Hands on by Steve Huff
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ePhotozine (Click here) posted the next E-P5 review. And like so many other reviewers before the only real drwaback is the high price. That’s what ePhotozine says about the E-P5:
The only problem with reviewing the Olympus “PEN E-P5 is the potential to run out of superlatives when describing how amazing this camera is. Although we, along with many others, do think the Olympus menu system is due a refresh, and to get the best out of this camera we’d recommend investing in one of the excellent Olympus or Panasonic prime lenses available. The price of the Olympus PEN E-P5 puts it at a very similar price to the E-M5, however, for those that want a more compact body, and the latest features, the E-P5 is the one to go for.”
Meantime mroe E-P5 kits are in Stock in USA stores:
Black E-P5 superkit at Amazon (Click here) and Adorama (Click here).
White E-P5 body only at Amazon (Click here), BHphoto (Click here) and Adorama (Click here).
Black E-P5 with 17mm lens at BHphoto (Click here).
Black E-P5 body only at Amazon (Click here) and BHphoto (Click here).
76 Responses
I am gettin more and more intrigued by the VF-4, wondering how much the difference in magnification feels in daily use compared with the evf in my OMD. I am goin to try it out the moment i see it here in a local shop.
you’ve got try it to believe it but it is a very nice VF if not the best out there.
I agree with Steve on everything he said in the vid.
he is so kind and his reviews are always honest, well done Steve.
I love my EP5.
Do you have any images to post?
Steve Huff “reviews” are little more than infomercials he has even went to the extent of editing responses to exclude any one who criticizes any points he makes, regardless how politely it is put. Posters here are so desperate to have their choices affirmed that they jump on every positive post on the web, a rather pathetic need that admin is happy to cater for.
Features of the OM-D E-M5 I would like (in order):
Weather sealing
Optional 2-piece grip
Integrated viewfinder
Dedicated memory card slot
Features of the E-P5 I would like (in order):
WiFi
Dual-mode controls
Focus peaking
Viewfinder resolution and refresh rate
1/8000th second shutter
Lower ISO (100~125 depending on source)
Integrated flash
Olympus, please make the next OM-D include a premium camera with all of these features! (Or at least all of them except the integrated flash.)
Wow, that thing is small. For me, too small. I’d like to see all of this latest tech in a bigger more DSLR-like body, GH2 size, with, as Luke said:
Weather sealing
Optional 2-piece grip
Integrated high resolution/fast viewfinder
Dedicated memory card slot
WiFi
Dual-mode controls
Focus peaking
1/8000th second shutter
Lower ISO (100~125 depending on source)
Integrated flash
Better video options/quality (higher bit rate, options for variable frame rate if possible)
You do realize that the EM5 is roughly the same size as the E-P5 , right ? If you’re interested in a DSLR-sized camera why did you buy mirrorless, wouldn’t it suit you better to buy a proper DSLR that already has all those features ? if not, then why not go for a GH2 or a GH3 for that matter ?
I keep seeing these kind of posts asking for stuff that’s already available (in and outside m4/3) and instead of just going for it they try to turn other cameras into their idealized ones. Just in case anyone argues about the PEN+EVF debacle, the difference between trying to change the EM5 into a full sized DSLR and trying to get Olympus to put an EVF into a PEN is that you can already turn the OMD into a DSLR-esque camera with the add-on grips and retain or even expand its functionality, with a PEN you can add an EVF but you loose the hot-shoe and it diminishes its portability, having a built-in one solves all of this. Also, while there are plenty of seudo-DSLRs within m4/3, there are no NEX 6/7 or Fuji X alternatives (except for the upcoming GX2/7).
Wow, you’re a grumpy, judgemental one. And, no, I haven’t held an OMD, but it does have an option for a battery grip.
Why am I mirrorless? Well, if I need your approval, it’s because I was a 4/3 owner and Olympus dropped 4/3. I have a bunch of 4/3 glass, and I want to keep using it. Is that acceptable to you?
I want an Olympus camera that isn’t a tiny little thing. I’m a big guy, I have big hands. The GH2 is just about perfect sized, big enough to hold, but not heavy or too big. But I like Olympus’s IQ better than Panasonic’s. So, yeah, I want Olympus to build a camera that is about the size of a GH2 but has all of the bells and whistles.
Steve Huff takes fotos in 3:2 Mode on a 4:3 Sensor? He obviously has the wrong camera.
