Olympus E-5
Last Update (15 August’11):
- Review by AmateurPhotographer
Olympus E-5 is a 12.3MP Digital SLR features 11-point High Precision Fully Twin Cross AF system, Dust reduction system, TRUEPIC V+ Image Processor, 30 frames per second in 720pHD Video, ISO 100-6400, and 3.0″ HyperCrystal TFT swivel LCD monitor. The camera measures (W x H x D) 142 x 116 x 75 mm (5.6 x 4.6 x 2.9 in) and weighs 813 g (1.8 lb).
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Olympus E-5 Reviews
AmateurPhotographer reviews the Olympus E-5 and writes;
“For current Olympus users this camera provides something to aspire to, and thanks to the HD video, art filters and LCD, it may offer enough advantages over the E-3, and even the E-620, for some to consider upgrading. “
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BuyNShoot reviews the Olympus E-5 and writes;
“At the end of the day Olympus are a well branded, trusted name in photography. They’ve done the hard yards and produced a great line of lenses over many years that have proven to be winners. So adding a minimum 150,000 shooting cycle for professional-class reliability and, from a single battery charge 870 shots (double this with the optional battery grip), the Olympus E-5 from me gets a thumbs up. “
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TechRadar reviews the Olympus E-5 and writes;
“When the Olympus E-5 high sensitivity noise reduction system (what Olympus calls the Noise Filter) is in its default or Standard setting, there is very little chroma noise visible in the images it produces. In fact, even with the filter turned off the interference is primarily luminance noise. The results are very good up to ISO 3200 when the level of detail visible drops.”
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Shutterbug reviews the Olympus E-5 and writes;
“All that’s available in a rugged camera at the same original price as the camera it replaces as the company’s “flagship.” The Olympus E-5 is one smart camera.”
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GoodGearGuide reviews the Olympus E-5 and writes;
“The Olympus E-5 is a digital SLR camera with lots of potential and plenty of speed, but it just isn’t as good as competing models from Canon and Nikon. Its images aren’t as well defined as we would like and noise affects photos when a high ISO speed is used.”
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MacWorld reviews the Olympus E-5 and writes;
“# Pros: Robust construction; quick auto focus; angle-adjustable LCD screen; HD movies; stunning results capable with Live Mos sensor and test lens combo; Art Filter effects. # Cons: Pricey; heavy; only 12.3 megapixels; modest low light settings”
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Photoblographer reviews the Olympus E-5 and writes;
“In good lighting, the image quality was excellent. At the High ISO settings, I’ve seen much better performance from other cameras…The E-5 also has top-notch autofocusing. Because you’re using the other focusing points to great effect in composition you can theoretically lower your megapixels. “
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LetsGoDigital reviews the Olympus E-5 and writes;
“The Olympus E-5 performs optimally in combination with, for example, the Zuiko Digital ED 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0, and you should keep that in mind. Investing in such pricey lenses is rewarded in absolute outstanding quality. “
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PCMag reviews the Olympus E-5 and writes;
“The splashproof, dustproof Olympus E-5 is a good option if you shoot photos and video in unfriendly environments, but with middling low-light performance and limited video-capture options it’s not the best D-SLR you can buy for the money. “
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TrustedReviews reviews the Olympus E-5 and writes;
“Under daylight conditions the camera and its lens fared rather better with generally sharp results all round. Colours on the E-5′s default ‘natural’ filter setting proved a little muted for our tastes, with Vivid setting delivering to our eyes a result that was closest to the scene at the time, and the ‘i-Enhance option effecting some impressive decisions too, colours being bolder yet more naturalistic than the garish results to be had from otherwise selecting the pop art filter. “
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PDN reviews the Olympus E-5 and writes;
“In terms of image noise, in my testing I got relatively clean shots at up to ISO 3200 with the E-5 which is an improvement over the E-3 but a step short of most competing DSLRs in its class.”
