A Review of the Olympus Pen E-PL5 Compact System Camera

[@MayaGarnica-i5b]

My dog is 14 years old and is showing his age in so many different ways. I hired someone to take pictures and realized after seeing the outcome that if I wanted to capture him as I know him.... that I would need a camera of my own. Your review convinced me to buy this camera out of the choices I had at the second hand stores around me. Thank you for being so detailed. I'm really looking forward to capturing my best friend in his last years with this camera.

[@stayblack]

This is probably one of the best reviews I have ever watched on KZbin. Hats off to you David. Informative and quirky too.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I'm blushing - glad you like it, Kit.

[@julianhughes6511]

This is the best and most useful E-PL5 review of any kind. I use Lumix (G5, GX80, G80, GX8) but wanted a small body (smaller than my GX80) with I.S. Got an old E-PL5 on ebay a few days ago, downloaded the docs, read reviews. I was completely bewildered by the insane complexity and broken logic of the menus and the truly inadequate docs. I really started regretting the purchase. Then I watched DT's video (I know how accurate, clear and well informed his reviews of Lumix stuff always were). I now have a workable E-PL5 set up to behave as I'd like, as well as a little more appreciation of its potential. David Thorpe was such a great journalist as well as photographer and is still being appreciated.

[@salmanshami]

David, that is without doubt one of the very best reviews on any camera and the best on this model that I have seen. Thanks for doing it. You have made many people able to enjoy this camera more. Thank you !

[@Jonah_castor]

David....fast forward 9 years... This is my 'back-up' digital as I wanted one for my film cameras when I needed/ preferred instant images (digital). So even after 9 years, this video is well worth it to view as it gives a bit of tips on that 'map'...thanks

[@maverick5]

David, this is arguably ones of the best reviews I grabbed ever seen. I like your precise no nonsense style and it makes decision making simple. I will be getting this camera tomorrow and planning to get the sigma 30mm f2.8 as my first prime. Thank you so much!

[@JSquaredDesigns]

David: Had to reach out and let you know how much your video reviews and style are appreciated. I subscribe to all of the big camera review channels but yours remains one of my all time favorites. The way you shoot the video as well as succintly describe the attributes of the gear you are reviewing is much appreciated - 2 thumbs up!

[@magonygellert36]

Best review of this camera! Every review should be so understandable and detailed like this. You helped me a lot!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Glad to be helful, Gellert and thanks for telling me!

[@charliepragnell5791]

Excellent review David. I have an OM-D E-M5 but I'm awaiting my E-PL5 as a back up, 'carry around' camera. Great to see the E-PL5 has 'Live Bulb' too, an extremely powerful feature of the OM-D.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks Charlie. Yeah, it fascinating watching an image build up, a truly digital experience..

[@paulanderson3449]

Hi again, I bought this camera today, my head was screaming for the G5 but my heart was seduced by the image quality, retro styling and the Olympus offer of a free 17mm lens. Will I miss an EVF, maybe, but I still have the G3 to fall back on if needed. Keep the reviews coming please, they are the best on KZbin.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

The 40-150 is a telephoto lens, from short to longish on MFT. On MFT 7-18mm is considered wide angle, 19-30mm normal, 35mm upwards telephoto. You can ignore all the 2x stuff, really since you are only using MFT. Use 7-18 in tight spaces, 19-30 mm where you have room to move around and 35 and upwards (including the 40-150) where you want things to look closer to the camera, This is a huge simplification but it's the bones of the matter. Have fun!

[@terrystaines8903]

There are one or two reviewers that I go too before buying any camera equipment and your the first. Great job David.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

What a recommendation - thanks a lot, Terry!

[@aacwan]

Thanks very much David. I bought this camera 5 months before your video, just found it and wish I'd seen it when it first came out. Taught me a couple of menu options that make the camera *much* easier to use. I bought the Olympus 45mm lens on the basis of your review. Spot on.

[@Koji-888]

I feel like I’m back in my grade school classroom watching a film from 1960. I mean this in a good way. Somehow quite comforting. 💁🏻‍♀️

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

There is a lot to learn but that's part of the fun! Even used on fully auto the camera gives superb results so you can use that while you learn the other functions. It's a great combo with the 20mm, you'll enjoy using it.