Feature to take E-P5:
AF of E-P5 seems also to be 50% faster in low light.
“Steve Huff takes fotos in 3:2 Mode on a 4:3 Sensor? ”
You’ll prob find lots do (including me). I prefer 3:2 aspect over the 4:3.
I think we will see a PEN with integrated viewfinder someday. If the GX7 is well received sells well, this might be the last high end PEN without an integrated viewfinder. I sure wish I has two rangefinder style cams to choose from this year (I’m optimistic and hope the GX7 will actually be available before Christmas).
I hope not. Building a viewfinder like the VF-4 into a Pen body would make it considerably bigger, and I, for one, would prefer a small high quality body with the OPTION of adding an external viewfinder as needed. Why not just get an OM-D, or wait for the GX7?
I, for one, am with you Niels
“Building a viewfinder like the VF-4 into a Pen body would make it considerably bigger”
Damn. Someone forgot to tell Sony (and it would appear Panasonic) about that.
Please take look at the video again. The VF-4 is about a quarter of the size of the Pen. Your sarcasm won’t break the laws of physics, and a Pen with a build in viewfinder the size and quality of the VF-4 would end up XPro sized.
BS.
http://www.biofos.com/mft/_img/ep2/x_evf_sch.jpg
This has nothing to do with laws of physics, that card can only be pulled with lenses, not EVFs. Yes, the EVF does have glass inside, but that design doesn’t obey the requirements a proper lens does, it can always be made smaller or more compact, Olympus only uses that design because they have the luxury of space that a removable EVF offers them, if needed they can cram an EVF inside a PEN quite easily, JUST LOOK AT THE EM5!
Most of the hump is composed of the 5 axis sensors, this has been acknowledged by Oly itself in their promotion of the E-P5 because they’ve made an effort to highlight how they’ve miniaturized such sensors into the E-P5 top plate, so don’t go spreading that BS argument. Fuji’s size has nothing to do with functionality or the EVF itself, it’s purely aesthetics, that’s why you got an X-E1 after the Pro 1, if cramming an EVF into a compact body was imposible then Sony wouldn’t have the Nex 6 or the 7, so again, don’t give me that BS argument. There’s no justification for the hump anymore, so what little space the EVF actually takes (it barely adds 2mm above the E-P5 top plate, that’s roughly the size of my E-PL1) can be allocated easily on the left corner, Pany just prove this with the GX2 patents, so for the last time, STOP SPREADING THAT BS ARGUMENT !!!
Olympus CAN put an EVF into a PEN body, they just don’t WANT to. Is this because they want to sell more add-ons ? is it because they’re saving it for an upcoming update ? or is it just because they’re thick headed ? who knows, but the capability exists.
If you had bothered to read this review you would see that the VF4 for the EP5 has a view of 0.74X almost the same size and magnification as the OVF in FF cameras like EOS 1DX while the EVF on the EM5 is 0.55X by comparison or the VF4 view is 36% larger. The EVF on the EM5 is 1.44 m dot resolution compared to 2.3 dots on the VF4. The EVFs on the NEX6/7 I believe are also about 0.55X view size but 2.3 m dots. It remains to be seen if Oly will provide a EVF as large a view size as the VF4 in the coming OMDPro but likely similar technology and 2.3 m dots. Yes I think Oly could produce a Pen of similar size to EP5 with EVF but it wouldn’t be as large magnification as the VF4 and the same applies to the coming GX7.
Note I expect that the mini m4/3 coming from Pany at start of 2013 may have similar specs as EP5 as same as GX7 but optional EVF?
I’ve known the specs for a long time already, I don’t need you to repeat them, that’s not the point, nobody here said anything about shoving the VF-4 in particular into the E-P5, so you don’t need to point it out. I said EVFs in general, so I could happily settle for the VF-2 or the VF-3 if necessary, I just need the EVF to compose in a comfortable manner (as in: not a centered VF). I’m sure the VF-4 is glorious and all but if it makes it impossible for Oly to put it into a Pen body, then having the VF-2 or VF-3 is fine by me, the benefit of having an EVF at hand ALL the time with no extra bulge is far greater than the latest and greatest resolution.
The laws of physics determine that components take up space and hence requiring those components will cause a smallest possible size for a device, based both on the technology it uses, and manufacturing technology (to some point as there are also absolute smallest sizes for components but we aren’t at that point yet).