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MacWorld reviews the Olympus E-5 and writes;
“…the E-5 does what a serious DSLR is supposed to: it takes good pictures. We recommend it as an upgrade to the E-3, and for photographers with older Olympus consumer four/thirds bodies, who will enjoy the performance and quality provided by the E-5.”
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PhotoReview.au reviews the Olympus E-5 and writes;
“Most colours were accurately recorded – and our Imatest colour error graphs were very similar to the graphs we obtained when testing the E-3. We observed a slight improvement in overall colour accuracy, which our test shots confirmed as very good.”
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Pixiq reviews the Olympus E-5 and writes;
“Even at ISO 800, image quality is fine, suitable for beautiful 11×15″ prints. By ISO 1600 however, aggressive Noise Reduction processing smudges fine details although color saturation is well-maintained.”
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PhotographyBlog reviews the Olympus E-5 and writes;
“If you are already a Four Thirds user though, we can highly recommend the Olympus E-5 to you – it’s simply the best companion for your Zuiko Digital lenses.”
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Geek reviews the Olympus E-5 and writes;
“The most notable, and disappointing, conclusion I made with the E-5 is that it will go largely unnoticed by camera users. It’s a great camera, but it doesn’t have anything that will bring over people from the Canon or Nikon camps. “
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PopPhoto reviews the Olympus E-5 and writes;
“For DSLRs in this price bracket, if you’re looking for a powerful imaging tool with rugged construction and a lot of versatility, the Olympus E-5 may be your match. “
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Olympus E-5 Reviews
Review Video By PhotographyREVIEW
Review Video By Poludio Skroz
Review Video By WhichWebsite
Olympus E-5 User Reviews
Great upgrade from 620
“Overall, the impression is very natural and photo-realistic. Colors seem a little more neutral too. Live view is faster and fully cdaf with all lenses, so you can use face detection even with the 12-60. The snappier live view performance also makes quick low-to-the-ground shots easier.” – By John A. Krumm
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Moved from a D300 & e30 to the e5
“I do shoot for postcard sales and the e-5 looks great in the color and it’s very detailed image – really nice. The new processor is exceptional and the umph it gives to my Olympus lenses is un-believable. All in all I’m very happy with the e-5 and will now start selling off the Nikon camera and lenses.” – By J. Schlagheck
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Super Fast
“Overall, I would strongly recommend the E-5. It definitely competes with anything Canon or Nikon has to offer in a similar price-range and quality. The large, bright LCD screen, easy-to-use video, and fast-focus definitely make it a worthwhile upgrade for Olympus users.” – By Marlene
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Fantastic camera
“I’m pulling back from shooting RAW+JPG to just JPG (I will still shoot RAW when absolute IQ matters (personal photog projects, heavy post processing). But the most pleasant surprise is that the B&W conversions are absolutely beautiful. I tend to shoot primarily for B&W and the E5 is to my eye a wonderful B&W camera. The detail and tonal range really work well together.” – By A. Thompson
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Pinnacle for Olympus
“The camera is a nice upgrade to the E-3 and fixes most of the niggling concerns with that camera. I think the JPG rendering, ISO performance, Sharpness, Autofocus, metering, Dynamic Range and resolution are better than the E-3.” – By Craig Guinn
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I can’t believe I bought the E5, but glad I did
“I love the output quality of the EP-1, but it’s performance is hampered in many situations (ie focus speed, terrible ergonomics when using a regular 4/3 lens, no OVF, slow burst speed etc… etc…). The E-5 obviously address all of those performance issues while at the same time providing excellent image output.” – By Harry M. Shin
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No Competition
“Much faster AF than my previous Olympus DSLR and IQ is unmatched. I don’t shoot sports or Concerts or anything like that but I do shoot nature and models and I love the colors this camera produces.” – By Wesley Price
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WOW
