[ Product Discussion ] - Olympus E-5 hand on _thought and sample pic


Wrt the usage of 43 on m43 and vice versa, I understand some of the physics behind it. But the lack of cross-compatibility between the 2 systems is a probably a testament to Oly's lack of desire to continue the 43 system in the medium to long run. While some accessories for m43 are redundant for use on 43 cameras, some lenses, such as the fast prime 20mm 1.7, for example are not avaliable for 43s, with the closest equivalents are the 35 f3.5 and 50 f2.

Driving non-professional users to m43 is insulting because it is evident that little consideration is taken into the needs and wants of Olympus users. Although the consumer market evidently desires portable, DSLR quality to a large degree, a significant number of users still prefer the handling and to some extent, quality of the E system over the PEN system. Nevertheless, it's probably an overreaction on my part and "insulting" may be too strong a word to use.
4/3 is young and m4/3 is even younger. Give them time. I don't believe 4/3 is dead. With the advancement of imaging and optical technology, a system can evolve and revolve over time. Bear in mind, Olympus is known to innovate. :)
 

4/3 is young and m4/3 is even younger. Give them time. I don't believe 4/3 is dead. With the advancement of imaging and optical technology, a system can evolve and revolve over time. Bear in mind, Olympus is known to innovate. :)

Agreed :thumbsup:
 

4/3 is young and m4/3 is even younger. Give them time. I don't believe 4/3 is dead. With the advancement of imaging and optical technology, a system can evolve and revolve over time. Bear in mind, Olympus is known to innovate. :)

I hope bro I hope Oly wont kill the 4/3 I like the form factor of thier E-XXX if they could release the E-620 replacement with E5 IQ oh man that would be awesome and ofcourse fixing the slow AF :bsmilie:
 

Why form an opinion based on information obtain from paper and samples? You should see it for yourself. :)

I'm forming an opinion from paper and samples because I'm not in a convenient location to see it for myself and the company doesn't just send me samples.

I must admit after seeing all the sample photos (except those art filters) the IQ is very very good.... maybe if they sell the E5 around 1.5K I might consider it if they insist of 2.4K nah... wont spend that much for E5 even though it has a very good IQ the size puts me off. But then again it's just me :bsmilie:

It's close to around 1500 here (by US$200), so it's got my vote.

The size is a bit of a problem and I've gone back and forth as to why and I keep returning to the auto focus unit as a problem. It seems as though the E-6x0 auto focus unit confirms that they can't make a small AF unit that works really well. Of course, they could have just wanted to show that it could be as big as the big boys or that it needed extra weight to balance the 90-250mm lens.
 

The size is a bit of a problem and I've gone back and forth as to why and I keep returning to the auto focus unit as a problem. It seems as though the E-6x0 auto focus unit confirms that they can't make a small AF unit that works really well. Of course, they could have just wanted to show that it could be as big as the big boys or that it needed extra weight to balance the 90-250mm lens.

I would think it is to balance the larger lenses. Why would they need more space for the AF unit?
 

Don't get me wrong, I don't intend to form my opinion based on just paper and samples. But as of now, I have not yet seen the E5 for myself, and paper and samples is all I have to form my opinion for the time being. Also, I trust that Olympus can innovate and continue to make good cameras in the long run, 43/m43 or otherwise. However, only time will tell.


Also, albertri, I like the EXXX and EXX form factor MUCH more than the m43 form factor to be honest. Very much so. :)
 

Don't get me wrong, I don't intend to form my opinion based on just paper and samples. But as of now, I have not yet seen the E5 for myself, and paper and samples is all I have to form my opinion for the time being. Also, I trust that Olympus can innovate and continue to make good cameras in the long run, 43/m43 or otherwise. However, only time will tell.


Also, albertri, I like the EXXX and EXX form factor MUCH more than the m43 form factor to be honest. Very much so. :)

same for me I like E-XXX and E-XX form factor thats why I am so sad Oly never release anything in this range :( I have EPL1 before and I moved to E620 coz I find it just nice for me :).
 

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Hi, no offence to anyone but let's not make this into another "the death of 4/3s" thread shall we? I feel that there's already too much speculation about rumours causing unnecessary despair, but since there're some opinions here already, I'll air mine as well.

[vid]YYuzuS8i0Vg[/vid]

Anyway, in this video (i think most have seen it), Toshi Terada has noted that there are still users of the 4/3 system, namely professionals and enthusiasts, so I highly doubt that E-5 will be the only sole body in the 4/3s line up as quoted from himself "still the middle type of the traditional SLR E-system is still necessary." So personally I find the people most affected by the eventual shift of entry level 4/3 bodies to m4/3 are ironically those who have not bought into the system yet, but even that might not be the case in the future.

For a newcomer into the E-sys, a mid range E-30 may be intimidating and possibly out of budget, since there're no entry level bodies (just listing a scenario). So in that sense, there will be a barrier to the E-sys, if the scenario is true. And newcomers would be "forced" (so to speak but its the consumer's decision ultimately) to buy the E-Ps whose form may not be everybody's cuppa.

But who's to say that there wouldn't be a olympus m4/3 body probably with the form factor of a traditional dSLR that would fill the void that the E-3digits used to occupy, if the eventual road-map is to a age of mirrorless bodies that caters even for the professional levels?

My own view for users of current E-sys entry level cameras is that why look to buy within the same level? Shouldn't your next buy be the middle range or the professional range instead? Buying within the same range whenever a new body is available is like buying the 2011 version of your car when you're already driving the 2009/2010 version of it. Understandable if there is a major design update, but it's just imho, quite frivolous and expensive activity, if one is upgrading for small updates.

And besides, Olympus is standing by it's 12MP declaration (unless the marketing dept intervenes like Panasonic), so probably if they are coming up with the E-620 replacement, probably they will update the image processor to TruePic V, similar to that of the E-PL1. I suppose FPS will remain the same or it will eat into E-30 & E-5, as well as the max shutter speed and AF performance will still probably remain at entry-level.

So Albertri, if you're reading this, I know you have been ranting alot, but how much are you willing to pay just for a new image processor and possibly a weaker AA filter? Even if you are willing to pay, will the market pay a few hundred just for a "firmware update"? And if you're Olympus, would you spend money on developing this "firmware update" when generally:

1) Unsure of market reaction.
2) You're probably got to update the E-30 as well.
3) You declared the future is mirrorless.
4) Mirrorless product line is doing quite well and that is the technology you wish to go into long term and cater for the full range of customers, including professionals.
5) You are a company and making profits is for your survival.

If you're hoping for faster AF in an entry-level body, I think you might have already found it in your Sony A33. The camera is just a tool, select the one best for the job. If you wish to move on in Olympus from your E-620, then there's the E-30 for about $1.2k +/- body only, the last time I quoted from TK Foto (1 month back). If the E-5 is priced at $1.5k, it's pretty much shooting the E-30 point blank.

There are still people out there shooting happily with their E-1, E-330, etc. This pseudo despair will fade eventually, what exactly will happen in the future, no one knows and will depend on future technological advancements. Not even Olympus, dare I say, will know what technology will churn out in the future. Why be affected negatively by rumours and all?

Oh wells. Spent too much time thinking this post through (approx 1.5h), shall end this here. Hope it makes some sense. Just my own opinions on the matter early in the morning.

P.S. Some statements above are quite generalised, but I'm only using them to bring across a point/points.

On a on-topic note, anyone knows when the E-5 will be officially available to the masses in Singapore?
 

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same for me I like E-XXX and E-XX form factor thats why I am so sad Oly never release anything in this range :( I have EPL1 before and I moved to E620 coz I find it just nice for me :).


You buy a E620 in order to buy the E630, E640 and E6X0??


A camera is just a tool to capture that photo you want.
 

Hi, no offence to anyone but let's not make this into another "the death of 4/3s" thread shall we? I feel that there's already too much speculation about rumours causing unnecessary despair, but since there're some opinions here already, I'll air mine as well.

[vid]YYuzuS8i0Vg[/vid]

Anyway, in this video (i think most have seen it), Toshi Terada has noted that there are still users of the 4/3 system, namely professionals and enthusiasts, so I highly doubt that E-5 will be the only sole body in the 4/3s line up as quoted from himself "still the middle type of the traditional SLR E-system is still necessary." So personally I find the people most affected by the eventual shift of entry level 4/3 bodies to m4/3 are ironically those who have not bought into the system yet, but even that might not be the case in the future.

