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E-PL5 a worthy camera all this time later?
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bluevellet
Veteran Member
I don't own the camera, but I am way overdue for an upgrade and I would never consider the EPL5 (and EPL6 for that matter) for this simple reason: it uses the old 2-axis IBIS system.
Does that mean you can't take photos with it? No, of course not. But I have 3 ageing 43/m43 cameras which all use the same system so upgrading cameras without finally upgrading the IBIS system (3/5-axis) would feel like a wasted opportunity. I know the new IBIS system is so much better and there are many challenging conditions where this thing would come in handy.
Does that mean you can't take photos with it? No, of course not. But I have 3 ageing 43/m43 cameras which all use the same system so upgrading cameras without finally upgrading the IBIS system (3/5-axis) would feel like a wasted opportunity. I know the new IBIS system is so much better and there are many challenging conditions where this thing would come in handy.
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.Sam.
Veteran Member
Here is the original out of the camera image... (these little cameras have a great amount of dynamic range)
--
.Sam.
GF1+E-P5+20+45 & Sigma DP2 & Pentax K20D, ist* DS, ZX-5, LX
Photos: http://www.flickr.com/shadzee/
--
.Sam.
GF1+E-P5+20+45 & Sigma DP2 & Pentax K20D, ist* DS, ZX-5, LX
Photos: http://www.flickr.com/shadzee/
I could be wrong but both Amazon and B&H advertise the PL6 with 3-axis stabilization--
"3-Axis In-Body VCM Image Stabilization" (B&H)
"3 axis image stabilization
Say goodbye to blurry images. Olympus’ in-body image stabilization technology makes it possible to use any Micro Four Thirds lenses (or Four Thirds lens), from wide-angle to telephoto, for perfectly clear, crisp photos no matter what the shooting situation, even in low light!" (Amazon)
Also on the Olympus E-PL6 page here:
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Guy Parsons
Forum Pro
Guy Parsons
Forum Pro
Check the Specs part there, in the Stabilisation section is says "yaw/pitch" as the corrections available, that makes it the 2 axis version. The 3/5 axis has "yaw/pitch/roll" as corrections.
Check the specs of the E-PL7 to see that at http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/digitalcameras/pen/e-pl7.html where that ones does say "yaw/pitch/roll".
Regards.... Guy
Thank you for your reply, John. Unfortunately you have some arguing left before you have me convinced. Many astonishing advances have been made in camera tech since 2003, but I will argue that improvements since E-PL5 are very minor. Since 2003, we have had huge advances in:
* resolution; now most cameras have enough of it
* ISO sensitivity
* time between shots (frame rate)
* color sensitivity
* display size and quality
* software processing
* sensor stabilization
See e.g. http://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Compare/Side-by-side/Olympus-PEN-E-PL5-versus-Canon-EOS-10D___839_437
E-PL5 is still top-of-the-line in all of those categories:
* resolution is still 16MP on new Oly cameras; it is good enough for me, personally I think it's a plus because the RAW files are smaller and more manageable to backup.
* the sensor is still essentially the same
* I have the VF-4 viewfinder, so I'm OK with my "old" display.
* for my best shots I process RAWs on my computer anyways, so the minor firmware improvements that had been made don't matter to me.
* the improvements in sensor stabilization from E-M5 are still minor
* also, E-PL5 comes with a WIFI-enabled SD card; this is not as convenient as having wifi integrated into the cam, but it really works just fine.
I have thus no compelling reason to upgrade to Olympus's newest and greatest. If it is possible for someone to save some money by buying E-PL5 (or E-PL6), I'd recommend it.
Cheers
* resolution; now most cameras have enough of it
* ISO sensitivity
* time between shots (frame rate)
* color sensitivity
* display size and quality
* software processing
* sensor stabilization
See e.g. http://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Compare/Side-by-side/Olympus-PEN-E-PL5-versus-Canon-EOS-10D___839_437
E-PL5 is still top-of-the-line in all of those categories:
* resolution is still 16MP on new Oly cameras; it is good enough for me, personally I think it's a plus because the RAW files are smaller and more manageable to backup.
* the sensor is still essentially the same
* I have the VF-4 viewfinder, so I'm OK with my "old" display.
* for my best shots I process RAWs on my computer anyways, so the minor firmware improvements that had been made don't matter to me.
* the improvements in sensor stabilization from E-M5 are still minor
* also, E-PL5 comes with a WIFI-enabled SD card; this is not as convenient as having wifi integrated into the cam, but it really works just fine.
I have thus no compelling reason to upgrade to Olympus's newest and greatest. If it is possible for someone to save some money by buying E-PL5 (or E-PL6), I'd recommend it.
Cheers
Johnny Apple
Active member
I have used the EPl2 and EPL3 cameras, but now use the EPL5 and EPL6 models. I love them and use three versions: one EPL5 converted to 720nm IR, one EPL6 converted to full spectrum to use a variety of IR and UV filters (and still able to shoot natural color with an external IR blocking filter), and one regular unmodified EPL5 for color or bw. The EPL5/6 sensor is much better than the old Olympus 12 found in the EPL2 and 3 models. I also have the EM5 and find the image quality the same as they all use the same sensor. I love the EPL5/6's because I can carry all three in a moderate sized bag with a few lenses which usually include the Pana 7-14mm, the Olympus 9-18mm, and the Pana 14-45. Since I am primarily a landscape photographer, I always use a tripod to insure "rock steady" image quality. In this regard the light carbon fiber tripod is also a real weight blessing. I also use the VF2 and VF4 finders which match the flip down screen and shoot almost exclusively in the horizontal mode. I am looking forward to the new Olympus 7-14mm F2.8 lens to use with this set up. The simplicity and mobility of these cameras is outstanding along with exceptional IR resolution and noise control.
Tony Tomlin
Leading Member
I was warned off these older Oly bodies when Amazon Canada had the E-PM2 for less than $200 US. I read all the SS threads and Guy's info and bought anyway as a back up to my E-M10. I turned the IS off; turned my mind off to shutter shock and have lots of excellent pictures.
I certainly wouldn't want to start another SS thread but I haven't seen it - results please ME - that's what counts!
I certainly wouldn't want to start another SS thread but I haven't seen it - results please ME - that's what counts!
sbrasure
Well-known member
Using the VF-4 makes a world of difference with the E-PL 5. I've had mine for a couple of years. I liked it OK with the VF-2, but when I was able to get a good deal on the VF-4, it was a major improvement. I would eventually like to have a second body...maybe the EM5 or something newer, but the PL5 still challenges me to be a better phototographer and I'm still learning how to get the best shots out of the camera.
nopix
Senior Member
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Guy Parsons
Forum Pro
If you are referring to the fact they say "3 axis" then read the specs on the same page and see that it is only "pitch/yaw" and no roll mentioned, so the E-PL6 has the same 2 axis as the E-PL5.
Some marketing twirp has seen the "3" there and thought it meant the IBIS when the "3" is only a side note number.
The E-PL6 is only a slightly fancier E-PL5 and obviously being dumped at a low price in USA. To get 3 axis IBIS you need the E-PL7.
Regards..... Guy
Guy Parsons
Forum Pro
Just now saw that Helen has an E-PL6 http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/55751541 and what she says is the truth, as she is the goddess of camera information, always thorough and always correct.
Regards...... Guy
Regards...... Guy
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