Olympus E5
Olympus · DSLR · 12.3 MP · Micro Four Thirds · Standard HD video
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Olympus |
| Model | E5 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2010 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | September 14, 2010 |
| Camera type |  DSLR |
| Camera size | 143 x 117 x 75 mm |
| Camera weight | 800 g |
Optics47/100 | |
About the OpticsThe Olympus E5 scores a 51/100 in our evaluation, which places it in the mid-range category of DSLR cameras. Although the E5 has been on the market for over a decade, its features still hold relevance for some photography enthusiasts. While it may not be the top choice for professionals, the Olympus E5 remains a reliable option for those seeking a mid-range DSLR experience. Olympus E5 Overview and OpticsThe Olympus E5 receives a score of 47/100 for optics. This camera features 12.3 megapixels, a shooting speed of 5 frames per second, and an NMOS sensor type. Its processor is the TruePic V+, and the DXOMARK score for the sensor is 56. With a Micro Four Thirds sensor size and a Micro 4/3 lens mount, the E5 offers image stabilization and a 4:3 aspect ratio. Comparing these specifications to current market standards, the Olympus E5 falls short in several areas. For instance, its 12.3 megapixels and shooting speed of 5 frames per second are lower than many contemporary cameras. Additionally, the DXOMARK score of 56 is relatively low, indicating that the E5 may struggle to compete with newer models in terms of image quality. Despite these shortcomings, the Olympus E5 still offers some noteworthy features, such as image stabilization and a versatile Micro 4/3 lens mount. However, potential buyers should consider that the E5 may not be the top choice when compared to more advanced cameras available today. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 12.3 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 4032 x 3024 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | NMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 13 x 17.3 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Micro Four Thirds |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 5 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Micro 4/3 |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | TruePic V+ |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  4:3 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 64003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 64003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 6044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 800080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 110300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |  Yes |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Optical (pentaprism) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A |
Video34/100 | |
About the VideoThe Olympus E5 video capabilities score is 34 out of 100. The camera offers a maximum video resolution of standard HD with dimensions of 1280 x 720 pixels. The frame rate for video recording reaches 30fps, which may appear limited compared to modern cameras that often provide higher resolutions and frame rates. In the current market, the Olympus E5 falls short in terms of video functionality. Many cameras now offer at least Full HD or even 4K video resolution, along with higher frame rates for smoother footage. Additionally, the E5 lacks built-in time-lapse functionality, which has become a popular feature in contemporary cameras. The Olympus E5, therefore, is not a strong contender for those seeking advanced video capabilities. Its lower resolution and limited features make it less competitive in today’s market, where higher resolution and additional functions are more common. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  Yes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  Standard HD |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 1280 x 720 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 30 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. | No |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MPEG-4 |
Features54/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Olympus E5 features a score of 54/100 in this section. With a screen size of 3 inches and a resolution of 920,000 dots, the display offers decent quality. However, the absence of a touchscreen is a drawback for users who prefer a more interactive experience. The camera includes a flip screen, providing flexibility for various shooting angles. On the downside, the Olympus E5 lacks modern connectivity options like GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth, limiting its ability to share and transfer files easily. Considering these specifications, the Olympus E5’s features are not up to par with current market standards. The camera’s display, connectivity, and user interface are behind compared to newer models. This makes the Olympus E5 a less appealing choice for those seeking advanced features and seamless connectivity. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  Yes |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  Yes |
| Screen type | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. | No |
| Screen size | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 9200001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  Yes |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. | No |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | No |
Storage & Battery71/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Olympus E5 scores 71/100 in storage and battery. This camera features two memory card slots, accepting both SD/SDHC/SDXC and Compact Flash (Type I or II) cards, providing versatility in storage options. However, in today’s market, many cameras offer faster and more advanced storage formats, such as XQD or CFexpress cards. Regarding battery life, the Olympus E5 can capture 870 shots with its BLM-5 battery type. This number of shots is decent, but some competitors in the market offer longer-lasting batteries. Additionally, the E5 does not support USB charging, which could be inconvenient for users who need to charge on the go. Taking these factors into account, the Olympus E5 has a satisfactory storage and battery performance, but it may fall short compared to some of its competitors in the current market. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Compact Flash (Type I or II) |
| Dual memory card slots |  Yes |
| Battery type | BLM-5 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 870 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |