E-PL5 a worthy camera all this time later?

I had one of these several years ago, or one of its predecessors (memory fades), and liked it especially for what seemed to me a unique quality of what I would describe as clarity in the photographs. Couldn't put my finger on it beyond that word.

Now thinking about buying a new PL5 and wondered what advice/opinion the folks here my have. I welcome any advice or opinion, suggestion, etc.

Have had lots of cams and sort of gotten out of cam habit. Still have a Canon M (1st version), Canon SX260 HS, Lumix FZ200, Nikon D3300, etc. Some of these are being sold or returned.

Anyway, just inviting (asking for) input. Also, is the E-PL6 essentially the same as the 5? It's cheaper now, but not by much. And how is the 40 (?)-150 zoom from Oly?

Thanks all for any replies.

fb

NT

I bought an EPL-5 in 2013 for a Europe trip and still use it - very much a worthy camera to this day.

I keep one in my bag as a backup / second body to my E-M1. When I do use it, I have to look at the EXIF information in Lightroom to tell them apart. So yes, it is still worthy. The newer E-PL7 is essentially the same camera with improved IBIS and a few other features, but the images (in normal lighting situations) aren't any better than the E-PL5.

fbx wrote:

I had one of these several years ago, or one of its predecessors (memory fades), and liked it especially for what seemed to me a unique quality of what I would describe as clarity in the photographs. Couldn't put my finger on it beyond that word.

Now thinking about buying a new PL5 and wondered what advice/opinion the folks here my have. I welcome any advice or opinion, suggestion, etc.

Have had lots of cams and sort of gotten out of cam habit. Still have a Canon M (1st version), Canon SX260 HS, Lumix FZ200, Nikon D3300, etc. Some of these are being sold or returned.

Anyway, just inviting (asking for) input. Also, is the E-PL6 essentially the same as the 5? It's cheaper now, but not by much. And how is the 40 (?)-150 zoom from Oly?

Thanks all for any replies.

Yes, yes, and yes. The E-PL5 is my number one camera. It's the right size for me, and there is a larger grip you can add. The E-PL6 has a few more features for a few less dollars - that would be my choice today. The 40-150 original is a great lens for what it costs today, and I've heard nothing but good things about the f/2.8 pro version.

If you want more IBIS with a slightly larger size, try the E-PL7.

I loved the E-PL5 except for the lack of a viewfinder - the dirty diaper style of composing is fit only for point and shoots - (I used the VF2 but found it an awkward accessory) . I traded for the E-M10 with no regrets but the PL5 will give the same IQ.

There are much better cameras at this price point. Older Olympus bodies have a terrible shutter shock issue that can not be fixed via firm ware. I would stay away from it.

On the other hand, PL7, EP5, EM10 are much better cameras with modern updates. And they can be had for only $100 more if you look for the right deals.

Here is an image with a budget EP5 & Panny 12-32

Lovely shot with the fog, Nezhin.

However, I have to agree with others - digital camera bodies are obsolete by the time they are first produced! Like computers ...

Buying the latest 'outdated' technology is better than buying really 'outdated' technology .

That having been said, 2003 dSLRs from all makers will still produce beautiful images, and cost next to nothing! e.g. E-1 plus 14-54 MkI sell for around $100 each, often in vg/mint condition. I make A2 fine art prints from my E-1 on my R3880 ...

$299 with a lens. This is the best deal on a new m43's camera out there. If you were considering entering the system, its really hard to deny that value.

Not an authority, but I believe, from what I have read, that the E-PL6 is virtually identical to the E-PL5 with a half dozen small and nominally inconsequential changes. The difference in price comes from the 6 having been released heretofore only in Europe and Aisa, and it "appears" that OLY is dumping them now in the US. Reviews of the 6 from Europe and elsewhere are very favorable just as they are about the 5.

I prefer the appearance of the silver one, but will likely buy the black 6 since that's $50 cheaper and I can put that 50 toward the (apparently very nice) 40-150 zoom, which is only about $199 to begin with, I think.

.Sam. wrote:

There are much better cameras at this price point. Older Olympus bodies have a terrible shutter shock issue that can not be fixed via firm ware. I would stay away from it.

