Name: Olympus PEN E-P5
Brand: Olympus

Technical Specifications of Olympus PEN E-P5

Overall score

5.9

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera.

When it matters: When you want to see which cameras attract the most buyer attention and review activity.

Sensor & Image

6.2

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Sensor size

What it is: The sensor format value describes the physical light-collecting area.

When it matters: When you shoot in more difficult lighting.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: Full frame or larger

Main camera megapixels

What it is: The effective resolution of the camera sensor, measured in megapixels (MP). A higher resolution can capture more detail.

When it matters: When you want high-resolution photos that allow more cropping or larger prints.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: At least 20 MP

Main camera pixel size

What it is: The physical size of individual pixels on the camera sensor, measured in micrometers. Larger pixels typically capture more light for better low-light performance.

When it matters: When you shoot in low light and want reduced noise in your photos.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: At least 3.5 µm

Base ISO

What it is: The native ISO setting that delivers the sensor’s standard balance of image quality and dynamic range.

When it matters: When you want the best native image quality and compare cameras at their most optimal sensitivity setting.

Importance: LOW

Max ISO

What it is: The ISO ceiling shows the highest sensor sensitivity available for darker scenes.

When it matters: When you shoot in more difficult lighting.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: At least ISO 25,600

Photo Features

6.3

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Lens mount

What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which interchangeable lenses the camera can use.

When it matters: When lens availability, upgrade options, and long-term system compatibility are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Micro Four Thirds

Built-in focus motor

What it is: Indicates whether the camera body includes an internal autofocus motor for driving compatible lenses.

When it matters: When you plan to use older or budget lenses that depend on the camera body for autofocus drive.

Importance: LOW

N. of focus points

What it is: The total number of selectable autofocus points available for positioning and tracking focus.

When it matters: When you want more flexibility in placing focus precisely or tracking subjects across the frame.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: At least 200 points

Phase-detection autofocus (photos)

What it is: Autofocus technology that measures phase differences to lock focus quickly and accurately for still photography.

When it matters: When you want faster and more reliable autofocus for still photos, especially with moving subjects.

Importance: HIGH

AF tracking

What it is: An autofocus mode that continuously follows a moving subject to keep it sharp during shooting.

When it matters: When your subjects move unpredictably and you need the camera to keep focus on them automatically.

Importance: MEDIUM

Video & Audio

4.8

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Max video resolution

What it is: The highest video resolution the camera can record, defining the maximum level of captured image detail.

When it matters: When you care about recording the highest level of detail for cropping, editing, or future-proof video work.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: At least 3840 px

Video bitrate

What it is: The amount of video data recorded per second, which affects file size and potential recording quality.

When it matters: When you compare potential video quality and want fewer compression artifacts in demanding scenes.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: At least 200 Mbps

Video bit depth

What it is: The number of bits used per color channel in recorded video, affecting gradation smoothness and editing flexibility.

When it matters: When you color grade video and want smoother gradients with fewer banding issues.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: At least 10-bit

Video chroma subsampling

What it is: The color sampling format used in video recording, indicating how much color detail is retained relative to brightness detail.

When it matters: When color grading, keying, or serious post-production work is important in your video workflow.

Importance: LOW

Video codecs

What it is: The video compression formats the camera can use when recording, affecting compatibility, efficiency, and workflow.

When it matters: When compatibility, editing performance, and file efficiency matter in the way you handle video.

Importance: LOW

H.264, Motion JPEG

Display & Design

6.7

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Type

What it is: The camera type identifies the overall design, such as mirrorless, DSLR, compact, or bridge.

When it matters: When you want a camera style that matches how you shoot, carry, and swap lenses.

Importance: LOW

mirrorless

Weight

What it is: The total weight of the camera body, which affects comfort while carrying and shooting.

When it matters: When you carry the camera all day, travel often, or prefer a lighter setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 500 g or less

Width

What it is: The width of the camera body, measured from side to side.

When it matters: When compact packing, grip comfort, or bag fit matters to you.

Importance: LOW

Height

What it is: The height of the camera body, measured from top to bottom.

When it matters: When you care about how compact the camera feels in a bag or in hand.

Importance: LOW

Thickness

What it is: The depth of the device profile, excluding the camera bump unless specified.

When it matters: When you prefer a sleek, slim profile that slides easily into tight pockets.

Importance: LOW

Battery & Power

5.2

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Battery life (CIPA)

What it is: The official battery endurance estimate measured under CIPA test methodology, usually expressed in shots per charge.

When it matters: When you need realistic expectations for how many shots you can take before carrying a spare battery.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: At least 400 shots

Battery capacity

What it is: The amount of electric charge the battery can hold, measured in milliampere-hours (mAh).

When it matters: When you want a general idea of how large the battery is physically.

Importance: LOW

Good value: At least 1,500 mAh

Removable battery

What it is: Indicates whether the camera battery can be removed and replaced by the user.

When it matters: When you want to swap batteries quickly during a long shoot or replace an aging battery.

Importance: LOW

USB Power Delivery (PD)

What it is: Support for the USB Power Delivery standard for higher-power charging or external power supply over USB-C.

When it matters: When you want faster USB-C charging or the ability to power the camera externally for longer sessions.

Importance: LOW

Connectivity & Storage

4.9

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Wi-Fi connectivity

What it is: Indicates whether the camera has built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer, remote control, or network features.

When it matters: When you want to transfer photos wirelessly, control the camera from a phone, or use supported network workflows.

Importance: LOW

Wi-Fi version

What it is: The specific generation of Wi-Fi standards supported (e.g., Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 7), determining maximum speed and efficiency.

When it matters: When you have a high-speed router and want faster downloads with less congestion.

Importance: LOW

Bluetooth connectivity

What it is: Indicates whether the camera supports Bluetooth for pairing, remote control, or file transfer.

When it matters: When you want quick wireless pairing with a phone, remote control, or location syncing.

Importance: LOW

Bluetooth version

What it is: The Bluetooth version supported by the camera for wireless pairing and low-power connections.