Additionally, yes, laws of optics do play some role in EVFs as well. Projecting an image with a certain size and quality has consequences for the size of the display panel and magnification, which directly affects the optics needed in front of the panel, including their size.
Thats not to say the VF4 must always be as large as it is now, but suggesting it can always be made smaller isn’t exactly true either.
The bottomline is that given a certain state of technology, a certain price point and an expected number of produced items, there most certainly is a smallest size that can CURRENTLY be produced.
If you look at the schematics I posted, you can see that most of what you see of the EVF, it width, height and length is actually its casing, none of which would be added inside the body, only the electronics would be. Of those components the only ones that take space are the glass elements, the rest can be accommodated at ease, and as it was proven by the EM5, those glass elements don’t add much to the body either, just look at an OMD and remove the hump, now measure how tall the eye piece sits above the top plate…it barely adds more than 2mm, hardly X Pro 1 size, more like E-Pl1, if not less.
AMVR, since you can use a ruler, then the following should be more obvious to you if you only took the time to take stock of the external dimensions of the E-M5. “Most of the hump is composed of the 5 axis sensors.” That is BS because the EVF sits directly above the 3:2 ratio display & directly above that is the Accessories Port which has to sit at the required dimension beneath the hotshoe. Forget the magical guts of the hump & just notice it is as low as possible without making the display smaller or the EVF smaller & talking about adding an EVF to the PEN is going be because of a smaller display or a taller body. That is where the law of physics come in or else you should talk to Dr Who about fitting more in a space that isn’t there. Sure, the frame of the display might be trimmed down slightly or changed to 16:9 ratio, but that is about all. Go & take some measurement now. 😉
http://camerasize.com/compare/#459,375
http://camerasize.com/compact/#459,375,289,354,258,ha,b
http://postimg.org/gallery/au7l3xzs/
¨ That is BS because the EVF sits directly above the 3:2 ratio display & directly above that is the Accessories Port which has to sit at the required dimension beneath the hotshoe¨
Please, do me a favor and take a look at the pics I’ve linked. The OMD EVF (NOT THE HUMP) adds barely any height to the camera, it’s closer the E-PL1 in height than a X-Pro 1. Half of the height of the hump is the hot-shoe components and IBIS sensors, the EVF itself sits halfway into the body. Oly already proved with the E-P5 that the IBIS sensors can sit comfortably in the top plate with no added bulge, the hotshoe and acc. port would sit in the middle NEXT to the EVF, NOT ON TOP (like it does on the NEX, Fuji and the upcoming GX2/7), so why should a Pen with EVF be as tall as the OMD hump ? UH ? again, that argument is complete and utter BS.
How is Sony and Pany able break the laws of physics and to fit an EVF into their compact ILC and somehow magically Olympus is forbidden from doing so ? take into account that today, all of the rangefinder-esque (i hate to use the term, but I don’t find any other) CSC have APS-C sensors, and yet they find the space to fit an EVF. The E-P5 has more than enough space for an EVF, just reduce the screen slightly (barely a 1mm or 2) and voila! no one would complain about the screen after waiting 3 or more years for such a camera. Pany and Oly should be grateful there are some people left who are still waiting for such an obvious and doable upgrade instead of jumping to Sony and Fuji who have had their cameras on the market for this long.
It’s doable and the cost-benefit ratio favors built-in EVF by a LOT, every argument against it is just BS by people who somehow think THEIR precious (probably DSLR-esque) cameras would loose their ¨specialness¨ because of it…wake up! Sony and Fuji already did that ! along time ago actually, what’s so wrong about Olympus arriving late to the party (other than arriving late to the party)? Get over it and stop arguing against this idea, as retrded as Olympus is, I’m sure they´ll be forced to come up with a PEN with EVF eventually, as did Pany, so get used to the idea.
“It’s doable and the cost-benefit ratio favors built-in EVF by a LOT,”
Nonsense, the cost of not having an EVF is lower then the cost of having a builtin EVF, hence for those who don’t need the EVF, the cost-benefit ratio is definitely the other way around from what you say, in case of builtin EVF they have to pay for something they don’t need.
“every argument against it is just BS by people who somehow think THEIR precious (probably DSLR-esque) cameras would loose their ¨specialness¨ because of it…wake up!”
Flame much?
Sorry but that is just a totally silly argument that comes down to “everyone who doesn’t think like me is stupid”
Not having protruding parts and not needing some extra space due to a VF makes a camera smaller. And no matter how much you argue about the size of an EVF, it does take up space, there is absolutely no way to prevent that, so not having it will always save space, also no way around that. The only possible argument is how much of a difference it makes.
