Big test
PERFORMANCE: HIGH RES SHOT MODE The OM-5’s faster processor gives a more effective IS performance and enables features such as handheld High Res Shot mode. At full resolution, the OM-5
I also got a high percentage of sharp handheld shots. With handheld High Res Shot mode, the OM-5’s full ISO range is available, so setting a higher speed is an option to keep shutter speeds high. As multi-shot modes help reduce digital noise, it means you can enjoy excellent quality even at fast ISOs. In tripod High Res Shot mode, the range is restricted to ISO 200-1600. Checking the out-of-camera JPEGs and processed Raws, I was impressed with the crisp detail from the two High Res Shot modes. Looking at shots taken at ISO 1600, digital noise was lower compared with the standard Raw shot at the same speed. Some of my images included flowing water, but it was smooth and without tone so there wasn’t a trace of artefacts. High Res Shot photography has limited appeal – not every single photographer needs large files – but having the option is very welcome, and of course that applies particularly to the handheld High Res Shot mode.
between frame delay can be set of up to 30secs to allow for non- dedicated flash units to recharge. After each exposure series, the camera takes roughly between 5secs (tripod High Res Shot mode) and 15secs (handheld high res) to process the images, during which time the camera is inoperable. Whether you shoot handheld or tripod High Res Shot mode, your subject should be a static scene, as anything moving won’t look right in the processed shot. On a frosty and very still day, I took scenics of a local wood with the OM-5, shooting normally and with both functions. I used a Leofoto LS-324C for the tripod High Res Shot mode. In the low winter light, my handheld shutter speed was as low as 1/5sec. The smooth shutter release button and electronic shutter meant vibration was non- existent, but with 12 exposures at 1/5sec each, the camera had to be held still for over two seconds. While I got a few failures that suffered from camera movement,
gives 20.4-megapixel files. Opened Raws measure 5184x3888 pixels or 43.9x32.9cm at 300ppi. In handheld High Res Shot mode, the camera takes 12 shots, with the sensor moved slightly each time. With the camera set to give Raws and JPEGs, both files measure 8160x6120 pixels or 50 megapixels. There’s also a 25-megapixel option. In tripod High Res Shot, eight exposures are taken and merged in-camera. The resulting image size is 10,368x7776 pixels from Raw and 8160x6120 pixels in JPEG. This mode uses the camera’s electronic shutter, and the delay between pressing the shutter button and exposure sequence starting can be varied. In handheld High Res Shot this is up to 1sec, while in tripod High Res Shot the maximum is 30secs. Flash photography is possible in tripod High Res Shot mode, so an in-
TWICKENHAM PARAKEET When needed, the OM-5 performs with credit at high ISO speeds. This ISO 1600 Raw was processed through Lightroom with default noise reduction settings. The exposure was 1/1000sec at f/4 and the picture taken using the OM 300mm f/4 lens
Normal shot ISO 200
Tripod High Res Shot ISO 200
Handheld High Res Shot ISO 200
POINT OF VIEW The OM-5’s back-plate is dominated by its three-inch LCD touch vari-angle monitor, which – typical of most new cameras – can face forward as well as allowing low and high shooting angles
settings – including exposure mode, white-balance and compensation. There’s a single SD card slot on the right side of the body, so swapping cards is easy enough if the camera is on a tripod or fitted with a plate. This is a small-bodied camera and generally handles well. The two command dials are superb, ISO and compensation buttons are readily accessible and Fn lever is a handy feature. However, while the OM-5’s control layout is sound, it suffers
from the same shortcomings as its predecessor. For me, those are the lack of a focus lever, the left-sided on/ off switch and a micro USB rather than USB-C charging port. The OM-1 had a new menu structure that was easy to navigate and a big improvement on Olympus’ previous offering. On the OM-5, it’s a shame that OM System didn’t take the chance to upgrade the menu so we have the Olympus layout, with 22 pages on this model. Nothing
Normal shot ISO 1600
Handheld High Res Shot ISO 1600
Tripod High Res Shot ISO 1600
Issue 103 | Photography News 23
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