Olympus OM-D E-M5 Summary

16 Megapixels16 MegapixelsElectronic View FinderElectronic View FinderHigh ISO: ISO 6400 or more is available at full-resolution.High ISO: ISO 6400 or more is available at full-resolution.Stabilization: Compensates for tiny involuntary movements of the camera.Stabilization: Compensates for tiny involuntary movements of the camera.Level: Measures camera tilt and helps to keep the horizon level.Level: Measures camera tilt and helps to keep the horizon level.Continuous DriveContinuous DriveFull 1080p HD Video: 1920 x 1080 resolution or more but less than 4K.Full 1080p HD Video: 1920 x 1080 resolution or more but less than 4K.Manual Controls: Both fully-manual (M) and semi-automatic modes (T and V).Manual Controls: Both fully-manual (M) and semi-automatic modes (T and V).Custom White-Balance: Specifies exactly what should be white to the camera.Custom White-Balance: Specifies exactly what should be white to the camera.Action Photography: Shutter speeds of 1/1500 or more.Action Photography: Shutter speeds of 1/1500 or more.Night Photography: Reaches shutter-speeds longer than 4 seconds.Night Photography: Reaches shutter-speeds longer than 4 seconds.Hotshoe: Allows external flash units to be attached.Hotshoe: Allows external flash units to be attached.Spot MeteringSpot MeteringDepth-Of-Field Preview: Improve perception of DOF before shooting.Depth-Of-Field Preview: Improve perception of DOF before shooting.Weatherproof - Seals protect from dust, humidity and light splashing.Weatherproof - Seals protect from dust, humidity and light splashing.Accepts Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC), SDHC and SD memory.Accepts Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC), SDHC and SD memory.Neocamera detailed reviewNeocamera detailed reviewDiscontinued: No longer produced by the manufacturer. May still be in stock or found used.Discontinued: No longer produced by the manufacturer. May still be in stock or found used.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Assessment

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 is the flagship mirrorless camera from Olympus. It is an advanced model that delivers a professional feature set in a relatively compact weather-sealed body. This includes a 16 megapixels sensor capable of ISO 200 - 25600, 9 FPS continuous shooting and 1080p HD video capture along with dual control-dials, a built-in EVF with Eye-Start sensor and amazing 5-axis image-stabilization built-in.

The high-resolution sensor of the E-M5 delivers quality that rivals DSLRs. It shows very low image noise until ISO 1600 and remains usable up to ISO 12800 for mid-size prints and 25600 for small ones. The exposure system is really good and automatic white-balance is great. Color accuracy is not perfect but not entire off either.

Although there are some quirks to the E-M5, it is the most advanced mirrorless camera available with only much larger competitors. Its speedy performance finally makes the Olympus E-M5 usable for action photography thanks to a 9 FPS drive and sharp 1.4 megapixels EVF which can keep up.

In the end, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 substantially narrows the gap between mirrorless and DSLR cameras while keep a compact size and rich feature set. Combined with a high-quality Zuiko lens, this digital camera is capable of producing superb images.

Neocamera detailed reviewNeocamera detailed review Read the Olympus OM-D E-M5 review.

PROS CONS
Excellent image quality Poor color accuracy
Very good metering Low-contrast EVF
Reliable Automatic White-Balance Not always Exposure-Priority and frequently wrong Live-Histogram
Superb built-in stabilization Modal Exposure-Compensation
Virtually no shutter-lag Some tiny buttons
Fast contrast-detect AF Uncomfortable eyelets
Good shot-to-shot speed Poorly placed tripod mount
Very responsive Low battery life
Excellent automatic Manual Focus Assist Rear control-dial uncomfortably high
Unique Live-Bulb mode
Highly customizable interface
Instant video recording
Excellent build quality
ExcellentExcellent Excellent

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Related Information

Previous Models
Olympus PEN E-P3
Olympus PEN E-P3
- 12 MP, 3 FPS, Optional EVF, No weather-sealed, Built-in Flash
Olympus OM-D E-M5
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By Neocamera on 2012-11-07

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Olympus E-M5 Highlights

Olympus OM-D E-M5
Mirrorless digital camera

Sensor-Size: 17 x 13mm

Four-Thirds Sensor

Actual size when viewed at 100 DPI

16 Megapixels MirrorlessISO 200-25600
Micro Four-Thirds Mount
2X FLM
Shutter 1/4000-60s
5-Axis Built-in Stabilization, 4-Stop ImprovementFull manual controls, including Manual Focus
0.45" Built-in EVF 1.4 Megapixels (0.58X)Custom white-balance with 2 axis fine-tuning
Automatic Eye-Start sensorSpot-Metering
2 Axis Digital LevelHot-Shoe
WeatherproofStereo audio input
Built-in Dust ReductionLithium-Ion Battery
9 FPS Drive, 17 ImagesSecure Digital Extended Capacity
1920x1080 @ 30 FPS Video Recording
3" LCD 610K Pixels
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