Olympus OM-D E-M5 Specs and Scores
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General
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Olympus OM-D E-M5
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Brand | Olympus |
Model | OM-D E-M5 |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2012 |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | February 08, 2012 |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless |
Camera Size | |
Camera Weight |
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 scores a 55/100 in our evaluation. Announced on February 8, 2012, this mirrorless camera entered the market with a launch price of $999. Measuring 122 x 89 x 43mm and weighing 425g (0.94lbs), it is a compact and lightweight option.
Considering its 2012 release, the E-M5’s specifications are not as competitive in today’s market. However, it remains a decent choice for those seeking a user-friendly, travel-friendly camera.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Overview and Optics
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 receives a score of 54/100 for its optics. This camera possesses 16.1 megapixels, a shooting speed of 9, and a CMOS sensor. It uses a TruePic VI processor and has a DXOMARK score of 71 for the sensor. The sensor size is Micro Four Thirds, and the lens mount is Micro 4/3. The camera also features image stabilization and a 4:3 aspect ratio.
In the current market, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 has a decent set of specifications. However, it faces strong competition from cameras with larger sensors and more advanced processors. The 16.1 megapixels and TruePic VI processor provide good image quality, but they may not satisfy users seeking the highest resolution and fastest processing.
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 has solid optics, but it may not be the top choice for those prioritizing cutting-edge technology. Its score of 54/100 reflects its position as a respectable camera, but not an industry leader.
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Optics
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 16.1 MP |
Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 4608 x 3456 px |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 13 x 17.3 mm |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Micro Four Thirds |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 9 fps |
Lens Mount The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Micro 4/3 |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | TruePic VI |
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  4:3 |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 200 |
Maximum ISO (Native) Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 25,600 |
Minimum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 100 |
Maximum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 25600 |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 1/ 4000 s |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 35 |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   |
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Electronic |
Viewfinder Resolution | 1,440,000 dots |
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Video Performance
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 receives a video score of 43/100. Its maximum video resolution is Full HD, with dimensions of 1920 x 1080. The camera’s maximum video frame rate is 30fps. Unfortunately, the OM-D E-M5 does not have built-in time-lapse functionality.
Compared to other cameras in today’s market, the OM-D E-M5’s video capabilities are not very impressive. Many modern cameras offer 4K video resolution and higher frame rates, which result in better video quality and smoother footage. The lack of built-in time-lapse functionality also limits the camera’s versatility for video enthusiasts.
Despite its relatively low video score, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 may still be suitable for casual users who prioritize photography over videography. However, those seeking advanced video features should consider other options.
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Video
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  |
Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  Full HD |
Max Video Dimensions Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 1920 x 1080 px |
Max Video Frame Rate How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 30 p |
Time-Lapse Built In A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |   |
Video File Format Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MOV, AVI |
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Features and Benefits
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 earns a feature score of 65/100. This camera comes with a 3-inch touchscreen display, offering a screen resolution of 610,000 dots. The flip screen feature provides flexibility for various shooting angles. However, it lacks GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth capabilities, which are essential for easy sharing and geotagging of photos in today’s digital age.
Comparing the E-M5 to other cameras in the market, the absence of connectivity features makes it less competitive. Many modern cameras offer seamless integration with smartphones and other devices for instant sharing and remote control. Despite these shortcomings, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 remains a reliable choice for those who prioritize image quality and performance over connectivity options.
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Features
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  |
External Flash External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  |
Screen Type | OLED |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  |
Screen Size |  3" |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 610,000 dots |
Flip Screen A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  |
Wi-Fi |  |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  |
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Storage and Battery
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 receives a storage and battery score of 21/100. This camera has one memory card slot, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. In today’s market, having only one slot might be limiting for some photographers, as many cameras now offer dual slots for extra storage and backup.
The battery life of the E-M5 is 310 shots, powered by a BLN-1 battery. This battery life is relatively short compared to other cameras in its class, which may require more frequent battery changes for extended shooting sessions. Additionally, the E-M5 lacks USB charging capabilities, which could be inconvenient for on-the-go photographers who rely on portable power sources.
Taking these factors into account, the Olympus OM-D E-M5’s storage and battery capabilities may not be ideal for photographers seeking ample storage and longer battery life.
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Storage and Battery
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
Dual Memory Card Slots |  |
Battery Type | BLN-1 |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 310 shots |
USB Charging |  |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |
Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 22.8 bits |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 12.3 EVs |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 826 |
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Scores
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User Scores
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B&H photo video |