When it matters: When you want more efficient wireless pairing, better range, or newer Bluetooth features.

Importance: LOW

N/A

USB Type-C

What it is: A modern, reversible connector used for charging, data transfer, and sometimes audio or video output.

When it matters: When you want a reversible cable that handles charging, data, and accessories universally.

Importance: LOW

Olympus PEN E-P5 vs the average camera

Why is Olympus PEN E-P5 better than the average camera?

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In-body stabilization
Olympus PEN E-P5 supports in-body stabilization, the average camera does not.
5-axis in-body stabilization.
What it is: A stabilization system that physically moves the image sensor to reduce shake during handheld shooting.
When it matters: When you often shoot handheld and want sharper results at slower shutter speeds without relying only on lens stabilization.
Importance: MEDIUM
Olympus PEN E-P5 supports in-body stabilization, the average camera does not.
19200 ISO higher maximum sensitivity limit
Olympus PEN E-P5 has a higher max ISO than the average camera (25600 ISO vs 6400 ISO). The average camera reaches a max ISO of 6400 ISO.
What it is: The ISO ceiling shows the highest sensor sensitivity available for darker scenes.
When it matters: When you shoot in more difficult lighting.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: At least ISO 25,600
Olympus PEN E-P5 has a higher max ISO than the average camera (25600 ISO vs 6400 ISO). The average camera reaches a max ISO of 6400 ISO.25600 ISO vs 6400 ISO
Human eye AF
Olympus PEN E-P5 supports human eye-detection AF, the average camera does not.
What it is: Autofocus detection designed to identify and prioritize human eyes for portrait and action shooting.
When it matters: When you shoot portraits, weddings, or events and want the camera to prioritize people’s eyes automatically.
Importance: LOW
Olympus PEN E-P5 supports human eye-detection AF, the average camera does not.
Has microphone input
Olympus PEN E-P5 has microphone input, the average camera does not.
Accessory port via SEMA-1 or EMA-1 adapter.
What it is: Indicates whether the camera has a microphone input for connecting an external mic.
When it matters: When you record video and want better audio than the built-in microphones can provide.
Importance: LOW
Olympus PEN E-P5 has microphone input, the average camera does not.
Sensor cleaning system
Olympus PEN E-P5 includes a sensor cleaning system, the average camera does not.
Supersonic Wave Filter.
What it is: A built-in mechanism designed to remove or reduce dust particles from the image sensor surface.
When it matters: When you change lenses often and want to reduce the chance of dust spots appearing on your images.
Importance: LOW
Olympus PEN E-P5 includes a sensor cleaning system, the average camera does not.
Has a touchscreen
Olympus PEN E-P5 has a touchscreen, the average camera does not. 36.6% of cameras support touchscreen input.
What it is: Indicates that the display acts as an input device, recognizing touch gestures.
When it matters: When you interact with your device using intuitive taps and gestures.
Importance: LOW
Olympus PEN E-P5 has a touchscreen, the average camera does not. 36.6% of cameras support touchscreen input.
1770 s longer maximum exposure
Olympus PEN E-P5 supports a longer maximum exposure than the average camera (1800 s vs 30 s). The average camera supports a longest shutter speed of 30 s.
What it is: The longest exposure time the camera can set, useful for night photography and intentional motion blur.
When it matters: When you shoot night scenes, light trails, or creative long-exposure images without external accessories.
Importance: LOW
Olympus PEN E-P5 supports a longer maximum exposure than the average camera (1800 s vs 30 s). The average camera supports a longest shutter speed of 30 s.1,800 vs 30
Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
Olympus PEN E-P5 supports Wi-Fi, the average camera does not. 47.8% of cameras support Wi-Fi.
What it is: Indicates whether the camera has built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer, remote control, or network features.
When it matters: When you want to transfer photos wirelessly, control the camera from a phone, or use supported network workflows.
Importance: LOW
Olympus PEN E-P5 supports Wi-Fi, the average camera does not. 47.8% of cameras support Wi-Fi.
Has a touchscreen
Olympus PEN E-P5 has a touchscreen, the average camera does not. 36.6% of cameras support touchscreen input.
5 more customizable buttons
Olympus PEN E-P5 has more customizable buttons than the average camera (5 vs 0). The average camera offers 0 customizable buttons.
19200 ISO higher maximum sensitivity limit
Olympus PEN E-P5 has a higher max ISO than the average camera (25600 ISO vs 6400 ISO). The average camera reaches a max ISO of 6400 ISO.
Sensor cleaning system
Olympus PEN E-P5 includes a sensor cleaning system, the average camera does not.
0.42 µm larger sensor pixels
Olympus PEN E-P5 has larger sensor pixels than the average camera (3.8 µm vs 3.34 µm). The average sensor pixel size is 3.34 µm.
In-body stabilization
Olympus PEN E-P5 supports in-body stabilization, the average camera does not.
Human eye AF
Olympus PEN E-P5 supports human eye-detection AF, the average camera does not.
1770 s longer maximum exposure
Olympus PEN E-P5 supports a longer maximum exposure than the average camera (1800 s vs 30 s). The average camera supports a longest shutter speed of 30 s.
3.3 fps faster mechanical burst
Olympus PEN E-P5 has a faster mechanical burst rate than the average camera (9 fps vs 5.7 fps). The average camera shoots at 5.7 fps.
1 stops higher CIPA stabilization rating
Olympus PEN E-P5 has a higher CIPA stabilization rating than the average camera (5 stops vs 4 stops). The average camera has a CIPA stabilization rating of 4 stops.
Lossless compressed RAW
Olympus PEN E-P5 supports lossless compressed RAW, while the average camera does not.
Supports touch autofocus
Olympus PEN E-P5 supports touch autofocus, the average camera does not. 34.9% of cameras support touch autofocus.
12 more AF points
Olympus PEN E-P5 has more focus points than the average camera (35 vs 23). The average camera offers 23 focus points.
Has microphone input
Olympus PEN E-P5 has microphone input, the average camera does not.
Built-in timelapse
Olympus PEN E-P5 includes timelapse capture, the average camera does not.
Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
Olympus PEN E-P5 supports Wi-Fi, the average camera does not. 47.8% of cameras support Wi-Fi.
Smartphone remote control
Olympus PEN E-P5 supports smartphone remote control, the average camera does not. 46.2% of cameras support smartphone remote control.

