The E-PL5 vs E-M5 comparison by DSLRcheck (translation here).
As Heisenberg proved in the world of physics every testing results depends from the tester. So we now have two new tests trying to find out if there is an IQ difference between the E-PL5 and E-M5:
1) First test: Pekka Potka debunked the myth of the E-PL5 being better then the E-M5. He compared the two cameras and states that “the only thing we can see in these two images is that there really is no difference at all. Yes, there are very, very slight differences but they can come from so many little deviations.“.
2) Second test: DSLRcheck posted another E-PL5 versus E-M5 comparison. The test shows how the E-PL5 has a bit more moire but at the same time also a tiny bit more sharpness. This test indeed suggests that there may be a difference between the two cameras and this may be caused by the lack of AA filter (as written by Olympus France in a message to Lepidi).
I repeat it once again, I link to reviews written by others and I am sure they all have the best intentions. But as stated by Pekka there are so many variables influencing test results. And even Olympus France could have done an (unintentional) wrong statement. At that point I want to remind you that this are just pixel peeping talks. You will never notice a real difference between a printed E-PL5 or E-M5 image. It’s great that Olympus used the best m43 sensor to date for both smalle new PEN cameras 🙂
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New PEN preorders:
E-PL5 at Amazon, Adorama, Bhphoto. In EU at Amazon Germany, Amazon UK, Amazon France,
E-PM2 at Amazon, Adorama, Bhphoto. In EU at Amazon Germany, Amazon UK, Amazon France,
The E-PM2 is in Stock at Cametaacutions (Here on slidoo ebay), whiel the E-PL5 is in Stock in Asia (here on slidoo ebay).
18 Responses
Note that lack of AA filter is in most (if not all) cases fully compensated due to the anyway physically limited optical resolution because of diffraction. Add a little bit of blur due to imperfect optics and you are on the safe side. No need for an AA filter. The little difference between E-PL5 and E-M5 might become larger when using the best optics available (where resolution is really limited by the diameter of the Airy disk) – to the advantage of the E-PL5.
+ 1. BTW: the IQ of the OM-D is already so good, that there is’nt antything to worry. It’s an instrument to work for the next years on a level which is higher than analogue FF ever was.
LOL and i am the king of the universe………
You don’t even pay for your food kiddo.
King of the armchair maybe.
Ronan and Bronica sitting in the tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G…………
@Adriaantie: I would like to kiss you, sweetheart 🙂
Wow, you’re very matured aren’t you? Also, your opinions are great and you add such valuable insights to the posts here.
I disagree, get some National Geographics from the 80’s and have a look at the IQ. It wasn’t that great.
To see the difference in sharpness in the images from dslr-check you have to look really close. They do exist, so no doubt there is a difference between both cameras, but it’s too small to matter. The added moiré and false color is more evident than the resolution advantage (though it’s also small difference).
In the end, no big deal to have or not to have this filter.
It’s time for me to upgrade my E-P3 and the E-PL5 ticks every box for me EXCEPT for the poor screen. The size (well… small and wrong aspect ratio) and colour reproduction (seems to be very poor from reviews) are inexcusable for a non-EVF camera.
I want the OM-D sensor in a smaller package and am ready to go without EVF… Guess I will have to wait for E-P5 and see (but it won’t be as compact anyways)… damn..!
Give it a try in your hands. Never rely only on someone’s opinion.
there is a real diffence.. they just used the wrong lenses.
and they need a motive with smaller details
No doubt , EPL 5 is a well make & lovely camera .
This even ensure me , the next semi pro camera from Oly is very promising .
Hopefully Olympus will come out it’s own rangefinder camera with build in viewfinder one day .
“the only thing we can see in these two images is that there really is no difference at all. Yes, there are very, very slight differences but they can come from so many little deviations.“
Oxymoron alert lol,
I love these n=1 tests. The variation in production could be the cause for difference between the EPL5 and EM5. Best to get at least 10 of each camera and see how they line up.
It would be great if LensRentals could test this. The sample variation would most likely spread the EPL5 and EM5 in the same area, some will be better than others some worst.
Using n=1 you can say any thing. My gold fish died after 2 days. Thus all gold fish dye after only 2 days, why buy gold fish.
Look at a good comparison between D800 and D800e: the difference is obvious. Here, not so much…
These images work well to see the changes in Moire. Finding details changes show up the best with a landscape image showing various contrasts. That is how you can see the differences between the 800 and 800E.
Lighter AA filter, that’s where “L” in E-PL comes from :).