Reading mode: Light Dark

News Reviews Articles Buying Guide Sample Images Videos Cameras Lenses Phones Printers Forums Galleries Challenges

Now reading: Olympus OM-D E-M5 Review 12 comments

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Review

Published Apr 30, 2012 | Richard Butler

Buy on Amazon.com From $554.50

8 Previous

9 Menus

10 Next

Camera Menus

The EM-5's menus carry on the trend begun with the E-P3 (which used the same OLED rear screen) with background images appearing behind the menus that drop out-of-focus when you engage any of the five tabs on the left of the screen. There's an option in the Setup menu to add a sixth tab to the menu, containing the options for anything attached to the accessory port.

The menus are about as logically laid-out as they can be, given how many options and settings they contain. To get the most out of the E-M5, it's well-worth scanning through the options in the Settings menu, on the next page of this review. There you'll find options to customize almost every aspect of the camera's behavior, including changing button functions, control interfaces and display options.

It's worth looking out for a couple of options, such as the choice to set the Fn1 button to conduct an AF acquisition in manual focus mode (Custom A3, set MF to Mode 3). There's also an option (Custom C6) that, by default, disables the image stabilization during continuous shooting, which is worth knowing about. A series of settings changes is also needed to engage IS when shooting with manual focus lenses. We'll be publishing a short article about how to get the best from the E-M5, at some point in the next week.

Shooting Menu 1


Option	Values / Actions	Notes
Card setup	• All Erase • Format
Reset/Myset	• Reset Basic Full • Myset1 Set Reset • Myset2 Set Reset • Myset3 Set Reset • Myset4 Set Reset	Enables you to reset the camera back to factory defaults, or to set up four user-defined 'Myset' settings.
Picture Mode	• 1 i-Enhance Contrast (-2 to +2) Sharpness (-2 to +2) Saturation (-2 to +2) Gradation Auto Normal High Key Low Key Effect (High, Standard, Low) • 2 Vivid Cont. / Sharp. / Sat. / Grad. • 3 Natural Cont. / Sharp. / Sat. / Grad. • 4 Muted Cont. / Sharp. / Sat. / Grad. • 5 Portrait Cont. / Sharp. / Sat. / Grad. • Monotone Contrast Sharpness B+W Filter Neutral Yellow Orange Red Green Pict Tone Neutral Sepia Blue Purple Green Gradation • Custom Mode /Cont / Sharp / Sat / Grad • ART1 Pop Art Filter Type (2 options) Effects (Off + 5 options) • ART2 Soft Focus Effects (Off + 2 options) • ART3 Pale&Light Color Filter Type (2 options) Effects (Off + 4 options) • ART4 Light Tone Effects (Off + 1 option) • ART5 Grainy Film Filter Type (2 options) Effects (Off + 3 options) • ART6 Pin Hole Filter Type (3 options) Effects (Off + 1 option) • ART7 Diorama Effects (Off + 1 option) • ART8 Cross Process Filter Type (2 options) Effects (Off + 3 options) • ART9 Gentle Sepia Effects (Off + 4 options) • ART10 Dramatic Tone Filter Type (2 options) Effects (Off + 4 options) • ART10 Dramatic Tone Filter Type (2 options) Effects (Off + 5 options)	Select the color / tone response from five pre-programmed settings. Each can then be further tuned by setting contrast / sharpness / saturation (in 5 steps), and gradation. Monotone mode also has options to simulate the effect of four colored filters and the ability to add four tints to the final image. There's also a Custom option that allows you to create your own preset. This custom option can be fine-tuned as much as any of the presets on which it's based. Art Filters are now available from the Picture Mode menu and can therefore be applied in all exposure modes. Many have a number of variants (or types), which can also be combined with a range of 'Effects' including frames and starburst.
Image size / quality	• Still Picture RAW Size/quality 1 JPEG Size/quality 2 JPEG Size/quality 3 JPEG Size/quality 4 JPEG RAW + Size/quality 1 JPEG RAW + Size/quality 2 JPEG RAW + Size/quality 3 JPEG RAW + Size/quality 4 JPEG • Movie MOV FullHD Fine MOV FullHD Normal MOV HD Fine MOV HD Normal M-JPEG HD M-JPEG SD	Selects the types of file written, including control over the image size and quality of JPEGs. In RAW+JPEG mode the writes one JPG and one ORF (RAW) file. The 4 JPEG Size/quality settings available for selection are also user-configurable in Custom menu section G.
Image aspect	• 4:3 • 16:9 • 3:2 • 1:1 • 3:4
Digital Tele-converter	• Off • On	Stills-only digital crop mode