Saving space so the camera can be smaller and has no protruding parts is a benefit for some uses, and its irrelevant for other uses. Obviously, you never ever do the things where you encounter those benefits, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist, it means your photography is limited to situations where you won’t be able to benefit. Fair enough, and it makes an integrated EVF by far the best choice for you, but, its nowhere representative of the world at large.
There are good arguments for both solutions, both offering distinct advantages.
¨Nonsense, the cost of not having an EVF is lower then the cost of having a builtin EVF, hence for those who don’t need the EVF, the cost-benefit ratio is definitely the other way around from what you say, in case of builtin EVF they have to pay for something they don’t need.¨
I talked about the cost-benefit ratio between the compromises of having an EVF and the benefit the EVF brings with it, I never talked about the cost v/s befenit of HAVING or NOT HAVING, of course lacking an EVF is cheaper, but has it been a succesful strategy for Olympus and M4/3 in general ? Looking at the critique of the E-P5 here and in virtually every review, as well as the constant demand for compact m4/3 with EVF for years on this site as well as the factual existence of such cameras in other successful system, I would say no.
“every argument against it is just BS by people who somehow think THEIR precious (probably DSLR-esque) cameras would loose their ¨specialness¨ because of it…wake up!”
Flame much?
What other argument is there for being against this feature ? Is it technically unfeasible ? No, Fuji, Sony and Pany can do it. Does it degenerate the system in any way ? No, if anything it attracts more users. Does it deteriorate your personal camera ? Nope. Seriously, what damage does it cause when there are already other systems offering this feature? why not being competitive and actually give people what they’ve asked for years? I cannot come up with any other logical or technical reason other than some kind of personal grudge or bias against this type of camera, and most of those people do not have PENs or GF/GX bodies for obvious personal preferences, they would rather have DSLR-esque bodies. But that’s the thing, if they have what they want why put down other people’s demands? It’s not a conspiracy, it’s just a demographic tendency within this system, and its ok, everyone can buy whatever they want, but arguing against what other people can’t get in this system while enjoying their preferred type of camera is the real flaming.
¨Sorry but that is just a totally silly argument that comes down to “everyone who doesn’t think like me is stupid”¨
I haven’t called anyone stupid, don’t put words in my mouth. It’s not MY crusade, it’s what A LOT of consumers have been asking for, here and in countless other sites, FOR YEARS! it’s what a whole piece of the market represented by NEX and Fuji users (and MANY ex-m4/3 users) asked for and received, it’s what Pany has declared as a worthy R&D investment. So no, it’s not “everyone who doesn’t think like me is stupid”, that’s kind or extreme argument is a reflection of your thoughts, not mine, you wrote them, I didn’t. I only think that this kind of unnecessary intolerance is unjustifiable both technically and morally.
¨Not having protruding parts and not needing some extra space due to a VF makes a camera smaller.¨ Tell me how the NEX 6 and 7 are so much larger than the OMD ? How is the new GX7 so much larger than the E-P5?
¨And no matter how much you argue about the size of an EVF, it does take up space, there is absolutely no way to prevent that, so not having it will always save space, also no way around that. The only possible argument is how much of a difference it makes.¨
It doesn’t take more space than there’s already available in a PEN or GX body. And even if it did, THERE ARE ways to prevent that, just reduce the screen slightly, no need to chance ratios either. No one would complain in face of the benefit of having an EVF.
¨Saving space so the camera can be smaller and has no protruding parts is a benefit for some uses, and its irrelevant for other uses. Obviously, you never ever do the things where you encounter those benefits, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist, it means your photography is limited to situations where you won’t be able to benefit. Fair enough, and it makes an integrated EVF by far the best choice for you, but, its nowhere representative of the world at large.¨
I’ve experienced a wide range of situations that could benefit from a small camera profile, that’s the whole freaking reason why I’m arguing in favor of a built-in EVF instead of Add-ons or humps. Also, you’re argument is contradictory, why should the top PEN model or GX camera lack an EVF for the sake of compactness if there’s already an E-PL5 and a GF-6?
There are good arguments for both solutions, both offering distinct advantages.
All I’m saying is that the benefits of having a built-in EVF far outweigh the drawbacks associated with it.
“All I’m saying is that the benefits of having a built-in EVF far outweigh the drawbacks associated with it.”
