Olympus Pen E-PL5, The Camera That Brought Me Back Into Photography
Вставка
- Опубліковано 12 сер 2022
- The Olympus E-PL5 is a great, compact, mirrorless camera. It is one of my favorites. Come take a look at it with me.
See my video of the EP5 as well: • Is the Olympus Pen E-P... - Навчання та стиль
I worked at Best Buy when this camera came out, the guy in the photography department talked me into buying this over a more expensive DSLR. I ended up getting 2 other lenses with the money I saved and have used it for nearly a decade without issue. The image quality from some of my photos surprises a lot of people.
The E-PL5 is an impressive camera! Thanks for watching!
Thanks for sharing your story and real experience with the e-pl5! Very well done!
Thank you!
Hi Don, greeting from 'down under'. I really appreciate the good humor you imbue your videos with, as well as all the good information. Thanks so much for posting. Stay well, T.
Thank you! I greatly appreciate you watching my videos!
I got into photography in the late 60s while a high school student. Life took over and I rarely took pictures again until 2013 when I bought that e-PL5. Still use it today in 2022. Every now and then I have to give it a slap on the bottom when the curtain or something sticks inside. I have often thought about upgrading, but I always felt that there was little to upgrade to until this year. 25% more pixels means nothing when you take the square root and also when you consider that usually the most demanding format for sharing photos is someone’s television which only sometimes is 4K. If some day I print I may eat my words. So the only gear I have acquired is several lenses and the EVF death - sorry, the EVF 4. It also tilts and allows for more precise composition, steadier grip and visibility in bright sunlight. I agree that we can get along fine without the viewfinder but I enjoy it. It was another reason to avoid upgrading because I preferred both the superior viewfinder and the tilt action.
I am considering using my camera just for portraits and telephoto, and doing all my wide angle shots with my phone. I know, I know. Real photographers are supposed to say that smart phones oversharpen and overprocess in general. However, I like most of the landscapes I have taken with my iPhone 12 pro max.
Sounds like the E-PL5 has served you well!
The little EPL'S are so good & so dar n fun. Ahh! A fellow guitar player!
Mostly baritone ukulele but yeah!
thank you for an informative review, just ordered mine on ebay the other day to complement my em5 :)
Thank you and thanks for watching too!
Hi Don. Just let me thank you for this informative video. I just had the chance to got hands on a E-PL5 for 100 bucks and I'm looking forward to stroll around with it. As I liked this and others of your videos, I subscribed.
Have a nice holidays season and best regards from Düsseldorf (GER)!
Thank you for watching and subscribing! Enjoy that E-PL5!
Same here I got one in white color.
The camera that brought me to the Micro 4/3
Now I have a E-PL5, E-M1 and Lumix GH4 and a bunch of lenses and i'm not really thinking about switching to other systems :D
I had bought several Pen models including 2 E PL1s. I don't like the LCD screen only wih my old eyes so I upgraded mine to a Pen 8 and bought an EVF making the camera perfect for me and I seem to ignore my 2 OM D cameras. I saw your video ref the EP5 being such a great camera and found an E PL5 for my wife plus an EVF for hers which she likes a lot. I still have the 2 E P1 and love them but not the non tilt screen and unable to locate the EVF for it. Enjoyd the 2 videos on the 5s and the E PL1, another great little camera..
Thank you!
I have a PEN E-PL6 I bought used off of eBay. It’s a fun camera. I pair it with the Panasonic 12-32mm lens or the Olympus 17mm 2.8.
Sounds like a great combination! Thanks for watching!
I got this camera, and a pancake lens, I haven't touch it for years and I'm charging it right now~! I'm going to bring it to my Japan trip this summer!~ very excited, I forgot how much I love this little camera, especially taking portrait photos
Thanks for watching. If you haven't used it for years, you may want to order some new batteries. Take some pictures before traveling to make sure all is in good order. I am half Japanese but have never been to Japan. Hope to go someday!
@@dongummphotography Good call will try it out and see how it goes!! That's so cool you are half Japanese!! and yes! You should go to Japan for your next holiday :) Cheers~!
I managed to get an E-pl6 body recently for £99.00 in great condition. it said it had a very low shutter count and not really used. when I checked it , it only had 11 shutter activations! Been using in with my panasonic lenses and really like it.
