The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Series Legacy

 The original Olympus OM-D E-M5 (2012) saved the day and have promoted the Micro Four-Third (MFT) digital photographic format pertinency. At first it was a verbal challenge just for naming this camera model that many have failed to memorize or to spell it correctly. Sure we all have understood that OM-D stands for the OM digital version but what about the E-M5 denomination. The E surely refers to the previous Olympus ILC (Interchangeable Lens Camera) digital camera E series and the M for the Micro Four-Third sensor format. That leave us with the number 5 that may be have seen as an equivalent of the Olympus Pen series (EP-1-2-3-5 models).

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 have represented a significant evolution of the first introduced Pen series (EP-1, EP-2, EP-3 and EP-5 models that didn't have an electronic viewfinder (EVF) integrated into their camera body (the only one that will eventually benefice of this feature will be the Olympus Pen-F). Moreover many add-on features has been introduced into the OM-D E-M5. Among them, a tilt-able rear screen viewfinder (LVF) (with waist-level and over-the crowd positions).

The image sensor stabilization system (IBIS for in-body-image-stabilization) is what really differentiate the Olympus OM-D E-M5 from the rest of the competition at this precise moment of the mirrorless cameras emergence. All major manufacturers will eventually follow this technical development although their time table were longer in certain cases. By choosing the in-body image sensor stabilization, the OM-D E-M5 allows the photographer to select many types of past or modern optics without loosing this advantage. It was a welcome help to go ahead with digital photography without entirely sacrificing the old lenses used with the film-analog camera systems.

The camera body architecture have mimicked the old SLR form with a centered viewing prism like we have seen with the OM analog-film camera series. Front and back control dials allowed the user to adjust easily the basic photographic parameters like the shutter speed, the lens aperture or the exposure factors. The OM-D E-M5 interface menu was very elaborated and was asking an extended learning curve to even partially master it. The two parts optional power grip was reminding us the good days of the analog-film era.

With the OM-D E-M5, Olympus has succeeded to convince many enthusiasm and some professional photographers to give a go to the whole MFT system. At the same moment in time Panasonic have presented its Lumix GH3 model that open a new Web video centric perspective for the MFT users. Despite some manufactured flaws (in particular with the control dials that may pop-out), the OM-D E-M5 proved to be sufficiently reliable for a more extensive use in adverse conditions with the help of the weather resistant characteristic (WR).

The second Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II (2015) have given to the E-M5 series its reliable and long lasting reputation (solid construction, versatility, competent) and may be considered as the apex of the E-M5 series. Every aspects of the design and construction of the model have been noticeably enhanced. In one word, the feeling of holding and using the camera model was much better than the first version.

The rear screen of the OM-D E-M5 Mark II was now fully rotating and can be turn in for maximum scratch screen protection. The camera body felt sturdier and control dials has been reinforced. Olympus has abandoned its special multi-function hot-shoe from the original OM-D E-M5 and replaced it by the traditional hot shoe one but they added a PC Flash synchro port to the camera for the beneficial of studio or macro photography users. The EVF and LVF resolutions has been also enhanced.

The MFT image sensor have kept the same 16 megapixels (MP) resolution of the original E-M5 although it appeared to that it was performing better. The OM-D E-M5 Mark II was a perfect optical match with the M.Zuiko ED 12-40mm F2.8 Pro zoom lens although many other combinations were equally appreciated. The handling of the camera was better secured in particular with the optional power grip if you were using larger size optics.

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II has been also one of the best rated camera model by the photographic gear reviews during its production time. Even today, the model is still used by many photographers without restriction.

The third version Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III (2019) have consolidated its autofocus performance (AF), enhance its (20MP) image sensor resolution and its video capability but also bring controversies about its material construction perception and its diminutive battery power. By moving its mode dial, the OM-D E-M5 Mark III have simplified its interface handling on the right side of the camera body.

With its new 20MP image sensor, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is offering an image quality equivalent of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II Pro model. This remark applies also for its autofocus system. The hand body prehension is similar to the preceding OM-D E-M5 Mark II and it is still possible to add an optional grip but without the power supply (w/vertical grip and controls), an Olympus voluntary omission that many have rightly noticed. Moreover with the battery pack change for a smaller one (BLS-50), the camera autonomy has been diminished from the previous handy combination (OM-D E-M5 II + Vertical Power Grip).