You forgot to add the words “for me”, because this is a matter of opinion and not of fact. I happen to agree with that opinion (and hence I have an E-M5 and not an E-P3 or 5) but that doesn’t mean everyone has to share that opinion.
And no, I wasn’t anywhere saying there is something wrong with cameras with a built-in EVF, neither that Olympus or whomever shouldn’t be making them, but I was saying you are suggesting that anyone who disagrees with your opinion concerning built-in EVF is stupid, and thats just silly.
I’ve done you the favour of looking at those sites & checked the comparisons & while I understand your argument, it is with compromises. The BS is with those that have brought up an argument about the so called ‘hump’ of the E-M5 being so high & whatever maybe inside it is irrelevant as the EVF (viewing lens & eye-cup size), Accessory Port & Hotshoe are what determines the height of the ‘hump’ (above the display) & whatever fits inside is just a bonus or to be managed with the space available. It actually provides a great location for the stereo mics with a better stereo separation than a flat top is likely to have. From what I’ve seen of inside that ‘hump’, I don’t see much of the gyro sensors there & I don’t know why Olympus used that point to defend it, but then it always was a pointless argument from the knockers as it was meant to be a continuing OM design with view finder & flash being central to the axis of the lens.
Now with the examples in the linked comparison there are compromises & first the NEX-6 uses a 3″ 16:9 ratio screen as well as a trimmed down frame for the EVF. I’m not sure of what eye-cup options it has. The E-P5 has a 3″ 3:2 ratio screen as does the E-M5 (while the E-PL1 uses a 2.7″ 4:3 screen). The Fuji X-Pro1 uses a 3″ 4:3 screen & the EVF isn’t squeezed in but they just boldly built it taller.
Ultimately, if Olympus wanted to put an EVF into a PEN it would either need to make it with a smaller (lower height) screen (with maybe the 16:9 ratio) or break with the design & go taller than the E-PL1 & 2 which was a taller body & to add an EVF to the same screen as the E-P5 it would be another 2-3mm higher again (than the E-PL1 & 2). Sure they could do it, but will they?
Keep in mind an evf does not have to be facing the rear of the camera as the em5 shows. It can also be upside down or facing up or on the left or right of the viewing portal. If it is upside down under the camera top then a prism and small lens will give the image. The prism may even be shaped to give a magnifying effect, even bonded to the display. The use of top, bottom or front mounting would be the only position for a tiltable evf as the flat conductors prevent side mount and swivel.
The whole thing could be mounted in a very small space. Then, as Bart says some do not want an EVF so why should they pay for one. Very correct. But, we also know that a lot do want one and for those, the new GX7 is starting to look good. But manufacturers always have the habit of deliberately leaving out a wanted and important feature. After all they cannot possibly give all, it’s unheard of!
“After all they cannot possibly give all, it’s unheard of!”
No, they might not be able to squeeze more money out of us if they did. 😉
I can tell you, JJC gets the extra cash from me for lens hoods. 🙂
uWinKa might make them OK, but I just can’t bring myself to have anything with that brand name on it. It’s too close to something else. 😉
¨Ultimately, if Olympus wanted to put an EVF into a PEN it would either need to make it with a smaller (lower height) screen (with maybe the 16:9 ratio) or break with the design & go taller than the E-PL1 & 2 which was a taller body & to add an EVF to the same screen as the E-P5 it would be another 2-3mm higher again (than the E-PL1 & 2). Sure they could do it, but will they?¨
Or you could do something in between, that’s why i put the PL1 in there, the sweetspot would be to make the screen just slightly smaller, that way it compensates any height added on top, so it ends up the same as the PL1, which, as the images show, is not much.
No one is saying there are no compromises, but I think those drawbacks are far less atrocious than the anti-EVF squad make it out to be and they sure are a much less of a hindrance to form & functionality than an Add-on or a hump. As I said, Sony has proven this, Fuji (to some degree) and now Pany. This is all justified by real and palpable market demand, as well as the technical feasibility proven by said market’s players, not just some random forum guy like bart is making it sound like. These companies are actually willing to invest R&D in this type of solution instead of just limiting their bodies to DSLR-esque shells, that’s not a trivial thing. Offering such a body opens the doors to a wider consumer base, not having such a feature puts m4/3 at a disadvantage when new consumers compare cameras and their feature:price ratio, this also afects old customers who get tired of not seeing any progress. I’m guessing Pany caught up with this fact and decided to make the GX7, Oly is still in denial.