What a deal!
thanks for watching!
Hi I just bought a second hand one and waiting for delivery as part of a trade. I think from the positive reviews the camera sounds like a great deal. I've several Panasonic Lumix kits zoom and prime lens and adapter for Pentax lens so hope it works well with them. ~Thanks for your helpful video very informative. Cheers!
I think you will enjoy it! Thanks for watching!
l returned to photography with a E-PL6 kit ..14-42 mm and 40-150mm lenses. Having been a Leica M6 owner in a previous life. l appreciated the quiet small unobtrusive camera. l have since added a 12mm Meike lens. l have no intention of tramping about a hillside with an SLR plus massive tele lenses…..For me small and light is perfect…just as l remember walking about with the Leica plus 35mm lens..
I am right there with you. In my previous photography life I used a Leica M4-2 and an M3 double stroke. I started digital with an EPL5.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
I have the same, its a great little Kamera, i used with the 17mm F 1.2 Olympus Pro Lense, and it make great pictures.
With that lens I bet it does! How cool! Thanks for watching and commenting!
With AF lenses, no issue without evf..i am moutining my vintage manusal lenses..vf2 works perfect..it is a kind of must have item.
You shot with Fujifilm S-2. Neat!
Yeah, that was a while ago!
Hi
Started with Epl5 in 2015 moved to em1 mk11 now awaiting delivery of OM1 👍
Nice!
This is a great camera because it can fit into a trouser pocket even with the 20mm lens. M43 cameras have just become too big and some are as big as full frame cameras.
Thanks for the video, Don. Sadly, I thought the Pen E-PL10 would work for me, however, unless I put it on a tripod, it will not take sharp photos. Perhaps, I got a bad copy, but, it was new and I have tried every setting I can think of. But, I do agree with that the Pen E-P5 is a great camera. I got mine used with the eyepiece and battery from KEH. Enjoy taking that out around the city. My landscape cameras are a used E-M1 and new E-M10 Mk IV.
Thanks for watching. I am sorry the EPL10 didn't work out. Since it was new you might send it to Olympus to repair.
@@dongummphotography I am going to try a reset and then shoot in manual like I am used to. I am used to the Sony System, so, I might still be in learning mode with the Olympus Focusing/Metering System. But, when I use the popup flash in my den, the captures are tack sharp, but, I am sitting down. Not ready to give up and my son is eyeing with the kit lens...lol.
@@WilliamWallaceRoss look for videos on setting up the Super Control Panel. Once set up it gives you instant access to most settings, makes it easy to navigate. Also, make sure you have image stabilization turned on.
How did you like the half frame lense in the sensor. I have a few. The old Pentax 110 lens are fun. No aperture control but A mending sticker for loose leaf painted black basically gives you a decent f4
Another great video Don just shows you don’t need the latest gear to get great images.
So true
Yeah, but a lot of them make over priced crap now
Just got a PEN-F because I was curious about using it with my Sirui 35mm Anamorphic lens. It is a blast! It doesn't seem like there are many active shooters of the PEN series cameras.
Thanks for watching. The Pen cameras still have a pretty strong following from the feedback I receive.
Plenty,. Robin Wang for one
The Pen F is (still) very expensive so there's lots of people out there still loving it
Just found one E-PL5 in silver lake that people throw away looking into buying the charger and a sim card😊
I have three E-PL5 never found the 3 axes stabilization to be a issue. I have cameras that also has 5 axes stabilization. It's rare that you will need more then 3 axes stabilization.
For stills. Correct.
For my Macro work, I have an m42 mount 50mm Super-Takumar 1:2 & an earlier Auto-Takumar 50mm 1:1. 👁
Nice lenses! Thanks for watching!
Hi Don, thanks for your great video! I've been a macro photography enthusiast for a very long time but I've always used manual compact cameras (Olympus & Canon) + magnifying glasses in extension tubes. Your video and the quality of your macros has inspired me to get myself an Olympus E-P3 and I'm about to buy a Micro Nikkor 55mm. As I'm entirely new to lens cameras I wanted to ask you if the Olympus needs an adapter for the Nikkor lens? How can you know which lenses can be used for the Olympus camera?
