DSLR Camera Review: Olympus E-5

Built like a tank

DSLR Camera Review: Olympus E-5

by Trevor Tan
05:55 AM Dec 31, 2010

WITH the enormous success of Olympus' Micro Four Thirds (MFT) PEN series, there are worries that Olympus might neglect its FT digital single lens reflex (DSLR) series. Thankfully, that's not the case, and the camera-maker has recently released the E-5 ($2,498, body only).

As Olympus' flagship DSLR, the E-5 is packed with a 12.3-megapixel Live MOS image sensor (2x crop factor), a new TruPicV+ image processing engine and a 3-inch articulating LCD screen. Sheathed in a dust-proof and splash-proof magnesium-alloy body, the camera is able to shoot still images up to 5 frames per second (fps), as well as 720p high-definition (HD) videos up to 30fps.

The E-5 feels like a tank with its sturdy construction. The rubberised grip is reassuring and the buttons feel unbreakable. However, the E-5 feels heavier than the Canon EOS 7D, even though it is actually 60g lighter at 800g (with batteries).

Button layout can be a bit confusing initially and needs getting used to. For example, you get a right rear button that shares the video recording and focusing point function, while a dedicated ISO button sits near the shutter release. Perhaps, Olympus should have used this dedicated button for video recording instead. Some colleagues also had trouble finding the playback button even though it is near where your thumb will rest. This could be due to the playback button being painted an inconspicuous dark blue.

While the E-5 has a CF card slot and an SD card slot, it does not allow you to record pictures simultaneously into both cards. You also cannot customise the camera to, say, save your images in RAW format on the CF card and JPEG format on the SD card. It only allows spillover - this means that when your CF card is out of space, it will automatically save content to the SD card.

The operation of the DSLR is swift. Startup is almost immediate while shutdown takes around a second due to the sensor-cleaning process.

According to Olympus, the E-5 has the world's fastest auto focus when used with the Olympus 12-60mm (24-120mm in 35mm equivalent) f2.8-4.0 lens. As I only have the 14-54mm (28-108mm in 35mm equivalent) f2.8-3.5 lens, I cannot ascertain that claim. But I have to say that auto focus is generally quick and spot-on. Even in low-lighting conditions, it takes less than 0.5 seconds to lock onto a focus. Shutter lag is also minimal.

Compared to the competition, 12.3 megapixels might sound paltry, but the image quality delivered by the E-5 is still superb, with nice gradation of tones and sharp pixel rendition. Colours are rich and vibrant, with accurate auto white balance in most lighting conditions.

Noise performance is a tad disappointing. You can safely use any ISO settings until ISO 1600. At ISO 3200 and above, loss of details and chromatic noise start to surface. While I can comfortably shoot at ISO 12,800 with the Canon 7D, I hesitate to use ISO 3200 with the E-5. Plus, the E-5 only has a maximum ISO setting of 6400.

While the HD movie quality is smooth and fluid, it does tend to pick up a good chunk of wind and ambient noise.

To me, the best thing about the E-5 is that you can use the Art filters to shoot both photos and videos. For example, using the new Art filter, Dramatic Tone, you get pretty interesting results with high contrast and dramatic skies. My favourite is the Diorama Art filter, which gives a tilt-shift miniature effect.

Barring its mediocre noise performance, the Olympus E-5 is a great DSLR with a solid construction, superb image quality and fun Art filters that allow you plenty of creative latitude.

Olympus Zuiko 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 Digital ED SWD Lens for Olympus Digital SLR Cameras

Source: www.todayonline.com