Interesting to note that no one in this part of the thread has yet mentioned that the EVF could quite easily be fitted where the Flash is, not everyone wants that internal flash, I for one consider them a complete waste of time, so in my case a built in EVF where the flash sits would make it a far better prospect.
+1
tacked on flashs are such a waste. I never use a flash, so when they are included, at the deficit of other features, it’s really irritating. And now these LED light box accessories are so much better than any flash ever was. Constant light that works for either video or stills … pop up flashes should go the way of the flashcube and other analogue options!
Certainly a LOT of space was wasted on the e-P3 and then the e-P5 for that dumb “feature”. But then you see the queue of whinging people that then say, where is the flash? It should be an accesssory, especially when rated next to a VF …
Unfortunately, until Olympus changes their flash system to be commanded wirelessly by some other mechanism, the only way to (fully) control other flashes through the camera wiout taking up the hot-shoe is via the built-in flash. At least that’s the only real benefit I see in having a built-in flash today.
Olympus answered that issue with the tiny command flash provided with the E-M5. This would have been a far better path to have followed with the E-P5, integrated EVF with an optional flash commander. EVF for everyone, tiny flash for those who want it which would look far less incongruous on the body than the EVF and still providing control for your FL***R units.
Flashes can produce a lot more light because they only have to produce that light for a fraction of a second. Additionally, getting ‘true’ white light from leds isn’t trivial or cheap. There is a reason why even higher-end camera phones use tiny xeon lights and flashes instead of leds.
Additionally, a built-in flash can be used for remotely controlling other flashes, and being able to use this together with a viewfinder is highly desirable for many serious photographers.
Most certainly this is different for people who primarily concentrate on video or available light photography, and usually those don’t need an integrated popup flash at all. It would however be a good idea to realize this has everything to do with a specific way of using the equipment, and is in no way determining the needs of people in general.
Sorry, but I have to disagree. The lack of a built-in flash is my only problem with the otherwise excellent OM-D.
I don’t use flash most of the time, but sometimes a small flash can be incredibly useful.
having to carry the clip-on flash separately is a real drag. Keeping it on the camera makes it more bulky (and ugly).
Fuji and Sony have managed to include EVF and flash in very compact bodies, and that’s using larger sensors.
Olympus should be able to do the same.
Obviously I cannot comment on your use of flash, as for myself I find built in flashes useless for all intent and purpose, in not even being powerful enough for adequate fill in.
I also agree with Neil.
I think it will be interesting to see how they position their product lines, but I expect there will always be two lines similar to the E-PMs and E-PLs that lack an integrated viewfinder. Personally I think it would make sense to make an integrated viewfinder the main difference between the E-P and E-PL lines, and otherwise have basically the same features on the two cameras.
Yes, the E-P5 is morerefine in handling than the E-M5. The new EV4 is much better than the evf in the E-M5. Still after handing the an “early producton” body for couple of hours, when I was handing the csamera back to the Olympus Rep I told him that I like it better than my E-M5 but that there is not enough of an improvement for me to upgrade. He told me the OMD being released this fall is definitely a worth while upgrade over the E-M5. Anyhow, I do agree with Steve Huff’s review.
Very nice video review!…I own an OMD…so I am on hold waiting to see the GX7 and the new Oly offerings…no hurry…this next quarter should be exciting, though!
The price should drop considerably on this camera during the next year…
Yapp, Steve’s reviews are always really nice, but I don’t agree that the E-P5 has better than the OM-D. I am just talking about the magnesium vs. the aluminium bodies and I liked the OM-D’s smoother surface more. But that comes down to personal preference. Both cameras are truly beautiful! Well done, though the E-P5 has a bit too high price. (To the Germans among us: Some Saturns (at least in Berlin) have the E-P5 in stock!)
It sounds kind of irrational (which it is), but I was deciding between the G6 and the OM-D and preferd G6 featurewise a bit more, but in the end I will go for the OM-D because I love its look and feel. Then the weather sealing and the 5-axis IBIS provide also some benefits, but in the end each and every camera is a compromise. 😀
OMD….With the optional grip (top half only)…it is an amazing little camera…probably be some great deals on it after the new model is announced!
I will also wait till september, since I have no time to do photgraphy right now anyways. I hope they wil give us at least a free grip here in Germany like they are doing in the UK or something like that. That grip alone fpr 220€ is too expensive for me. I would rather buy a leather half case with a proper opening for the battery.
