Olympus E-5 12.3MP Digital SLR with 3-inch LCD [Body Only] (Black)
by Olympus
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Category: Digital Camera
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: OlympusAudio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Model: E-5 Body
Product features:
- 12.3-megapixel Live MOS Sensor; TruePic V+ image processor
- In-body Image Stabilization system compensates for up to five shutter speed steps
- Dust Reduction System with the Supersonic Wave Filter; rugged "thixomold" magnesium-alloy construction coupled with advanced splash and dust protection,
- Shoot movies at 30 frames per second in 720p with available manual control over aperture and shutter speed
- 3-inch, 270-degree swivel LCD delivers precise compositional accuracy in Live View
- Manfrotto 7302YB M-Y Tripod with Ball - Replaces 725B
- AmazonBasics SDHC Class 4 32GB Secure Digital Card
- AmazonBasics SDHC Class 10 4 GB Secure Digital Card
- AmazonBasics SDHC Class 4 16GB Secure Digital Card
- AmazonBasics 8 GB Class 4 SDHC Flash Memory Card
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Olympus E-5 12.3MP Digital SLR with 3-inch LCD [Body Only] (Black)
Customer Review: I can't believe I bought the E5, but glad I did...
Summary: 5 Stars
1. First of all, to give the reader an idea of where I'm coming from, I'm not a pro but I definitely am a serious enthusiast. Furthermore, I've used many cameras over the years (OM-1, Nikon film, Contax film, Xpan, Noblex etc... etc...). I've also paid my dues logging many hours in the darkroom over the years. In regards to digital, I've used various Sony cameras (F828, R1, 850 with the CZ 24-70mm), Olympus 420, 620, most recently the excellent EP-1 etc... I also recently tested the Pentax K5 with the 16-50mm 2.8 and I've briefly tested the Canon 5DII 24-105 L (I think that's the focal length); my friend's camera.
2. I, along with many other Olympus owners, was overtly confused, dismayed with the introduction of the E-5. I was expecting all of the things that we normally associated with a new camera: higher resolution and basically faster everything. However, after some time with this camera along with some time to reflect on my recent various tests of other cameras (notably the Sony A850 with 24-70mm CZ and Pentax K5 16-50mm), I've come to some personal (not scientific) impressions about this camera as well as photography in general:
a: Just like in the olden days, I think we can now state that "it's about the lens." Sensor technology is at such a level now, that basically any competent person can create a very good image with any modern camera. Certainly some cameras lend themselves better to certain situations (ie Nikon / Canon for sports or super low light without a tripod etc...), but in general--> give a competent photographer any modern DSLR and they'll be able to create great images. After testing my EP-1 with 12-60mm (which essentially shares the same sensor as the E-5) vs Sony A850 and Pentax K5, as unlikely and frankly crazy as it sounds, the Olympus EP-1 and E-5 with the superb 12-60mm just is frankly superior in terms of image quality (at least at the base ISO of 200). In the end, I had in my possession both the Sony A850 with the massive 24-70mm CZ and the Pentax K5 with the 16-50mm 2.8 and although I could have had either of those cameras, I literally couldn't purchase either of those cameras simply because in terms of real world image output, it couldn't match the E-5 with 12-60mm. I know that it doesn't make any scientific nor logical sense on paper, but in real world shooting, it is what it is. And, I'm going to assume that the 4/3 panasonic sensor (an "old" sensor) is not going to be in the same league as the Sony sensors (ie A850 and the new sony 16 MP sensor in the Pentax K5). Thus, going back to my initial realization: it's all about the lens and the Olympus lens line is just excellent (I currently have the middle of the road lens line (High Grade): 11-22mm, 12-60mm, 50-200mm).
b. Since I'm going way long in this review, I have one other thought in descrbing the E-5: basically it's the EP-1 / EP-2 on steroids... and that is not a bad thing. I love the output quality of the EP-1, but it's performance is hampered in many situations (ie focus speed, terrible ergonomics when using a regular 4/3 lens, no OVF, slow burst speed etc... etc...). The E-5 obviously address all of those performance issues while at the same time providing excellent image output.
c. Regarding the wailing and gnashing of teeth via the faithful when the specs of the E-5 was introduced (esp the 12 MP sensor), the bottomline is that this camera is truely for those who are not swayed by the media and internet hype, but by true photographic excellence. How many times have we read over the years bemoaning the MP race, only to see those same people then criticizing a new camera because it doesn't follow up the MP race? Some folks may need more than 12 MP but the super majority of enthusiasts as well as significant percentgage of pros don't require more than 12MP. Eitherway, after some commonsencial thinking and research, realized that I too was falling for the hype that more is better. The bottomline is that if you have an open mind and look at what is truely important for your photography, then I'm confident that the E-5 will at least be there at the top of your list; it was for me and I'm glad that purchased this camera.
3. Well Olympus for creating a true photographic tool for photographers.
Description of Olympus E-5 12.3MP Digital SLR with 3-inch LCD [Body Only] (Black)
Built on E-System technology, the Olympus E-5 adds powerful new features that let you do more than ever before. Designed to maximize the award-winning performance of Zuiko Digital lenses, the E-5 achieves the highest image quality of any Olympus camera-with astonishing detail, blazing speed, and true-to-life color. New options like user control in Art Filters and 720p HD Video give you more freedom to explore creative effects. And with its weatherproof design, the rugged E-5 can go anywhere.Digital SLRs
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