“This new Olympus E-5 is definitely in a class by itself. Amazing build quality and weathersealing, image quality is on par with the best in the industry and definitely THE BEST 4/3 camera to date. You will be very impressed by the results with the superb Zuiko HG and SHG lenses. I get fantastic shots with the 150mm f/2.0. Well done Olympus.” – By Patrice Ouellet
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Great Image Quality
“I have not had sufficient time for a good report on the 50-200, but the 12-60 lens is pretty much beyond amazing. It will be my primary lens – no questions asked. The clarity, sharpness, extremely minimal distortion and the build quality of this glass is fantastic.” – By Vlad
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Excellent Camera with Minor Flaws
“The image quality of the camera is excellent in within the ISO range of 100-800. Once you hit iso 1600 grain becomes more noticeable but is well maintained. At 3200 you have a lot of grain that is still usable and at 6400 I feel you’re better off converting to black & white. The dynamic range is similar to that of the E-30.” – By I. Davis
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Awesome Camera
“The E-5 takes incredible shots, it’s built solid(you can feel it the moment you pick it up), and i love the weather sealing. If you want a dslr that takes sharp photos and will put up with whatever weather mother nature throws your way, you can’t go wrong with the E-5. Pairs great with the Zuiko 12-60 SWD.” – By Rob
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An Evolutionary Improvement
“Much faster focusing, and more reliable – although still not ideal – focusing in low light.. Greatly improved performance in low light. Noise levels are acceptable to ISO1600, where the E-3 wasn’t much good below ISO400.” – By James D. DeWitt
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Incredible detail & color. Built like a tank. Superb lenses
“For nature photogs this camera is particularly great. Super-fast autofocus, (true) weather and dust resistant body AND lenses, fantastic detail that makes critters of all kinds stand out, and 2X focal length multiplier make lenses reach farther! Also the added depth of field lets you shoot at lower apertures, which means faster shutter speeds, lower ISOs, and less blurred photos.” – By H. Manduley
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E5-End User Review by Owner of Camera
“Overall, the E5 is worth the money, for its fast focus with the 12-60mm lens, and the quality image. Its past weakness of focusing of Olympus cameras in now overcomed in the E5. However, the quality of image in low light has to be improved.” – By Chan Teng Heng
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fantastic
“JUST RECEIVED MY ORDER OF AN OLYMPUS E5……..BEING A SEMI PRO PHOTOGRAPER FOR OVER 30 YRS. I OWN A NIKON D90 D7000 D5000 OLYMPUS E3 ETC. THIS IS WITHOUT A DOUBT THE BEST CAMERA I HAVE EVER USED. PICTURES SO DISTINCT THERE ARE MIND BLOWNG….WELL DONE OLYMPUS” – By Alexander Gomes
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Olympus E-5 Sample Photos
- Olympus E-5 Sample Photos @ LetsGoDigital
- Olympus E-5 Sample Photos @ TrustedReviews
- Olympus E-5 Sample Photos @ PhotographyBlog
- Olympus E-5 Sample Photos @ Flickr
- Olympus E-5 Sample Photos @ Amazon.com
Olympus E-5 User Manual (PDF)
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- Download Olympus E-5 User Manual (PDF – 13.5 MB)
Olympus E-5 Features
E-5 Features
IN-BODY IMAGE STABILIZATION
The camera’s In-body Image Stabilization system compensates for up to five shutter speed steps*. Mechanical Image Stabilization automatically compensates for camera shake in low-light situations or when using a telephoto lens.
DUST REDUCTION SYSTEM
The E-5′s proven Dust Reduction System, with the Supersonic Wave Filter™ (SWF) self-cleaning ultrasonic sensor unit, eliminates dust particles on the sensor by silently vibrating an amazing 30,000 times per second, ensuring spot-free images. Recently awarded the “Special Invention Award” from The Asahi Shinbun Company in 2010.
12.3-MEGAPIXEL LIVE-MOS SENSOR & TRUEPIC V+ IMAGE PROCESSOR
The powerful 12.3-megapixel Live-MOS sensor coupled with the newly developed TruePic V+ image processor means you’ll capture more detail than ever before in your pictures thanks to the “Fine Detail Process” technology. In addition to more detail, the image sensor, combined with the next-generation TruePic V+ Image Processor, delivers excellent dynamic range, accurate color fidelity and reduced noise, all the way up to 6400 ISO. And you’ll have the flexibility to crop and still produce large, detailed prints.