Shooting Menu 2


Option	Values / Actions	Notes
Drive mode	• Single • Continuous High • Continuous low • 12 second self-timer • 2 second self-timer
Image Stabilizer	• IS 1 • IS 2 • IS 3 • IS OFF
Bracketing	• AE BKT 2F / 0.3 EV (0,+ or 0,–) 2F / 0.7 EV (0,+ or 0,–) 2F / 1.0 EV (0,+ or 0,–) 3F / 0.3 EV 3F / 0.7 EV 3F / 1.0 EV 5F / 0.3 EV 5F / 0.7 EV 5F / 1.0 EV 7F / 0.3 EV 7F / 0.7 EV • WB BKT A-B Off 3F / 2 Step 3F / 4 Step 3F / 6 Step G-M Off 3F / 2 Step 3F / 4 Step 3F / 6 Step • FL BKT 3F / 0.3 EV 3F / 0.7 EV 3F / 1.0 EV • ISO BKT 3F / 0.3 EV 3F / 0.7 EV 3F / 1.0 EV • ART BKT* Pop Art – On/Off Soft Focus – On/Off Pale & Light Color – On/Off Light Tone – On/Off Grainy Film – On/Off Pinhole – On/Off Diorama – On/Off Cross Process – On/Off Gentle Sepia – On/Off Dramatic Tone – On/Off Key Line – On/Off i-Enhance – On/Off Vivid – On/Off Natural – On/Off Muted – On/Off Portrait – On/Off Monotone – On/Off Custom – On/Off	Bracketing setup has moved from the custom menu, and now includes the option of bracketing across as many Art Filters and Picture Modes as you please. The 2 frame AE bracket option gives the choice of whether you want an under or overexposed image along with the correctly exposed one.
Multiple Exposure	• Frame Off 2 frames • Auto Gain Off On • Overlay Off On
Flash Exposure Compensation	• +/– 3 stops in 1/3 stop steps
Flash RC Mode	• Off • On	Remote Flash mode. A settings panel replaces the normal func. menu

Play menu


Option	Values / Actions	Notes
Slide show	• Start • BGM Melancholy Joy Cool Beat Off • Effect Fade Falling Photos Gallery Photo Line • Slide All Still Picture Movie • Slide Interval 2–10 sec in 1 sec intervals • Movie Interval Full Short	Choose one of the specially commissioned background music tracks.
Rotate enable	• Off • On	When enabled, camera rotates images when viewed in playback mode.
Edit	• Sel. Image RAW Data Edit Yes/No JPEG Edit Shadow Adjust Redeye Fix Crop Aspect Black & White Sepia Saturation Resize e-Portrait Voice annotation No Start Erase • Image overlay 2 Images Merge 3 Images Merge	Process the displayed image. Selecting a RAW image creates a JPEG using the current camera settings (White Balance, image size/quality etc.). If the image is a JPEG, one of eight post-processing effects can be applied. Image overlay allows multiple images to be combined. The images are selected then merged, with variable intensity (0.1x to 2.0x for each image)
DPOF Print Order	• Mark image • Mark ALL images
Reset Protect	• Yes • No	Removes 'protected' status from all images.