Connectivity & Storage

Why is Olympus PEN E-P5 worse than the average camera?

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Lacks HDR mode
Olympus PEN E-P5 does not support HDR mode, the average camera does. 55.1% of cameras include HDR mode.
Lower RAW bit depth
Olympus PEN E-P5 supports lower RAW bit depth than the average camera (12-bit vs 14-bit). The average camera supports 14-bit RAW capture.
Smaller sensor
Olympus PEN E-P5 has a smaller sensor than the average camera (four thirds vs APS-C).
0.1 MP lower sensor resolution
Olympus PEN E-P5 has a lower sensor resolution than the average camera (16.1 MP vs 16.2 MP). The average camera has a sensor resolution of 16.2 MP.
0.2 points lower DxOMark Portrait score
Olympus PEN E-P5 has a lower DxOMark portrait score than the average camera (22.8 points vs 23 points). The average camera scores 23 points.
Worse low-light autofocus
Olympus PEN E-P5 has a worse low-light AF sensitivity than the average camera (0 EV vs -4 EV). The average camera reaches a low-light AF sensitivity of -4 EV.
10 Mbps lower video bitrate
Olympus PEN E-P5 has a lower video bitrate than the average camera (20 Mbps vs 30 Mbps). The average camera records at 30 Mbps.
Worse low-light autofocus
Olympus PEN E-P5 has a worse low-light AF sensitivity than the average camera (0 EV vs -4 EV). The average camera reaches a low-light AF sensitivity of -4 EV.
What it is: The lowest light level at which the autofocus system is rated to work reliably.
When it matters: When you shoot in dim environments and need autofocus that still locks confidently after dark.
Importance: MEDIUM
Olympus PEN E-P5 has a worse low-light AF sensitivity than the average camera (0 EV vs -4 EV). The average camera reaches a low-light AF sensitivity of -4 EV.0 vs -4
Lacks HDR mode
Olympus PEN E-P5 does not support HDR mode, the average camera does. 55.1% of cameras include HDR mode.
What it is: High Dynamic Range mode for photos, which combines multiple exposures to retain detail in both shadows and highlights.
When it matters: When you take photos in high-contrast scenes, like a bright sky against a dark landscape.
Importance: LOW
Olympus PEN E-P5 does not support HDR mode, the average camera does. 55.1% of cameras include HDR mode.
Lower RAW bit depth
Olympus PEN E-P5 supports lower RAW bit depth than the average camera (12-bit vs 14-bit). The average camera supports 14-bit RAW capture.
What it is: The number of bits used to encode color and tonal information in RAW files captured by the camera.
When it matters: When you heavily edit RAW photos and want more tonal information for aggressive adjustments.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: At least 14-bit
Olympus PEN E-P5 supports lower RAW bit depth than the average camera (12-bit vs 14-bit). The average camera supports 14-bit RAW capture.12-bit vs 14-bit
Smaller sensor
Olympus PEN E-P5 has a smaller sensor than the average camera (four thirds vs APS-C).
What it is: The sensor format value describes the physical light-collecting area.
When it matters: When you shoot in more difficult lighting.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: Full frame or larger
Olympus PEN E-P5 has a smaller sensor than the average camera (four thirds vs APS-C).four thirds vs APS-C
10 Mbps lower video bitrate
Olympus PEN E-P5 has a lower video bitrate than the average camera (20 Mbps vs 30 Mbps). The average camera records at 30 Mbps.
What it is: The amount of video data recorded per second, which affects file size and potential recording quality.
When it matters: When you compare potential video quality and want fewer compression artifacts in demanding scenes.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: At least 200 Mbps
Olympus PEN E-P5 has a lower video bitrate than the average camera (20 Mbps vs 30 Mbps). The average camera records at 30 Mbps.20 Mbps vs 30 Mbps
0.1 MP lower sensor resolution
Olympus PEN E-P5 has a lower sensor resolution than the average camera (16.1 MP vs 16.2 MP). The average camera has a sensor resolution of 16.2 MP.
What it is: The effective resolution of the camera sensor, measured in megapixels (MP). A higher resolution can capture more detail.
When it matters: When you want high-resolution photos that allow more cropping or larger prints.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: At least 20 MP
Olympus PEN E-P5 has a lower sensor resolution than the average camera (16.1 MP vs 16.2 MP). The average camera has a sensor resolution of 16.2 MP.16.1 MP vs 16.2 MP
0.2 points lower DxOMark Portrait score
Olympus PEN E-P5 has a lower DxOMark portrait score than the average camera (22.8 points vs 23 points). The average camera scores 23 points.
What it is: The DxOMark portrait score, representing measured color depth performance of the sensor.
When it matters: When accurate color depth and smooth tonal transitions matter for portraits or subtle color work.
Importance: LOW
Olympus PEN E-P5 has a lower DxOMark portrait score than the average camera (22.8 points vs 23 points). The average camera scores 23 points.22.8 points vs 23 points

Expert reviews

dpreview.com

03/10/2013

Summary of the review

Olympus PEN E-P5 Review: DPReview

The DPReview evaluation of the Olympus PEN E-P5 praises the mirrorless camera for its stylish design, excellent JPEG output with rich colors, and a 5-axis stabilization system. Key advantages include a fast autofocus, a highly customizable twin-dial interface with a 2x2 switch, and a 1/8000s shutter speed. However, the review highlights significant downsides, including the lack of a built-in electronic viewfinder, underwhelming 1080p video quality with noticeable AF shimmering, and potential shutter shock issues, making it a challenging choice against the weather-sealed E-M5 at launch.