Just curious: Is it really necessry to take of the grip each time you want to charge the battery? Isn’t it kind of annoying?
Yes…you do have to take the grip off to change the battery….no biggie…I will quote you above “but in the end each and every camera is a compromise.”.
It is such a great handling camera which is a joy to use with the grip…I don’t mind having the inconvenience for. Keeps it a small, tight, positive shooting package. The camera is always fun and wants to go with you. The IBIS is the bomb!
Thanks for the info. As I said that would be to expensive for me and actually the OM-D already is, but I just want this camera. 😉 I will either go for an half case or that JB third party grip, if the grip is not sufficient for me. Both will cost around 50€ which 1/4 of the HLD-6. But I think, I will wait for about 6 months or spo and decide then, because I might end up wanting the portrait grip part, too.
Hey…that J.B. grip looks pretty cool!
No other grip was available when I bought mine…
Advantage: much lighter weight than OLy grip, an way less expensive.
..but the OLy grip has the controls on the grip which is sweet.
So..they both have their pluses….
Thats not entirely accurate.
First of all, when using the HLD-6, it consists of 2 parts including the ‘portrait grip’. When using both parts of the grip you get an extra battery compartment, and you can change batteries without having to remove the grip. What is more, you can change batteries with the camera turned on, so for example while recording video, without interruption.
Second, if you don’t want the portrait part at all, and have no need for the extra battery capacity provided by 2 batteries, there are cheaper 3rd party grips that do not include a portrait grip, but do leave enough space to open the door to the battery compartment and change batteries without removing the grip.
The only case where you actually have to remove the grip is when wanting to change the battery in the ‘in-camera’ battery compartment while having the HLD-6 attached.
there are many people including me hate the look of the OM-D.
I hated the controls and menu of the OM-D when I had it , also I hated the fake pentaprism part of it , it always got some scratch marks when I tried to get it out or in my tiny camera bag.
I much prefer the look of the Pen , it is so simple and even sophisticated , I love the detachable EVF since I do not always shoot with it(many times shoot at hip level).
Fair enough, but I don’t understand this reply? Was I implying that my own opninion is the law. I just wanted to give my impression that I personally liked the OM-D haptics better when I had them both in my hands yesterday. Sorry, for the misunderstanding. 😉
I was also deciding between the OM-D and E-P5, but for me as a m43 beginner and P&S upgrader the OM-D with 12-50 is the better pacage than EP-5 with either the 17 or the 14-42. I also am not sure that I would be able to use the E-P5 advantages and it is also more expensive. So the OM-D is the better package for me. 😉
Just ignore the “haters”…the OMD will be dropping a lot in price soon…the EP5 will take much longer, as well as the VF.
I don’t whether he is a hater, I am new here. I have also considered his opinion in my buying decision, since lots of people share the same thoughts and as I said: fair enough. For me the OM-D is just the most beautiful camera, then it is also pretty good one and it is small and lightweight.
I can understand that a lot are saying that Oly needs to go for FF as well but I prefer the smaller size lenses and bodies of m43 and I am pretty glad not to have a too shallow depth of field. As I said, I am beginner. 😀
*I don’t agree with him on the haptics. I prefer the OM-D body to that of the E-P5.
you do not have to agree , but just accept others have different view or opinion.
The * was meant to show, that I wanted to correct my sentence…. I said that I don’t agree and that I like the OM-D better. No reason to feel offended. I also wrote that this comes down to personal preference.
Not everyone is a troll. 😉
Methinks the GX7 will make this model instantly obsolete, but the world is never short of AL shills…
Don’t forget us 5-axis shills and 2-dial shills! 🙂
Mildly Interesting. Apart from the EVF, what exactly from the details and drawings we have seen of the GX7 has rendered the EP5 instantly obsolete?
Totally agreed with Pharque Moi!
I think that even you should be aware that having a permanent EVF is a game changer. And the better the EVF the more need it is.
E-P5 is missing the last defining step of miniaturisation, but then you can use your iPhone with it, LOL.
can’t you just accept some people have different views and opinions on this one.
many people do not use EVF all the time but sometimes.
Again? Yes I don’t want to mix wt. P&Shooters, such proles. Makes one feel depressive, like you do 🙂
The aspect of the VF included on the GX7 doesn’t bode well with me. jutting out the back like a balcony. It’s more 2006 than 2013. Shifting the VF to the left side of the body isn’t the only ergonomic aspect of an internal VF. I think it’s clever that it will tilt to 90D, that is brilliant. But they lose almost as many points that it sticks out from the body instead of simply being integral to the body’s design!