Tags: review, olympus

Prev page Next page

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Comments

All (12)

Most popular (1)

Editors' picks (0)

DPR staff (0)

Oldest first

arser

Hello, is there anyone who would like to share video-film experiences about Olympus Om-T E M5? how is the possibilities to make short fiction and dokumantaires film and especially with different cinematic lenses in work..?

Jul 13, 2015permalink

User3713836241

I have been using the OM-D EM5 for two years now, as a hobbyist, and it has brought the joy back for me in photography. A beautiful, light, strong camera, easy to use and produces great pictures. However, I have had a few niggles - the rubber eye-cup has come off both bodies I own, as well as the dial cap on the right hand side. In one body, the mode dial keeps switching between Auto and SCN. Olympus needs to look into these and some other flaws mentioned by users.

Jan 31, 2015permalink

BobFoster

Great camera for travel and I have owned the OM-D E-M5 for already 3 weeks. I love the retro stye of it as it remind me of the OM4 which I still own.

Do note that the Lumix 20mm f:1.7 lens is not 100% comparable with the OM-D E-M5 when you leave the switch ON and the camera goes into sleep mode. It hang, Sometime It cannot wake up when you press the shutter button, you need to reset the camera by removing the battery for it to reset. Even when you OFF and ON back the switch is of no good.

Dec 17, 2014permalink

Henry Richardson

That was an early problem with the E-M5 and 20mm, but was fixed in a 2012 firmware update. I had the problem back then until the firmware was fixed and then no more problems.

Feb 10, 2015permalink

larryr

It is the only one listed in the camera feature search with a viewfinder as waterproof,but it appears to be only weather resistant, ie don't dunk it in water(or clipped to your life jacket while whitewater kayaking).

May 30, 2014permalink

saradindubose

OLUMPUS OMDE5 appears to be an interesting camera - I am specially attracted to its weathersealed body and lens ( which I think is very essential in a country like I NDIA) - that was the reason why I had purchased PENTAX K10D years ago. One thing which is bothering me is its made in China tag. I am an architect and basically interested in landscape and nature photography - I travel a lot . Can I am have some inputs from those who are using OLYMPUS OMD E5?

Jan 30, 2014*permalink

Vaqas

As a hobbyist, I have been using OMD EM5 for more than an year now and I love it. Here are some of my clicks. There are mostly landscapes and outdoors sports shots.
https://www.facebook.com/VaqasPhoto
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vaqasmalik/

Feb 1, 2014permalink

Liberator

I recently got E-M5 and very happy with it. By no means I'm pro photographer but with my new 12-40mm F2.8 Pro lens is great combat and have been talking great picture. I use Toshiba Flash Air to use with my iPhone/ipad too. I mostly to landscape photos and it has not let me down.

Feb 5, 2014permalink

photohounds

It is an excellent little shooter.
THe EVF is quite good and KILLS OVFs in low light. THese were taken with one ..

http://http://photohounds.smugmug.com/Performing-arts

The CaNIKSon shooters told me that they got VERY few 'keeper' pics with their FF sensors. I get a few 'looks' while shooting, but they soon shut up when RESULTS are compared.

Anywhere it's really dark, you'll appreciate being able to SEE.

I also own the EM-1 and have yet to put it through its DIM light paces.

Feb 10, 2014*permalink

Chad Hogan

I'm on the hunt for a new camera and weighing up my options just now.. I'm fairly new to the game though and a bit naive in all honesty! Is the EM5 much better than the Canon EOS 7D as this comparison...

http://versus.com/en/olympus-om-d-e-m5-vs-canon-eos-7d

suggests? What features make this camera great and what one would you go for?

