Design and Build Quality
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 is a camera that stands out in terms of design and build quality. Crafted with a blend of metal and plastic, it feels robust and durable in your hands. The camera’s body is weather-sealed, making it a reliable companion for outdoor photography enthusiasts. The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip, and the controls are well-placed, allowing for easy access to essential functions.
The camera features a tilting touchscreen LCD, which is a great addition for composing shots from awkward angles. The 3-inch screen has a resolution of 1.04 million dots, providing sharp and clear images. The EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) is also impressive, offering a high-resolution 1.44 million-dot OLED display. It provides a clear and lag-free view, making it easy to frame your shots accurately.
Performance and Image Quality
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 is equipped with a 16.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor, which delivers excellent image quality. The camera produces sharp, detailed images with rich colors and good dynamic range. The sensor’s low-light performance is impressive, allowing you to capture clear images even in low-light conditions.
The camera’s TruePic VI image processor ensures fast and accurate autofocus, with a continuous shooting speed of up to 9 frames per second. The AF system is quick and reliable, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects. The camera also offers various shooting modes, including Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual, giving you full control over your photography.
Video Capabilities
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 is not just a great still camera; it’s also an excellent video camera. The camera records Full HD (1920 x 1080) video at 30p, 24p, and 60i frame rates. The built-in microphone captures clear audio, and the camera offers a variety of audio recording options, including wind noise reduction and audio level adjustment.
The camera’s tilting LCD screen is particularly useful for video recording, allowing you to frame your shots from different angles. The camera also offers various video modes, including Art Filter and Movie & Photo Live Composite, which can add creative effects to your videos.
Features and Connectivity
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 is packed with features that make it a versatile camera for both professionals and enthusiasts. The camera offers a variety of Art Filters, including Pop Art, Pin Hole, and Dramatic Tone, which can add a unique touch to your images. The camera also features a built-in flash, which can be used for fill-in lighting or as a remote trigger for other flashes.
The camera offers Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to transfer images to your smartphone or tablet for easy sharing on social media. The camera also supports Olympus’ O.I. Share app, which provides remote control and image transfer functionality. The camera also offers a built-in GPS module, which can be used to geotag your images.
Optical and Lens Compatibility
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 is compatible with a wide range of lenses, including the popular Micro Four Thirds system. The camera’s lens mount is designed to be lightweight and compact, making it an ideal choice for travel photography. The camera also offers a variety of lens options, including prime lenses, zoom lenses, and telephoto lenses.
The camera’s in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system helps reduce camera shake, allowing you to capture sharp images even in low-light conditions. The camera also offers a variety of focusing modes, including single-shot, continuous, and manual focus, giving you full control over your photography.
Conclusion
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 is a versatile and powerful camera that offers excellent image quality, fast performance, and a wide range of features. Its ergonomic design, robust build quality, and extensive lens compatibility make it an ideal choice for both professionals and enthusiasts. Whether you’re a landscape photographer, a portrait photographer, or a videographer, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 is a camera that won’t disappoint.
