Many of the reviews of this camera are from the point of view of people who have gone from big hulking D-SLRs to the relatively compact mirrorless M3 cameras.
I thought I would write a review from the point of view of someone who has upgraded from a very good and convenient P&S (Olympus XZ-1) to an E-PL5. I really like the XZ-1; it takes nice sharp pictures in good light, has convenient 28-105mm focal length, has a great macro facilty, nice bright 3" screen and a capacity to shoot in RAW. But despite the f1.8 lens, it produced poor quality results in low light. In fact, my previous Canon IXUS P&S produced better results on Auto mode for indoor shots compared to the XZ-1.
So I wondered about upgrading to a higher quality compact P&S.
I started reading about the Sony RX100 cameras with much larger sensors, but these were very expensive. I held off but then I read a blog from an E-PL5 owner. I discovered the wealth of internet information on mirror less cameras. Then I realised that Amazon were selling the E-PL5 with kit 14-42mm lens (with a free 17mm f2.8 lens) for less than £350. This was less than the cost of the mk1 RX100. I was hooked.
I have used the camera for about 3 months now. Has the upgrade been worth it? Should I have bought a Sony RX100 Mk1 for the same money? The short answers are yes and no. The long winded answer is below.
1. Image quality.
Yes there is no doubt you can get better image quality from this camera than the XZ-1. For snapshots taken with Auto settings in good light, you won't be able to see much difference between the E-PL5 and a good P&S on the computer screen. But there are two key areas that mark out the E-PL5 from a P&S. The first is low light quality. The bigger 16MP sensor (same as OMD-EM5, EP-5 cameras) is more sensitive and allows photos in low light that would not be possible with the XZ-1. The ISO can be pushed up to 3200 and still produces usable images with a bit of post-processing. In practice, I have noticed that focussing is easier with the E-PL5 in low light, and the resulting pictures are sharper and less grainy when compared to XZ-1 pictures taken at the same ISO setting.
The second is that the extra detail and sharpness allows more flexibility in cropping; I found that for shots of flowers, I could crop quite severely and still get great results. The availability of fast prime lenses, allows even better quality results, although this does come at a cost.
I can't say that the kit zoom (14-42mm) supplied with the E-PL5 provides pictures any better than the XZ-1 lens. In fact, you have to unlock it before use, so not very good for "grab" shots. I also got the Olympus 17mm f2.8 pancake lens free as part of a promotion. It gets a bad press, but I have no complaints given the price. Frankly I can't see much improvement over the kit zoom lens at the same focal length. Where I did see a difference was when I bought 45mm f1.8 lens (Yes £220 spent to "save" money. Although it is difficult to gauge sharpness by just staring at a computer screen, there was no doubt that the pictures with the 45mm had more "snap" to them (colour and contrast). The f1.8 aperture allows some beautiful out of focus effects.
Metering appeared to be more accurate in tricky lighting situations than the XZ-1. This was particularly noticeable in landscape shots with lots of sky.
2. Size and Weight.
The advertisements for this camera, predominantly featuring young women, suggest that it is a lightweight and portable camera. This is true when compared to a big D-SLR, but this is still not a pocketable camera (unless you have massive pockets). It is heavier and feels more solid in the hand compared to the XZ-1. The latter weights 284g, while the E-PL5 weighs 464g with the kit zoom, and still weighs 424g in it's "lightweight" guise with the 17mm f2.8 pancake.
What this means in practice, is that at the minimum a "man bag" or heaven forbid, a "camera bag" is needed to carry it (I don't like having cameras hanging round my neck). There are lots of cool dudes on the internet who suggest that you can slap on a panasonic pancake 20mm f1.7 lens onto the compact body, and get the digital equivalent of a classic rangefinder camera. But if you were going down the pub, the Sony RX100 would be smaller and have a zoom lens to boot. There are now pancake zooms for the E-PL5 (panasonic 12-32mm, Panasonic 14-42mm or Olympus 14-45mm) but even so you would still be better served by a decent P&S if portability was your main priority.
The Olympus or Panasonic pro zooms (fixed aperture f2.8), while undoubtedly higher quality, look a bit odd on the small E-PL5 body. Given the size and weight of something like the Olympus 12-40mm f2.8 lens, one can't help wondering if Sony have got it right by incorporating camera electronics directly into the lens?
3. Pros- Where does it score over the XZ-1
Autofocus is fast, much faster than the XZ-1 in good or bad light.
