Olympus PEN E-PL5 Pro Reviews

We've been very pleased with the image quality and overall speedy performance of the Olympus PEN compact system camera line over the past couple of years, and the E-PL5 stands out as a significant evolution on almost every front. First off, the Olympus E-PL5 inherits the exceptional 16-megapixel sensor from the groundbreaking OM-D E-M5, one of our all-time favorite cameras we've ever reviewed. Bolstered by this sensor and the TruePic VI image processor (also borrowed from the E-M5), the image quality we saw from the E-PL5 proved to be nothing less than stellar -- demonstrating accurate colors, an impressive dynamic range and tons of detail. When you consider the camera's price, such image quality is an outright amazing feat that rivals much higher-end CSCs and DSLRs. The E-PL5 also improves upon the quick operation of its predecessor, the E-PL3, providing blazing speed in terms of start up, mode switching, autofocus, single-shot cycle times and more. The camera's Continuous mode averaged 8 frames per second -- not too shabby -- but falls to a more pedestrian 3.5 fps when tracking AF is enabled. Overall, we found the FAST (Frequency Acceleration Sensor Technology) AF to be responsive and accurate in most situations, though our reviewer said he wouldn't rely too heavily on it for capturing fast-motion action.

At first glance, the E-PL5 seems nothing more than a tweak to the E-PL3, but while it may look similar, the E-PL5 feels like a completely different camera underneath. This is in no small part due to the rather impressive 16.1MP sensor borrowed from the OM-D. While it probably doesn't beat APS-C rivals, it's much closer, making the difference negligible and less of a deal-breaker. Add to that a host of subtle improvements over the E-PL3 and the E-PL5 is now one of the most competent CSCs at this price-point. There's still room for improvement however - the grip needs to be refined, while the touchscreen interface needs to deliver more functionality. Sharing many of the characteristics and features of the flagship model, think of the E-PL5 as an OM-D Lite, rather than PEN Lite, ideal for photographers looking for a quality, compact-sized CSC that'll deliver the goods.

Both cameras performed well and gave us crisp, focused photos. We were finding it difficult to justify the $100 to spring for the E-PL5 over the E-PM2. But then we started tilting the screen out to review photos or framing the best angle for a shot, and it became a “must have” feature. We also like the settings dial, which is styled more like a DSLR camera; the E-PM2 functions more like more like a point-and-shoot cameras; that means a few extra steps to change from full auto to manual or art effects. Both cameras are good entries into the Micro Four Thirds category, and will serve new users well. The picture quality and ability to play with a number of settings make it a good choice for photographers who like to tweak shots and play around with different ISO and other settings. If you can live without the extra features, such as a tilting screen and settings dial, you can save a few dollars and go with the Pen Mini E-PM2. Our preference, if you’re going for this price point and feature set, is to spring for the extra features offered with E-PL5.

The Olympus E-PL5 is a much more intriguing camera than its mid-level price and positioning in the Olympus compact system camera range would first suggest. Not many manufacturers offer the same image quality as their flagship camera throughout their entire line-up, but that's exactly what Olympus have done with the release of the E-PL5 and the even smaller E-PM2. The new Olympus E-PL5 therefore comes Highly Recommended as a more portable and affordable alternative to Olympus' best mirrorless camera...

The mirrorless compact system camera market now offers more choice than ever before and, with the addition of Canon's EOS M it promises to become even more crowded. By giving the E-PL5, and presumably any upcoming PEN models, the same sensor as the Flagship OM-D E-M5, adding features that improve usability, like the touch screen, and expanding the choice of lenses and accessories Olympus is doing exactly what it needs to, to maintain its position as a leader in the CSC market. The company also has something that competitors like Sony, Nikon and Panasonic lack and that's the legacy of brands like the PEN and OM ranges, which it very successfully trades off by adopting retro styling that hints of classic cameras. Bringing them right up to date though is built-in image stabilisation which works with any lens you attach - a feature unique amongst current CSCs. The PEN E-PL5 looks the part, but it can also deliver when it comes to other things that photographers value. Its image quality is excellent (certainly not beaten by many APS-C models), it handles very well, and it's a capable video camera too. It provides lots physical controls, plenty of options for customisation and you can plug in an accessory viewfinder - all things that will appeal to enthusiasts. At the same time it has a touch-screen, easy-to use auto modes and lots of fun features, so it's also very well suited to compact upgraders and other novices. This-all round versatility is something that's not easy to achieve but Olympus has pulled it of with great style and panache, a feat which earns the E-PL5 our Highly Recommended award.

The Olympus PEN Lite E-PL5 features an updated tilting 3inch touch screen, with better handling than the previous Lite E-PL3. The camera doesn't feature a panoramic mode, but does include a built in HDR bracketing mode, although unfortunately this doesn't auto-stitch the photos. The Live Time feature inherited from the Olympus OM-D E-M5 is an excellent feature. The camera's image quality is vastly improved over the previous PEN cameras, inheriting the 16 megapixel sensor from the Olympus OM-D E-M5, and image quality is excellent with the 14-42mm MK II lens delivering sharp photos and excellent Olympus colour. Noise performance is the best it's ever been from a Micro Four Thirds camera, with usable ISO up to and including ISO6400. With the current offer on the Olympus PEN Lite E-PL5, where you can get a free FlashAir Wi-Fi card, the camera is very good value for money. The Olympus PEN Lite E-PL5 is the more serious brother to the E-PM2, and with the ever increasing number of lenses available for Micro Four Thirds cameras, the Olympus PEN Lite E-PL5 should be high on your list if you're looking for a mirrorless camera.

We enjoyed the ability to fire the shutter with a satisfying clunk by tapping where your subject appears on screen. Plus with Art Filter effects that are fun and effective, and warm, bold colours delivered almost on default, apart from a few niggles this is a great step up option for anyone wanting DSLR-style shots without the bulk.

The E-PL5 may at first seem like a small series of steady improvements rolled into the one camera and, in some respects, that's all it is. But the combination of these subtleties merges into one much greater whole than any E-PL model before it. Image quality is a leap forward for Micro Four Thirds at this price point, which is a huge selling point. Add a decent build, fast autofocus system and, of course, wide selection of Micro Four Thirds lenses and there's not much to dislike. Our limited moans are that the plastic front grip looks cheap, there's no built-in flash and that continuous autofocus still isn't up to scratch. Otherwise Olympus has really pulled this one out of the bag. The E-PL5 is a fine example of how a compact system camera should be. Top stuff.

The Olympus PEN Lite E-PL5 delivers the performance of the top-end Olympus OM-D E-M5 in a smaller package and at a fraction of the price.