Olympus E-5 12.3 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body, CF/SD Dual Slot, 3 Inch Swivel LCD

2012-11-07T19:00:00

This is indeed a great camera, but much more than I really needed. I just wanted a second Olympus DSLR body as a backup to my E-520. But Olympus no longer makes any other DSLR so I bit the bullet and got this. (The originally much cheaper E-620 is still available online, but for a whole lot more money than the E-5. I can't imagine who would buy that when he can get the E-5 for a lot less!) Oh well, it sure does take great pics and has some really neat features that I'm still learning. However, though I gave it 5 stars, I do have some gripes: 1. First is the neck strap. It's a piece of trash. The plastic adjustment slider broke by the third time I used the camera - simply from letting the camera hang down after one use. That, of course, can cause the strap to slide out and the camera to bite the dust. Given the high price just for the camera body, you would think Olympus could at least spring for a couple of stainless steel sliders. I just don't get it. If you buy this camera, buy a decent strap. 2. The owner's manual is only marginally useful and simply fails to cover some subjects adequately. An excellent guide book (available from a major online retailer) for the E-5 is far better and I highly recommend it. It is written by a leading camera guide author. 3. This camera has a dedicated remote cable connector socket. My E-520 provides this function through the USB connection, so that meant I had to buy another remote cable since the one I bought for the E-520 won't work with this camera. Also, the USB cable from the E-520 will not work with the USB connection in the E-5 (this is actually a fault with the E-520, since a standard USB cable cannot be used with it, but can with the E-5). Irrespective of that, Olympus has not demonstrated any uniformity in some aspects of their DSLR line, which I find disturbing. 4. The external flash and remote cable sockets have small screw-on/off plastic caps, that are sure to get lost at some point. A small compartment with a flip-out cover for both would have been far better. 5. It seems all Olympus DSLR cameras imbed the caption "Olympus Digital Camera" into the exif data. That means if I don't manually remove it from the metadata in each and every image after downloading, it will show up on pictures posted on various online photo sharing websites. This is annoying since it cannot be changed in the camera. When you ask Olympus support about it, they get very touchy in replying. The bottom line is that they want you to give them free advertising. My wife's camera which is not an Olympus does not do that. Well, enough of the griping. This camera does take fantastic pictures, and I don't even have Oly's high or super high grade lenses yet - just several standard grade lenses (except the 50 mm, f2 macro, which I have not yet used with this camera). It is ergonomically super and the swivel LCD is a real benefit over the fixed one on the E-520. I no longer have to lie down in the dirt to get the shot I want. The eyepiece shutter is such a simple but functional feature when taking a remote picture using the self timer - you don't have to place a hood over the camera in order to keep out stray light. Of course, I always forget to close that thing, but have not had any problems with exposures getting messed up as a result. The front and rear dials make navigating the menu or the direct button settings a real breeze. The dual record media option (SD or CF) is a great feature which I got used to on the E-520 as well. As to the video recording capability, I can do without it. My stand-alone HD camcorder does it better. So I think I'll keep it!

Hermann

2012-05-07T21:00:00

I've been using an Olympus E-1 since early 2004. I use the ZD 14-54mm, 50-200mm, 50mm macro and Panasonic/Leica 25mm Four-Thirds lenses. I've mainly been shooting sports/action and wildlife photos. I bought an E-5 in November 2011 and I'm becoming accustomed to it. The E-5 would have been an amazing camera body for 2007. The image quality is good light is amazing. I was skeptical when reviews put it up against the high end Nikon and Canon bodies, but I can see why. In studio lighting, the images are so good. However, I photograph sports, many of them indoors or in poor weather conditions outdoors. I had to resort to using flash with the E-1 and the E-5 is no better, despite 7 years in-between them. The body settings need to be changed and the noise filter and noise reduction need to be reset to have sharp photos under poor lighting. I've found that ISO 1600 seems equivalent to ISO 2500 on a Nikon D300. The D300 isn't far ahead, but settings are important on both to achieve sharp photos. Under mediocre lighting, there is an odd "grain" or luminance noise. It's not totally unpleasant, but it's not exactly film-like, either. What makes the E-5 (or the E-1) important to me is that I have no problem shooting in the rain. In fact, I was shooting in 3 different hurricanes and only needed to towel dry the E-1 and lenses after each use. I have tested the auto focus and it works reasonably well but it's not a function I use normally. Again, settings will determine your success. The articulating LCD works well in Live View mode and you can capture photos at low angles much more easily. If one thing bothers me more than poor low light capabilities, which I expected, it would be the ergonomics. Using the E-1, things fall to hand quickly, even at 1 or 2 months. After 5 months with the E-5, I still have to look. I had hoped for more in 2011, but isn't terribly disappointing, even though it's a bit behind other brands in low light photography. The size and the multiplication factor of the format allow excellent, lighter weight lenses than the equivalent 135 format would provide and handheld shots are quite easy.