ephotozine.com

17/07/2013

Summary of the review

Olympus PEN E-P5 CSC Review

The ePHOTOzine review highlights the Olympus PEN E-P5 as a premium, retro-styled Micro Four Thirds flagship that delivers excellent image quality, low noise up to ISO 3200, and highly effective 5-axis image stabilization. It boasts significant performance upgrades, including a fast 9fps burst rate, 1/8000s shutter speed, built-in Wi-Fi, and a versatile 2x2 twin-dial control system. Key disadvantages include the lack of an integrated electronic viewfinder (EVF) and no weather-sealing. Additionally, the camera features a non-removable grip, a complex menu system, and a high, premium price point that faces stiff competition from APS-C alternatives.

amateurphotographer.com

14/08/2013

Summary of the review

Olympus Pen E-P5 review - Amateur Photographer

The Amateur Photographer review highlights the Olympus PEN E-P5 as a premium, retro-styled compact system camera featuring exceptional all-metal build quality. It shares the 16.1-megapixel sensor and TruePic VI processor from the OM-D E-M5, delivering superb image quality, fast autofocus, 9fps continuous shooting, and effective 5-axis image stabilization. YouTube · However, the E-P5 carries a high price point compared to competitors and lacks a built-in electronic viewfinder, requiring a separate accessory for eye-level shooting. Additional drawbacks include a complex menu system, small continuous shooting buffer, high battery consumption, and video recording capabilities that are limited to 30p. YouTube

mirrorlessons.com

31/07/2013

Summary of the review

Travelling Home with the Olympus Pen E-P5: A Full Review(techradar.com) | 05 June 2013 | Olympus Pen E-P5 review(ephotozine.com) | 10 May 2013 | Olymp...

The MirrorLessons review of the Olympus Pen E-P5 highlights it as a highly capable mirrorless camera that successfully packs many of the brand's flagship OM-D E-M5 features into a compact, retro-styled body. During a multi-day travel test, the reviewer praised several major pros, including its outstanding 5-axis internal image stabilisation that delivers sharp handheld photos at shutter speeds as slow as 1/3 to 1/5 of a second. Performance-wise, the camera shines with an extremely quick, near-silent shutter, a rapid autofocus system that rivals DSLRs in daylight, and a snappy continuous shooting drive that manages up to 15 rapid-fire shots before experiencing lag. Additionally, the camera’s 16-megapixel sensor offers excellent image quality, high ISO performance up to 6400 with minimal noise, a rich dynamic range, and a highly functional tilting touchscreen that is great for shooting at awkward angles. Newer premium features like the mechanical 1/8000s shutter speed, built-in Wi-Fi, an innovative 2x2 control dial toggle, and focus peaking for manual focus further bolster its utility. Despite these strengths, the review notes several design flaws and performance cons. A prominent drawback...

uk.pcmag.com

07/08/2013

Summary of the review

Olympus PEN E-P5 Review - PCMag UK

The Olympus PEN E-P5 is an outstanding mirrorless camera that offers incredible speed and top-tier features, though it falls slightly short of its sibling, the OM-D E-M5. In terms of pros, the camera boasts a highly compact and solid build, incredibly fast autofocus, and blazing burst shooting at 9.7 frames per second. It features an impressive 5-axis in-body image stabilization system, a bright 3-inch articulating touchscreen, and useful built-in Wi-Fi that pairs easily via a QR code. The camera shoots crisp 1080p video, features a fast 1/8,000-second shutter speed, and gains access to a massive native Micro Four Thirds lens library. When bought as a kit, it includes the award-winning 17mm f/1.8 lens and a stunning, sharp external electronic viewfinder (VF-4). Despite these high-end specs, the camera has notable cons that keep it from earning the top spot. A major drawback is that the excellent EVF is not built into the body, making the camera quite bulky when the viewfinder is attached. Additionally, the body lacks weather sealing, and the internal stabilization system makes an audible whirring sound while operating....

slrlounge.com

28/08/2013

Summary of the review

Olympus Pen E-P5 Review | Travel Photography - SLR Lounge

The reviewer Christopher Lin describes the SLR Lounge Review of the Olympus Pen E-P5 as a lightweight, versatile camera that is excellent for travel photography. During a trip to Colombia, the reviewer found that its retro look and small size kept him safe by not attracting thieves. The camera weighs only one pound, which made it very easy to carry on long hikes using a simple running belt instead of a heavy bag. Performance pros include a quick, accurate focus system and a bright touchscreen that lets you tap to snap a photo. The camera also delivers very accurate colors that require minimal editing in programs like Lightroom. However, the reviewer also highlights several specific cons during his field test. The E-P5 struggles in low-light situations compared to large DSLR cameras like the 5D Mark III. It also lacks built-in features for HDR photos and panorama stitching, requiring extra computer work later. Finally, the camera body does not have weather sealing, which caused some anxiety during sudden downpours. Despite these limits, the reviewer concludes it is a wonderful, on-the-go choice...

stevehuffphoto.com

23/10/2013

Summary of the review

A quick follow up…the Olympus Pen E-P5. What a beauty!