Interchangeable lenses- both a pro and a con (see below). Allows flexibility and high image quality for particular situations.
In body image stabilisation (IBIS). I don't have a telephoto lens, so I have not really been able to measure how effective this is.
Touchscreen focussing and shutter release- very useful for selective focussing and for "candids". Or handing the camera to a novice- "just touch the face on the screen"
Selectable focus areas, with the ability to select tiny AF squares for very precise focussing. You can also move the focus point around. Very useful for shots where the main subject is not central.
More advanced options for face and eye detection (both eyes, left eye, right eye etc).
Live view- allows adjustments to be made via the LCD screen in realtime. e.g. background blur can be adjusted using an on-screen slider. In practice I prefer not to rely on the touchscreen and use the old fashioned methods of adjusting shutter speed and aperture.
Jpegs can edited to a limited extent in camera, handy if you are not near a computer/laptop/tablet.
More art modes and special effects than the XZ-1, if you like that sort of thing. One of the art filters (Keyline art mode) allows for a faux focus peaking. Unlike the XZ-1 you can set the front ring of the camera lens to focus in either a fully manual mode or a combination mode (use AF, then fine tune with manual focus).
You can use Wi-Fi via flash air card (extra cost) which is handy for transfer to iDevices, but this is at the cost of battery life. You can't control the camera via Wi-fi unlike the more recent EM-10.
A plethora of options to customise the camera, although it is a bit like using Microsoft Word, how much tinkering do you want to do when you just want to write (or take pictures).
4. Cons.
Handling takes a bit of getting used to, coming from a P&S. The camera feels denser and heavier in the hand. I can see that a large heavy lens will force you to use your left hand to take up the weight. Some people on the forums see this as an advantage when using a slim body like the E-PL5.
This camera is a part of a system, so will cost you more money than you think. The initial £350 cost, is really a hook into a more expensive world. For example some of the prime lenses that have highly rated on the forums are expensive- £350 for a 17mm f1.8 lens. The 45mm f1.8 lens was a relative bargain at £220, but the highly rated 12-40mm f2.8 zoom will be close to £800. But even buying second hand is not so easy. Used prime lenses for micro four thirds cameras go very quickly on Ebay, and at prices fairly close to the new price.
Interchangeable lenses allow better image quality, but they can be a disadvantage. Even with a bit more experience now, changing lenses on the hoof is a faff. I have recently visited two local flower/garden shows, which were crowded but quite gentile events. Even so, digging lenses out of the man-bag, messing around with lens caps etc, without the aid of a nice clean flat surface, was a right pain. For events with more unruly spectators or if you were on a tour party, it would be very difficult to change a lens. I can now see the logic of folks who argue that you are better off buying a decent f2.8 pro zoom than a series of f1.8 primes. I can also see why professional photographers have at least two bodies with different lenses on them.
Although the camera has a 3" screen, using it at 4:3 ratio, effectively reduces the screen size down to 2.5", with black borders on either side. A handy tip here is to set the camera to take jpg plus raws, and set the screen for 16:9 to use the whole screen. The jpgs will be cut off but the raw file will have the full 4:3 image. I must admit I prefer the screen on the XZ-1.
No built in flash, but little clip on flash is supplied. It is easy to put in your pocket but probably also easy to lose!
As mentioned above, the camera has almost infinite capacity to be customised. But this is difficult, the Olympus menu system is not intuitive or user friendly. The manual (which you have to print yourself or look at on a computer) is not that helpful either. Fortunately many clever people on the internet have done the hard work and you can short cut many menus by enabling the Super Control Panel (SCP).
5. The future
I sold my film Canon SLR several years ago and I was amazed at how much paraphernalia (lenses, filters, cases) I had accumulated. After getting the E-PL5 I feel I am now going down the same path. I already bought a filter, discrete bag (does not look like a camera bag), lenses, wrist strap and spare battery. Admittedly the E-PL5 and lenses takes up a lot less room than a D-SLR, but an XZ-1 with 28-105mm zoom takes up even less room. Of course, I would have spent less money and have a pocketable camera if I went for the RX100. But so far I have enjoyed my experience with the E-PL5 and feel I still have a lot to learn. It will definitely cost me more money in the end. Am I happy with my new toys? Yes. Have my photos improved? Time will tell.
ps I am keeping my XZ-1, it's still a great camera to throw into a bag for events where you don't need or want a camera body with interchangeable lenses.
