfinder makes it thicker front-to-back. The E-P5's collapsible 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 kit zoom is also much more compact than than the 12-50mm powerzoom shown here on the E-M5.

If you add the VF-4 viewfinder to the E-P5, it adds extra bulk compared to the E-M5's integrated EVF. Then again, if you add-on the E-M5's external flash unit, it ends up slightly larger again. Your pay your money and take your choice...

Size and design compared to the Olympus PEN E-P3

From the front the E-P5 looks very similar indeed to is predecessor, the E-P3, and it's almost exactly the same size. The main addition is the front control dial, which is placed underneath the shutter button for operation by your index finger. The grip is slightly reshaped, and is no longer interchangeable, now playing host to the camera's Wi-Fi antenna.


The rear layout shows a few more differences. The vertical roller dial has been changed to a more conventional rear dial higher up on the body, and the one around the 4-way controller eliminated. The buttons have been rearranged, and there's a two-position lever around the movie record button that is used to switch the control dials' functions (by default it swaps them from exposure parameters to white balance and ISO). The biggest change, though, is that the rear screen now tilts like the E-M5's: 80° up and 50° down.

From the top the E-P5 again looks very similar to the E-P3. The On/Off control is now a lever rather than a button, and in this view you can more clearly see the slightly staggered layout of the twin control dials. Despite the addition of the tilt screen the bodies are almost exactly the same thickness - however the E-P5's lens mount protrudes fractionally further from the front of the body.

Comments

Total comments: 336

No 24p and the same meager 20Mbps bit-rate. It's so conspicuously missing, as if Sony sold them the sensor on the condition that they cripple movie mode.

0 upvotes

€999=$999????
€1449=$1449??????
Olympus: YOU'RE DEATH!

0 upvotes

At this moment, $999 is 764€, so, I do not know who is to blame, but this is the official exchange rate. Therefore, I can only think that the official importer of the brand or agents are putting a lot of money in his pocket!And the official exchange rate is official, there is no getting around the math.

This is a political price that many are choosing, using the same digits, but in the end the result is quite different! More than 30% difference...

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 5 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Unless you HAVE to have the viewfinder this latest Pen is an OM-D KILLER - of course we all know this is the OM-D in all but name. Expected to be some 100's of pounds cheaper I know which I would buy - the whole idea of the format is to enable SMALLER camera/ lens forms - and for most users I would say the new Pen fits the bill. Expect to see the OM-D retail price to begin to fall far and fast - something that up until now it hasn't done....oh and within a few months a MK2 OM-D with a higher MP sensor - shall we call it the OM-D 6 ?

0 upvotes

Death they are not , crazy they are,

0 upvotes

Blame your government, not Olympus!

1 upvote

I'm a OM-D owner and I can't see the reason for the existence of this model. I rather it's more like the NEX6 with the build-in finder which make it truly like the old Pen-F, no amount of hype can get me to buy this camera which offer too little and costing so much.

1 upvote

I suppose there will always be different designs for different people. Those who like the OMD (with the hump) can stick to it. Most likely they will be coming out with an EM6 soon. Those, like me, who like a simpler design without the hump can consider the E-P5. Its much easier to put it into a pouch too. Not everybody needs a EVF eventhough I am using a full frame DSLR in other shooting circumstances.

8 upvotes

The way I see it, it's the E-PL5 that doesn't have a reason for existence (other than price). The E-P5 is what I wanted the E-PL5 to be (if I'd known about the E-P5, I'd have waited a couple months instead of getting the E-PL5).

I've always thought that with the introduction of the OM-D line, Olympus should just have an E-PM and E-P line. People who want a lightweight/simple functioning camera can go for the E-PM, and people who want power in a PEN package can go for the E-P line.

1 upvote

I'm sure it's for people like me who think that the OM-D, with its fake prism housing on top looking very much like a Japanese temple, is the ugliest camera in a decade.

5 upvotes

I do not like OM-D hump, and E=P5 is what I am looking and getting. There are reason.To me =D looks like a parody

Comment edited 49 seconds after posting

2 upvotes

I agree, the price is high, but those of us who know Olympus...we will wait for 6 months or a year until they are on sale at a realistic level. I've been waiting for this in the Pen line since I had my original E-P1. The SLR OM-D style is not for everyone, personally it looks old and stale. I also prefer using the LCD screen for composing my images kind of like a 4x5 or medium format shooter would , and the screens are vastly improved- even in sunlight which I very rarely shoot in. The design is beautiful, and I look forward to getting one.

Comment edited 39 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

Would you please tell me your thoughts on the E-P5 vs the new Canon SL-1(100D)? Thank you in advance for your time.

0 upvotes

They are two different types of cameras, the 100D is an entry level DSLR and the other a premium compact mirrorless camera.

With the 100D you are accessible to use all the EF and EF-S lenses including some excellent ZE Zeiss lenses.

The E-P5 is a very well made compact micro 4/3 camera which is excellent for travel and street photography but not for taking fast moving subject like sports. You would need to pay a higher price for the smaller package. Some of the better lenses like the 75mm f/1.8 are not cheap but they are top quality and made to professional expectation.

If you want to pay less go for the 100D. If you want quality in a small package, go for the E-P5.

0 upvotes

One must really lay hands on one before they can appreciate the higher quality of this model. I think Olympus has done a good job refining the previous models to get where they are now. When Olympus introduced their first micro 4/3 Pens I didn't like them for the many flaws. So, I bought the Panasonic GF1 instead which I am still using. When I get the E-P5 eventually, the GF1 would take a back seat. However, despite the few years, the GF1 is still a very capable small camera.

Over the years, I have used many cameras. I have used the medium format (6X7), (6X6), 35mm film, digital 35mm and APS-C and recently, micro4/3, not to mention some point & shoot cameras.

I must say the picture quality of the E-P5 is more than acceptable especially if one needs a camera for travelling and street photograpghy. Often, one must be discreet in order to get the picture and that's the ultimate objective. Just imagine walking around with a digital medium format camera like a Hasselblad in a market.

1 upvote

Who wants to walk around in the market with Hasselblad hanging around the neck anyway?

0 upvotes

I do.
Why?
Because I can.
Why should it matter to you?

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 2 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

I see their OM-D has a ding in it. I did that the first week I owned one. Not a camera you can throw around like a DSLR.

0 upvotes

If EP 5 offers all these possibilities and quality, imagine how will the new OM-D. By the logic will be further improved and possibly with a 18MP sensor. Anyway, this PEN continues to convince me in the M43 system.

