Olympus OM-D E-M5

Olympus OM-D E-M5

Camera summary

The Olympus OM-D E-M5, made by Olympus, is a powerful SLR-style mirrorless camera. Announced on April 30, 2012.

See full specifications
Feature Score
Autofocus specs
4.5 out of 5 stars
Connectivity
5.0 out of 5 stars
Exposure mode
2.5 out of 5 stars
Photography features
4.3 out of 5 stars
Physical
0.7 out of 5 stars
Average Score
3.4 out of 5 stars

Successor

This camera has now been superseeded by the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II, 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 OM-D E-M5 II

Sensor

This camera has a CMOS sensor with a 16 Megapixels resolution.

Focus points

This camera has 35 focus points. AF Face detection available, ideal for portraits and selfies. It offers AF tracking, which allows you to track moving objects

Max video resolutions

1920 x 1080

Expect recording in 1920 x 1080 with support for the following formats: H.264, 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

BLN-1

The battery of this camera can last up to 360 shots per charge with the included BLN-1 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.

Although this camera may have a decent battery life, its performance is not as great as the most powerful cameras. Always make sure to carry one extra battery, just in case.

Environmental sealing

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

Other features

This camera doesn't include a microphone port, which can be a major headache when recording video or interviews, consider it before buying it.

Autofocus specs

Af center
Yes
Af continuous
Yes
Af Contrast Detection
Yes
Af Face detection
Yes
Af live view
Yes
Af multi area
Yes
Af phase detection
No
Af selective
Yes
Af single
Yes
Af touch
Yes
Af tracking
Yes
Number of cross focus points -
Number of focus points 35

Connectivity

HDMI
Yes
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
Wireless connectivity Eye-Fi Connected
DXO color depth 22.8
DXO dynamic range 12.3
DXO low light ISO 826.0
DXO overall score 71.0

Exposure mode

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

General

AKA -
announced April 30, 2012
Body type SLR-style mirrorless
brand Olympus
msrp $410.99
model Olympus OM-D E-M5
predecessor model

Lense

Focal length multiplier 2x
Lens mount Micro Four Thirds
Manual focus
Yes
Macro focus range -
Number of lenses 128

Other features

GPS -
Self-timer Yes (2 or 12 sec)
Storage slots 1
Storage type SD/SDHC/SDXC
Timelapse recording
No

Photography features

AE bracketing
Yes
Aperture priority
Yes
Built-in flash
No
Custom white balance
Yes
Exposure compensation
Yes
External flash
Yes
Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync (2), Manual (3 levels)
Flash range no built-in flash
Image stabilization
Yes
Manual exposure mode
Yes
Max continuous shooting 9.0 fps
Max mechanical shutter speed 1/4000s
Minimum shutter speed 60
Shutter priority
Yes
WB bracketing
Yes

Physical

Battery life 360 shots
Battery model BLN-1
Battery type Battery Pack
Crush proof
No
Dust proof
No
Environmental sealing
Yes
Freeze proof
No
Physical dimensions 122 x 89 x 43mm
Shock proof
No
Water proof
No
Weight 425 grs

Screen

Live view
Yes
Screen resolution 610
Screen size -
Screen type Tilting
Touch screen
Yes

Sensor

Max boosted ISO -
Max image resolution 4608 x 3456
Max native ISO 25600
Min native ISO 200
RAW support
Yes
Sensor area -
Sensor dimensions 17.3 x 13 mm
Sensor resolution 16
Sensor size Four Thirds
Sensor type CMOS

Headphone port

Headphone port
No
Max video resolution 1920 x 1080
Microphone port
No
Video formats H.264, Motion JPEG
Video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)

Viewfinder

viewfinder Electronic
viewfinder coverage -
viewfinder magnification -
viewfinder resolution 1,440k dots