Thanks, Chad

Oct 14, 2013*permalink

TheRabbit

Hi, I didn't see any answer yet, so I asume nobody saw your post yet. I'll try to help you (maybe you didn't choose yet). This comparison isn't very good in my opinion (for example, it compares 9 fps vs 8, but you have to take in account that is with fixed focus. With continuous focus is much slower and less accurate...). I had a 60 D (same sensor, and image quality as the 7D with different features) and I have now the EM-5. I can tell you it has some advantages (if you think smaller and cheaper very good lenses are important advantages; for me, it is essential), but you will have to sacrifice some speed and easyness of handling. The best way is to read the full review of both cameras and to determine what are YOUR priorities. Don't forget to look at the sample images, as the two cameras have different outputs and it's important if you don't like to spend time in post processing. You will find very nice and helpfull reviews on this site (in my opinion, one of the best). Good luck!

Nov 2, 2013permalink

coroander

I sold my 7D and lots of expensive L glass after buying the E-M5. The E-M5 is much smaller, it's images are sharper (no anti-aliasing filter), while the 7D has a very strong anti-aliasing filter (much stronger than any of the other Canon cameras with 18MP sensors) and the E-M5 has more dynamic range. It's also not nearly as prone to banding as the 7D is when pulling details from shadows. The 7D is a bit more ergonomic, but it's much larger, and it's lenses are significantly larger. And the reason i sold it is because it's so heavy. The E-M5 is very fast focusing, but for indoor sports (subjects moving towards or away from the camera) the 7D wins. Both cameras are metal bodied and weather sealed. Both have 4 channel, 3 group remote flash triggering. The E-M5 also has tilt screen and touch screen (touch point to focus and take image.)

Jan 29, 2014permalink


Rumored Olympus OM-D E-M5 successor may offer resolution-boosting 'sensor shift' Dec 4, 2014	Olympus OM-D E-M5 rumored to be out of production Nov 15, 2014	DxOMark Mobile report: Samsung Galaxy S6 / S6 Edge Apr 27, 2015	Sony SLT-A77 II Review Apr 22, 2015

Body Only, Black, International Version In stock Usually ships in 4-5 business days	From $1,642.31 »
Body Only, Black, US Version In stock Usually ships in 1-2 business days	From $579.99 »
Body Only, Silver, International Version In stock Usually ships in 1-2 business days	From $554.50 »
Body Only, Silver, US Version In stock Usually ships in 24 hours	From $699.99 »
w/ 12-50mm, Black, International Version In stock Usually ships in 4-5 business days	From $819.48 »
w/ 12-50mm, Black, US Version In stock Usually ships in 1-2 business days	From $959.44 »
w/ 12-50mm, Silver, International Version In stock Usually ships in 1-2 business days	From $1,020.92 »
w/ 12-50mm, Silver, US Version In stock Usually ships in 3-4 business days	From $2,070.10 »
w/ 14-42mm, Black, US Version In stock Usually ships in 1-2 business days	From $799.00 »

142	* This Week Through Your M4/3 2016.09.24 *
138	Question for FAS haters
64	Which micro 4/3 lenses?
54	Need a little help choosing our hiking camera. pix included
49	How important are the ergonomics and "gestalt" of your camera to you?
48	Bright aperture more advantage than bigger sensor (examples)
48	PART 2 This Week Through your m4/3 2016.09.25
43	Forget Sigma Art - This is Nikon Art
43	Give me some compelling reasons to upgrade from XT1 to TX2
40	EM1 II, recommended for pro video, are you kiddin....
39	Let's break off Olympus E-M1 Mk1 & MkII into it's own!
36	The Sunday BIRD Vol. 12 Issue 8, September 24, 2016
34	The 100-400 is an amazing lens
34	Is FZ-2500 still f/8 limited ??? (want f/16)
33	X-T2 froze up at wedding.
32	X-T2 first firmware wishlist
32	Which of these setups (Fuji / m43) would you choose and why?
31	Am I Crazy buying a New Panasonic GM1 Now?
29	can this blow out be fixed?
29	Adapted Lens on A99ii


Sadiqur_Rahman by Sadiqur Rahman from Ain't Going to Work on Maggie's Farm no More	Airborne by John Beavin from - How to respect the Flag and Anthem - (Portrait in Full Colours + A Border)