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The Olympus E5 scores a 51/100 in our evaluation, which places it in the mid-range category of DSLR cameras. Launched in 2010 at a price of $1699, its specifications include a compact size of 143 x 117 x 75mm and a weight of 800g (1.76lbs). Although the E5 has been on the market for over a decade, its features still hold relevance for some photography enthusiasts. While it may not be the top choice for professionals, the Olympus E5 remains a reliable option for those seeking a mid-range DSLR experience.
Olympus E5 Overview and Optics
The Olympus E5 receives a score of 47/100 for optics. This camera features 12.3 megapixels, a shooting speed of 5 frames per second, and an NMOS sensor type. Its processor is the TruePic V+, and the DXOMARK score for the sensor is 56. With a Micro Four Thirds sensor size and a Micro 4/3 lens mount, the E5 offers image stabilization and a 4:3 aspect ratio.
Comparing these specifications to current market standards, the Olympus E5 falls short in several areas. For instance, its 12.3 megapixels and shooting speed of 5 frames per second are lower than many contemporary cameras. Additionally, the DXOMARK score of 56 is relatively low, indicating that the E5 may struggle to compete with newer models in terms of image quality.
Despite these shortcomings, the Olympus E5 still offers some noteworthy features, such as image stabilization and a versatile Micro 4/3 lens mount. However, potential buyers should consider that the E5 may not be the top choice when compared to more advanced cameras available today.
Optics
Olympus E5
Megapixels
12.3 MP
Image Resolution
4032 x 3024 px
Sensor Type
NMOS
Sensor Size
13 x 17.3 mm
Sensor Format
Micro Four Thirds
Frame Rate
5 fps
Lens Mount
Micro 4/3
Image Processor
TruePic V+
Aspect Ratio
4:3
Minimum ISO (Native)
100
Maximum ISO (Native)
6,400
Minimum ISO (Expanded)
100
Maximum ISO (Expanded)
6400
Minimum Shutter Speed
60 s
Maximum Shutter Speed
1/ 8000 s
Autofocus Points
11
In-body Stabilization
Viewfinder Type
Optical (pentaprism)
Olympus E5 Video Performance
The Olympus E5 video capabilities score is 34 out of 100. The camera offers a maximum video resolution of standard HD with dimensions of 1280 x 720 pixels. The frame rate for video recording reaches 30fps, which may appear limited compared to modern cameras that often provide higher resolutions and frame rates.
In the current market, the Olympus E5 falls short in terms of video functionality. Many cameras now offer at least Full HD or even 4K video resolution, along with higher frame rates for smoother footage. Additionally, the E5 lacks built-in time-lapse functionality, which has become a popular feature in contemporary cameras.
The Olympus E5, therefore, is not a strong contender for those seeking advanced video capabilities. Its lower resolution and limited features make it less competitive in today’s market, where higher resolution and additional functions are more common.
Video
Olympus E5
Video
Max Video Resolution
Standard HD
Max Video Dimensions
1280 x 720 px
Max Video Frame Rate
30 p
Time-Lapse Built In
Video File Format
MPEG-4
Olympus E5 Features and Benefits
The Olympus E5 features a score of 54/100 in this section. With a screen size of 3 inches and a resolution of 920,000 dots, the display offers decent quality. However, the absence of a touchscreen is a drawback for users who prefer a more interactive experience.
The camera includes a flip screen, providing flexibility for various shooting angles. On the downside, the Olympus E5 lacks modern connectivity options like GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth, limiting its ability to share and transfer files easily.
Considering these specifications, the Olympus E5’s features are not up to par with current market standards. The camera’s display, connectivity, and user interface are behind compared to newer models. This makes the Olympus E5 a less appealing choice for those seeking advanced features and seamless connectivity.
Features
Olympus E5
Built-in Flash
External Flash
GPS
Weather Sealing
Screen Type
LCD
Touch Screen
Screen Size
3"
Screen Resolution
920,000 dots
Flip Screen
Live View
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Olympus E5 Storage and Battery
The Olympus E5 scores 71/100 in storage and battery. This camera features two memory card slots, accepting both SD/SDHC/SDXC and Compact Flash (Type I or II) cards, providing versatility in storage options. However, in today’s market, many cameras offer faster and more advanced storage formats, such as XQD or CFexpress cards.
Regarding battery life, the Olympus E5 can capture 870 shots with its BLM-5 battery type. This number of shots is decent, but some competitors in the market offer longer-lasting batteries. Additionally, the E5 does not support USB charging, which could be inconvenient for users who need to charge on the go.
Taking these factors into account, the Olympus E5 has a satisfactory storage and battery performance, but it may fall short compared to some of its competitors in the current market.