2 upvotes

I still don't get Olympus's marketing, releasing a camera that is on many levels the same as the already existing OM-D, with some improvements and some shortcomings. It's as if Nikon were to release "S" models of prev--oh, wait.

1 upvote

OM-D for boys and PEN for gals..

0 upvotes

How can a tiny sensor compete with APS sensors?

0 upvotes

A m43 sensor is half the area of APS-C which is half the area of 35 mm FF. All three sizes makes for very good cameras, but of course, the bigger the better.

The m43 mainly is competitive for tele photography where the camera lens combination is very compact.

0 upvotes

35mm FF = 864mm squared.
Nikon APS-C = 373mm squared.
Canon APS-C = 329mm squared.
Sigma APS-C = 286mm squared.
Oly 4/3 = 243mm squared.
2/3" digicam = 58mm squared.

Here are the numbers so we don't have to rely on hyperbole. You can see that APS-C ranges in size. I agree that a tiny sensor can't complete directly with a comparatively huge sensor. But how much of a difference in size is required to see huge gains in IQ? That's an important question. I'll let you determine that by comparing the numbers and looking at studio tests here at DPR.

13 upvotes

I wonder how many people write off a system just because of this one criterion? I think probably not as many as you might think if you only read the forums here. The Nikon 1 series proves that. It seems to be an obsession of a large minority about the size of the sensor. Given the almost indistinguishable practical difference in critical IQ (and for some balance in this respect I suggest anyone unsure should check out shots taken by professionals, using m43, such as Giuilo Sciorio) the only real capability offered by FF or APS over m43 is shallow DoF, in some cases this is an advantage e.g. for shooting macro. So I can only assume a substantial amount of people rule out m43 because they cant get a dreamy shallow DoF shot of their cat/kids/partner Ive shot FF and I have about 20 shots in every 10000 that fulfil that criteria and that i am happy with. Yes there are other hair splitting arguments like micro contrast and DR but in real terms m43 is probably as much as a lot of people need

8 upvotes

It does not compete with an APS-C sensor. Olympus sensor competes with Full Frame sensor's! Which leaves the question "why would you carry a camera twice the size and 3 times the price"?

Comment edited 4 minutes after posting

9 upvotes

I shoot with Canon APS-C bodies, and I also shoot with an Oly Pen m4/3. The sensor competes just fine. Sure, it has a bit more noise at higher ISO, but REAL photography isn't about anal, obsessive pixel peeping. What's more important to me is that m4/3 offers a much more discreet, compact, carry-able camera system that I am much more likely to carry with me, compared to my much larger, heavier, bulkier, more noticeable APS-C DSLR gear.

7 upvotes

4/3" is never designed to have better quality. it's designed to have lower cost, and higher profit.

1 upvote

wow. such vendetta

0 upvotes

The areas SirSeth posted point out that APS-C is NOT 1/2 the area of full frame and not much larger than 4/3. In addition, the 4/3 format is more efficient (i.e less cropping) for standard size prints (8x10, 11x14, 16x20). My issue with 4/3 is the badly overpriced and slow primes, none of the savings promised! Hopefully Sigma, Tamron, and Tolkina will produce more under the "open standard" and drive the prices down where they belong.

0 upvotes

Folks don't seem to note that APS-C sensors have virtually no size advantage over 4/3rds sensors in the vertical dimension. Thus there is only difference in the horizontal dimension. Optical issues are based upon linear dimensions. The aspect ration of the final product determines if there is any advantage with APS-C and even then it will a be small differencel.

0 upvotes

the problem for me with m43 they they make a lot of noise (sound volume of the shutter......why they cannot make a silent m43

0 upvotes

you obviously haven't use the OM-D to comment on noise.

But that said, I'm still waiting for them to work out an electronic shutter.

1 upvote

With 35mm f1.8 and EVF this will be a killer combination, maybe I should start thinking about micro 4/3.... Great job Olympus!!!

4 upvotes

It is unlikely DPR would be able to give us folks a review until probably the end of July 2013. The production units won't hit the streets until early July. I have tried the pre- production unit and found it to be very attractive. It is very well made with a lots of useful features, weighty and fit snugly in my hands. This is probably the best micro 4/3 camera so far.

However, don't expect this unit to be cheap. The body alone would cost about USD1,100.00. With the 17mm f/1.8 lens it would cost about USD1,500.00. So there you are. I wish the body to be cheaper too, maybe around USD750.00 but it won't be. That said, this is a very capable premium model, what one would need to pay for the Nikon 7100 body. It maybe worth it. Having tried it, it is definitely an excellent camera to have while travelling or going backpacking.

Hope DPR can speed up a review on this model. Cameralab.com has done a more detailed preview on it. Unfortunately, nowadays there are not many good websites.

Comment edited 4 minutes after posting

1 upvote

Thank you for your feedback. Seems to be a very appealing camera indeed, do not say only in aesthetics taste(personal), specifications, but will be very attentive to image quality of this model. Maybe a nice backup camera for my DSLR system for traveling light. I try at all costs to avoid forming another system, well, let's see what happens. Thanks

1 upvote

The E-P5 is a very capable camera. Image quality is the same or slightly better than the OMD. What has improved is the handling, the built quality, the higher shutter speed, the better LCD screen, the built-in flash that can go up to 1/320 sec. and the higher resolution optional EVF. Focusing seems to be faster as well. The inclusion of focus peaking is also useful.

Unfortunately, a micro 4/3 camera is a system camera. Maybe you can use it with the 14-42mm kit zoom but I prefer a prime lens like the Lumix 20mm f/1.7 or the Olympus 45mm f/1.8.

What DSLR camera and lenses are you using? I am using the Canon 5D MkII with most of the L lenses. As you can imagine, carrying them around can be a problem. I also have the Lumix GF1 with the 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, the 20mm and the 45mm lenses. I would say the image quality of the E-P5L is so good it can be used as the main camera. For me, it will be used as a second body when I need to travel light or when using a DSLR is not possible.

Comment edited 7 minutes after posting

1 upvote

E-P5 in full supply in the Netherlands

Comment edited 41 seconds after posting

1 upvote

White your price are off. It is 999$ with Body only not 1100$. The Body with the lens is 1449$, but it also comes with the new VF4 viewfinder.

2 upvotes

But it is (for me) a much better camera than the D7100. Maby not in pure IQ but in usability. Has the D7100 a tiltable screen? No. Have you tried to use the D7100 in LiveView? It is a mess.

2 upvotes

Reply to FredB.