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Olympus Pen E-pl10 Micro Four Thirds System Camera, 16 Megapixel, Image Stabilisation In Housing, Swivelling Monitor, 4K Video, Wi-Fi, 16 Art Filter, Touch AF Trigger, Brown
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Only 4 left in stock (more on the way).
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Product description
Colour Name:Silver
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Style Name:14-42mm Kit
Product Description
The Olympus E-PL5: New generation PEN 'Lite' gets a heavy boost from technology incorporated in range topping OM-D camera
Cool, compact PEN design
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By incorporating the Live MOS sensor from its award winning OM-D camera in the new PEN Lite, or E-PL5, Olympus has once again raised the bar when it comes to the performance expected of a compact system camera. As if this wasn't enough, the new 16.1 megapixel sensor has been paired with another new OM-D component in the TruePic VI image processor. This ensures that the E-PL5 can claim to deliver a lightning fast auto focus comparable to that of Olympus' more expensive flagship model.
Featuring a stunning compact design with an all-metal finish and interchangeable removable grip, the true beauty with the PEN Lite E-PL5 however is that it remains as easy to use as in its previous iterations. There's a tilting touch sensitive back screen for one, allowing for intuitive operation, with key functions literally falling at your fingertips.
Another big advantage over competing compact system cameras remains the PEN Lite's built-in image stabilisation, which means that whatever lens is attached, you're protected from the possible blurring effects of camera shake.
Further streamlining the image sharing process is a direct wireless link to social media and smartphone connectivity, whilst no fewer than 12 digital effects in the shape of Olympus' innovative Art Filters ensure that there are fewer barriers than ever to creating stunning imagery in-camera.
Inspired by the head turning original PEN series designed by Yoshihisa Maitani, which sold over 17 million units worldwide, and aimed at fans of fuss free photography, the diminutive E-PL5 furthers the PEN ethos of offering super image quality and unlimited creative freedom with no associated hassle.
High sensitivity of ISO 25600
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With FAST AF
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Cool, compact PEN design with the added power of OM-D
While the cool design of the E-PL5 delivers the eye-catching finish that camera connoisseurs expect, it is all systems go in terms of speed and delivery of images.
The PEN Lite E-PL5 comes equipped with FAST AF, powered by the latest generation TruePic VI image processor as found in the lightning quick OM-D E-M5, thereby boosting auto focus performance to the level of that expected of a semi professional camera. This has also prompted a boost in resolution to 16.1 megapixels in order to guarantee exceptional stills, as well as Full HD movies, with great results even in low light, as light sensitivity now reaches all the way to ISO25600.
What's more, 3D tracking has allowed for improved moving object tracking, while a Live Bulb/Live Time feature can update the Live View image on the rear panel monitor at pre-set intervals during long exposures.
Tilting, touch sensitive LCD
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Tilting, touch sensitive LCD for a fresh perspective and dynamic compositions
Speaking of rear panel monitors, the E-PL5's 3-inch, high 460,000 dot resolution LCD screen can not only be tilted to easier allow for otherwise awkward low or high angle shooting when it comes to both stills and video, it can also be flipped around to face the photographer to allow for easier self portraiture. This is a greater degree of creative flexibility than has been provided on a PEN camera to date.
Tilt monitor with self-portrait function
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Social networking made easier via FlashAir™ compatibility
Ever wanted to link your camera with your smartphone? Now you can. Another major plus on the latest generation PEN Lite is FlashAir™ compatibility, and the free app that allows users to upload pictures to their favourite social network via the familiar interface on their smartphone. There are free iOS and Android software downloads for editing and sharing images via social networks with the aid of your smartphone and/or computer.
Live Guide to test the effect of changes before taking a shot
In order to achieve results like the professionals, and with the minimum of effort, the E-PL5 like the E-PL3, E-PL2 and E-PL1 before it once again features the handholding benefits of Olympus' trademark Live Guide. This allows photographers to watch in real time the results of changing functions and settings, such as exposure time and aperture, before even taking a shot.
By simply moving an onscreen slider up or down and viewing the transformation to the image in real time, PEN Lite users are quickly able to master those little settings that make all the difference in terms of more professional looking shots – such as motion and background blur, colour intensity, lighting mood and brightness.
Live Guide can be accessed in Full HD movie, still and P/A/S/M modes. For those who prefer to take control, 'My set' settings are also assignable to any symbol on the mode dial on the PEN Lite E-PL5.