Greetings from Ecuador!
You will need an adapter to mount the Micro Nikkor on the EP3. They are available quite inexpensively on Ebay. I have used many from a brand called Fotasy, they work well and are very affordable. Search for a Micro Four Thirds to Nikon F adapter and you should be able to find one. Let me know if you have trouble finding one and I will help you search.
Thank you very much for the information, Don!
Rob Trek proved, once you do a little sharpenning etc in LR, kit lenses as good as pro, but no weather sealing and FN button. Was going to get the 12 to 40 mm Pro, circa £500 used UK, not now, will hire in for paid work as required. Can highly recommend the Oly 45mm F1.8 portrait len,s, superb kit, my main earner, cheer,s Don.
Thank you! The 45 is one I want to get. I have so many manual 50s though....
@@dongummphotography Sometimes you need autofocus Don, do not get that on manual.
No the kit lenses are terrible in comparison
Don, great review does this camera support an external monitor?
It seems when connected to an external monitor, it only has one mode which is playback of past pictures
I believe that is correct. An external monitor is only for playback.
whats it´s the battery use this camera?
I still have an E-PL2 with the VF-2 EVF that I bought in 2012. I really like the camera. Unfortunately the IS failed about four years ago. Apparently it's a fairly common issue. I should have had it repaired back then, because OMDS will not repair this model in 2022.
Thanks for watching! Yes the IS failure on early Pen cameras is common but in most cases you can still use the camera just no IS.
@@dongummphotography Yes, it still works great with enough light. With the 14-42mm kit lens and VF-2 EVF, it weighs about half as much as my E-M1 Mk II with the 12-45mm lens.
Really? They usually repair anything for a flat 300 . Probably a parts issue at this point
How did you realize it was broken (not sure would I notice tbh, mine appears to be still working). There is a video on YT about repairing the IS on an E-PL2. Dunno would I be that brave myself.
@@sdrtcacgnrjrc It makes a funny buzzing noise when powering up and there is a blinking IS icon indicating an error. I saw that video as well. I don't think I have the skills to complete such a repair myself.
Great Video !!! Like my EM10 MarkII, does this camera have focus peaking and a magnify feature in the menu for use with manual lens ?
I think it will magnify but no focus peaking.
@@dongummphotography Thanks
@@dongummphotography Not sure Don, might need latest firmware? Another great service from Oly, free update,s.
Another great video! By the way, I have been trying to find a Fotasy adapter for Canon FD to MFT but can't seem to find one. Can you recommend a source? I have adapters for Pentax K and Nikon F but no Canon FD.
I have purchased almost all of mine from rainbowimaging on ebay. They show them available: www.ebay.com/itm/324180404186?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=vmaGGVmtRPq&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=uUuY47wMQrG&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
@@dongummphotography I searched and searched but could not find it on eBay or anywhere else. I had given up until your video mentioned you had one. Clicked on your link and there it is. Ordered it this evening. Thanks!!
I was wondering what attachements you would use for this camera, on the cheaper budget side, such as lenses
The kit lens, an Olympus 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 IIR would be a good first lens. The very affordable 40-150mm f4-5.6 R would be a good second lens. A few SD memory cards and a tripod are also good accessories to have. That's pretty much where I would start. Do not forget to download the manual and read it as well.
I owned the EPL5 with this kit lens, and I really wanted to like this cool cam., but unfortunately, it was plagued with the dreaded shutter shock syndrome, pics., although not always, will come out blurred, depending on the shutter speed, (mostly between 1/60 and 1/125). Olympus put a feature that was suppose to reduce this, but I found not always effective. So for me was unacceptable, and I sold it, but I have to say when condition were Ok pics were really nice.
Interesting, I never had issues with shutter shock.
Me too. Never had shutter shock on my E-PL5. Crystal clear images.
Maybe the Noise Filter is set to ( High ). I turned mine off.
And I have the image stabilization is set on 1.
Hi Don! Thanks for your videos.
I have an E-P question.
I recently have discovered them and really really love the images produced by the E-P1, but would love to have the flash capability that came with the EP-3. My question is, have you have experience with the two cameras? I'm afraid of buying an E-P3 (or newer E-P) and the images not having the same magic that I feel with the E-P1.
