EM-5 iii HDMI Output Only Shows Playback

[ebeip90]

I'm trying to get live view from my E-M5 iii to stream over HDMI, but when I plug in the Micro HDMI cable → Display, all that shows is the playback of existing photos.

I can't shoot, record, or access any menus -- the screen and viewfinder are completely blank and off.

What settings do I have to set to get HDMI out to work when shooting stills or video?

I know HDMI out is *working* as the display gets Review / Playback output, and all of the controls work.

Any ideas?

 

[dsenechal57]

I'm not sure about your EM-5, but I bought an Olympus PL1 of similar vintage, and discovered that the PL1, as with your EM-5, is not capable of a live output via HDMI. I spent some time with Olympus customer support (who were very nice) and they confirmed there is no way. Doing a web search, I found one reference where someone had succeeded getting a live output by using a USB to RCA A/V cable. I haven't tried it because Olympus had a proprietary USB connection on their cameras and it's almost impossible to find a compatible cable. I'm planning to sell my PL1 and try to find another brand that will work. Incidentally, although not MFT, the Nikon J1 has live HDMI out, but isn't "clean" so displays shutter speeds, etc. Good luck!!

 

[Michael Meissner]

I'm not sure about your EM-5, but I bought an Olympus PL1 of similar vintage, and discovered that the PL1, as with your EM-5, is not capable of a live output via HDMI. I spent some time with Olympus customer support (who were very nice) and they confirmed there is no way. Doing a web search, I found one reference where someone had succeeded getting a live output by using a USB to RCA A/V cable. I haven't tried it because Olympus had a proprietary USB connection on their cameras and it's almost impossible to find a compatible cable. I'm planning to sell my PL1 and try to find another brand that will work. Incidentally, although not MFT, the Nikon J1 has live HDMI out, but isn't "clean" so displays shutter speeds, etc. Good luck!!

Ummm, note the E-m5 mark III was introduced in 2019. Mine has the ability to do live view video. IIRC, the E-m5 mark II was the first Olympus camera to offer HDMI live view. Older cameras like your E-PL1 (and my E-m5 mark I) would switch into HDMI playback mode.

In terms of the OP, you might want to check:

• The E-m5 mark III can only do FHD (i.e. 1080p) on external video.
• You probably want to set the HDMI output to record mode (page 146).
• Maybe your HDMI cable is not transmitting the right information or maybe your hdmi monitor/recorder can't handle the resolution, speed, etc.

 

[stubob]

You may have already got this covered, but just in case....

I've got an e-m10markiii rather than the e-m5iii, and whilst the e-m10iii doesn't provide a clean HDMI output, I think the principle is the same for both, in that both cameras need a HDMI capture device to display the live output on another screen. There is some helpful further info here: https://learnandsupport.getolympus....mpus/streaming-video-with-your-olympus-camera

I've needed to buy several USB 'capture cards' over recent years for different devices (a Panasonic G80 included), and most of the inexpensive ones from Amazon have worked well for me.

 

[Michael Meissner]

One other thing, sometimes doing a full reset helps with weird conditions. Perhaps there is some setting that is affecting things.