The price indicated are "about" prices. Anyway, prices would vary slightly in different countries / region like the UK, Australia, EU, Japan and Asia. You are fortunate you live in US where the prices are usually lower than other parts of the world.

0 upvotes

...it is silly to compare this to a D7100. I'm a recent convert to the joys of the m43 system, but I also picked up a D7100 recently. AF is at least as good as my D700. For shooting things that move, there's no m43 camera that compares. They just don't track AF as fast.

m43 wins on size, and the primes are quite sharp. But for speed, ease of control, comfort shooting for long periods, and ultimate image quality, both my Nikons are in a different league.

Although, if you are curious, I did an interesting comparison recently: http://blog.micahmedia.com/?p=365

0 upvotes

Usually PEN series falls in price steeply in a year or two. Hopefully EP-5 will do the same.

0 upvotes

I confess that this is the only camera that I would marry with the M43 system,
currently. After know better, still in love with her. DPR since there is already some cameras out there, is there any idea when we have a full review?

1 upvote

Heard of this 14mm f/2.0 Super Angulon by Schneider Kreuznach. The problem is they are not introducing it anytime soon. Olympus should produce one themself with autofocus.

Would be great if Carl Zeiss is making some quality micro 4/3 lenses. They have just made two for the Sony Nex and Fuji. Currently, I am using two Carl Zeiss lenses for my Canon 5D MkII, the 35mm f/2.0 and the 50mm f/2.0 Macro. I must say they are out of this world. Never mind the manual focus. They just work fine. They are so much better than even the 'L' lenses. Oh, one must try it to know. Actually, they are not so expensive too but don't expect them to be cheap. Like gourmet food, one must always pay for quality. If one is serious about photography, it is worth it.

Now that the E-P5 has focus peaking, manual focus should be no problem. Another great lens for the micro 4/3 system is the Voightlander 25mm f/0.95 which I have.

There is so much potential in the Micro 4/3 system if they keep the quality high.

2 upvotes

I had a chance to try the EP-5 about 2 weeks ago and would say it is a very impressive Micro 4/3 camera. After three generations, Olympus has finally got it right. It is weighty (unlike the Fuji XE-1) and fit snugly in ones hand with most of the controls in the right places. Its like an improved version of the Panasonic GF-1 which I have. I do not like the OMD because of the hump. Its unnecessary as it gets into the way especially when one wants to put it in a small pouch. Remember a camera is a tool for photography.

As a camera its definitely more versatile than a Fuji. Probably another big benefit is the high Jpec quality. There is almost no need to take RAW unless it is a very tricky situation.

Just hope Olympus will introduce more high quality lenses like the 45mm f/1.8 and the excellent 75mm f/1.8. There is a need for a high quality 14mm lens. The one made by Panasonic is not good enough. A high quality camera needs high quality lenses to perform.

4 upvotes

There will be a high quality 14mm-f/2 lens soon. It's the Super Angulon by Schneider Kreuznach and it is expected to cost more than the E-P5's body. Oh well...

1 upvote

IMHO, the Panny 14mm 2.5 is good enough. It can go toe-to-toe with the Olympus 12mm 2.0 in real-world use (check the reviews). Of course, it's a different matter if you factor in pixel peeping, MFT charts, and overall construction quality. However, given its performance, size, and price, I won't replace my 14mm Panny with anything else. Gain's too minimal for me to justify the price. if this 14mm 2.0 comes out, I would feel the same way.

1 upvote

The 14mm Panny is stellar! The only complaint I have is some ghosts in high contrast/low light. Other than that, it's tiny and sharp! And dirt cheap! $150 new on ebay. Even if you hate it (and you'd be a fool to hate it!) it's a cheap risk. Just get one and be done with it. And if you want small, the E-P* series is not the best. E-PM* and the GF and GX bodies are the thing for small.

1 upvote

I fully agree with lampoch and micahmedia that the Panny 14mm f/2.5 lens is excellent. I was so afraid to buy it after reading so many negative comments earlier in its history that I nearly abandoned the idea of getting it. However, since it was going for $150 or so on EBay, and also because of comments that the newer versions have probably been improved, I took the risk and got it. And boy, I am sooo glad I did. It's sharp, contrasty, and works very well with the OM-D without any issues. Only wish I have is if it could have been an f/1.8 lens, but then again, it might have been a lot bigger. Oh well, am happy happy though! :)

1 upvote

Given the current price of the Panny 14mm f/2.5, the image quality is acceptable. Its the best so far in the micro 4/3 world for that focal length.

However, I am used to much better quality like those from Zeiss. Perhaps, once one have used Zeiss lenses before they would know what I mean. To get some user opinion about Zeiss lenses, one can read them at "fredmiranda.com" and "digloyd.com".

Just wish the micro 4/3 world have similar quality lenses. I know Olympus have the technology to make them like what they did for their 75mm f/1.8 but they are not maintaining that standard for other focal lengths.

Also, I think they should make more lenses with definite infinity stop like those from Zeiss. Its very useful for night or low light photography and landscape. The "fly by wire" approach can be annoying.

I always feel there is still some holding back on quality at the moment. The micro 4/3 system has a lot of potential if they aim for professional standard and make it so.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 3 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Anyone have any thoughts or guesses on how this camera will fair compared to the Fuji x100s?

0 upvotes

x100s can't compete with it on any ground! two very different cameras!! the only thing similar is rangefinder style body and 35mm FE lens!

Fuji got an amazing VF!

Oly got everything else!

2 upvotes

X100s not a fair comparison, I agree. But the Fuji XE-1 is closer. Larger sensor and built in VF, with only a slightly larger, but lighter body. I also prefer setting shutter speed with a dial. Glad to see Oly is competing in this segment, though.

2 upvotes

There's no comparison because Fuji is using a weird sensor pattern with poor raw support. Also, the latest m43 cameras focus way faster than the Fujis. And have a way better lens selection. So yeah, m43 has the Fuji system beat on too many points.

1 upvote

The cheapest i can find this camera for as a "pre-order" in australia is $1300 for BODY ONLY!!

Thats just disgracefully greedy, that will buy you an xe-1 with lens and uv filter or leather case, you have to be kidding olympus???

I'm sure it's good, but not that good, youd have to be barmy to buy this body only over the xe-1, how could it compete?[im asking, not describing], other than possibly being easier to fit in some pockets and having a few extra gimmicky features more?

I'm not doubting it's a superb camera.
Isn't it about image quality, first and foremost for price paid?