The Olympus Pen E-P5 stands out as a highly versatile and responsive mirrorless camera, ranked by the reviewer as the best PEN camera to date and the second-best Micro 4/3 option behind the E-M1. It is highly praised for its premium build quality, aesthetic appeal—particularly in its solid, silver finish—and rapid autofocus performance. A major benefit highlighted is the camera's compatibility with the VF-4 external electronic viewfinder, which offers an exceptionally large, clear view that makes manual focusing legacy lenses—such as Leica M-mount and Voigtlander primes—remarkably easy. Furthermore, the reviewer commends the camera's exceptional low-light capabilities, citing sharp RAW images with zero noise reduction at ISO 1600, alongside vibrant and pleasing out-of-camera JPEG color rendition. Despite its strong performance, the E-P5 does present several design and functional drawbacks. A notable ergonomics downside is that the camera body lacks the substantial built-in grip found on the E-M1 or E-M5, making it less comfortable to hold securely, particularly for photographers with larger hands. While the external VF-4 viewfinder provides superior performance, it introduces a bulky external hump that detracts from the camera's...

whatdigitalcamera.com

09/07/2013

Summary of the review

Olympus E-P5 Review - What Digital Camera

The Olympus PEN E-P5 is a premium, retro-styled compact system camera featuring a 16-megapixel sensor, top-tier OM-D performance, and an improved "2x2" twin-dial interface. Key advantages include a rapid 1/8000 sec mechanical shutter, 9fps burst shooting, and a sharp 3-inch tilting touchscreen. However, the review notes significant drawbacks, specifically the high price point and the lack of a built-in electronic viewfinder, requiring a bulky external attachment for eye-level shooting. While delivering excellent image quality, the Micro Four Thirds sensor faces resolution limitations compared to larger APS-C competitors, leading the reviewer to suggest better value alternatives.

dxomark.com

29/07/2013

Summary of the review

Olympus PEN E-P5 review: Is it mightier than the rest? - DXOMARK Are you looking for a specific technical specification or a comparison between the E-...

The DXOMARK review of the Olympus PEN E-P5 highlights that this flagship camera achieves an impressive overall sensor score of 72 points, cementing its status as one of the best performing Micro Four Thirds (MFT) models of its time. It provides a vast performance leap over its predecessor, the PEN E-P3, offering an additional 1.3 stops in colour depth and a massive 2.3 stops of wider dynamic range. The primary pros highlighted in the sensor evaluation include excellent color depth (22.8 bits), strong dynamic range (12.4 Evs), and premium hardware additions like focus peaking, a 1/8000 sec top shutter speed, 5-axis image stabilization, built-in Wi-Fi, and a high-resolution tilting LCD touchscreen. However, the review outlines several prominent cons, specifically focusing on the camera's low-light limitations. The compact MFT sensor struggles to match the low-light capabilities of contemporary, larger APS-C format sensors found in competing models like the Nikon D7100, Ricoh GR, or Nikon Coolpix A. Furthermore, DXOMARK points out a lack of sensor innovation, as the E-P5 recycles the exact same unit found in the cheaper PEN E-PL5 and OM-D...

cameralabs.com

25/07/2013

Summary of the review

Olympus PEN E-P5 review

The Olympus PEN E-P5 is a flagship mirrorless camera based on the Micro Four Thirds standard that inherits the impressive 16.1 Megapixel MOS sensor and highly effective 5-axis image stabilization from the OM-D E-M5. It is highly praised for its exceptional build quality, outstanding handling, and an updated 3-inch tilting touchscreen with 1.03 million dots. Serious photographers will appreciate the highly customizable "2x2 Dial Control" system for seamless setting adjustments, a blazing-fast top mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000 seconds, focus-peaking for manual focus assistance, and built-in Wi-Fi with a convenient QR-code setup. Performance is further bolstered by a swift 10fps continuous burst rate (9fps in RAW) and a quick, responsive autofocus system. Despite its strengths, the camera has notable limitations, such as a lack of weather-sealing and an insubstantial front grip that can feel somewhat insecure. Video functionality is also a mixed bag: while it delivers high-quality 1080p30 video with smooth touch-autofocus, the handy focus peaking feature is frustratingly disabled during video recording. Additionally, the built-in flash pops up far too easily by accident, and the innovative intervalometer feature is...

trustedreviews.com

19/07/2013

Summary of the review

Olympus Pen E-P5 Review

The Trusted Reviews evaluation of the Olympus PEN E-P5 praises the mirrorless camera for its premium retro design, high-quality build, and an intuitive, customizable dual-dial control system. It delivers excellent image quality with quick autofocus, bolstered by a 3-inch tilting touchscreen that facilitates shooting from various angles. However, the camera is criticized for lacking a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) and having a high price point compared to rivals, with an external VF-4 EVF recommended to unlock the best experience.

photothisandthat.co.uk

04/06/2013

Summary of the review

Olympus PEN E-P5 Preview

The Olympus PEN E-P5 is a highly responsive mirrorless camera that blends a vintage film-era design with robust performance updates. It features a 16-megapixel sensor, ultra-fast autofocus, and an impressive continuous shooting speed of 9 frames per second. The camera excels in low-light conditions, producing remarkably smooth JPEG images at ISO 3200, which significantly improves upon earlier PEN models. Key hardware strengths include a highly capable built-in 5-axis image stabilization system and the external, pin-sharp 2.36-megapixel VF-4 electronic viewfinder accessory. Despite its stellar performance, the camera has a few functional omissions. Its main design drawback is the lack of a built-in electronic viewfinder, requiring users to rely on an external hot-shoe attachment instead. Additionally, videographers may find it limited due to the absence of dedicated, integrated microphone and headphone ports, forcing them to use the SEMA-1 accessory for audio monitoring. Overall, the review notes these drawbacks do not overshadow the camera's superb ergonomics, accurate focus, and excellent image output.

digitalkamera.de

04/09/2013

Summary of the review

Review: Olympus Pen E-P5 - Digitalkamera.de

The digitalkamera.de review highlights the Olympus Pen E-P5 as a premium, retro-styled flagship utilizing OM-D E-M5 technology, featuring a 16-megapixel sensor that produces excellent image quality with crisp details. Key strengths include a highly effective 5-axis image stabilization system, rapid autofocus, a versatile 2x2 control dial system, and a top mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000s. YouTube · Conversely, the review notes the lack of a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), requiring an expensive, bulky external accessory (VF-4) for eye-level shooting. Additional drawbacks involve a complex, non-customizable menu system, restrictive video settings limited to 30p, and a basic Wi-Fi app, though the camera remains a powerful,, albeit dated, stills-focused option.