Thank you so much for your time and have a great day!
- Anthony
[montreal]
Hi Anthony, I have an EP1 and really love it. I don't have an EP3 but I do have an EP5 which is my favorite camera. It is 16 megapixel instead of the 12 MP of the EP1 but the color science is much the same. I think you would like an EP3 or an EP5 just fine and Iove the images too! Thanks for watching!
@@dongummphotography Thank you so much for responding, Don! That sounds great! I asked a similar question to Martin Castein who made a great E-P1 video.
I will think hard on this one. I might wait for his video coming out about the E-P3
@@hostsofmichael I think the sensor is the same until it jumps to 16mp. The earlier one made by Panasonic, the later Sony. I have version two, considering upgrading to the 5+ for the tilting screen ND the higher resolution -- and wondering the same thing -- will the colour etc. be similar
Hi Don, have you done a video on the Olympus EPL3? I just bought one.
No, I don't own an EPL3 but I bet it is a great camera.
@@dongummphotography I will let you know how it goes, although so far i love it!😍
My favourite is also Olympus.😊🙃😍🙏
Just wondering do think a pen EP3 be compatible with a lense meant for a penF?😊🇦🇺
@@jonnchristie6519 the digital Pen F has the same lens mount as the EP3.
Hi, great video you have here. It seems your front grip is not original from olympus. Could you let me know where i can buy it? Because mine (epl 6) is broken, and i need a new front grip. But i still use it as my daily camera!
The front grip is the original that came with the EPL5.
I am trying to use vintage lenses with my E-PL6 (identical camera to the 5....) I am finding it impossible to focus properly. There is no focus peaking. Do you have any suggestions on how best to focus?? They sure would be appreciated. Thanks.
I believe the EPL5 and 6 have a magnifier you can use to focus with. I use that as much as focus peaking g. With so.e practice, you can also get pretty good at judging just looking at the screen. I do this with my EP1.
I've just bought a EPL5 and I enjoyed shooting with it a lot just with an old kit lens. But I need another one to improve the sharpness of the photos. I'm considering the Lumix 25 1.7 for a more budgeted one and Olympus 25 1.8 for sharper photo. Please let me know which one is better. Thank you.
I don't personally own either one but looking at reviews it appears that the performance of both are very close. The Olympus is only slightly more expensive. Since you have an Olympus camera, I would probably go with the Olympus lens as it is slightly more compact and is certainly going to produce sharp images.
@@dongummphotography many thanks
I bought one of these for street photography while on a 3-month travel adventure. I also bought the Panasonic 20mm 1.7 pancake and the Olympus 45mm 1.8, the only two lenses you need for street and portrait photography, both are crystal sharp.
@@wardydoesSounds like a great setup! Thank you for watching!
Either is fine. Character wise.
Hi Don any good for a total beginner or can you recommend me another camera total new to the hobbie
I think the Olympus EPL5 would be very good for a beginner. Easy to use but also has manual controls along with excellent image quality.
Hi Don. I find that the screen is unusable outdoors on my E-PL6. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks.
Screens can always be a challenge in bright sunlight. Shading it with one hand sometimes helps. An electronic viewfinder like the Olympus VF4 may be the best option.
Thank you for this video. I'm buying a secondhand epl5 with 4680 shutter count, is it still okay ?
That is a fairly low shutter count so that shouldn't be an issue. The EPL5 is a very capable camera that can deliver excellent results.
@@dongummphotography thank you for this information
I like the Oly bodies
Me too! Thanks for watching!
Carlos Betancourt
Carlos Betancourt
hace 1 segundo
Gracias por su información .Son excelentes estas pequeñas joyas .Conseguí una epl 5 que funciona perfectamente y se ve bien cuidada en 50 USD y no se como determinar su recuento de obturador.Podría ayudarme por favor ? Le estaré agradecido
i.tool your Fuji 😂. Sorry just kidding 😂. I see these for cheap. Got to see if they take a digital VF. Think they do..see them for cheap. Nice video
There are digital viewfinders that will fit. Thanks for watching!
@@dongummphotography your are most welcome 😁
You are in Oklahoma
Thank you for watching! Indeed, I am.