While full-frame cameras are the most popular, there is also a rising demand for small-frame devices. APS-C cameras, for instance, have been gaining traction, and so has the demand for Four Thirds. The latter has always been popular, especially since one company has been creating them in the best way: Olympus. And they also launched a camera that is considered an icon even today.
The Olympus E-5 is an excellent camera for multiple reasons. The Four Thirds camera has a 12.3MP Live MOS sensor, TruePic V processor, and new Fine Detail Processing. The device has an ISO range between 100–6400, an 11 AF points with twin cross sensors, and also offers shutter speeds from 1/8000 seconds to 60 seconds. There is also a bulb mode. Other features include 5fps burst mode, a 3-inch 921k dots LCD, and the ability to record 720p HD videos at 30fps. It is also small and weighs just 800g. The camera is designed for outdoor use, which is why it is rugged and has a DSLR-like design.
The camera has an excellent DSLR grip, and with the lens, it feels amazing. The camera’s texture is nice, and it won’t slip from your hand either after a long hour of shooting, especially when your palms are sweaty. The viewfinder is bright, which makes it easy to shoot images if you don’t want to work with the LCD.
Now, coming to performance, Olympus has made its autofocus outstanding. The system is smart, fast, and very accurate. The E-5 was also a bit faster than the Canon 7D. This also means the camera is perfect for concert photography, where you have fast-moving subjects and low light. In addition to autofocus, the weather sealing is also wonderful.
The Olympus E-5 also captures stunning images. The camera’s vivid mode results in great colors, with rich blues, reds, and greens. Even when we underexposed the image, the colors look spectacular. In addition, the high ISO performance was great, and the RAW file versatility was great too. As we said in our review, “Then the recovery level was raised a bit to save the highlights and I converted the file to black and white. After this, I set the color levels, added a vignetting effect, and got the image that opens this story.” There are also art filters, which is also a great addition. However, many professional photographers may not use it.
Overall, the camera is perfect for anyone who likes a DSLR, but in a much smaller build. The lenses are also great, giving one plenty of options to work with. If you are looking for something vintage, then the E-5 is what you are looking for. We do hope the company works around and launches something similar soon.