For a newcomer into the E-sys, a mid range E-30 may be intimidating and possibly out of budget, since there're no entry level bodies (just listing a scenario). So in that sense, there will be a barrier to the E-sys, if the scenario is true. And newcomers would be "forced" (so to speak but its the consumer's decision ultimately) to buy the E-Ps whose form may not be everybody's cuppa.

But who's to say that there wouldn't be a olympus m4/3 body probably with the form factor of a traditional dSLR that would fill the void that the E-3digits used to occupy, if the eventual road-map is to a age of mirrorless bodies that caters even for the professional levels?

My own view for users of current E-sys entry level cameras is that why look to buy within the same level? Shouldn't your next buy be the middle range or the professional range instead? Buying within the same range whenever a new body is available is like buying the 2011 version of your car when you're already driving the 2009/2010 version of it. Understandable if there is a major design update, but it's just imho, quite frivolous and expensive activity, if one is upgrading for small updates.

And besides, Olympus is standing by it's 12MP declaration (unless the marketing dept intervenes like Panasonic), so probably if they are coming up with the E-620 replacement, probably they will update the image processor to TruePic V, similar to that of the E-PL1. I suppose FPS will remain the same or it will eat into E-30 & E-5, as well as the max shutter speed and AF performance will still probably remain at entry-level.

So Albertri, if you're reading this, I know you have been ranting alot, but how much are you willing to pay just for a new image processor and possibly a weaker AA filter? Even if you are willing to pay, will the market pay a few hundred just for a "firmware update"? And if you're Olympus, would you spend money on developing this "firmware update" when generally:

1) Unsure of market reaction.
2) You're probably got to update the E-30 as well.
3) You declared the future is mirrorless.
4) Mirrorless product line is doing quite well and that is the technology you wish to go into long term and cater for the full range of customers, including professionals.
5) You are a company and making profits is for your survival.

If you're hoping for faster AF in an entry-level body, I think you might have already found it in your Sony A33. The camera is just a tool, select the one best for the job. If you wish to move on in Olympus from your E-620, then there's the E-30 for about $1.2k +/- body only, the last time I quoted from TK Foto (1 month back). If the E-5 is priced at $1.5k, it's pretty much shooting the E-30 point blank.

There are still people out there shooting happily with their E-1, E-330, etc. This pseudo despair will fade eventually, what exactly will happen in the future, no one knows and will depend on future technological advancements. Not even Olympus, dare I say, will know what technology will churn out in the future. Why be affected negatively by rumours and all?

Oh wells. Spent too much time thinking this post through (approx 1.5h), shall end this here. Hope it makes some sense. Just my own opinions on the matter early in the morning.

P.S. Some statements above are quite generalised, but I'm only using them to bring across a point/points.

On a on-topic note, anyone knows when the E-5 will be officially available to the masses in Singapore?

Thanks bro for the comment as you also stated EPX form factor is not everyone's cuppa same goes for E5... thats what I am ranting about and the slow AF. I still have my Oly gear with me. I've telling this I like Oly and thier glass sadly they are not filling the gap in between. Oh well I guess I'm just one then. But I think I rest my case and really hope one day Oly would realised the mistake they made

Yes I am very much happy with A33 now I could shoot my active baby indoor lighting w/o the need of a flash. But my 1st DSLR is E620 so I would say my 1st love is Oly and I am always passionate of what I have thats why I am ranting to Oly not to you guys.

Once again thank you all and I rest my case... I am here and envy of all E-X users for having a new model in your lineup.

You buy a E620 in order to buy the E630, E640 and E6X0??


A camera is just a tool to capture that photo you want.

Yes bro it's tool but the tool must also help you with what ever it is use for, I am nt saying E-620 not capable... when everybody complains the IQ/noise I was not :) to me E620 form factor is perfect I'm a hobbyst and bought my cam to capture family moments and I thank my E620 coz it also open my eyes to art.... I have some amature/beginner's shots that my friends love... To me my only problem is the AF speed just tad slow for my kids... Solution is to use flash and burst mode which i do alot before but sometimes those cant work...

