Olympus Pen E-P5 review – Our verdict
Image: I could get wide for this scene by using the 12mm f/2 lens. Its effective focal length is 24mm because of the four thirds system’s 2x crop factor. Detail is lovely and crisp
Compared to its competition, the Olympus Pen E-P5 is certainly stylish, if on the expensive side, being one of the best-looking CSCs available. Thankfully, though, it handles just as well. Those who like to take manual control of their camera are spoilt for choice, with twin dials and a touchscreen providing a comprehensive level of user control. The camera is speedy, too, with quick start-up, fast AF and shutter speeds, and excellent flash support. As for the images, I experienced few surprises having already reviewed the Olympus OM-D E-M5.
Panasonic and Olympus now use a 16-million-pixel, four thirds sensor as standard. The four thirds system also has some fine glass now, and I am pleased with the images taken using the 45mm f/1.8 and 12mm f/2 lenses. Certainly in good light, detail is crisp, and even up to ISO 800 I am really pleased with my images. Like the OM-D, the E-P5 is one of the best CSC options available.
Olympus Pen E-P5 – Key features
Flash
The built-in pop-up flash is released manually using this catch. It has a class-leading flash sync speed of 1/320sec, while external flash units attached via the hotshoe enjoy a flash sync speed up to 1/250sec, which is again very impressive. The built-in flash has a guide number of 10m @ ISO 200 (GN 7m @ ISO 100).
Switch
As mentioned in the Build and handling section, this lever can change the function of the dials. As a default, the ‘1′ position is set for aperture/shutter speed, while the ‘2′ position changes the white balance/ISO.
Dials
The rear dial is placed close to the front dial, which makes the pair quick to operate together for changes to exposure, among other things.
Magnification
Live-view magnification from 5x and up to 14x is possible using this button, which improves accuracy when using manual focus.
Battery/memory-card compartment
Located on the right of the underside of the camera, it is possible to open the battery/memory-card compartment without needing to remove the camera from most tripods.