dkamera.de

14/07/2013

Summary of the review

Olympus PEN E-P5 Review - dkamera.de

The dkamera.de review of the Olympus PEN E-P5 praises the 16.1MP mirrorless camera for its excellent image quality, matching the OM-D E-M5, and its highly effective 5-axis image stabilization. Key advantages include a fast 9 fps burst rate, a 1/8000s shutter speed, and the versatile "2x2" dual-mode dial system for manual control. However, the review highlights significant drawbacks, including the lack of an built-in electronic viewfinder, limited 1080p 30fps video recording, and a, rear screen that only tilts, lacking selfie capability. Additionally, the camera is noted for being relatively heavy for its class, and in-camera JPEGs can sometimes exhibit compression artifacts.

chip.de

30/07/2013

Summary of the review

Olympus Pen E-P5 (Mirrorless up to 1,000 Euros) Review - CHIP

Overview and Key Features The Olympus PEN E-P5 is a premium mirrorless camera that blends a striking 1960s retro-inspired metal chassis with modern photography features. Built around a high-performing 16-megapixel sensor inherited from the acclaimed OM-D E-M5, the camera delivers outstanding image quality with low image noise up to ISO 3,200 and a wide dynamic range of 10 to 11 f-stops. Photographers benefit from an incredibly rapid contrast-detect autofocus system that locks onto subjects in under 0.2 seconds, a swift continuous shooting speed of 9.1 frames per second, and a highly effective 5-axis image stabilization system for steady handheld shooting. It also marks a series milestone by integrating a sharp, 1-million-dot tilting touchscreen alongside built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing seamless mobile pairing and remote operation via an on-screen QR code system. Pros and Cons Pros: Excellent image sharpness and detail retention up to ISO 3,200. Rapid autofocusing under 0.2 seconds in both bright and low-light conditions. High-resolution tilting touchscreen paired with functional dual control dials. Integrated Wi-Fi with an easy QR-code pairing assistant. Premium, aesthetically pleasing retro-style metal build quality. Cons:...

spiegel.de

01/08/2013

Summary of the review

Olympus Pen E-P5: Mirrorless Camera Review - DER SPIEGEL

The Olympus Pen E-P5 mirrorless system camera stands out for its beautiful, retro-style design inspired by 1970s analog models, boasting a high-quality metal chassis mixed with classic faux leather. On the positive side, it delivers impressive image quality via a 16.1-megapixel sensor that preserves sharp details and keeps image noise to a minimum even up to ISO 800. It features an abundance of customizable physical dials and buttons that allow rapid manual operation, alongside a high-resolution, flexible tilting display that proves highly useful for low-angle or overhead shots. Furthermore, it offers quick autofocus speeds, an integrated Wi-Fi module, a built-in flash, and an ultra-fast maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 seconds. However, the camera has notable downsides, starting with its chunky, heavy body which weighs a substantial 378 grams without a lens. It lacks an integrated electronic viewfinder, requiring users to rely entirely on the screen, which can be hard to read under direct sunlight. Additionally, the internal Wi-Fi implementation is limited because it compresses smartphone image transfers to low resolutions and lacks automated computer backups. Given its high launch price...

connect-living.de

07/11/2013

Summary of the review

Olympus Pen E-P5 review

The Olympus Pen E-P5 is a mirrorless system camera with a 15.9-megapixel Micro Four Thirds Live-MOS sensor, designed with a retro look inspired by the classic 50-year-old Pen F. Retailing at around €1,000 for the body alone, it stands out for its exceptional performance, lightning-fast contrast autofocus (0.18/0.19 seconds shutter lag), and a rapid continuous shooting speed of 9.1 frames per second. It delivers outstanding image resolution (1,728 LP/BH at ISO 200) that remains stable across the ISO range up to 6,400, matching the quality of the higher-tier OM-D E-M5. Notable highlights include a 5-axis sensor-based image stabilizer that automatically detects camera panning, built-in Wi-Fi pairing via QR codes for smartphone remote control, and a "Live-Bulb" mode for real-time monitoring of long exposures.

chip.de

12/07/2013

Summary of the review

Olympus PEN E-P5 Review

The Olympus PEN E-P5 is a highly capable mirrorless camera that blends a premium, screwless retro metal body with major upgrades borrowed from the flagship OM-D E-M5. Key pros include its 16-megapixel Live MOS sensor and robust 5-axis image stabilization, which combine to deliver sharp, high-quality images with excellent low-noise performance. Speed is a standout feature, as it boasts a remarkably fast shutter response and an impressive burst mode that shoots up to 9 frames per second. Users will also appreciate the clever new 2x2 control dial concept with a dedicated back switch, allowing them to quickly adjust aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance using just two top wheels. Additional advantages include a built-in Wi-Fi module that connects easily to smartphones via QR codes, a focus peaking tool for precise manual focusing, and a 3-inch tilting LCD screen that switches back to natural-looking colors instead of the overly saturated tones of older OLED versions. On the downside, the review highlights that the camera does not have a built-in viewfinder, meaning users must purchase the expensive and bulky VF-4 electronic...

lesnumeriques.com

03/07/2013

Summary of the review

Test Olympus Pen E-P5 - Les Numériques

The Olympus Pen E-P5 is a mirrorless camera that combines a retro, premium all-aluminum design with advanced performance features borrowed from the OM-D E-M5, including a 16.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor and a 5-axis image stabilization system. Designed to appeal to enthusiasts, it stands out for its exceptionally fast autofocus system, a fast maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000s for shooting in bright light, and strong continuous shooting speeds up to 9.6 fps. The camera delivers excellent raw file dynamic range, successful built-in creative art filters, and good noise control up to ISO 3200. Its physical controls feature a customizable dual-dial system and an explicit 1/2 mode toggle lever that expands the functional reach of the dials on the fly. Additionally, the unit includes an orientable 3:2 touchscreen LCD and convenient Wi-Fi connectivity for smartphone pairing via a password-free QR code scan. On the downside, the camera lacks an integrated viewfinder, requiring users to purchase the bulky and expensive external VF-4 accessory. The body lacks weather-sealing (tropicalization), the mechanical shutter operates loudly, and the pop-up flash mechanism is overly sensitive, frequently...