Creative magic guaranteed with 12 Art Filters
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Creative magic guaranteed with 12 Art Filters
The amount of Art Filters provided by the PEN Lite has been increased when compared to its predecessor. Eye catching effects can be applied to movies as well as stills, and these can be tested in real time on the LCD before being applied at the point the shot is captured. A further innovation this time around is the ability in HD Movie Mode to blend from one Art Filter effect to another, using the Art Fade function.
The 12 new Art Filters in HD movie and stills modes include the new Watercolour, which can be combined with the likes of the new Monochrome setting. Art Filter Bracketing is also offered, to enable different multiple effects to be applied to the same subject with one squeeze of the shutter release button. HDR Bracketing meanwhile allows for capturing one subject with five different exposures, so you'll never be stuck for creative choice.
Full HD 1080 video with stereo sound
The PEN Lite E-PL5 features 1080 Full HD stereo movie recording in the MOV format, with the options of watching footage back either on Full HD TV or your PC's monitor. Either way, the results will look great as, whether shooting video or 16.1 megapixel photos, the PEN Lite is designed to deliver a consistently high performance. Naturally the E-PL5 features HDMI output, so it can be hooked up directly to that HDTV.
Latest generation TruePic VI processor
The latest generation of PEN Lite benefits from the incorporation of the latest generation image processor, the TruePic VI engine. Needless to say this addition makes the camera all-round faster and more responsive, providing a faster recovery time and excellent picture quality. A case in point: up to eight frames per second (8fps) high speed sequential shooting is offered to users of the E-PL5.
High image quality free from camera shake, plus whisper quiet lens
As with its acclaimed predecessor, the E-PL5 comes with the sculpted and near silent M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 II R lens, providing a versatile equivalent of 28-84mm in 35mm film terms. This lens, one of 26 directly compatible Micro Four Thirds lenses available to E-PL5 users, has the advantage of not only providing faster focusing, but also preventing the audible whirr of the lens' mechanics that can otherwise ruin the audio track of your home movies. In addition, 27 Four Thirds lenses and more than 500 other lenses can be used with the E-PL5 with the aid of an adapter.
Additionally, with up to ISO25600 light sensitivity (up from the E-PL3's ISO12800) shooting in lower light conditions without flash in order to achieve more naturalistic results is eminently possible.
Another advantage of the Olympus Micro Four Thirds PEN system is that its lenses are lighter than rivals', as they don't require built in 'IS' of their own. What's more the supplied lens also features a swappable decorative ring, so you can match the lens to the body colour of the PEN camera you've chosen.
High capacity SDXC and Eye-Fi card compatible
The carry and shoot anywhere E-PL5 further takes the worry out of photography and offers almost unlimited memory expansion possibilities by providing compatibility with the new SDXC removable media card format.
This affords high storage capacities of up to a gargantuan 2TB to ensure photographers don't run out of space for those many thousands of photos and videos at an inopportune moment – thereby making the E-PL5 as 'future proof' as possible. Wireless transfer is also possible due to compatibility with (optional) Eye-Fi media cards.
Plenty of compatible accessories with which to expand your creative PEN universe
The Olympus PEN Lite E-PL5 is available in black, white or silver.
Optional extras include a super slim 15mm 1:8.0 Body Cap lens. When your regular lens is detached the Body Cap allows photographers to shoot spontaneously and benefit from a built-in barrier against dust. If it's waterproofing you need for diving and snorkelling, the PEN Lite is uniquely compatible with the optional PT-EP10 housing that's watertight down to fully 45 metres. The housing will be available from the end of November 2012.
The Olympus PEN Lite E-PL5 is available in the following configurations:
- E-PL5 Kit with M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 II R lens
- E-PL5 Double Zoom Kit with M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 II R and M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 R lenses
Box Contains
Olympus E-PL5 body (silver)
M.ZUIKO Digital 14 -42mm II R lens (silver)
FL-LM1 flash
BLS-5 Li-ion battery
BCS-5 Li-ion battery charger
USB cable
AV cable
Shoulder strap
OLYMPUS Viewer 2 (CD-ROM)
Instruction manual
Warranty card
MCG-4 Changeable Grip
Customer Questions & Answers
Customer reviews
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Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 July 2014
Colour Name: blackStyle Name: 14-42mm KitVerified Purchase
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Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 June 2014
Colour Name: blackStyle Name: 14-42mm KitVerified Purchase
I do extensive travelling as a live-in carer and in my time off I put the camera to good use. My current camera is the SZ-10 whi
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 August 2014Colour Name: SilverStyle Name: 14-42mm KitVerified Purchase