As a competent image recorder the Olympus O-D E-M5 mark III camera model was able to retain many of the OM-D E-M5 series previous users except for those who have chosen to upgrade to the Pro models (OM-D E-M1 series) or for the ones who have simply exited the MFT image format system. The model has been partially omitted by photographic gear web reviewers at its introduction since it was not perceive as a important evolutive departure from the OM-D E-M5 Mark II preceding model.

About the OM-5

Following the Olympus camera group ownership takeover by the OM Digital Solutions corporation, the complete Olympus/OM System line up has been rationalized with a simplified camera offer without almost all the previous entry-level models. The initial release of the new Pro OM-1 camera model (replacement of both OM-D E-M1 Mark III and OM-D E-M1X models) has been a good commercial success especially among the outdoor and birder photographer niche. Their second introduction of the OM-5 camera (replacement of the OM-D E-M5 Mark III) has been less spectacular since the essential improvement of the camera was internal rather than cosmetic.

Generally speaking the OM System OM-5 has been designed to be a more rugged camera with a better environmental sealed body and to be also more performing in term of readiness and reactivity. Those enhanced characteristics are addressing meanly the photographer who like to travel, do street photography, spent time in outdoor activities, etc. with a compactness requirement in mind for their optical and camera outfit. In one way it proves that the concept idea regarding the OM-D E-M5 series has been and still is a landmark of the MFT imaging system and that will be preserved for, at least, the near future.


Photo-illustrations Daniel M

No perfecto for the Olympus OM-D E-M5 but mucho amor

Chatting about the Classic Olympus OM-D E-M5

Over the year I began to appreciated photo camera that have more character. These models have a tendency to push us to more creativity to get the result. Yes they are a kind of perfect cameras made mostly by the two big leaders Canon and Nikon. Such cameras are truly efficient especially if you have a tendency to reproduce stereotype art director results.  

Photography can be an art of expression of provocation and to reach that level you have to overcome the comfort to be conformist.  I am interest in images that will question us and be part of a cultural evolution. Yes you can be excellent reproducer as many were asking for but we need to overcome even the most renowned clichés.

Using an unperfected, nonconformist, incomplete camera may lead us to concentrate on pre-visualisation of results true unfamiliar way of seeing things and persons. Polaroid photography has done that for years and still does.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 & M.12-50mm F3.5-6.2 

It is a big introduction to validate my choice of working with the Olympus OM-D E-M5. But wait! There is already a version II of this model you might say…but nevertheless since I love the first version and I am still learning from it. But I can understand the appeal for the newest novelty.

What can we summarize about the Olympus OM-D E-M5? In fact it is an imperfect camera. The autofocus system cannot be compare to the optical reflex counterpart for technical reasons. Sometimes you will have to proceed by focus anticipation and in doing so determine our final composition depending on the position of the subject. In one word it force you to be pro-active instead of being purely reactive and just  kept shooting on a follow sequence. As a direct consequence your rate of success will be more limited but with time your analyst of the situation, the context and the subject will become far superior compare to the usual happy triggers.

One interesting way of working with Electronic Viewfinder is the possibility to have an instant review of your picture into the viewfinder without has to check to the LCD screen. In that way you stay ready to resume your photo session in good shooting position (looking into the viewfinder). Furthermore the EVF are working more efficiently in low light by using the automatic gain. 

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Electronic Viewfinder - EVF

Handling

The E-M5 is a small camera in fact smaller than the original and classical OM-1 film camera. There is no direct technical legacy between the OM camera series for traditional films and the new OM-D digital counterparts except for the general idea of compactness and the physical presentation. If you have manipulated an OM-1/2 you will have to acknowledge that the E-M5 is a user-friendlier camera and a lot more sophisticated.