lesnumeriques.com

03/07/2013

Summary of the review

Olympus Pen E-P5 Review: Image Gallery - Les Numériques

The Olympus Pen E-P5 is a premium Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera evaluated by Les Numériques during its initial testing at the Arles photography festival. Borrowing heavily from the flagship OM-D E-M5, the camera packs a 16-megapixel sensor and a high-performance image processing engine into a beautifully constructed, vintage-inspired metal body. It emphasizes speed and versatility, delivering highly attractive out-of-camera JPEGs with rich, vibrant colors and introducing focus peaking alongside a fast 1/8000 second mechanical shutter speed. YouTube · Pros & Cons Pros: Key strengths include an exceptionally elegant, retro-style metallic build quality and a highly efficient 5-axis image stabilization system that excels at handheld shooting. It offers snappy autofocus, intuitive manual control with a customizable "2x2" dual-dial interface, and a useful tilting touchscreen display. Furthermore, users can download the full-resolution RAW files to extract maximum dynamic range and detail. YouTube · Cons: On the downside, the camera lacks a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), meaning users must purchase a bulky external accessory to get one. Video capabilities are somewhat restricted with a maximum frame rate of only 30 fps, and...

forum.lesnumeriques.com

03/09/2013

Summary of the review

Full review of the Olympus Pen E-P5

The forum discussion on Les Numériques highlights the grand summer review of the Olympus Pen E-P5, a compact mirrorless camera featuring interchangeable lenses. User feedback praises the camera's high-end tech capabilities, including its powerful mechanical image stabilization system, and notes that the photo galleries in the review accurately reflect the camera's true creative potential. However, community members point out minor flaws in the review's publication, such as an oversight in the autofocus section where the author mixed up the E-M5 and E-P5 models, alongside a missing formal conclusion. Synthesizing broader expert testing of the Olympus Pen E-P5 reveals a distinct set of performance advantages and limitations. The primary pros include its gorgeous premium metal styling, a rapid 9 frames-per-second continuous shooting mode, a flexible tilting touchscreen, and highly effective 5-axis in-body image stabilization. It also boasts a fast 1/8000 second shutter speed and built-in Wi-Fi. On the downside, the cons focus heavily on the lack of a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), requiring a bulky external hot-shoe accessory instead. Additional drawbacks include relatively limited video frame-rate choices (locked at 30p), an...

01net.com

07/10/2013

Summary of the review

Olympus Pen E-P5 Review: Fast and Powerful, but Too Expensive

The Olympus Pen E-P5 is a premium Micro 4/3 mirrorless camera that blends a retro 1959-inspired design with advanced electronics inherited from its older sibling, the OM-D E-M5. It delivers exceptional performance highlighted by a competitive, blazingly fast autofocus system that matches or surpasses consumer DSLRs, offering a startup time under one second and a 9 frames-per-second burst rate. Image quality is another major strength, as its 16.1-megapixel CMOS sensor yields excellent ISO performance up to 1600 and generates beautiful, natural-looking JPEGs straight out of the camera. Additionally, it improves upon previous iterations by introducing a 1/8000s shutter speed, a high-resolution 1.037-million-dot tilting touchscreen, a built-in flash, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

lense.fr

13/05/2013

Summary of the review

Olympus E-P5: Vintage, Sophisticated

The Lense review outlines the Olympus PEN E-P5 as a highly anticipated, premium, vintage-styled mirrorless camera that serves as a more compact, "lifestyle" alternative to the acclaimed OM-D series. It is heavily praised for its advanced internals, inherited directly from the OM-D, which includes an excellent 16-megapixel sensor that significantly boosts Micro 4/3 image quality. Key technical highlights and "pros" noted in the review include a sophisticated 5-axis image stabilization system, a fast continuous burst rate of 9 frames per second, a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000th of a second, a low ISO setting descending to 100, and integrated Wi-Fi connectivity. Despite its strong performance, the review points out several notable "cons" and limitations. Architecturally, the camera lacks an integrated electronic viewfinder (EVF), requiring users to purchase a 2.36MP accessory option separately if they want an eye-level finder. Additionally, unlike the OM-D, the E-P5's body is not weather-sealed (tropicalised). From a functional standpoint, the reviewer critiques the basic and limited video features relative to 2013 industry standards, as well as an underdeveloped and restrictive touchscreen interface. Priced at a...

xataka.com

31/08/2013

Summary of the review

Olympus PEN E-P5: In-Depth Review

The Olympus PEN E-P5 is a highly capable mirrorless camera that blends a striking, attention-grabbing retro design with advanced modern functionalities. A comprehensive analysis by Xataka Foto highlights its excellent array of physical controls, including a customizable twin-dial setup and a 2x2 lever interface that allows users to quickly change core exposure parameters. Performance-wise, the camera excels with its highly efficient 5-axis image stabilization system, a highly responsive tilting touchscreen, integrated Wi-Fi connectivity for seamless smartphone pairing, and a built-in Focus Peaking system that significantly simplifies manual focusing. YouTube · On the downside, the evaluation notes that while the camera offers 25 creative scene modes and numerous built-in art filters, these processing effects might be less appealing to demanding photographers who prefer advanced external editing software. Additionally, external industry consensus from platforms like DPReview reveals technical drawbacks, including a small continuous shooting buffer, a somewhat cluttered menu system that feels due for a refresh, and a slight loss in extreme highlight detail when using the software-extended ISO 100 setting. The camera also lacks built-in weather sealing and a native electronic...

