Olympus OM-D E-M5 : First Impressions


Cactus jACK

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February 2012, Olympus announced the E-M5, the first of its OM-D (OM Digital) range of M43 cameras, styled after and follows the 40-year legacy of the OM SLR film camera series. It is built around a 16MP sensor and features the company's latest 5-axis image stabilization system that works for both stills and movies, packed in a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body.




| Olympus OM-D E-M5 | M.ZUIKO Digital ED 12-50 mm f3.5-6.3 EZ |

Highlights:
- 16.1-megapixel Live MOS Sensor and TruePic™ VI image-processing engine for superior image quality and high sensitivity
- 5-axis image stabilizer to compensate for multi-directional camera shake during both still photography and HD moviemaking
- Fast autofocusing system (FAST AF) plus new 3D AF tracking for improved performance
- Lightweight magnesium alloy body that is enhanced with dustproof and splashproof durability
- Tilting 3.0-inch touch screen OLED
- Built-in 120-fps (frames-per-second) refresh rate, high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF)
 

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Specifications

Olympus OM-D E-M5
Effective pixels : 16.1MP
Max resolution 4608 x 3456
Sensor size : Four Thirds (17.3 x 13mm)
Sensor type : 4/3 Live MOS Sensor
Processor : TruePic VI
Image stabilization : Sensor-shift, 5-axis IS
Lens mount : Micro4/3
Focal length multiplier : 2×
Dust reduction : Supersonic Wave Filter

File Format
Still format : RAW (12-bit lossless compression), JPEG, RAW+JPEG, MPO(3D still)
[4:3] 4608 x 3456, 3200 x 2400, 2560 x1920, 1920 x 1440, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480
[3:2] 4608 x 3072, 3200 x 1800, 2560 x 1440, 1920 x 1080, 1536 x 864, 1280 x 720, 1024 x 576, 640 x 360
[16:9] 4608 x 2592, 3216 x 2144, 2544 x 1696, 1920 x 1280, 1584 x 1056, 1296 x 864, 1008 x 672, 624 x 416
[1:1] 3456 x 3456, 2400 x 2400, 1920 x 1920, 1440 x 1440, 1216 x 1216, 960 x 960, 768 x 768, 480 x 480
ISO Auto (200 - 25600), 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800, 25600, 1/3 or 1 EV steps selectable
White balance : Auto WB, 7 Preset WBs, 2 Capture WBs, Custom WB (Kelvin setting)

Video format : MOV(MPEG-4AVC/H.264) , AVI(Motion JPEG)
Microphone : Stereo
Speaker : Mono
Resolutions :
[MOV] Full HD : 1920(H)x1080(V), 30p(29.97fps) Recording 20Mbps(Fine) / 17Mbps(Normal), Aspect 16:9, HD : 1280(H)x720(V), 30p(29.97fps) Recording 13Mbps(Fine) / 10Mbps(Normal), Aspect 16:9
[AVI] HD : 1280(H)x720(V), 30fps*, Aspect 16:9, SD : 640(H)x480(V), 30fps*, Aspect 4:3
Maximum Recording Time :
[MOV] Max29min (Full HD Normal/HD Fine/HD Normal : 29min, Full HD Fine : 22min)
[AVI Motion-JPEG] HD: 7min, SD: 14min

Autofocus and Metering
AF-type : Contrast Detect
AF Options : Multi-area, Selective single-point, Tracking, Continuous, Face Detection, Live View
AF mode : Single AF (S-AF) / Continuous AF (C-AF)* / Manual Focus (MF) / S-AF + MF / AF tracking (C-AF + TR) *
Manual focus assist : Yes, selectable from over 800 AF points, magnification x5, x7, x10 (Default), x14 selectable
Number of focus points : 35-area multiple AF
Focusing point selection : All target, Group target area (9-area), Single target
AF illuminator : Available
Metering modes : Digital ESP (324-area multi pattern), Center weighted average, Spot, Spot with highlight control, Spot with shadow control
Exposure compensation : ±3EV (at 1/3EV, 1/2EV, 1EV steps)
AE Bracketing (2, 3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3EV, 1/2EV, 2/3EV, 1EV steps)

Shutter and Drive
Shutter : Computerized focal-plane shutter
Shutter speed : 1/4000 - 60 sec. (1/3, 1/2, or 1EV steps selectable.)
Bulb : default setting 8min. (1/2/4/8/15/20/25/30 min. selectable.)
Drive mode : Single-frame shooting, Sequential shooting, Self-timer
Max. recordable pictures on sequential shooting :
[RAW] Max. 20 frames (in seq. shooting L / 4fps), Max.15 frames (in seq. shooting H / 9fps)
[JPEG] Max. 70 frames (in seq. shooting L / 4fps), Max. 19 frames (in seq. shooting H / 9fps)
Self-timer : Operation time: 12 sec., 2 sec. (cancel available)
 

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Specifications (cont...)