[@pinkcanoe]

I had wanted more control in my photography for awhile but was reluctant to go the DSLR route because of the size and weight. This camera and its abilities seem to hit the sweet spot for me. You're so right about finding things in the menu settings. I've printed some of the pdf manual and still get stumped. Thanks for your very fine appraisal and detailed video on this camera.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks! Yes, carried over the shoulder with an EVF the E-PL5 makes a lot of sense. The new one, the VF-4 looks a bit bulky but there are two smaller alternatives. I'd probably go for the VF-3 but if I used only the Pen, I'd likely gp for the 4...assuming I had the money.

[@REP96st]

Another well written/spoken review. I hope you're able to get your hands on a G6 early.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

No, I don't use a screen protector and I haven't noticed any scratches on the screen. On the other hand, I am careful to only stow the camera in soft surrounds. I wish the screen folded inwards, like the Panasonic swivelling ones do. On of the main reasons I don't use a screen protector is that I always seem to fit them badly with bubbles underneath which really annoys me. As an idea, I think they are a good one.

[@Sidmariner]

I've got two. One is in a plastic baggy in parts after I watched another KZbin video that inspired me to attempt to fix the stabilization problem. I bought a second without the problem which works fine, but the shutter release button was missing and the upper dial lacks friction. It still gives me great results but I like my EPL6 more. I am hoping to come across another EPL5 which needs a simple fix like a new screen or broken battery door which I can cobble back together with my baggy of bits.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks Tara.That's a hard choice. Both lenses are good but performance drops off a bit more with the Olympus at the extreme tele end. It is also a little slower at the long end, which is what you'll likely be using on wildlife. It has a slightly wider zoom range, though. You can fit any 300mm lens to your Olympus with an adaptor and it will be stabilized, essential with such long lenses. But you won't have auto-focus. On balance, I'd go for the Panasonic, prices being equal.

[@paultaylor5513]

Thanks for the review David. Any thoughts on the EP5?

[@ManikandanKrishnan]

One of the best review of E=PL5. Thanks David

[@HarryBouman]

Great review. I have a EPM1 and I am thinking of buying with more contols. Was thinking of a cam with additional control wheels (like the OMD). But seeing how the quickmenu on the thouch screen works, makes the EPL5 also an interesting option.

[@sbcwinn]

Best review I have seen on KZbin. I just bought an E-PL5 with a somewhat broken battery door for $90USD! Not bad eh?

[@lozzom]

Thanks for the excellent review David which helped me to decide to buy this followed by the lovely 45mm f1.8. Just come back from holiday when I had the chance to use them properly and very pleased with the results. I also have the GH3 and to me the images from the E-PL5 seem sharper. How do you feel they compare?

[@stephen_chan]

Another great review for us in the m4/3 system. Thanks.

[@MichaelKlusek]

Thanks so much David, very useful review. I am getting this camera soon.

[@kentxx12]

Olympus Pen E-PL5 is still very good in the year 2019 :)

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, a very good point. A camera that was good 10 years ago isn't suddenly made no good when a new one comes in. I found that when I compared a new camera to the original G1 Panasonic kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWXXi2OlhNWabqM

[@geraldillo]

Great review! Does the shutter release control through the touch screen also work with vintage lenses or only with dedicated micro 4/3 lenses?

[@brotendo]

Excellent review. I do plan on buying this with an EVF since I don't plan on carrying it in a bag or pocket, but instead slinging it over my shoulder with a strap.

[@attentionaddicts]

THANKYOU for this video! i have this camera and setting up the dial to control shutter/aperture in S and A modes just made it about 1000x more easy to use! Now to figure out the super control panel.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

attentionaddicts Glad it was useful! I'll never understand why the SCP is disabled by default.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks Harold. I wonder if Olympus will tidy up their menu system one day?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks! I'm waiting for my GX7 to arrive. There;s so much good choice in MFT cameras now but the GX7 does look to be the one I've been waiting for.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Since you already have a G3, I think you made a good choice. And there are always the Olympus EVFs if you find you really want one. The E-PL5 is a much bigger advance in IQ than the G5 is over the G3 - or the G6 over the G3 for that matter.. Having said that, I was never unhappy with the G3's performance. But a free 17mm lens is a clincher.