xatakafoto.com

29/08/2013

Summary of the review

Olympus PEN E-P5 Review

The Olympus PEN E-P5 is a premium, retro-styled mirrorless camera inspired by the 1963 PEN F, featuring exceptional build quality with hidden screws and a 16.1-megapixel sensor similar to the OM-D E-M5. It boasts excellent 5-axis image stabilization for sharp, handheld shooting, alongside a very fast contrast-detection autofocus system. Key technical advantages include a mechanical shutter speed of up to 1/8000s, a highly effective "2x2" dial system for quick setting adjustments, and well-implemented Wi-Fi connectivity with easy QR-code setup for smartphone control. While performance is stellar, potential cons include the absence of a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), requiring an external accessory, and its high-end price point, which positions it against more versatile competitors. Additionally, while the image quality is superb, it inherits the same 16-megapixel resolution as its predecessor rather than offering a significant sensor upgrade, although overall performance is bolstered by its advanced autofocus and robust feature set.

xatakafoto.com

29/05/2013

Summary of the review

Olympus E-P5: First impressions

The Olympus E-P5 is a premium mirrorless camera that stands out for its spectacular, classic retro design inspired by the PEN-F, featuring a heavy and high-quality build that offers a strong sense of craftsmanship. It delivers exceptional performance when paired with a good lens, offering very fast autofocus speeds and highly accurate focus point selection via its touchscreen interface. Key technical highlights include an advanced 5-axis image stabilizer that permits shooting at low speeds without a tripod, a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000s to freeze rapid motion, and a unique "Live Bulb" mode that displays the exposure progress in real time to prevent overexposure. For video shooters, the camera performs well and includes Focus Peaking to aid manual focus precision with both digital and analog lenses, alongside a highly customizable button layout and an intuitive dual-dial control system for quick settings adjustment. Despite its strong performance, the reviewer noted a few specific drawbacks, including an initial discomfort when holding the device and a slight learning curve associated with navigating the layout and menus. While its maximum ISO reaches 25,600, pushing...

es.gizmodo.com

10/05/2013

Summary of the review

Olympus Pen E-P5: nostalgia and modernity in a single camera

The Olympus Pen E-P5 is a premium mirrorless compact camera that blends retro aesthetic inspiration from the 1960s Pen F with powerful modern internals borrowed from the acclaimed OM-D EM5. On the positive side, it stands out for its high-performance 16-megapixel Live MOS sensor, an impressive top mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000 seconds, and a highly precise 5-axis image stabilisation system. It is also celebrated as the first mirrorless compact camera from Olympus to feature integrated Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing for seamless image sharing, alongside an accurate autofocus mechanism and an articulating rear LCD screen. However, the review highlights notable drawbacks, particularly regarding its steep financial entry point. Launching at a price tag of 1,000 euros/dollars, it is considered quite expensive relative to competing mirrorless choices occupying the market. Despite this premium pricing, the sleek body design lacks a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), meaning users seeking eye-level framing must compromise the camera's compact proportions by purchasing and mounting an external accessory viewfinder.

tomshw.it

29/12/2013

Summary of the review

The Olympus PEN E-P5 is the top mirrorless camera in the PEN family

The Olympus PEN E-P5 is a top-of-the-line consumer mirrorless camera that borrows high-end hardware from the brand's flagship OM-D E-M5. Built on the Micro Four Thirds system, it features a fast autofocus mechanism, an interactive LCD touchscreen, and a 25,600 maximum ISO range. It delivers premium tier performance and image quality that can challenge high-end DSLR cameras. Key Pros and Cons Pro: 5-axis image stabilization prevents hand-shake blur. Pro: Fast 9 fps burst mode captures continuous rapid action. Pro: High 25,600 maximum ISO ensures excellent low-light range. Con: Lacks weather-sealing (weatherproofing) unlike rival models. Con: High market launch price (~900 Euro) pushes it close to premium alternatives.

tomshw.it

29/12/2013

Summary of the review

Olympus PEN E-P5: In the Field

The Olympus PEN E-P5 is a premium mirrorless camera featuring a robust build, 5-axis in-body stabilization, and a fast 1/8000s shutter speed, designed with a retro aesthetic and a highly intuitive 2x2 twin-dial control system. While offering excellent image quality, the camera faces criticism for lacking an integrated viewfinder (EVF), lacking weather-sealing, and having below-average battery life. Video capabilities are noted as limited, restricted to a 30p maximum frame rate and lacking a dedicated microphone input.

micro43italia.it

23/06/2021

Summary of the review

Style to spare (Includes retrospective review of the E-P5)

The Olympus PEN E-P7 is reviewed as a highly stylish, rangefinder-inspired Micro Four Thirds camera designed specifically for everyday street photography and travel enthusiast who mimic smartphone-like usability. At its core, the reviewer highlights that the camera is essentially an OM-D E-M10 Mark IV repackaged into a pocket-friendly body that ditches the viewfinder for ultimate compactness. Notable pros include its elegant retro aesthetics, precise elements like individual aluminum dials, and a convenient one-handed grip arrangement making it highly stealthy for public shooting. Performance-wise, it stands out with a robust 20-megapixel sensor, snappy 121-point contrast AF with face/eye recognition, powerful 5-axis image stabilisation (up to 4.5 stops), and useful USB charging. It also introduces a unique, dedicated front-facing Color/Monochrome Profile Control toggle that lets street shooters instantly switch creative looks while seamlessly capturing automated RAW + JPEG files without overflowing memory. Conversely, the review notes several clear drawbacks that make the camera unsuitable for certain photographers. The most significant con is the complete absence of an electronic viewfinder (EVF), which cannot even be attached as an external accessory, heavily limiting visibility...

saggiamente.com

22/12/2013

Summary of the review

Olympus PEN E-P5 Review: Professional Quality Behind Every Single Screw

The Saggiamente review highlights the Olympus PEN E-P5 as a premium, solidly built mirrorless camera featuring a 16MP sensor capable of clean imaging up to 25,600 ISO, along with an effective 5-axis stabilization system. It is praised for its compact design, rapid shutter speed, and high-quality Micro Four Thirds lens selection. Key disadvantages noted include the lack of an integrated viewfinder, requiring the bulky external VF-4 accessory for eye-level shooting. Additionally, the camera's JPEG engine can occasionally apply overly aggressive processing, producing minor artifacts in certain lighting conditions.

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