Olympus PEN E-P5 Vs Olympus OM-D E-M5 Comparison

Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specifications



The Olympus PEN E-P5 is the latest Micro Four Thirds camera from Olympus and is their premium level PEN camera, replacing the E-P3, and has a number of features from the Olympus OM-D E-M5, as well as improvements over the E-M5. Here we look at the main features of both to see how they differ.

Olympus PEN E-P5 vs OM-D E-M5 Features

Key Features Comparison Table:

Olympus OM-D E-M5	Olympus PEN E-P5
16.1 megapixel sensor	16.1 megapixel sensor
5-axis image stabilisation (up to 5EV compensation)	5-axis image stabilisation (up to 5EV compensation)
3 inch OLED 610k dot tilting touch-screen	3 inch 1037k dot tilting touch-screen
9fps shooting, 4.2fps continuous shooting with AF	9fps, 5fps with continuous AF
1/4000s mechanical shutter	1/8000s mechanical shutter
1/180s x-sync external flash, 1/250s attached	1/250s x-sync external flash, 1/320s internal
Full HD, MPEG4 MOV, 720p MJPEG	Full HD, MPEG4 MOV, 720p MJPEG
Stereo mics, accessory port for microphone etc	Stereo mics, accessory port for microphone etc
ISO range 200-25600 (Lowest ISO200)	ISO range 100-25600 (extends to LOW 100)
N/A	Focus peaking
2 axis electronic spirit level	2 axis electronic spirit level
2 Function buttons (dedicated)	1 dedicated function button
1.44 million dot EVF	Optional
N/A	Wi-Fi built in
External flash included (Guide 10, ISO200)	Built in pop-up flash (Guide 10, ISO200)
Weather sealed body, battery grip available	N/A
330 shot battery life	400 shot battery life
Weight: 373g	Weight: 378g
Size: 121 x 89.6 x 41.9mm	Size: 122 x 68.9 x 37.2mm
Body only: £839 (RRP £999)	Body only: €999 (£843 at current exchange rates)

 

Olympus PEN E-P5 vs OM-D E-M5 Handling:

Both cameras have quite small front hand-grips as standard, with a large rubberised thumb grip on the rear. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 has the option of a two part battery grip that adds much more grip, or alternatively both cameras can be fitted with a leather half-case, as this extra leather texture makes it easier to grip onto the cameras.

Battery life and energy efficiency has been improved, to allow the E-P5 to take up to 400 shots, compared to the 330 shots on the OM-D E-M5, which will be news to those who want better battery life from the camera.

Speed - AF speed has been improved on the Olympus PEN E-P5, and first impressions were good, although we will need to get the camera in to carry out our full speed tests.



The tilting 3inch touch screen has an improved resolution, but also a much thinner surround making the screen sit flush with the rear of the camera, giving the E-P5 a very neat looking rear profile. You can also see the difference in size between the two viewfinders, if you choose to go for the VF-4 electronic viewfinder, with the E-P5, it has a 2.36million dot resolution and a larger view with dioptre correction, as well as built in eye-detection sensor.

Olympus PEN E-P5 vs OM-D E-M5 Performance

We expect the performance of the E-P5 to be very similar if not identical to the OM-D E-M5, although there could have been further improvements to image quality implemented, and we will be testing the E-P5 fully when it is available. Where there could be advantages in image quality are due to the additional versatility provided by the faster shutter speed and lower ISO setting, allowing a wider aperture setting for a shallower depth of focus in bright conditions.

Olympus PEN E-P5 vs OM-D E-M5 Verdict

The Olympus PEN E-P5 is now one of the highest specification Olympus Micro Four Thirds cameras available. The major differences between the two cameras, the internal electronic viewfinder, weather sealing and optional battery grip, on the OM-D E-M5 suiting the outdoor photographer more, while the small size of the Olympus PEN E-P5 would suit those looking to travel light without a compromise in image quality between the two.

For more information have a look at our:
Olympus PEN E-P5 Hands-On Preview
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Full Review