RUGGED CONSTRUCTION
A Rugged “thixomold” magnesium-alloy construction coupled with advanced splash and dust protection, make the E-5 the perfect choice for photographers who demand the most from their equipment, in any situation.
SHUTTER DURABILITY
Durable shutter mechanism tested to 150,000 cycles. The pro-level shutter ensures reliability, even at five frames per second, thanks to a durable shutter mechanism tested to 150,000 cycles, making the E-5 the camera of choice for photographers who demand durability from their equipment.
OPTICAL VIEWFINDER
The 100% accurate high eye point optical viewfinder, delivers the precise viewing accuracy demanded by the most discriminating photographer. When shooting with the E-5, what you see is what you get.
3″ 920,000 DOT SWIVEL LCD
Dust and Splashproof like the body; the 270 degree swivel LCD gives you the flexibility to capture your image from low on the ground to above your head, or at any angle. The 100 percent accurate LCD delivers the precise compositional accuracy in Live-View demanded by the most discriminating photographer. When shooting with the E-5, what you see is what you get.
DATA STORAGE
Accepting Compact Flash Type I, UDMA, and SD- SDHC/SDXC, the E-5 provides a choice of data storage options for enhanced flexibility, and it is possible to transfer image files from one card to the other right inside the camera.
WORLD’S FASTEST AUTOFOCUS
The E-5′s 11-point High Precision Fully Twin Cross AF system is one of the world’s fastest and most accurate. The Twin Cross AF design assures you accurate fast AF even at the edges of the viewfinder allowing you to get the most out of your Zuiko Digital lenses.
ART FILTERS
A series of 10 new built-in Art Filters let you create dramatic effects when shooting stills or video. The innovative Art Filters include Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pale & Color, Light Tone, Grainy Film, Pin Hole, Diorama, Gentle Sepia, Cross Process, Dramatic Tone can all be used in all the shooting modes of the camera, Aperture, Shutter, Program and Manual modes, as well as for Movie shooting.
MULTIPLE EXPOSURE
Multiple Exposure makes heightened creativity an easily-obtained objective. Four frames can be combined, and portions of one can be combined with those of another in any of the shooting modes. Images can be combined in playback mode or directly on the LCD through the use of the new TruePic V+ Image Processor.
MULTIPLE ASPECT RATIOS
Express yourself by altering how you frame the world — choose from nine aspect ratios, from the standard 4:3 to the cinematic 16:9. By selecting an aspect ratio before shooting and easily reviewing images on the LCD throughout the shoot, the Multi-Aspect function adds a new means of expression to your photography.
WIRELESS FLASH CONTROL
The E-5 is compatible with a range of optional external flashes, including the Olympus FL-36R and FL-50R. Both of these flashes can be controlled wirelessly by the E-5 so you can dynamically control lighting as your photography skills grow. The E-5 features a commander function incorporated in its built-in flash, making wireless multi-flash photography possible without using an outside commander.
DIGITAL LEVELER
The camera’s Digital Leveler function is a highly functional and practical feature for such specialized requirements as architectural photography and other similar needs.
HD VIDEO
Shoot movies at 30 frames per second in 720p with available manual control over aperture and shutter speed. This level of control allows you to express your vision exactly how you want in your HD videos. When shooting a movie you have the choice of Standard or HD Movie with or without the 10 Art Filters, total movie creativity is in your control.
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See also: Digital Camera | Digital SLR Cameras | Olympus
A must have camera for professional Olympus Camera users. It is what you don’t see in the spec sheet that counts…Image quality. You shoot 98% of your shoots under 800 ISO and ideally at 200 ISO. Dropping ISO drops image quality, color, DR, noise increase, especially in those high MP cropped sensors- there, the noise is visible at 200 ISO.