Once again not everyone in the photography grows from PnS - pro-consumer - Entry DSLR to Pro... Some would want to stay in m4/3 some of you want to stay in Pro models etc. I and ohers like me just happy to be in this range ofcourse we also expect some upgrades from our line up. If life is simple Yes or No we wont be here anymore arguing we will just buy either m4/3 or E5 plain period

Thanks all for the warm welcome in Oly family when I first came here and still thank you for those who remain a friend even I have switch camp (not totally yet). I hope one day I'll be back here again
 

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On a on-topic note, anyone knows when the E-5 will be officially available to the masses in Singapore?

Thanks for your opinion, E-5 is supposedly available later this month or early next month :bsmilie:
 

Chipping in my $0.02 here.

I can understand albertri's feelings regarding the EXXX vs EX vs EP/L-X. For me, I bought the e620 (been wanting it since 2009 but couldn't justify the cost so only bought recently) because it's the smallest DSLR with swivel screen (frivolous to some of you, but I wanted it). I knew about the slow-AF and below-par high ISO performance but bought it anyways, because it’s got what I wanted and is good enough for the stuff I generally like to take. When I brought my lens for cleaning at OSC (suspected fungus, newbie fear) the customer service even got a shock that I bought the e620 instead of the PEN series and asked me why. Handling, swivel screen, OVF, and slightly faster AF (PDAF still trumps CDAF for now). Hopefully that feedback reaches Olympus as to why they shouldn’t kill the EXXX/EXX mid-series yet.

But imagine my chagrin when Pentax and Sony released smaller dslr with better AF. Why is faster AF important? Because my little nephew wouldn’t stay still for me and I always get “scolded” for missing-the-moment while the e-620 AF hunts like mad and refuses to lock on in home lighting conditions. (MF might help here, but I can’t seem to master the fly-by-wire focusing yet and the small OVF doesn’t help). But I don’t want a bigger camera because it’s a literal pain to bring out, especially if you factor in additional lenses, flash, and the occasional nappy bag. Small dslr with better high ISO performance + faster AF by competition erodes the advantage Olympus has – namely that of smaller cameras due to their smaller sensor. If we were only comparing bodies, who would pick the E5 over the K-5? Granted the Olympus glass trumps the competition out there, but glass without body is useless isn’t it? The way I see it, it’s a package, and while competitors out there have found a way to use the body to overcome lens limitations, Olympus is still banking on their better glass to retain users while churning out crappy bodies.

Back on topic – the E5 performance is well and good, and may persuade its existing 4/3 users to linger on for a moment more. But it’s not something I would want (weight of e620 + HG lenses = strain; e5 + HG lenses = death for me) so I’m holding off all purchase of additional lenses (in case there is a need to switch camps) until Olympus reveals the cards up their sleeves. (And no, I don't want to pair 4/3 HG lenses with PEN bodies. The weight balance is weird! >.<")
 

Thanks Arctos and fellow E620 user :)
 

I doubt Olympus will have E-5 as the only body in the catalog for 4/3. As per video posted, he did mention that there will still be a middle-range dSLR in the 4/3 catalog. So, I infer that probably only the E-3digits will be phased out, the E-2digits will remain.

Personally, I am a user of the E-520 and that's my only body. It does make sense if I move to the E-620, i would gain a new sensor with higher MP count, swivel screen, new image processor, better AF (more points and x-type) and access to higher ISO speeds. But for current E-620 owners, I don't see why the lack of a replacement for the E-620 body would faze you so much, maybe cause I'm using a older body? E-620 has the newly adopted 12.1MP sensor as all the current bodies now, and that may eventually be the sensor standard for many years to come, if they remain firm that 12MP is sufficient. Any updates w.r.t to the E-620 body would likely only involve the image processor, perhaps AA filter.

And I think the E-620 has a better AF-sys than the E-520 and I know the frustration when it just hunts and hunts and hunts. But I doubt AF speeds of E-3digits will improve to E-5/E-30 levels in the next few years (if they continue 4/3 entry levels) and if it really does match the E-3/E-5 focusing speeds, aren't they killing the E-5 and the E-30? If faster AF is a concern for you then perhaps (in all seriousness) another camera from another manufacturer or moving up to the E-30 would be a wiser decision like what albertri has done. You've gotta evaluate what you need and what you have. We shoot with entry level Olympus and honestly, AF is rubbish in lowlight.