Modes & Flash
Exposure modes : i Auto, Program, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual, Bulb, Time, Scene select, Art Filter
Color Mode : sRGB, Adobe RGB
Picture Mode : i-Enhance, Vivid, Natural, Muted, Portrait, Monotone, Custom, Art Filters
Scene modes : Portrait, e-Portrait, Landscape, Landscape + Portrait, Sport, Night, Night + Portrait, Children, High Key, Low Key, DIS mode, Macro, Nature Macro, Candle, Sunset, Documents, Panorama, Fireworks, Beach & Snow, Fisheye Conv, Wide Conv, Macro Conv, 3D
Art Filter Mode : Pop Art (I/II), Soft Focus, Pale & Light Color (I/II), Light Tone, Grainy Film (I/II), Pin Hole (I/II/III), Diorama, Cross Proscess (I/II), Gentle Sepia, Dramatic Tone (I/II), Key Line (I/II)

Built-in flash : No
External flash : Yes (via Hot-shoe)
Flash modes : Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync (2), Manual (3 levels)
Flash X sync speed : 1/250 sec

Screen and Viewfinder
Type : Image Sensor (High Speed Live MOS) type
Field of view : Approx.100%
Display Mode : Normal Mode, Grid Line Mode(4 types), Histogram Mode, Magnified View Mode, OFF
Magnification Ratio : x5, x7, x10 (Default), x14
Monitor type : Tilt type - Upward tilting angle up to 80 degrees / Downward tilting angle up to 50 degrees
OLED monitor / Touch control : Touch shutter release, Touch enlargement, Touch Live Guide, AF area selection, AF area enlargement, Frame advance/backward, Enlargement playback, Touch Super Control Panel
Size : 3.0 inches (3:2)
Total no. of pixels : Approx. 610k dots(3:2)
Color tone select : VIVID / NATURAL

Viewfinder : Eye-level electronic viewfinder, approx. 1.44M-dot
Coverage : Approx. 100 %
Magnification : Approx. 0.92x - 1.15x (-1m-1, 50mm lens, Infinity)
Eye point : Approx. 18mm (-1m-1, Distance from rear lens surface)
Diopter adjustment range : -4 ~ +2m-1
Preview : Available with Live Preview function button
Displayed Grid : Off / Normal Grid / Golden Grid / Scale / Diagonal / Movie Grid selectable
Level Gauge : 2-axis level gauge; horizontal /vertical
Finder Style : Selectable from 3 types
EyeCup : Optional eyecup EP-11 is available.

Dimension and Storage
Storage : SD/SDHC/SDXC
USB : USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI : Yes (Mini HDMI type-D)
Remote control : Yes (Optional RM-UC1)
Environmentally sealed : Yes
Battery : Lithium-Ion BLN-1 rechargeable battery
No. of recordable pictures : Approx. 360 shots (with BLN-1)
Weight : Approx. 425g (including Battery and Memory card) / Approx. 373g (body only)
Dimensions 121 x 89.6 x 41.9mm

source: http://www.olympusimage.com.sg/products/dslr/em5/spec/
 

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looks chio!

but after touching the real cam during the IT fair... got some reservation now. Still dun quite like the articulating screen (it's just me nothing to do with the design).
 

Would have considered that if the crop factor isn't 2x. Don't want my 35mm and 50mm lenses to become 70mm and 100mm!

easy, sell your watever brand of 35mm and 50mm, and get oly 17mm f2.8 and PL 25mm f1.4. you would have 34mm and 50mm effective range.
 

Would have considered that if the crop factor isn't 2x. Don't want my 35mm and 50mm lenses to become 70mm and 100mm!

I don't even bother using old primes on my m4/3s G3.
The native ones are smaller, lighter and auto. Sharp from wide open.
The non-native ones end up to be physically longer and heavy due to adapter. Long equivalent FL too.

3 native lenses like 12, 25, 45 solves most needs.
 

looks chio!

but after touching the real cam during the IT fair... got some reservation now. Still dun quite like the articulating screen (it's just me nothing to do with the design).
agree that it looks chio, but the devil is aways in the details... i'll let some these reveal itself through the review...

Would have considered that if the crop factor isn't 2x. Don't want my 35mm and 50mm lenses to become 70mm and 100mm!
good thing about the m43 system is that it has been developing for a while, and has amassed a decent array of good lenses native to the m43 mount, both primes and zooms, even Sigma, Tamron, and Tokina have indicated that they will also manufacture m43 lenses, be it that only Sigma have announced the 19mmf2.8 and the 30mmf2.8.

in terms of primes, Noktor and Voigtländer have also produced the several manual focus lenses, 50mmf0.95, 25mmf0.95, and 17mmf0.95. this on top of the native primes (non-FE, non-macro) : 12mmf2, 17mmf2.5, 17mmf2.8, 20mmf1.7, 25mmf1.4, 45mmf1.8, and the rumored 75mmf1.8...
 

ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER
The OM-D's new electronic viewfinder (EVF) features a high-resolution 1.44-million dot LCD, 100% field-of-view coverage, and 1.15x maximum magnification that let you totally immerse yourself in your subject, and actively control image creation. The EVF also enables you to enlarge the focus point for precision focusing in virtually any shooting situation, and can show you the effect of Highlight & Shadow Control, White Balance, Exposure Compensation, Aspect Ratio, and a host of other settings and advanced digital image processing functions right in the viewfinder. With improved precision and responsiveness that make it as easy to use as an optical viewfinder, the OM-D's advanced EVF gives you virtually unlimited creative control.

HIGH IMAGE QUALITY
Three key factors contribute to the OM-D's unprecedented image quality: a wide lineup of M.ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses for sharp, clear subject capture, a new 16-megapixel Live MOS image sensor for rich tonal expression, and an advanced TruePic VI image processor for superb color fidelity. The optimal balance of these factors ensures the high resolution, sensitivity, and color accuracy you need to brilliantly capture the world around you.

FAST AF
The world's fastest AF system, FAST AF, has been made even faster and more accurate on the OM-D. Improved new 3D Tracking AF assures you won't miss the moment even when subjects move toward or away from you, and the new high-sensitivity image sensor ensures superior AF performance even in dim light.

5-AXIS IMAGE STABILIZATION
The OM-D is equipped with the world's first 5-axis image stabilization system, and can compensate for vertical, horizontal, and rotational camera shake that conventional 2-axis systems of the past have been unable to handle. Built into the camera body to ensure effective stabilization with all lenses, its unique 5-axis design makes it particularly effective when taking high-magnification telephoto shots, macro close-ups, and long exposures. In addition, it can be activated by pressing the shutter button halfway, so you can also use it to stabilize the viewfinder image and obtain a crisp, clear view of your subject that makes it easy to frame and compose your shots.

DUST-PROOF & SPLASH-PROOF CONSTRUCTION
Trouble-free shooting in all environments is assured by our proven dust-proof and splash-proof technology. Multiple ring-shaped seals protect the camera from sand, dust, rain, and water spray, making it ideal for all kinds of outdoor shooting. What's more, the OM-D extends this protection to the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 EZ lens, the bundled detachable flash unit, and the optional grip and power battery holder.

source: OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5 | Olympus Imaging Singapore
 

[ISO] While some people might give the M43 some flack for being a "small format", I think many of these guys would be surprised by the ISO performance of the E-M5. Its range is from ISO200-25600... under construction...


ISO200 Full Image


ISO25600 Ful Image

--- 100% Crops (640 x 480) ---


ISO200


ISO400


ISO800

Caveat : This is based on a Pre-Production model.
 

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--- 100% Crops (640 x 480) --- cont...


ISO1600


ISO3200


ISO6400


ISO12800


ISO25600

Caveat : This is based on a Pre-Production model.
 

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Everything looks good all the way up to ISO3200 and still useable at ISO6400 and even 12800!

Think this is the m4/3 that can match or beat some APSC out there. Can't wait to lay my hands on my upcoming unit... :p
 

Really stunning high iso performance for a m43 camera... to match its equally stunning price! :bsmilie:

are these pictures OOC jpgs or RAW pictures? Any in-camera NR done?
 

hi cactus jack, did they do something about the weird feeling four way button ? when i tried it at IT show it feels awkward, like too soft and wrong
 

Really stunning high iso performance for a m43 camera... to match its equally stunning price! :bsmilie:

are these pictures OOC jpgs or RAW pictures? Any in-camera NR done?
these are OOC (out of camera) jpegs.

JPEG: Large Fine
Noise Reduction: Auto
Noise Filter: Standard

hi cactus jack, did they do something about the weird feeling four way button ? when i tried it at IT show it feels awkward, like too soft and wrong
i found that the 5-way button worked fine (4 "arrows" and "okay" button), although i would have preferred it to have been a little more firm and even metallic. mind you, this is a pre-production set, and they may "tighten" them in the production sets. but i suspect that the implementation will be similar to the "dust-proofness" and "splash-proofness" of the Olympus E-5 DSLR button set. this looks like a mini E-5 5-way button set, but raised for a better feel (given the smaller size).

 

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ISO looks comparable to my D7000. Enough for me to ditch it and get the EM-5 :D
 

its time to sell you D7000


Haha. Already sold!!!:bsmilie:

Waiting for the EM 5 to be in stock. I think gonna wait till June, considering the overwhelming pre-orders.
 

I missed the 1st and 2nd batch of pre-orders, so most probably have to wait till June too. Looking forward to the EM5 with some primes!:)