Comment edited 3 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Here's my guess how it will compete with XE-1
• Pocketable.
• Faster, more precise focus.
• "Pro" style direct spinner controls
• And of course, better lens choice

6 upvotes

@Michael .. very good list .. add to it
5 axis IBIS
1/8000 shutter speed
better touch screen and controls
and most important ... better IQ upto ISO 3200!

I like Fuji a lot .. its truely innovative company but Oly is just out-standing!!

4 upvotes

Outstandingly expensive haha.
It wont be very pocketable with lens attached and viewfinder,
5 axis ibis is great for someone who can't hold a camera steady,
1/8k shutter is probably more than you need
better lens choice doesnt mean, better lenses.
Image quality will be similar to om apparently, maybe not better than good aps-c and good glass.
Better iq than what, at this price?
Chuck all the gimmicks away, and focus on the image quality, and you probably end up with way overpriced.
If you take photos for long enough, that's what you end up wanting in a camera, image quality..
Don't get me wrong, i'm glad they made it, and i'd have one for sure, just not for the kind of money they're asking atm.

0 upvotes

It will be pocketable without the EVF and with either the Panny 14mm 2.5, 20mm 1.7, or 17mm 2.8 attached. I have a GX1 that has comparable dimensions, and I always pocket it with the 14mm and neoprene neck strap attached. And I don't wear baggy pants.

Image Stabilization is a boon not only for amateurs, but also for professional photographers. To scoff at it is simple unwarranted snubbery. Even esteemed photgraphers see the value in the technology.

I have to agree with this. but, like may technologies, it's good to have it when the need arises. When has that ever been a bad thing?

The OM-D IQ is comparable to the D7000, which is one of the best (if not the best) APS-C camera.

Chuck the gimmicks away in ANY camera and it actually becomes overpriced. Most of the gimmicks you mention are actually quite useful.

However, I do honestly think that the price should be lower.

0 upvotes

Between the E-P5 and the OM-D, I'd rather go for the OM-D. Same sensor and IQ in a weather-sealed body, which is much more useful to me than the higher shutter speed and whatnot. Still, the E-P5 is an excellent camera and if I can afford it, I will replace my GX1 with it to complement my OM-D.

0 upvotes

@Naveed- better IQ than the X-E1? That now is some science fiction. Not that the Pen 5 would have bad IQ but come on.

@Michael- Pro style direct spinner controls an advantage? What? I think aperture and shutter speed dials, plus exposure compensation dial is far more pro.

Size I agree- unless you want to but the VF4.

@iampoch- no, the IQ of the OMD is not a match for the D7000/K-5 sensor. It's not bad, but there's noticeable difference in ISO, tonality (14bit raw after all vs 12 bit raw) and DR.

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

1 upvote

The PENs are quite pocketable with the pancake lenses, including the Panny G X Vario 14-42mm pancake zoom lens. This lens is often overlooked and forgotten, and whilst the IQ may not be stellar, it is no slouch either and perfectly acceptable. Small size & weight will always be a compromise on image quality in almost all photographic systems, the question is "to what extent?". And in this vein, it's a perfectly acceptable compromise.

0 upvotes

It looks nice and no doubt it will be extremely fast but ultimately, will it give me better picture quality than my Sony NEX5n? It's going to be a tall order because even though the Sony is fiddly, ugly and terribly laggy, it always gives me results that make my jaw hit the floor. After over a year of using it (and cursing it) I still can't get over how good the NEX5n's picture quality is. And it's half the price!

5 upvotes

Depends you mean by Picture Quality... thats a relative thing.

Maybe NEX 5N does have better Picture quality in the best conditions, but the PEN would give you more opportunity to take photos.

Look at available lenses on M43. + 5 AXIS IBIS, ISO100 + 1/8000 will open a world of opportunities not available to NEX.

8 upvotes

Well, the E-PM2 is half the price and has similar IQ to the E-P5, so look at that instead of this if IQ is your main concern. But neither have better IQ than the 5N. However, the E-P5 can help you get better "results" and make photography more fun:
- IBIS and fast AF for less blurry shots
- 1/8000 for larger aperture shots in sunny days
- the built-in flash with support for wireless control of external flash w/ TTL
- more physical dials and buttons for faster controls
- access to large lens lineup
- wifi

That said, there are many options in this price range, including the NEX-6 and E-M5.

2 upvotes

If "picture quality" was the sole determination, I would stick with my D800. But I find that with mirror-less, I have a tiny camera I can carry with me, so I get a better selection of shots - thus, in the end, 'better pictures' (arguably). Sony cameras are nice, I checked them out, but they are not pocketable and dont' have the lens selection (yet).

5 upvotes

The IQ NEX 5n, 6 or 7 is just marginally better in most favourable conditions and studio shots.. still i feel hard time to see the clear winner even in DPR comparison shot!

in real world scenerio .. there is not much difference .. IMO!

and if you are really after best possible individual pixel .. dont sit near mirrorless!! fullframe is what you need!!

Nikon D600 and Canon 6D are not as expensive as FF cameras used to be!!

0 upvotes

As a long term 5N user myself I agree regarding image quality but if that was most people's only criteria then the Pentax K01 would not have been such a flop. The E-P5 is cutting edge regarding features and is highly configurable with the most common functions immediately to hand. If you need to react quickly, this camera will get you the shot. Clearly a lot more work gone into this camera than the 5N and I'm beginning to believe that just maybe Olympus have got the balance right.

0 upvotes

5N High iso is much much better than any m43 available. Please don't tell me OMD's fake iso3200 shots (calculated iso is around 1600 so it has fake iso3200).... 5N is clearly superior two stops and it's very curicial for me!..

0 upvotes

If you're after ultimate image quality in the smallest form (discounting all other functions and features that make the shooting experience), I suggest looking at the sigma DP merrills.

0 upvotes

One thing DPR seems silent on is MENU HELL according to some.

For those of you discontent that there's no FULL REVIEW, here's one:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/olympus-epl5/olympus-epl5A.HTM

0 upvotes

Apologies, I think I have the models mixed up.
ep5, epl5, epl6... phew!

0 upvotes

I have an E-M5 so can only speak about that, but... while it's true that the Olympus menu system can be complex and quirky, I think that's mostly a result of the fact that the camera is highly customisable - and I'd rather have that than to not be able to get the settings how I want them. The good news is that once you have the settings as you want them it's easy to store them in one of a number of presets. And if there are any buried settings that you still want to tweak you soon learn where they are.

3 upvotes

Olympus menu is rather complex indeed but once setup and got use to, nothing beats the Super Control Panel that it offers.