I said the same from the beginning, but it seems that Panny can’t avoid it. It was jutting out even with the G3.
As soon as he said he preferred Olympus to Panasonic, because of what they are doing, I lost all my respect for Stevieboy. Blind leading the blind.
Steve Huff & Puff is full of it. He’s biased and plays it off like he’s not. He’s a Leica lover and if you’re an old camera company (Fuji, Olympus, etc), he gives it a pass, even though it may have flaws or its too expensive.
I laugh at people who take him serious. He got roasted on his own site when he said he chose a Olympus camera over the GX1 that dropped recently, even though the GX1 beat it in almost every category. He’s false.
As soon as he said he preferred Olympus to Panasonic, because of what they are doing, I lost all my respect for Stevieboy. Blind leading the blind.
What bothers me most in these kind of video reviews is that they always skip the Super Control Panel as a great feature and instead go for the annoying 2-row control menus, and then criticize Oly’s menu interface without even using its full potential. I wonder if Steve does not know of SCP after all these years ?
seriously, it should have been one of the highlights together with the 2×2 dials and the touch screen: you touch one of the parameters in the SCP, rotate one of the dials to adjust value and voila! what more do you want ? Also, compared to his other reviews this lacked much of that excitement that makes them enjoyable, It kind of shows how ¨Meh¨ and disappointing this camera is because of its lack of built in EVF (as Steve points out).
Are all m43 photographers grumpy, argumentative trolls? Seriously! Every time I come here, no one presents their work that can back up their claims while bagging other cameras (typically DSLRs). Look, I KNOW it is not everyone that complains, but it is happening a lot. If you want these small cameras to be popular once FF mirrorless hits the market, we actually need to be a positive community sharing ideas, posts and most importantly images. Steve H got shut down above just for commenting on the size of a camera he would prefer so that he could continue using the wonderful lenses he has. Come on guys.
+1
You are right, not many decent photogs here, actually none, except Ulli who has some interesting pics. But you get a lot of amusing arguments, it makes great reading on a break or during a boring meeting at work.
Yes yes, I know, I suck too. I get where you are going. sigh.
Olympus understands what the market wants:
1) Quality build and feel
2) Good image sensor and IQ
3) Good lens selection
4) Fast and responsive AF
It’s amazing to me how many other companies fail to include all of the above in their offerings.
That being said, the problem with the EP5 is indeed its price. All products are going to be compared against the competition, and at this price it invites comparisons to mirrorless systems with larger sensors as well as with some very competent DSLRs.
Heck, for not much more one could get a Canon 6D FF with the 40 pancake lens. Granted it would be larger but it would also be FF.
What does this mean about the pricing for an OMD EM5 successor? Are we headed for a time when a m4/3 body will cost more than a Canon or Nikon FF?
why do you think many of us just use one brand or system?
I , for one, use many systems including Oly, Canon, Leica, sony and I do not think any particular system is special or better than anything else.
they are just tools and used for different apps.
¨Olympus understands what the market wants¨
ARE YOU KIDDING ME ? OLYMPUS !? Pfff
(This is clearly ironic or a joke but just in case)
They may deliver in terms of quality, I’ll give you that. I have an old faithful E-PL1 that delivers what i need to this day, so i can attest to Olympus’s eye for nice products. Now, to say that they understand what the market WANTS ? they have no clue whatsoever about the market, they don’t lead, they follow. Yes, they’re innovative, but never has that innovation cause them to lead the market, not even the one they invented themselves (with Pany). People have been asking for EVF in the PEN series for YEARS, the Sony came up with a camera for those people, the Fuji, then Sony again and then Fuji too, and now Pany as well. Other companies are in their 2nd gen CSC with EVF and Oly has yet to show anything. Yes, they did come out with the OMD and many of its innovations but that was on their initiative, I can assure you there were more people asking for a PEN with evf than there were nostalgics asking for a OM renewal.
But yeah, I share your worries about prices going up, the way things are going m4/3 may price itself out of the market, specially now that Sony is rumored to come up with a FF mirrorless, there’s simply no justification for this prices.
For me, no built-in EVF means no sales. Will wait for the next E-M? to get the 1/8000sec, and whatever new features/improvement that this E-P5 has.