On the other hand, PL7, EP5, EM10 are much better cameras with modern updates. And they can be had for only $100 more if you look for the right deals.

Hang on a minute--I don't know where you can get an E-P5 for anything close to the money we're talking about ($350 with lens). Looks like the E-P5 is about $800 body only on Amazon in the States. Also on Amazon E-PL7 is $600 base. OM D E-M10 is $700.

The P series has been, as I recall, the heavyweight of this M2/3 series from Oly and has always been twice as expensive as the lesser brothers. I'm still confused about what the other two versions of the camera are called now. They start with three versions the P, the PL, and the Mini (I think).

It would be great if someone who knows the details of this series of Oly cams laid out the history here. I, for one, would much appreciate.

EP-5 has lost it's value in the used market. I got mine for less than $400 more than 6 months ago.

A used E-P5 trumps a new PL5/6 any day.

fbx wrote:

I had one of these several years ago, or one of its predecessors (memory fades), and liked it especially for what seemed to me a unique quality of what I would describe as clarity in the photographs. Couldn't put my finger on it beyond that word.

Now thinking about buying a new PL5 and wondered what advice/opinion the folks here my have. I welcome any advice or opinion, suggestion, etc.

Have had lots of cams and sort of gotten out of cam habit. Still have a Canon M (1st version), Canon SX260 HS, Lumix FZ200, Nikon D3300, etc. Some of these are being sold or returned.

Anyway, just inviting (asking for) input. Also, is the E-PL6 essentially the same as the 5? It's cheaper now, but not by much. And how is the 40 (?)-150 zoom from Oly?

Thanks all for any replies.

fb

My main camera is PL-5, it does the job I want. Beats hauling around a DLSR & lens, I wanted less weight for doing shots that required lots of hiking to get to.

I put the VF-2 view finder on it, and just leave it on the camera; they say the VF-4 is better but I have never used it. And it costs more.

Just go to a camera store and look at the cameras and then decide. You get a much better feel if it is in your hands.

Good Luck,

Gary

Pueblo, CO

You may have got lucky? Cheapest body-only is $480 +/-. Cheapest E-P5 w/kit lens is near $700. Maybe I'll just keep tabs and see if anything cheaper shows up. But thanks for the tip. I had the orig P1 once upon a time. Was a favorite.

My first MFT purchase was the newer E-M10, which I love, but I decided to snag a cheap E-PL6 as a backup and for my wife when we're both out shooting. I love the idea of being able to share one pool of lenses.

My perspective on the E-PL6 is that it's still a heck of a lot of camera for the price. It doesn't handle nearly as well as the E-M10, but one of Olympus' strengths is that even entry level cameras offer deep customization options. That makes the E-PL6 a lot more pleasant to use. Enabling the Super Control Panel and customizing the controls make all the difference. Image quality is just as good as the E-M10's and AF is still quite fast. It doesn't feel old and slow. I'm using it with the Panasonic 14mm f/2.5 ASPH and I think that's a great combo. The M.Zuiko 25mm f/1.8 also pairs nicely.

Build quality is actually pretty good. The outer case is mostly metal and the body overall feels dense and solid. The flashes of chrome and red bling may not be to everyone's taste but I like them. The screen is 16:9, which is a bit of a waste when shooting photos, but the side benefit is that a lot of the shooting info is in the pillar boxes, not covering the live view. Controls are cramped, but usable, and the touchscreen helps. It's useful for quick Super Control Panel access and for choosing the AF point.

One small surprise is that the E-PL6 came with the newer BLS-50 battery. I figured since the E-PL6 is actually an older model they'd dump the older batteries on us, but that's not the case.

I'd say if you're looking for a cheap entry into MFT, the E-PL6 is the way to go. The E-PL7 handles a lot better and includes Wi-Fi, but it's a lot more expensive too. And if you're that concerned about handling, just get the E-M10. 

Oh I second the recommendation of the Sigma 60mm F/2.8 DN. It's a great budget lens. A little hefty and awkward on the E-PL6, but certainly usable.