[@stevekinguk1]

David - I had a Nikon D7000 and assorted prime and telephoto lenses and recently decided to look for a system that was much smaller and lighter, yet still capable of the fantastic image quality of the Nikon system. In spite of the great photos I got from my D7000 kit, it was too large & heavy and I had got to the point of rarely using it due to it's weight & bulk. I stumbled across your video reviews of the E-PL5 and the Panasonic 12-35mm lens and they introduced my the the M43 system. After a bit of further review, although slightly skeptical, I put my entire Nikon kit on ebay and bought this camera, the Panasonic 12-35mm lens and a Metz 58 AF-2 speedlight, also all on ebay, for a few hundred quid less than I got for my Nikon system. Did I make the right choice? Well David you already know the answer, but to anyone else reading this post, it was an unequivocal YES! For the type of photographs I like to shoot - portrait, friends & family indoors, travel and interior property for my little holiday lets business - this kit produces virtually the same quality as my Nikon D7000 kit - BUT - with 70% less weight and bulk. I am astounded by the quality that such a small camera and lens can produce. I am now a total convert to M43 and really enjoy making images again - thank you David for introducing me to it!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Great post Steven, thanks. When you look at the smaller M43 cameras It's hard to believe that they can have the image quality they do. I think it's a bit like jpg technology, there is a loss of _absolute_ quality but not of practical quality and it's that balance of size and quality that makes them so attractive. It's interesting too that you say you really enjoy making images again - that's what it did for me too.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks so much, Salman. It's a lovely camera, so i guess that came through.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

It looks interesting with wifi and the 5 way stabilization but looks like it will be almost the price of the O-MD. It cant be long before Olympus add wifi to an updated O-MD so I'd probably wait for that. Mind you, I prefer an EVF for serious use and use cameras without as 'always with me' items for their compactness.

[@autozealot]

Very well detailed review, David.. Not many ppl talk about the Super Control Panel, and THIS is the true attraction of the Pen Lite series for Enthusiasts!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes - and Olympus have it turned off by default. Crazy but nice when you discover it!

[@davidvanchu]

Fantastic review! The only one I have found that shows the start up to shot time.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks Michel. You'll love the camera.

[@alanplatt888]

I'm looking forward to receiving mine very soon. (2nd hand) Oldie but goldie, here's hoping. I've also got a G80 with a few lenses to hopefully to use on the Olympus too. Thanks for all the MFT video's

[@TheFtrevino]

Thanks to your excellent video, I finally learned how to set my menu to easily adjust my EPL 5 and EPL 6. Love your tutorial videos!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks! The image quality of either camera will be more than enough for most photographers but they are very different in concept. Assuming eye level view-finding is not that important to you, I'd make my decision based on size and price more than anything else - especially the size of the lenses. I'd take a look at the Panasonic G models too.

[@kb5ql]

Just googled it. Dial is used for changing the settings based on PASM, left/right buttons on mode dial used for exposure comp. Is that correct?

[@inexorablelove]

hi, how do i use the burst sequence function on the camera? i just got it today but i cant find the setting to do so. thanks!

[@paulanderson3449]

Hi David, your review now has me in a quandry. I have the Lumix G3 and carry the lumix 20mm and Olympus 45mm primes, l was intent on upgrading to the Lumix G5 but now am lusting after this Olympus. Any views on the G5, I love the image quality of the Olympus, I like the ergonomics of the Panasonics, Help.

[@StenAndreRigedahl]

A very Impressive no nonsense review. Very informative and professionally done by someone with a try passion for photography.

[@ONeillConnor]

excellent review. i watched many reviews on this camera from the tech sites which were rubbish and some photo sites that were ok but this review covered the stuff i was interested in and was also very well done. Thanks for posting it up it helped me out =)

[@kb5ql]

Great review. How do you do exposure comp? I tend to like my photos at +.3-.7 with olympus.

[@davidvanchu]

Hi again, do you use a screen protector? If not, have you noticed any scratches on the screen?

[@johnwongtw1]

Great review David! Did I mention I've Just hit the subscribe button? Keep those reviews coming please.

