Big test
high-speed mode with the electronic shutter, I managed 18 frames at 30fps before it slowed. A Pro Capture mode gives Raws at 30fps, with 15fps and 20fps options available via the menu. Here, you can also vary the amount of pre-shutter shots up to a maximum of 14 frames. The faster processor has meant a benefit in the image stabiliser, and the five-axis sensor shift gives up to 6.5EV benefit and up to 7.5EV with Sync IS – that’s +1EV compared to its predecessor. Most of this review was done with the 12-45mm f/4 Pro standard zoom, and I tested my handheld skills with the OM-5’s IBIS and mechanical shutter. Said shutter is perfectly quiet and has a well-damped action, which is a
major benefit and definitely helped shooting at slow shutter speeds. At the 45mm setting, I took sets of images down to 1sec. At that speed, my hit rate was about 50% while at 1/2sec success rate hit 100%. One feature that’s new on the OM-5 is Live ND, a feature that shoots four pictures and composites them in-camera to give the effect of a long exposure, and means you don’t need a tripod or ND filters. The mode is available in manual and shutter- priority AE modes only, and the ND range is up to 4EV. Turn on LV Simulation and you can see the effect in the EVF/monitor. The mode works well in dull light, but on brighter days the addition of an actual ND filter might be needed – and a tripod, too. A couple of small points aside, I enjoyed testing the OM-D E-M5 Mark III back in 2019. Our lives have changed hugely in the intervening period, but reviewing its successor took me on a trip back in time – in a good way. The OM-5 has gained little, so owners of earlier models in the E-M5 series might not feel inclined to upgrade, but that’s not to deny its obvious appeal. For the money, it’s very good value – and proved a reliable performer. PN
PERFORMANCE: EXPOSURE LATITUDE
BUSY UP TOP There’s no wasted space on the OM-5’s top-plate. Control layout is tidy and simple enough to navigate. The on/off switch on the left is a small negative though
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Final word
Verdict OM System needed a mid-priced camera to entice users to its ecosystem: and the OM-5 is it. While it doesn’t break new ground – in many ways it treads over old – it has appeal at £1199 body only. Given the options of tweaking an existing model or spending time designing a camera from the ground up, OM System took the former (probably a sensible marketing move). And ultimately, the OM-5 can be relied upon to produce fine results with no fuss. 22 /25 FEATURES Extra features compared with its predecessor but these are mainly fringe, specialist items like handheld High Res Shot and Starry Sky AF
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22 /25 HANDLING
The OM-5 handles well enough and the two command dials are great to use. No focus lever is a negative
We shot several exposure brackets in different lighting, metered at 1/250sec at f/11 and ISO 200 for a correct exposure. An exposure bracket of +/-4EV in 0.3EV steps was performed in manual exposure mode and the resulting Raws were exposure corrected in Lightroom. Overexposure was handled well; only after +2.6EV did colour shift in the sky with highlights bleached
out. More than this and results were unacceptable. With underexposure, the Raws were more tolerant and even the -4EV shot could be recovered, despite graining in the sky. Quality improved with more exposure, and by -2EV image quality was impressive but noise was still high. Parity in quality with correct exposure was reached at -1EV.
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23 /25 PERFORMANCE
Produces high-quality images in JPEG and Raw, plus exposure, focus and white-balance systems all perform well. Both High Res Shot modes work, too
23 /25 VALUE FOR MONEY
With its £1199 body-only price tag and a solid feature set, the OM-5 is good value
90 /100 OVERALL
THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO MAKE GOOD USE
Thanks to fine imaging skills and decent handling, the OM-5 will find many fans
PROS Image quality, compact, handheld High Res Shot mode, in-camera focus stacking, Pro Capture, good handling, Live ND CONS Modest feature advance on its predecessor and has the same sensor, single SD card slot, no focus lever, charging via micro USB
Where will your kit go next? Inspire others, earn some extra cash and make a difference. Sell your used kit and let someone else love it as much as you have. Make good use of your used gear. Sell yours today at mpb.com/sell
Issue 103 | Photography News 27
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