Mirror lock up in drive mode? check; Customisable AEL metering mode? check; one touch WB? One missing control from the E system which i like alot is the bracketing mode by holding down 2 buttons and scrolling the wheel to select offset.

2 upvotes

By the way, I love my E-PL5 but am still trying to figure out how to use the Super Control panel? :P

2 upvotes

What do you mean? Press OK and just select the thing you want to change! Maybe this will help:

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/9115179666/user-guide-getting-the-most-out-of-the-olympus-e-m5

0 upvotes

"Mirror lock up in drive mode? check"

What mirror?

2 upvotes

Mirror lock up in 'old world' terms.... Come to think of it maybe olympus did see into the future (of mirrorless) by naming this feature anti-shake. I remembered some commented that anti-shake was an 'ambiguous' term for this function but now seems like anti-shake may just be a more appropriate name for it.

0 upvotes

Cool a preview. I am sure that dpreview will have it reviewed and tested at least before august 2013. They should call themself dplatereview instead.

2 upvotes

Stop complaining, why do you think it's called d-preview Einstein? Geez...

...sorry ;-)

4 upvotes

Looks like a great camera ... love my EPL2.

I don't think that it is such a problem not having a EVF. The problem is that the add on EVF costs as much as a decent camera ..... it is gouging.

With the EPL2 I sometimes miss the EVF but not enough to buy at that price.

0 upvotes

Actually, the price of the VF-4 is reasonable at $279 (on Amazon). Compare that to the price of Sony FDA-EV1S, which is $349; that's gouging. The Olympus is cheaper but has the same resolution and higher magnification.
That said, I do wish the VF-4 was included with the E-P5 for $1000, or the E-P5 body only at $800.

Comment edited 9 minutes after posting

1 upvote

Looks lovely. Feels good. Images from the OMD sensor are beautiful. Quite tempted.

I hope they solved the laggy control dial problem of the OMD. This is the one thing which stopped me putting all my Nikon stuff on ebay and getting into m43.

0 upvotes

I believe what Olympus is to pull a Leica:

price their products so high that they become status symbols.

How about that ridiculous premium package seen here: http://www.olympuspen.com/

Wonder what the price will be for that one - the camera with the wooden grip is aparently $1600 for the camera alone - I'm guessing $2900 for the premium package?

0 upvotes

I think you want this link:
http://www.olympuspen.com/en-ca/lenses-and-accessories
Looks nice! But it's just a grip.
Carve one yourself with a Swiss pocket knife. ;-)

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 2 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Gimmicky its true, but you must admit it looks Very Sexy in that Leather case.

My advice is - dont buy it..

0 upvotes

It'll be interesting to see if the shutter sound is as quiet as the OM-D's. Since the EP-5 has less sealing it might not be...

0 upvotes

They bring it up in a video saying that it has a nice subtle sound or something. So it should be fine. Don't think a few rubbers will have any effect on the sound. It's not like the E-P5 has gaping cracks all over the place. If anything that big hole where the lens goes will do the trick. ;)

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

1 upvote

I was hoping Olympus would have increased the RAW file size to something comparable to the full frame Nikon or Canon. The size and the focusing paradyme along with the high quality lenses seem attractive but it sounds as if they have a ways to go.

0 upvotes

This does not make any sense? RAW file size ? it is sufficient for the resolution and Sensor size.

0 upvotes

I'm not going to say that this is overpriced, because that's a matter of opinion.

I AM going to say that Olympus themselves have all but said it is. Look at the current price of the E-M5. That says it.

If they had included the VF-4 in the box, it might make sense.

Instead they're implying a bunch of things that sound bad:
1. The viewfinder in the E-M5 isn't worth money.
2. Viewfinders are cheap to add, but we're going to charge you a lot of money for them anyway.
3. EVFs are practically free to add, but we still didn't add one to this camera. We won't let price reflect that though.
4. Our flagship isn't that much better than all our other cameras.
5. This is the best we can do.

Now, I like Oly's latest offerings quite a bit, so this is not a critique of quality. This is a comment on what their pricing hierarchy indicates about the value of their products. It's a very confused and mixed message.

Comment edited 24 seconds after posting

2 upvotes

This doesn't rank below the E-M5 in the Olympus hierarchy. This is the current top model and the "flagship" of the Pen range, while the E-M5 is in the OM-D range.

This is a premium model. It's not for the value conscious. If the Pen 5 is too expensive, get a the Lite or Mini. You get almost the same camera, but you have to accept that your Lite or Mini isn't the "top model", it lacks the build quality and finish, and it lacks the extra bells and whistles.

5 upvotes

I disagree. Weather sealing and build-in EVF are stamples of top -end models. The camera at the top of the hierarchy has the pro features. With the E-P5 you pretty much pay for the design. But it is not the top model.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 2 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

In car terms, this is a luxury compact. Not the top of the range pick-up truck. Sure, the compact is less practical for the professional driver than a pick-up truck, but who brings their truck everywhere?

So, yes, you pay for the design, and the new metal body and finish. You pay for the build quality and the feel. And then you pay for the features that sets it apart from the standard model. A little more fine-tuned engine. A little more horsepower.

The lack of built-in viewfinder and weathersealing isn't the important bit; none of the Pen cameras have that. If you need those things, you need to look elsewhere. The next OM-D will probably have those things as well as other refinements ...and it will probably be significantly more expensive than this. And if you're looking for something cheaper that is almost as good, get the E-PL5.

2 upvotes

Full Frame? No? Ok, thank you, but no!

1 upvote

What exactly about the Four Thirds sensor format makes it unsuitable for serious photography?

1 upvote

it's not the sensor but the lens apertures that are too small.

0 upvotes

Are they, though?

I have an old book on nature photography, back in the film days. It specifically advises against getting a 50 f/1.2 lens, saying that "how often are you really going to use that last stop, anyway? That's not enough depth of field. Save your money."

Now we have immeasurably better high ISO performance; very fast apertures aren't as crucial as they once were. I do wish Olympus made faster telephoto glass (something faster than f/5.6!), but for shorter focal lengths there is a slew of excellent f/1.8 or f/1.4 primes, and a few f/0.95 things if you really need speed (although at that point you ought to go fullframe, as you say). These give you the equivalent of f/3.6 or f/2.8 on fullframe in both depth of field and noise performance. Is that good enough? For many people, yes -- it's worth the lighter weight, smaller size, and lower cost of m4/3 (plus, if you're trying to handhold in low light, m4/3 has IBIS!)

2 upvotes

Quite a few pro photographers say the four thirds format is ideal for them when they are shooting for themselves. Are you guys shooting for yourselves?