[@darklion1970]

David, Thanks for the hidden gem info on the Super Control Panel. I love it. What a nightmare trying to find out how to turn it on. I love this E-PL5 but was wondering what shooting modes should a person just starting out use to get great shots, S, M, A, or P. I'm getting amazing shots , but I'm guessing a lot. Daniel

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I can't believe the hide the Super Control Panel! The modes, Program works well for give and take stuff. Manual I don't bother with because I can't do anything with the exposure that the camera can't. I use Aperture priority all the time for stills. Setting the aperture to f4 or 5.6 gets you the sweet spot for most MFT lenses. If it's not good light and the shutter speed drops too low, open up the lens or up the ISO. Shutter Priority is good where you have a moving subject and want to make sure you can freeze it but you an do that with Aperture Priority by using the lens at its fastest aperture and/or high ISO. I'd guess that the majority of photographers would have aperture priority as their default setting, ISO set to auto and aperture f4 or 5.6.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

With the image quality of the camera, it's a journey worth making.

[@doshimd]

Great Review. Just bought the EPL5. I find the colour not very natural. Can you please do a video on adjusting the colours as the enclosed manual is really bad

[@HerwindoArtono]

Thanks, I like your last word about uncompromising Image Quality

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

It _is_ pretty remarkable to have a state of the art sensor in a camera that is not right at the top of your price range.

[@igetsmart]

Nice video David. I tested the P5 and IQ is fantastic and it looks nice but I opted for the Panasonic GX7 which has a tilt-able viewfinder, nice menu system and more Fn buttons and a nice grip etc. I do have the OMD-5 and love it so I hope the GX7 will have the same IQ or very close. I wonder if you will get the GX7 :) P5 art filters nice hope GX7 will be similar - my GX1 does not have many but GX7 I guess has 22 that are adjustable. So tough choice between GX7 and P5

[@GeorgeStar]

Thank you for your usual thorough review and for mentioning the benefits of a fully articulating screen. That's something most reviewers gloss over. A partially articulated screen (ie crippled) is only useful for horizontals. I guess no one shoots verticals. That's one reason I really enjoy my G5. Very versatile. And it has an additional lever by the shutter button to control zoom on a PZ lens or +/- exp. compensation. I just wish they'd come out with a decent PZ zoom and a line of IBIS bodies like Oly. Sadly they've gone to a crippled screen on the GX7.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks George. Whatever camera, there always seems to be something you wanted missing. With the GX7 it is the non-articulated screen, as you say. I can only suppose that Panasonic juggle with the specs not only for design and cost reasons but not wanting to spoil the sales of the top line model.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I hadn't thought they looked sharper but I prefer the quality of the Olympus output, jpg or raw. It's a bit like the difference between Nikon and Leica lenses used to be, The Nikkors were sharp and contrasty, the Leitz lenses were less contrasty but appeared more detailed. Swap Leica for Olympus and Nikkor. Having said which, they are different from rather than better than one another.

[@kerriflynn8645]

Great review!! I loved the way you compared it to a pirate story. Such a great way to put it.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Kerri Flynn Thanks - I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@m.singleton8688]

What a great review....thank you 😊

[@MeylyLiz]

Totally Agree on the setting being so confusing to navigate. Question: does this camera come with included wi-fi?? I heard it did but j can't find it. Also, the Lowest ISO is 200. That sucks 😩

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Meyly Brizuela No, no wi-fi. ISO 200 seems to be the lowest natural sensitivity of digital sensors. The ones that go lower do it by technical means that involves a small drop in dynamic range so unlike film, slower doesn't necessarily mean better. A 2x ND filter would do the same job.

[@DavidHancock7]

Thanks David, I have had this camera for a year now and I have learnt the most useful tricks watching this video, I need a quick way of producing HDR pictures any tips?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

David Hancock Olympus say that Dramatic Tone among the art filters simulates the effect. Otherwise it needs to be done in software and post processing. If you shoot RAW you can often adjust the exposure in post processing bu a stop or so up and down and combine those into an HDR shot. Most software will do HDR now I think.

[@zalllon]

I know this review is old, but so glad you did it. It helped me to decide about getting a used E-PL5. Helped a lot, and now I'm a subscriber :)

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Old maybe but the image quality you'll get with the E-PL5 is as good as the best of any current cameras. That's one of the beauties of MFT. You will love the camera. And thanks for subscribing.

[@niansamudra]

i already bought it and i love it.. actually, this is my first camera since 2002 (also olympus).. :) I'm new in photography and not familiar with the technical terms.. can you explain about the lense (Olympus Zuiko 40-150mm f/4-5.6 ED) and why it mus multiple by 2? i'm not really understand.. and what condition should i use that lense? thanks for your explaination..