If we look at the problem from another angle. Which body do you think is long due for replacement? The E-620 (12.1MP, Truepic III+) launched last year or the E-3 (10.1MP, Truepic III) launched 3 years ago? Imho, it would be the professionals using the E-3 who would be utterly shocked if they announced a E-620 replacement instead of the E-5 this Photokina.

If a company is to showcase new technology, it would definitely be showcased in a flagship/concept model not? And besides, technology comes with development, and development takes time, it will take a while before m4/3 can match up with the current 4/3 catalog. Are we too short-sighted to not see what the future could bring? I'm sure Olympus knows that it's banking on it's lenses, dropping their already matured 4/3 lenses would be an extremely difficult corporate decision and if they really do drop it in the future, they would probably have a very good reason for it, why kill the goose when it still lays its golden eggs? Until Olympus Mirrorless technology has reached the level at which the current 4/3 bodies are at now, I don't see why they would kill enthusiast models like the E-30, and the spokesman (Toshi Terada) has already backed that up. In fact, I suspect a E-30 replacement is coming, but that's just my own suspicion. Like I mentioned in my earlier post, this pseudo "despair" will eventually fade away once technology improves.

I believe we're a pampered bunch, the entry level users. Olympus has loaded quite a lot of functions into entry level bodies that the few ways to differentiate between the 4/3 product lines are AF-performance, viewfinder size and maybe some other minor things that I'm too lazy to think off the top of my head now.

It is still too early to make statements w.r.t 4/3 future when everything currently is based on floating rumours found off the net. Let's wait to see what technology brings for Olympus instead.

For arctos, perhaps AF assist from a FL-36 may help in focusing, not to mention that flash would help to freeze motion of your moving nephew, so you wouldn't get blur hands and feet. I have a FL-50R and the AF assist is very useful. AF locks alot faster than without assist, even in near complete darkness. Besides, I don't think getting a camera for its swivel screen is frivolous, to me that's a pretty major design update. ;)

For albertri, I don't think the Nissin flash you got has AF assist. So, if you're still holding on, try getting an Olympus flash.
 

Thanks for your opinion, E-5 is supposedly available later this month or early next month :bsmilie:

Exciting stuff! having gear lust and gear pangs, although I know my E-520 hasn't been maxed out yet. Probably considering jumping to E-5 when the camera and price stabilises. quite skeptical of getting stuff at their launch, when stuff is at their highest price and bugs waiting to emerge. :bsmilie:

btw. I've been asking around shops if they have stocks for E-3 but nothing turned up, I believe they have already been cleared out. Been wanting to get them at bargain prices. Missed out on the $999 offer then. =/
 

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Exciting stuff! having gear lust and gear pangs, although I know my E-520 hasn't been maxed out yet. Probably considering jumping to E-5 when the camera and price stabilises. quite skeptical of getting stuff at their launch, when stuff is at their highest price and bugs waiting to emerge. :bsmilie:

btw. I've been asking around shops if they have stocks for E-3 but nothing turned up, I believe they have already been cleared out. Been wanting to get them at bargain prices. Missed out on the $999 offer then. =/

Ahahahha! A lot of people have been asking me am I getting one and when, I told some people before, like you, I'm not a fan of "Huh? out tomorrow?! CHIONG AH!" Plus, my E-3 is still fine, so no point getting E-5 at the moment, probably in NS when got $$$$$$ I might get one or may wait till E-5 replacement :bsmilie:

Should be cleared out since E-5 are due to be on shelves this month or next month, why keep E-3 on shelves? ;)
 

For albertri, I don't think the Nissin flash you got has AF assist. So, if you're still holding on, try getting an Olympus flash.

Thanks bro yes my nissin has lamp assist that i use a lot indoor. and I also bring that around when going out with family at night as the 14-54 always cast a shadow when the onboard flash is used. :)
 

Ahahahha! A lot of people have been asking me am I getting one and when, I told some people before, like you, I'm not a fan of "Huh? out tomorrow?! CHIONG AH!" Plus, my E-3 is still fine, so no point getting E-5 at the moment, probably in NS when got $$$$$$ I might get one or may wait till E-5 replacement :bsmilie:

Should be cleared out since E-5 are due to be on shelves this month or next month, why keep E-3 on shelves? ;)

yeah you have enough body in your dry cabinet to last for a while ;)
 

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