bousozoku

2012-02-26T19:00:00

The bulk of my photos are of flowers, animals/birds, and landscapes and this dslr fits the bill completely. Image quality is outstanding, even at higher ISO settings and Image stabilization is very helpful as I am not as steady as I used to be. Most members of my local camera club own Canon or Nikon and are amazed at the image quality of the E-5. The lenses I presently use are the 14-54 II and the 50-200 SWD with a 1.4 teleconverter behind it. I sometimes miss the mode dial that was on my previous E-500 and E-3 cameras but don't consider this a major issue.

WALLY S.

2012-01-29T19:00:00

This camera has worked well for me in most instances. I think adjustments on my part will improve images taken in low light conditions. Olympus images are extraordinarily clear and sharp. I have been using this system for many years and plan to stick with Olympus.

Stephanie H.

2011-11-06T19:00:00

I upgraded from the E-30. It is top of the Olympus DSLR line without the top of the line price of the competitors. I can hardly think of situations where the full sensor and the higher mps would be worth the difference of price. I think the E-5 gets a little lost in the crowd. Built in image stabilization and waterproofing are big pluses.

jefflg54

2011-10-30T21:00:00

Anytime and everytime. Pair this up with the 12-60mm and the 50-200mm and its a Go! Weather Sealed and all.

Nature S.

2011-10-09T21:00:00

I chose Olympus because of it's image quality and build quality. I have used several Olympus dslr's over the years, including the E3. Compared to the E3, the E5 has decent high-iso performance (provided there is some light), fast and more accurate auto focus in low-light, a richer feel to the images, and higher resolution. I have seen comments about noise when shooting low-light and high iso. This might be an issue for some. For me, if I'm shooting by moon or candle light and expecting no noise and great shadow detail, then I'm playing, not working. This camera focuses very well in dim conditions, so all you need is to know how to add a little light, or work with what's available. I photograph in rain and snow more often than I do the dark, so if this camera's weather sealing is anywhere near the E3 or E1's, then the E5 is a bargain at $1000's less than comparably sealed camera's from other makers.

M

2011-09-17T21:00:00

I shoot everything, Portraits, Landscape, Wildlife, Fast shutter speed with the right lenses. Not great in low light conditions.

KEVIN L.

2011-09-07T21:00:00

I use this camera for everything... from the viewfinder to the screen, from the handiling to the weather resistant... I love everything in this camera... if you are into 4/3 cameras and you have high or Super High Grede lenses... this is the camera to go... do not look any further... you just find it.

OLIVER S.

2011-09-03T21:00:00

This camera has many things going for it. Olympus pro optics provide superior resolution, The built in image stabilization is excellent and helps substantially in low light. This is important since high ISO settings can be noisy and require post capture processing to minimize grain. The tilt/swivel LCD allows great flexibility when taking low angle or high angle shots. The 2X lens factor gives great telephoto range with lighter optics, which is perfect for wildlife photography. At the other end of the range olympus has an incredible 7-14 mm wide angle, a beautiful lens. The real workhorse lens is a 12-60 mm. The body is rugged, withstanding hits in harsh environments from dirt, rain, and shock.

Doc

2011-09-03T21:00:00

Viewfinder is amazing. You don't get the "tunnel" vision at all! Color our of camera is almost perfect. Olympus tends to underexpose the picture a little. If you are taking portrait outdoor give it a+0.7 exposure and that should be good.