[@JohnnyDudeUK]

I like you attitude and common sense approach to reviewing this camera. You just might have sold a few from this review....

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks, John. Olympus keep sending me huge wads of money, I keep telling them it's a form of harassment to but they just won't stop :-)

[@JohnnyDudeUK]

David Thorpe Well I did it! I now own a E-PL5 and thanks to your video I was able to set it up the way I like, so I now just use it. It's a superb device and was with me on recent work trip to Japan where it proved itself. Told you the video would sell a few. Thanks again!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, press the top of the dial and then l/R buttons.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Glad to hear that, Connor, thanks.

[@johnwongtw1]

For selfish reasons I hope you can do a review on the Olympus 75-300mm lens. Because I am thinking of buying one and there isnt a review of it in youtube yet. :P

[@rujakandroid]

hi Mr. David :), do this epl have studio mode? e.g : when we put setting f.16 in M mode & iso 100...the lcd stil bright (so we can easy compose the shot)? in sony nex system this mode called "live view display setting (on/off)" & in the Samsung Nex System it called "Framing mode (on/off)"? tx for the info, Great review :)

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks for the nice words. The monitor stays the same brightness whatever the exposure and setting normally but if you switch on live guide, it shows what effect your settings have.

[@rujakandroid]

oke. thanks for the feedback :D

[@887Rabbit]

Hi David Another great review thanks very much. I have some old OM olympus lenses that I intend to mount via an adapter, I have a 28mm F2.8, a 50mm F1.4 and a 35 - 70mm F4. Although manual focus will I get any image stabilisation from the camera body or will this great feature be switched off? Thanks

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

+Dave Warren Thanks, Dave, All the lenses will be stabilized but because there is no data connection with old lenses you have to tell the camera the focal length of the lens you are using It's easy to do, though, in the Custom /K Utility menu. And you can store up to ten for quick access.

[@887Rabbit]

+David Thorpe thanks again. Exactly what I needed to know. I shall look forward to my new purchase arriving in a couple of days. Cheers.

[@d4bid15]

Hi David, Very good review! Would you know the main difference of the E-PL5 vs the E-PL6? I reside in Singapore and both cameras are priced the same. So I'm wondering which to get.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks Dave. The E-PL6 isn't available in the UK or Europe (or USA, I believe) so I haven't any experience with it at all. The main differences appear to be that the 6 has a lower, 100 ISO option so you can open up the lens a bit more, time lapse movie and interval shooting. The IQ of the 5 is as good and the 6 appears to have the same sensor. That's about all I can say.

[@d4bid15]

David Thorpe Thanks for the feedback. I already got the E-PL6 yesterday at around USD512. I'm still trying to get used to the camera, especially the manual controls. It also included a FlashAir SD card which compensates for the camera not having WIFI. My next step would be to get a prime pancake lens. Between the Olympus and Panasonic pancake lens, which is the cheaper option?

[@davenash661]

Great review as always, even makes the dreaded Olympus menu look easy HA Ha, wait til you try the button/dial option on the OM-d EM-1 !!!!!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks Dave. I think the Olympus menu system is pretty easy to understand...................after you've used it for a few years :-)

[@m.singleton8688]

I am pretty much sold on buying this camera 😊😊

[@Gary_W]

David, thank you for this awesome video. I am about to plunge into the world of Micro Four Thirds and now currently contemplating between Olympus E-PL5 and Panasonic GX7. How is the handling of the E-PL5 compared to GX7? Do you have enough dedicated button to change aperture and ISO or do you have to rely mostly on the touchscreen for E-PL5? My main concern is to be able to set my camera and take great picture as quickly as possible without the camera getting in the way. Thanks once again for your awesome review of the E-PL5, I am now a fan of your KZbin channel :)

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

bajigurwedangronde Thanks! Both cameras have buttons and wheels to control all the main functions of the cameras so neither is a problem there. For your purposes, you'd do best to figure out exactly what you want as a working setting and assign it to a Custom mode. You can do this with either camera but the GX7 is more flexible in this respect, having specific Custom1, 2 and 3 buttons on the mode dial (and 2 more on the screen). The biggest single difference between the two is that the GX7 has the EVF. If that, the price or the dedicated Custom buttons don't matter to you, I'd make the choice on how each camera felt in my hands. They are both very capable.

