Olympus PEN E-PL5 Summary

This Micro Four-Thirds camera delivers one of the best compromises between image quality and size while keeping a great amount of versatility thanks to an extensive lineup of compatible lenses. The E-PL5 champions image quality among Four-Thirds digital cameras, reducing the gap with those using a larger APS-C sensors. It manages this while staying quite compact and still allowing for an optional EVF and a plenty of external controls.

Image-quality is certainly a significant asset for this camera, yet it also gives an impressive performance which a rather fast autofocus system and 8 FPS drive at full-resolution. Video is also respectable, although you should avoid using the internal microphone not to ruin the audio track with focus-noise.

Despite the speedy performance, action photography is difficult with the E-PL5 because of the one second black-out time between shots. The AF system takes a considerable dip in low-light and the display does not always preview exposure right.

For general photography with a light-weight system, the PEN E-PL5 is an excellent choice with the most serious challenger being the more-expensive OM-D E-M5 which features dual control-dials in a weather-sealed body with a built-in EVF.

Neocamera detailed review Read the Olympus PEN E-PL5 review.