Nature S.

2011-09-03T21:00:00

I use Olympus E-5 as every pro photographer use their equipment: for anything and more!

Old D.

2011-07-13T21:00:00

Ichose the Olympus E5 because I wanted to move up from the E410. I also wanted the option of video that the other olympus models did not have. It requires studying the manual and having it handy and I still have not yet perfected all the options that the camera offers. For me, the only drawback is that if you are on an excursion or carry it for any length of time, it can be heavy and cumbersome. However, the picture quality, IS, and quick focus make it all worthwhile. I started several years ago with Olympus and have continued purchasing this brand because I love the clarity of the Zuiko lenses and the super quality of the camera. Hope this helps. Yes, it is worth the price.

PATRICIA K.

2011-03-16T21:00:00

The camera was OK. It is somewnat better than E-3.[...]

peakflow

2011-03-15T21:00:00

Upgrading from E-30 the E-5 feels like a rock, once you get it in your hands, is hard to let it go :P It is heavier, but not that much. Image quality, noise control, sharpness, LCD, viewfinder, all of them are much better. The deletion of the control wheel is different, but as I don't change mode too often, it was not a dig deal. Feel a fusion of the E-30 with the E-3 with some others upgrades.

OLIVER S.

2011-03-08T19:00:00

The most impressive aspects of the E-5,for my use,are the image quality and fast focusing capability. This is my 3rd Olympus dslr and I am completely satisfied with the quality and performance of the E-5. I am still learning to use the many adjustment features of this camera and continue to be amazed with its performance.

WALLY S.

2011-03-05T19:00:00

Let me get straight: I did not invent digital photography and this is not my choice! All digital camera are very fresh (I mean not done to create for my generation). All digital photographers by choice belong to a new generation who will sharp their teeth on a field only when they realise what is missing. But when it comes to do job for customers who demand digital culture in projects execution without breaking your banking account, this is the best camera for the job.

Old D.

2011-02-21T19:00:00

I use this as my main camera for all my work - indoor studio shots as well as outdoor sessions. I was debating whether or not to stick with Olympus - the other big names get all the press. But I love the fabulous quality I get from Olympus and am delighted with the E5's output! I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in great quality photos from a tried and tested camera.

Stephanie H.

2011-01-15T19:00:00

I debated a long time about whether to spend the money to buy an E-5 -- and am extremely pleased with it. Also own Olympus E-510 and E-300. The E-5 blows them away. Image quality is superb. Beautifully captures bright blue sky AND foreground subjects. White balance is excellent. So is ability to shoot in low light (Holiday-lights photos came out gorgeous, no noise). Autofocus is fast and excellent. I shoot special events (festivals, etc), speakers, concerts, dance performances, as well as family photos, soccer games, etc. This camera is amazing! It also shoots video, which I don't care about and haven't really used. For any Oly shooters who are thinking about moving up to this camera, I highly recommend it.

DALE P.

2011-01-11T19:00:00

I`m using Olympus since 2007. For People and Beauty-Shooting. It`s best in compare even Nikon D3s or EOS 5D II. The Resolution of the Pictures are amazing.

roland P.

2010-11-23T19:00:00

Finally a 4/3 rds to be pro status. No AA filter blurring is a Major leap forward in DSLR image processing. Now the great Olympus lenses can be used to their fullest capability. I wonder how the Panasonic GH1 sensor would work with this type of processing. Shame on Panasonic for not selling this Image sensor to Olympus

kaptnk

2010-11-17T19:00:00

The E5 is a very nice upgrade from the E3. A good two stops better handling noise. Faster AF, better in low light, brighter and bigger LCD screen, faster start up time and seems to have better dynamic range exposing highlights much better than previous 4/3rd cameras. Images are certainly cleaner and shaper with more detail. ISO 1600 is very usable and 3200 works well if you are just wanting to print 4x6's. No more pre flash is also nice. You really can't expect much more. Olympus really listened to the complaints of previous cameras and improved all the way around. Kudos Olympus.

Oly g.