[@Gary_W]

Thanks for the response David, I made up my mind and go with the GX7 instead, I watched your GX7 video and I think that EVF will be a huge aid for my photography needs. Once again thank you for the excellent videos sir, cheers :)

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

bajigurwedangronde You are very welcome!

[@bridgebolt51]

what do you think with 17mm f1.8 from olympus?

[@lajosik88]

Really great review. I'm an owner of E-PL6 for a couple months, it is exactly the same as E-PL5, only Time Lapse option is added - already used it for dawn shots on vacation while still sleeping :) MySets are the best feature of the camera, I have one note: It is not needed to switch off/on the camera to go back to the settings set to mode e.g. A, you just need to turn dial from and back to the mode and predefined settings are back. Picture quality is great. However I have a problem with out of focus pictures when shooting moving objects e.g. people walking towards me, even with C-AF selected I often end up with not focused result :( I use Sigma 30mm f2.8 prime lens.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Continuous autofocus is not the strong point of any MFT cameras, unfortunately. The very latest and most expensive from Olympus and Panasonic are better but still not up to DSLR standards. It should be ok in good light with the focusing area not set too small but otherwise there isn't much you can do.

[@lajosik88]

OK. Thanks for the reply. Íll try it in a good light with at least 1/500, F more than 4 and S-AF, hopefully it´ll help.

[@lajosik88]

David Thorpe Anyway, E-PL6 + Sigma 30mm is a great combo, here are couple of samples: www.flickr.com/gp/128464398@N02/s400KC/ All photos are handheld, no flash used for indoors (ISO 4000 used). I use only JPEG, no RAW, still beginner and Olympus does a good job for my needs :)

[@ericfulgencio1]

Hi David, very nice review. Been watching your reviews for some time now, i would just like to ask, what do you think about the EP5? By any chance, have you think of upgrading to the EP5? The reason i ask is because i'm torn between the two. And now the em-10 is out, i'm having a hard time deciding. Lol.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Hi Eric. Thanks for the kind words, Both those cameras have the same excellent sensor so both top quality. The E-PL5 has Olympus's top line stabilization, the E-M10 has the three way stabilization. But the E-M10 has an excellent EVF. That swings it for me.

[@pjcardone164]

I have a PM 2 and the PL5. Disappointing the PL 5 does not seem to have focus peeking! And yet on a lesser level the PM 2 does. I was hoping if the PL 5 had it, you would show us how to activate it. Great video regardless!

[@ArcticGator]

for some reason on my epl5 i can't access the "custom menu" its greyed out and i can't activate it, how do i do that?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Arctic Gator I haven't got an E-PL5 to hand but if you go to the Setup (spanner icon) menu, you should see an option to turn it on and off.

[@alfabravo80]

A great review...very informative and entertaining. Thank you!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks!

[@johnallen3423]

Still good today...just got one for£120 ..the specs are VG..for hangin' out/around..

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Silly prices for such capable cameras today!

[@philparker97]

Thanks for the review - very useful and informative!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

philparker97 That's what I like to hear, Phil - thank you!

[@ArcticGator]

I have this camera and a canon, 28-80 3.5-5.6 II lives on the camera, adapted of course, i use that and an older sigma canon 75-300 4.5-5.6 lens also for macro and wildlife, i use either the raynox dcr-150 or the dcr-250 on either for some really decent macro photography, what other lenses would you recommend? i would like to get something with a wider fov because i have to back waay up to get things like trees and larger objects in frame, also, what would you use for it in a night shoot in a halloween/street photography role? i also have the 45-150 but i find i don't use it very often now that i am so used to using a full time manual lens, i wish i had aperture control in my adapted lenses though!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

My immediate though is the Olympus 17mm f/1.8. Not cheap but a lens you'd keep in the long term. It also has the nice collar that, slid back, immediately gives you manual focus if you prefer it. The 17mm is widish rather than wide and makes a good all round compromise. If you want wider, the Panasonic 14mm f/2.5 is well worth a look. For wider still, maybe a bit wide for street work, the 12mm f/2 Rokinon/ Samyang might suit you. It's manual focus but you are obviously adept at that. It's a good price. For best edge performance you need to stop down to f/4 but for general use it's good for wide open shooting. Overall, it sounds like it might be the one for you but I'd look at all the ones I've mentioned before deciding. Lovely to see all those older lenses still in use.

[@ArcticGator]

the panasonic lumix II or the panasonic lumix g?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

This one (UK) amzn.to/2eZMA3y or this one (USA) amzn.to/2ePyK66

[@expl_o]

Thank you for this great review!!!!!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thansk you!

[@krishdhiman]

i have olympus pen lite e-pl5 with M.Zuiko 14-42mm lens. i wanna change lens now so can you please tell me which one lens will be best for my camera. #kind of professional pics. thanks.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Hi Pardeep. For very best performance I'd go for the 12-40mm Olympus f/2.8 zoom. Biggish by Micro four Thirds standards but superb performance through the range and better than many primes.

[@krishdhiman]

+David Thorpe thanks man for help.

[@arkansascoalitionforpeacea8945]

Thank you, This is a very comprehensive review

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Bob Estes Glad it was useful, Bob, thanks.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks! Interesting about the voice - more complimentary than some I've had!

[@davidvanchu]

Normally I wouldn't bother to put a screen protector on a camera, but I'm worried since the screen is my only option for composing photographs.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks. Yes, it is.

[@actionimagesphotography]

Great review as usual. I just can't get over the fact I have to take off the flash to put a view finder on top. Why is it so loud when shooting. tripod socket is off axis. Myset is way too confusing. By the way liked the comment about the lens hood, "cool or what!" Well done video but I'll pass on this one. Waiting for OM-D2

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I haven't tried one but I do know I want one.

[@random12345457]

Fantastic review, thank you so much

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Much appeciated comment, thanks.

[@RattusYu]

I'm undecided EPL5 or EM10ii in 2019.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

The E-M10 II may be small but it is a serious camera with a decent EVF and very pleasing build quality. Viewed in the light of the intentions of the Micro Four Thirds standard, it's one of the best ever. The E-PL5 produces good results but if you are serious about your photography - the E-M10 II, no contest as far as I'm concerned. If you are less serious - nothing wrong with that - the E-Pl5 would probably slip into a pocket or bag more easily due to its less lumpy form.

[@RattusYu]

@@DavidThorpeMFT Thank you David! I thought that both of them are great cameras.

[@nisrandom]

Really helpful! Olympus isn't really user-friendly compared to other brands so this vid is really informative for me, especially utilizing the settings.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

+Nadine Postigo Glad it was helpful. I'm with you on the user friendly aspect, they just crammed too much on a small body. But then, I speak with people who find Olympus more user friendly than Panasonic. I can't see it myself but it takes all sorts, as they say.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks, Stan. Glad it was useful

[@borism68]

Thank you for your detailed review, As I type this I am waiting the camera to arrive :-)

[@michadobrzanski7847]

I might be weird, but I find Olympus' menu system to be intuitive... Anyway, I definitely will buy this camera. I was considering an OM-D for a while, but since I can get this + a nice prime for the same price as the OM-D, the decission is simple :)

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Michał MindYourOwnBusiness If you find it intuitive, it is! I don't but it's perfectly manageable and most of the setting changes I make are temporary to my basic ones anyway, so once set, I don't make many alterations.

[@michadobrzanski7847]

David Thorpe I've had an e-pl5 in my hands for the first time today, and I got to admit - the default settings are really confusing. I honestly can't understand, why does it have so much stuff disabled by default. Still, as you said - once you set it up, it's a pleasure to use.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Michał MindYourOwnBusiness Someone somewhere deep in the Olympus organisation knows why they did it. It's mystery to me, though :-)

[@michadobrzanski7847]

David Thorpe Well, I own one now, and I couldn't be happier. Once set up, this little camera is pure pleasure to use. The only drawback I found is that the light metering is very often unreliable (and I hate using spot metering), so I've set the dial to exposure compensation instead of aperture (I'm obviously an A-mode shooter). Your review really helped me out, so big thanks for that :)

[@michadobrzanski7847]

BTW, it's worth noting that Olympus has cheated with the ISO on their OMD sensor series, so the actual value is one stop lower than declared. So - yes, the camera has base ISO of 100, it's just that it's displayed as 200. The sensor is still brilliant, and from the tests at DxO it seems that it's still better than the new Panasonic one used in GX7, but it's worth remembering that you have to divide the ISO by two to get the real value. A shady move from Oly, but let's hope they won't do that again ;) Here's the link to what I'm talking about: www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Olympus/OM-D-E-M10---Measurements

[@applepithak]

thank for good review