My take on the Olympus E-P5

Eugene232 wrote:

thanks James for review,

have you noticed any difference in terms of IQ compare to EPL5?

Hi Eugene,

Honestly, I see no image quality difference between the two cameras. I did not expect any, either. My understanding is that the two cameras share the same sensor. The move from E-PL5 to E-P5 is a move for features, build quality, and handling.

Jim Pilcher
Summit County, Colorado, USA

Jeff4500 wrote:

I'm a DSLR shooter, but +1 on your comments on the EP5. Video isn't bad if you follow just few things: no motion (pan or fast subject) for HD fine, HD regular (keep your pans slow), MJPEG video killer for post work. The IBIS is a killer using it and the 720P for run and gun.

Also, I think this is the best looking MFT on the market (Of course I would, I upgraded from the EPL1 to the EP5). Don't know why this camera doesn't get more love, I too have not had shutter stock. I also shoot with an EVF and perhaps that is the difference, I finding shooting with the camera extend not as comfortable (probably from shooting DSLR for 40 years).

Hi Jeff,

I use the EVF a vast majority of the time. The only times I do not are:

• Camera mounted on a tripod. Even then, I'll often flip up the VF-4 and look downward into the scene.
• Closeups, particulary near ground level. I'll flip out the LCD for a more comfortable shooting position.
• Playing with the menus, setting up the camera
• Replaying, editing, deleting photos

I, like you, have been using SLRs for 40+ years (I'm 61). Holding the camera up to my eye is just plain "the right way" to shoot. 

Jim Pilcher
Summit County, Colorado, USA

sderdiarian wrote:

Informative hands-on review, Jim, thank you. And I appreciated your one line SS report: none! Some have clearly had real issues, but also very nice to hear reports of none.

Hi Steve,

Even though I find no evidence of shutter shock with my camera, I still use a 2 second anti-shock delay when using a tripod while photographing stationary subjects. I mean, why tempt fate? Of course, I did not use that precaution when conducting my tests.

Jim Pilcher
Summit County, Colorado, USA

Alexsfo wrote:

Nice review. I tried E-P5 for a week and, unfortunately, did not click with it, kinda boxy and heavier than it needs to be. Downgrade from E-P3 in a sense the built-in flash can no longer be bounced. I did like the tilting LCD: it's thin and way smoother to operate than E-PL5 (love that camera). Use of different batteries and charger was not convenient for mw either. Eventually I got myself E-M10 and I clicked with it instantly. Way better grip: brilliant combo of large thumb rest and bigger grip. The camera feels smaller and lighter than E-P5. Love the ability to share charger and batteries with my trusty E-PM2. Auto HDR mode is quite useful and effective, I will be post processing less. Built-in EVF is more than adequate on E-M10. It is not a substitute for tilting screen but attachable EVF is a big and resounding no in 2014, IMO.

Hi Alex,

I like the look of the VF-4 (or VF-2) on a Pen. The combination offers a rather eye-catching style to the kit. The one VERY big advantage over the OMD series is that the VF-x can tilt upward. I use that feature a lot, and not just when on a tripod.

I can remove the VF-4. That occasionally has some advantages. Yes, you can argue that with an OMD, the EVF is integrated into the design, thus negating any advantage of needing to remove it. I like my Pen, though.

To be sure, the VF-4 makes the camera profile larger, meaning I need a slightly larger camera bag than an E-M10 might require. It's still so small compared to my old Olympus E-1 and E-5 with grips that the size of the Pen with EVF is still nothing to me.

Each person has his/her own requirements for a camera. I'm glad the OMD works for you. At least you did not go with Sony or Fuji!

Jim Pilcher
Summit County, Colorado, USA

Excellent userreport!

Could you elaborate a bit on the low points you give to "flash in social photogs"?

I really like the rc mode with single or multiple flashes, so just wondering why.