They also say four thirds would satisfy them (and hence their clients) for many pro shoot situations -- except there might be a problem with their camera-ignorant clients thinking they are being short-changed when they see a smaller camera used on shoot.

Micro four thirds is probably THE PERFECT balance of utility and quality for the general enthusiast photographer who doesn't have ego issues about camera size.

4 upvotes

yeah because photography is all about the lack of depth of field! of course a f2.8 or f3.5 dof equiv is pretty useless, right?

1 upvote

The 'smaller aperture' remark is more of a diffraction problem though, which can already do its damage at F8. That's not to say it's actually a real-world problem, considering the convenient balance in size and quality as mentioned, it's already better than even enthusiasts need in most cases. At least with this generation sensor, which is a huge step up from the e-p3 actually.

0 upvotes

@TNargs: good news for you: MFT cameras are just as large as APSC! http://j.mp/10oISF3

And don't you just love it when someone makes a statement like "pro photographers say..." Which ones? Who? What's their name? And exclude any that were sponsored to say so.

0 upvotes

DOF is not just about small F's. It's also about where you place the subject in relation to the camera and the background. I've used my E-PL5 for a number of magazine assignments and I just shoot with two simple primes: 20 and 45.

1 upvote

Recently, there was a statistic published that showed that 99% of the top shots by photojournalists were shot on f/2.8 zooms.

A f/1.4 prime on micro four thirds will do the same or better than a f/2.8 zoom on FF.

You lose the flexibility of a zoom, but the gain in compactness is tremendous. There is definitely place for MFT where size is of importance.

0 upvotes

The reason I've only ever purchased one olympus and will never again was the fact that I paid so much money for the E-P1 when it first came out, like $900, and in 6 months the E-P2 was announced for $600. And again, a new PEN digital is now exorbitantly expensive as the first and there's absolutely no reason for most people, even those interested in mirrorless cameras, to buy one. It's not the prettiest, it's not even the most advanced. I honestly do not understand this company, or why they believe people will just run out and buy their cameras when there are much better options out there. You're either a m4/3 fanboy and will stand behind any piece of crap that olympus makes, or you're an enthusiast who already has a bunch of cameras and for me, I've got no incentive to buy this camera. I've got an E-P1 already and replacing it for $1300 isn't an option for me. I use my Nikon D7000 more anyway.

4 upvotes

Companies that do this rub me the wrong way. It's the same thing with Nikon and the V series. Smaller sensors are obviously cheaper to fabricate, and yet these two want us to believe that their products are worth *more* than the other guys' with almost identical feature sets and larger sensors.

I've got nothing against the cameras which I actually think are quite nice. I'd love to own the E-P5/VF-4/17mm 1.8 set they're trying to sell us on. Quite a classy combo. But $1000 body-only and $1500 for the kit is borderline offensive.

2 upvotes

Agreed. I put my E-P3 up for sale the day I saw the leaked E-P5 images. But after the price was announced I pretty much changed my mind.

0 upvotes

Never buy the latest & greatest camera bodies, from any brand.

I paid $250 for my PEN E-P2 after the E-P3 came out. The camera works just fine with good IQ.

Nikon is dumping perfectly awesome D90 bodies for $500.

It's just a matter of months until the E-P5 and E-M5 are half the price of what they are now. So until then your photos have 1 stop more grain, who cares.

0 upvotes

Does the EP5 come with those triangle rings (D-rings?) in the strap lugs, or did DPR add these? They appear in some product shots, but not in others.

0 upvotes

They come fitted as standard (as on Olympus's other Micro Four Thirds models), so are in all of our own product shots. However Olympus doesn't show them in its own stock press shots.

1 upvote

Having thumb and forefinger control over aperture and shutter speed is excellent ergonomic, far better than rear dial, this looks to be a great camera, no doubt about it, the new viewfinder sounds great too, albeit costly as a separate purchase, so far i'm very impressed with this cam from what iv'e read about it, little bit of a shame sensor isnt larger, that would be the photographers holy grail in this kinda price range say what?

1 upvote

Agree completely. The controls are what make this camera, in my opinion. I know the OM-D has same, but this gives me a pocketable option w/o the EVF.

Comment edited 13 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

It's amazing how folks defend corporations like there football teams. Who do you barrack for-olympus, sony, or fuji, or panasonic?, personally, i like them all for what they do, however, if they need some critique or analysis, kudos to those brave enough to tell it how it is or how they see it, i.e. pricing, features, quality etc etc.

1 upvote

The reasons 'we' defend (camera) corporations is because most of us are forced to make a decision which camp we're going to be in. If I had the money, I might tinker with cameras from all of the makers - though I'm sure it would make me scatter-brained. Bottom line: until you can look at a photo and say "gee, that was taken by a Sony", NONE of it matters EXCEPT how the camera works for YOU. If you like the camera, then the results will flow... And by the way - just my opinion - price griping is like pixel peeping. It's a waste of time. If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. Remember your priority: getting great photos from a camera is priceless. Life is short.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 1 minute after posting

0 upvotes

@Michael - "The reasons 'we' defend (camera) corporations is because most of us are forced to make a decision which camp we're going to be in. "

I don' think that's the reason. I mean, why someone has to get defensive about a brand just because you made a decision to buy that brand. That doesn't follow. There's much more to it.

0 upvotes

I wonder it is heavier than Fujifilm's X-E1 (420g vs 350g), remember the latter should be a bigger camera with APC-S size sensor and built-in EVF (and built-in flash too).

0 upvotes

Body quality (plastic back on X-E1), IBIS, 3" tilting screen vs 2.8" fixed.

0 upvotes

Considering similar price, size and actually lighter weight I'll take any time bigger sensor with better high ISO performance and sharpness, built-in EVF and analog shutter and aperture controls over slightly bigger (3" vs 2.8") partially articulated LCD, slightly better construction and higher max shutter and sync speeds. To me the only substantial things E-P5 has going over X-E1 are IBIS and faster AF, though both cameras aren't tracking demons anyway. X-E1 also comes with unusually fast (f2.8-4) and optically excellent (according to many reviews) stabilized 18-55 zoom.

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Looks overpriced ... by about $1000.

2 upvotes

Would it kill them to put focus peaking in EM-5 firmware.
I suspect it was EM5 buyers/users that kept Olympus cameras alive over the last 12 months or so.
A little reward (apart from a coice of paint colours on lenses) would not go amiss.

4 upvotes

It seems ti me that Most of the features compared to OMD EM5 is software based and not hardware. It's a shame that most likely they will not implement these new features in a EM5 firmware.