The E-M5 gives you a real control of your picture. Much functionalities are simply on the professional level as for many moderns D-SLR models. All exposure fundamental adjustments are available if you ask for and you can shape your own path in creating your image

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Olympus OM-D E-M5 & M.45mm F1.8

The selection of your personal bias for picture taking will be part of building your own visual signature. That is why the E-M5 is pushing you to do so right at the beginning when you will first experiment the camera. This process involves learning the menu setting and configuring the different function buttons and dials. Doing one change at a time and compare results is the best way to mastermind the camera. You have to understand what image implication and why these adjustments are designed for.

Every body has his special way of setting a camera. For myself I am the kind of person who like to challenge the fully automatic system and add gradually some specific adjustment that will fit my palette image vision. The fundamentals classics parameters such as shutter speed/subject movement perception, aperture/deep of field selection and focus/subject selectivity are staying the basic rules of photography.

In the field

Working with the Olympus OM-D E-M5 on the spot is a charm since it is not an intruding camera. Be discreet helps to stay more confortable and prevent the intimidation of the subject. Even coupled with a bigger lens such as the M.12-50mm it is still an acceptable package. My preference goes with the black version but it is up to you to select which color you prefer.

Since it is a smaller camera all the controls are near by located. That can be annoying for fast and reliable access to the different functions of the E-M5. With time you can get used to but this is not definitely a strong aspect of this model. The EVF gives you a fair idea of you image with certain limitations of color perception in bright light. To follow the movement of my subject I prefer to stay looking at the viewfinder so that my naked eye perception cannot interfere with the delay imparted by the electronic transmission of the visual information.  In reproduction work, the swivel and touch-option LCD panel is a strong point of the E-M5.

Lens selection

Almost every Zuiko M. lenses will fit neatly with the Olympus OM-D E-M5 and be simple to operate. The best quality results will be obtained if you are using the prime fixed lenses such as M.12/17/45/75mm. For my part I don’t prevent myself to use the zoom options such as the M.14-42mm or even the M.40-150mm. They are very flexible lenses, lightweight and they are giving acceptable image quality. Trying to use too much different lenses has never been for me convenient because it induces a tendency to disperse your creativity by selecting the so-call good lens for each situation. It is like painting simultaneously with two or three different canvas.

Flash

I am not really enthusiasm in using flash since it has a strong tendency to destroy the light distribution of your original perception of the situation. Accent flash is still the way I prefer to work with these supplemental light units.  Historically Olympus has managed correctly mixed flash/ambient light contexts. You can rely on that but I am used to cut down the flash power a bit to prevent overexposure in the flash enlighten area. And I must add that I hate to manage all these small pieces of covers for the hot shoe and electronic contacts of the camera and for the flash shoe by itself.

Olympus FL-M2 Flash Unit

Others

For the battery issue simply bring other ones. Adding the 2-parts battery grip: it is up to you but remember that it will add a certain volume to your camera but I agree that for using long lenses or doing intensive portrait sessions or working in outside adverse conditions such as extreme and nature photography the grip option can be a good help.

Notes on using the grip: There are at least three ways of using the HLD-6 Battery Grip. As a whole kit with the front handle, the bottom vertical handle complete with the supplemental battery pack which is in  my humble opinion the best outdoor option for action or nature photography. The second way is without the supplemental battery pack and yes all the functionalities stay available without flaw.

It is my best option to do portrait session since the camera maintains its low weight. And lastly in using only the front handle to get a more prominent grip without enlarging too much the size of the camera.

 Save your lens cap at home and add photo opportunities by using a good quality protective filter in front of your lenses. Add the lens hood is also a good idea to prevent the lens flares.

Connectivity debate

There is no provision inside the camera allowing a direct Wi-Fi connection and it can be considered as a modern design flaw in view of the new photographic user criteria. That will not permit you to do direct file transfers and to use remote controls from other devices such as tablets or portable computers. But all the newest models of the OM-D series have partly or totally solve that omission in term of connectivity. If you are used to workflow your picture files with your memory card or by using the USB connecting cable it won’t represent a major issue for now.

Briefly

The Olympus E-M5 was the first model of the new OM-D series that have opened the gate of general reconnaissance of many photo enthusiasms and even some professional photographers. It is one of the few new traditional cameras that were able to attract older users and newcomers at the same time.  More than that it is an inspired design that encourage people to do and experiment photography.