Olympus E-5

Olympus E-5

Camera summary

The Olympus E-5, made by Olympus, is a powerful Mid-size SLR camera. Announced on Feb. 3, 2011.

See full specifications
Feature Score
Autofocus specs
2.7 out of 5 stars
Connectivity
3.3 out of 5 stars
Exposure mode
2.5 out of 5 stars
Photography features
5.0 out of 5 stars
Physical
1.1 out of 5 stars
Average Score
2.9 out of 5 stars

Predecessor

This camera builds on the success of its predecessor, the Olympus Tough TG-3, with advanced features and improved performance.

Compare this camera to the Olympus Tough TG-3

Successor

This camera has now been superseeded by the Olympus Tough TG-6, which has more advanced features and characteristics, it would also be easier to get, especially new. Take that into account.

Aside from that, consider that you may probably need to update your camera soon and finding accesories could be more difficult compared to its successor. Of course you can expect a lower price for this camera as a compensation.

Compare this camera to its successor Olympus Tough TG-6

Sensor

This camera has a CMOS sensor with a 12 Megapixels resolution.

Focus points

This camera has 11 focus points. Also you can take advantage of its versatile cross-type points. AF Face detection available, ideal for portraits and selfies.

Max video resolutions

1280 x 720

Expect recording in 1280 x 720 with support for the following formats: Motion JPEG.

Connectivity

Built-in wireless connectivity. Support for HDMI, so you can connect it to screens, monitors or any compatible device. Support for USB, transfer files and upgrade your camera's software directly from your computer.

Battery life

BLM-5

The battery of this camera can last up to 870 shots per charge with the included BLM-5 battery. Consider that this value can fluctuate and depends on the mAh of the battery (sometimes generic batteries have more mAh) and also on the usage, the amount of time you use the screen, the flash, etc.

This camera offers a robust battery life that the medium value of all cameras. Feel free to take pictures freely, without having too worry too much about battery life.

Environmental sealing

This camera offers enviromental sealing keeping it protected and safe from environmental damage.

Autofocus specs

Af center
No
Af continuous
Yes
Af Contrast Detection
Yes
Af Face detection
Yes
Af live view
Yes
Af multi area
No
Af phase detection
Yes
Af selective
No
Af single
Yes
Af touch
No
Af tracking
No
Number of cross focus points 11
Number of focus points 11

Connectivity

HDMI
Yes
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
Wireless connectivity -
DXO color depth 21.6
DXO dynamic range 10.5
DXO low light ISO 519.0
DXO overall score 56.0

Exposure mode

AF area
No
average
No
Center weighted
Yes
Multi segment
Yes
partial
No
spot
Yes

General

AKA -
announced Feb. 3, 2011
Body type Mid-size SLR
brand Olympus
msrp $499.99
model Olympus E-5
predecessor model Olympus E-3

Lense

Focal length multiplier
Lens mount Four Thirds
Manual focus
Yes
Macro focus range -
Number of lenses 47

Other features

GPS -
Self-timer Yes (2 or 12 sec)
Storage slots 2
Storage type Compact Flash (Type I or II)/SD/SDHC/SDXC
Timelapse recording
No

Photography features

AE bracketing
Yes
Aperture priority
Yes
Built-in flash
Yes
Custom white balance
Yes
Exposure compensation
Yes
External flash
Yes
Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Fill-in
Flash range 18.00 m (at ISO 200)
Image stabilization
Yes
Manual exposure mode
Yes
Max continuous shooting 5.0 fps
Max mechanical shutter speed 1/8000s
Minimum shutter speed 60
Shutter priority
Yes
WB bracketing
Yes

Physical

Battery life 870 shots
Battery model BLM-5
Battery type Battery Pack
Crush proof
No
Dust proof
No
Environmental sealing
Yes
Freeze proof
No
Physical dimensions 143 x 117 x 75mm
Shock proof
No
Water proof
No
Weight 800 grs

Screen

Live view
Yes
Screen resolution 920
Screen size -
Screen type Fully Articulated
Touch screen
No

Sensor

Max boosted ISO -
Max image resolution 4032 x 3024
Max native ISO 6400
Min native ISO 100
RAW support
Yes
Sensor area -
Sensor dimensions 17.3 x 13 mm
Sensor resolution 12
Sensor size Four Thirds
Sensor type CMOS

Headphone port

Headphone port
No
Max video resolution 1280 x 720
Microphone port
Yes
Video formats Motion JPEG
Video resolutions 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)

Viewfinder

viewfinder Optical (pentaprism)
viewfinder coverage -
viewfinder magnification -
viewfinder resolution no electronic viewfinder