0 upvotes

The E-P5 seems to be a fine MFT-camera, indeed. But the only significant advantage to the E-PL5 is an even better image stabilizer, IMO. Are the other differences important enough (if you're not keen on Wi-Fi), to justify the camera's much higher price? Wouldn't you better buy - for the same money - a weathersealed OMD with its built-in EVF?

0 upvotes

iso 100. 1/8000 shutter. focus peaking in both stills and video got a lot of people excited.

of course olympus could build the ultimate camera at an insanely low price but it wouldn't make any commercial sense.

spreading out the feature set isn't really that much different from the other brands or other gadgets for that matter.

0 upvotes

For people who shoot mainly outdoors, of course OM-D is better - for built-in VF and for the sealing (not only for rain, but for dust too).
WiFi is a gimmick - transferring pictures through USB3 reader is an order of magnitude faster in practice, and remote shooting does not make sense on a compact.

0 upvotes

Controls. That's the only thing that drives me crazy about my E-PL5. Oh and focus peaking. Oh wait, shutter speed will be great to keep the stop down on bright days.

Not interested in OMD because it is not pocketable. Nikon D600 is almost same size.

0 upvotes

Page 3 of this preview compares the EP5 to OMD with kit zooms.. However, I can't seem to find an actual "Kit" for the EP5 that comes with the 14-42 lens? The only kit evidently comes with the 17mm f/1.8

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

The E-P5 comes in kits with either the 17mm f/1.8 or the 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 in most regions.

0 upvotes

I never use the OM kit zoom. It's fiddly, and you have to manually close it each time. Sony's kit is zoom is a beautiful example of how it should be.

0 upvotes

Its a shame that remote shooting with wi-fi is so limited, lets hope that it will be possible to upgrade it to all modes and raw shooting with a software update.
Otherwise a lovely camera, image quality should be on a par with the OM-D or better, the evf is optional but a million times better and its even more portable.
Looking forward to the review!

0 upvotes

+1 perhaps a firmware update but I wouldn't get my hopes high. maybe in the next om-d

0 upvotes

Those considering this, the OM-D or the NEX-6. If you have a chance to hold the NEX before buying, do it. The word, "trifle" comes to mind. The OM-D is in another class build-wise.

0 upvotes

That makes sense, as the OMD competes with the NEX7. The 6 really ought to be compared with the latest E-PL model.

0 upvotes

When you look at the overall picture quality, you will surely pick the NEX-6. Sony not only makes the best camera sensors but the APS-C sensor is 63% larger than the m43 sensor. Olympus is stuck with the old E-M5 sensor which is an old Sony sensor. While Sony has continually advanced and it also has phase detection pixels on sensor. No comparison, really.

4 upvotes

Catalin, when you say *the overall picture quality* you need to include Sony's lenses. That's *overall*. Then you will pick Olympus.

1 upvote

@catalin: read all you want about sensors but the fact of the matter is.. the difference is really very minute these days - even by that size difference! you'ld have to pixel peep to see any difference. If you want more blurry backgrounds at the expense of huge lenses then by all means the nex-6 is your winner although the fujis have something to say about that.

1 upvote

Well, build of NEX-6 might not be up to the standard of E-M5, but not a bad build considering some other plastic competition.

0 upvotes

You're missing the point on sensor size/quality. That's for pixel peepers. I have a D800 that "blows everything away" from a pixel perspective. But I can still get photos that are 'just as good' from my M43.

Total sidetrack: one advantage of having 36 crystal clear megapixels is, you can 'zoom in' (crop) after the fact, in LR :), and still get a nice shot.

0 upvotes

They should start selling them (small mirror-less cameras) with two batteries included because the battery use is a bit of a shock compared to a DSLR with a fair sized battery.

3 upvotes

Disagree entirely. It depends on how you use the screen. Typically my D800 lasts for about 800 shots. My E-PL5 lasts the same, which can span a few weeks or just one day.

0 upvotes

What do birds have to do with this camera? Half the comments below are about ibis this and ibis that. I don't understand the connection between coastal bird species and Olympus. What am I missing.

5 upvotes

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibis

0 upvotes

In-body image stabilization.

For many years Olympus has done image stabilization by wiggling the sensor around instead of glass elements in the lens. By all accounts it works quite well: I have an older E-510, and have some quite lovely pictures of an ibis taken with the aid of IBIS.

That help?

0 upvotes

Come on guys, just take the joke and move on. :)

2 upvotes

looks really great!
dpreview better changed the date of the review from May 2012 to May 2013, as it is it looks like a one year old review

3 upvotes

I love Olympus cameras, they are great tools for photography and I will continue to wait for an E system replacement. However, what I really want is a mirrorless system such as this camera for travel. But with wi-fi that does only a fraction of what the Samsung NX-300 will, GPS integration that is laughable, and a price that makes me shriek, I think I will continue to wait. Great pictures are not enough anymore, I want a system that truly embraces the latest in technology after the picture is taken.

0 upvotes

Olympus has never been at the bleeding edge of that sort of technology -- ultimately they are a optics company first, a camera company second, and a computer company a distant third.

The price will come down -- I really don't see why you'd want one of these over an E-M5.

0 upvotes

Olympus is not shy to use the latest technology. They're the first one to put liveview on a DSLR. Olympus also invented the supersonic wave filter for removing dust from the sensor.

This is their first m43 with wifi, so it's somewhat expected that there's not much support around it yet.

0 upvotes

What else do you need from WiFi? Full manual control? Why do it over WiFi when you can do it right on the camera, with convenient physical controls?
And how are you going to control the compact camera from your phone - put on on a tripod? Why buying a compact then, if the tripod kills all the compactness?

0 upvotes

small for travel you say? not that small. look compared to an APSC: http://j.mp/10oISF3

0 upvotes

Not convinced that WiFi and GPS are more than gimmicks. I've only found one good use for WiFi: to stream photos 'from the field' during sporting events, then Tweet them from my iPhone. And I use an Eye-Fi card for that, in the secondary card slot in my Nikons. https://twitter.com/soundlacrosse

Comment edited 53 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

Some sample pics here:
http://asia.olympus-imaging.com/products/dslr/ep5/sample/
(link credit goes to imaging-resource)
Some very nice pics, but really not impressed with the higher ISO ones.

1 upvote

Olympus cameras just make better-looking pictures than other camera manufacturers, IMHO. Admittedly, this is subjective, but there is an Olympus "look", which is a combination of their color profiles, lenses, etc.