Regards Perry

Michael Jardine wrote:

Excellent review, thanks for sharing! I too have an E-PL5 and considered upgrading to the E-P5, to the extent that I stopped off at Yodobashi Camera in Tokyo while in transit, just to play with it. I too loved it but decided to wait, mainly because of the price. Now, there are two other Olympus cameras, the OMD EM-1 and EM10, and I'm wondering if you would mind commenting on what made you decide to purchase the E-P5, given those two offerings?

Hi Michael,

Well, my purchase decision was prompted by a somewhat unusual occurrence; I found at my local camera shop a pristine used E-P5 with VF-4 for $750 USD. On top of that, they were willing to give me $375 for my own E-PL5 with VF-2. So, for $375 I got a no-hassle upgrade. It was hard to turn down.

I had been interested in the E-P5 since its announcement last year. The 1/8000 shutter, 5-axis IBIS, ISO 100, VF-4, and dual dial controls really got my camera lust going. I very much enjoyed my E-PL5, but I always considered it a bit fiddly in operation. Not awful, mind you, but not all that optimum. The E-P5 solves that in spades.

If I were purchasing new at the moment, I most likely would have gone for an E-M1. As it is, I'm very happy with the E-P5. I can honestly say I'm not lusting after an E-M1 in any way at the moment.

I did look at your gear list (you knew I would). Very nice stuff. I just cannot convince myself that I need two or more systems. Sure, it would be nice, but mirrorless and EVF-viewing have radically changed the way I do photography. Prior to using Pens, I was using Olympus DSLR (E-1 and E-5). Live view, live histograms, blinkies, and deadly-accurate CDAF changed my photographic life. I've come to accept that m4/3 is all I really need as a hobbyist. It's way good enough.

Jim Pilcher
Summit County, Colorado, USA

perry rhodan wrote:

Excellent userreport!

Could you elaborate a bit on the low points you give to "flash in social photogs"?

I really like the rc mode with single or multiple flashes, so just wondering why.

Hi Perry,

I have used the flash a few times in "social settings" and it's like any other built-in flash; it illuminates the subject well enough in a very unflattering way. I prefer to look for interesting ambient light and boost the ISO in those situations.

If I had one or more FL600r flashes, it might be a completely different story. But I don't, thus the low mark.

Jim Pilcher
Summit County, Colorado, USA

Michael Jardine wrote:

Thanks for the reply. I'm definitely working with one foot in each boat, but I use the two systems for two completely different purposes. The D800 does night sports and editorial photography; the M43's do everything else.

Speaking of sports, I have fond memories of playing soccer up at Summit County against the local high school team. The altitude had us all gasping - and we were coming from 6000 ft (Colorado Springs).

Yup, 9100 to 9600 ft elevation makes for challenging sports activities. Luckily, my sports at that elevation are limited to my hiking, and I can do that at my own pace without worrying about having to "defeat" my fellow hikers! And, no, I'm not a skier despite having lived in Colorado since I was a very young boy.

Jim Pilcher
Summit County, Colorado, USA

Thanks James for your response. That makes it clear.

Surely nice to try out a set of fl300r's or an fl600r

Regards Perry

ambercool wrote:

I think the white E-P5 looks amazing, and I want to get it just for the sole purpose of collecting it. Waiting for the price to go down even lower before I pull the trigger.

Hello Viet (or Ambercool?)

I too think the white E-P5 is very stylish and attractive. I have the all-black model and probably that's a good thing. My cameras are all "users" and a white camera would be frightfully difficult to keep clean. You know, grubby fingers and all. As a collectible, though, your future E-P5 will not have that problem.  I hope you get one before they disappear. The E-P5 appears to be no longer in production. I have to think the white model, in particular, will be difficult to find. Then again, you can find anything on eBay.

Jim Pilcher
Summit County, Colorado, USA

Good take on a very under-rated camera. Reminds me of the E30, which was also under-appreciated.

I use mine for everything. Editorial, concerts, arts coverage. It's a wonderful camera. Just the right heft and a real quality feel to it.

Cheers,

Douglas Brown