Someone posted that D5100s are cheap now, and I've been thinking of picking one up for a while, since I have Nikon legacy lenses. So I looked again at the D5100 sample photos here on dpreview, and I was "not blown away", let's just put it that way. Very ordinary photos with a very ordinary look.

Now, I might well get better high ISO performance with a non-Olympus camera, such as a Nex or D5100 or whatever, but then I would lose what to me are obviously better looking photos at ISO 100-1600, which is where I do the vast majority of my shooting. (Really 100-400 covers the most of my shots.)

So to me all the talk of ISO 6400, and 24 megapixels or whatever, is fine, but the proof is in the images. Do they look good or not? That's why I like Olympus.

4 upvotes

I jumped on a D5100 a few months back (sold since) and it's indeed a nice camera with good image quality and great hi-iso performance. But the shooting experience is just not as immersive and out of camera jpegs just aren't as good as Olympus.

2 upvotes

IBIS is really the redeeming factor for olys regarding slow shutter shots. I dont really have to bump up the iso above 1600! Unless of course you are shooting in the dark in which case you ought to be using a flash anyway.

0 upvotes

Yes, OM-D sensor is great but OM-D was announced 15 months ago! Why don't we see any improvements in sensor? And when we'll finally see, I pray it would still have 16MP.

2 upvotes

Think about the mileage that Olympus got out of their original 12 MP sensor, and stop holding your breath.

1 upvote

whats so wrong about the om-d sensor?

0 upvotes

Name a Competitor with a better sensor > NEX, considering sony made both OMD and NEX sensor the only reall difference is size and the practical advantages that come with size.

0 upvotes

2014 will see a major improvement.

0 upvotes

Bit pricey, glad they made it, greedy for choices hehe, and why not?
As a serious photographers it's our duty to winge , it's not "hate or being negative"[i HATE that meme], they are corporations, they need our guidance, in return, we get what we want and need in a product, they should be paying us for our feedback like any market research does yes? It's called scrutiny, and it's a damn fine thing.
Remember though, fuji's were overpriced when released.

If i had the spondoolio to spend right now, i'd probably have my way with it.

Oh yeah, viewfinder is a must, how can anyone be really serious about constructing carefully crafted images in bright sunlight without one i ask?

Should be included in the price or built in, i remember using a cheap kodak 35 years ago about the same size as this rigg and it had one, although not evf of course, but it worked.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 14 minutes after posting

1 upvote

Hell, I learned with a SLR and I composed just fine with an E-P1. Olympus did a decent job making screens that you can see in sunlight.

Comment edited 32 seconds after posting

3 upvotes

People compose very well with rolleiflex too. And to top it it's all inverted

1 upvote

Well, the thing to do then is find one of those old Kodaks, remove the viewfinder, attach it to your new Olympus and Bob's your uncle.

6 upvotes

Funny you say that, its crossed my mind, i guess you may not have seen how bright the sun is in australia in summer.

There isn't a screen on earth that works that well on a bright sunny day, im sorry but they dont work, even mobile phones/tablets/laptops are hard to see, let alone a camera screen, that's just a fact.

Your welcome to delude yourself that they do though if it behooves you, who am i to argue?

I guess if your happy just pointing and shooting and letting the auto focus do all the work for happy snaps, no need for a viewfinder then is there lol.

There aren't many dslrs without them, i wonder why?

1 upvote

Since you brought it up, viewfinders have always been on cameras because back in the day, there was no such thing as an LCD screen. One could also argue that it would be easier to compose and focus on a 3" screen than it is to peer into a tiny miniaturization thereof. Don't kid yourselves, there's nothing elitist about having a VF. It's for 2 things: for composing in very strong sun, and for those of us who are used to peering into one and just feel awkward without it from force of habit.

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2 upvotes

Take your camera with LCD screenm take your t-shirt off and cover head and camera with t-shirt.

Instant large screen VF!

Happy shooting!

0 upvotes

Thanks for the preview, superb!

I'd be very interested in a poll measuring the amount of people feeling that what prohibits them from buying this camera is a VIEWFINDER.
God damn it. Olympus is too afraid of cannibalizing their own EM5 sales to make this a complete camera and thereby perfect for their actual intended market.

2 upvotes

I'm not sure if that makes any sense... if they wanted to offer a $1000 camera with a viewfinder they'd just lower the price of the omdem5. They're not going to offer you two of the same thing - well, they shouldn't according to business-sense-101... (although, for me, between the epl5, epl6, ep5, omdem5, they seem to be doing a lot of that).

1 upvote

Many people (myself included) do not want a camera with a built-in viewfinder, IF that means sacrificing portability. I have to say I was tantalized by the one in the NEX6; I think it's a superb design.

0 upvotes

And a preview of what can be expected from the OMD-Pro this fall...

Larger, sharper VF
1/8000 shutter
Improved IBIS (as if it wasn't already the best)
Improved C-AF
Fast AF with ZD lenses (at last)

3 upvotes

And let me add:
- EVF flush with body, as the actual PEN F VF was.
- The cool 2+2 control dial + switch system
- odds and ends like time-lapse and always-on IS
Not that any of that would need to push the price up, as the "-Pro" tag implies. Maybe call it the "Pen Pro", due to shape.

0 upvotes

I'm thinking it costs too much. I really want a body this size and shape with a built-in EVF in the upper left-hand corner -- just like the original PEN-F/FT had (phooey to this "rangefinder" talk).

There is no question that it can be done -- others do it. If it meant the body being a little bigger, so be it. BUT I don’t believe the body would have to be significantly bigger.

The "always on" IBIS is attractive. We'll see how it works.

But at the end of the day, I want both an EVF [i]and[/i] a built-in flash [i]and[/i] IS along with much better IQ and small size if I am to step up from my E-PL3.

As I read it, Olympus's two top cameras provide provide either/or on the first two parameters with a compromise in size, while the E-PL5 misses on three parameters. Size and price are right, though.

I'm looking at the Panasonic G6. EVF, flash, IS (on Panny zooms), much better IQ, and small size (shooting ready for me, E-PL3 and G6 are the same size). And the price is right.

Cheers, geoff

Comment edited 6 minutes after posting

3 upvotes

I'm thinking it's over priced by about $200.

12 upvotes

Does anybody know if this has a Silent Electronic Shutter like the Panasonic Lumix GH3..I know it's probably already quiet...if so this would be perfect.

0 upvotes

If it's like the E-M5 shutter (and it probably is) then it's pretty quiet to begin with.

0 upvotes

Total comments: 336