OM System OM-5 for Wildlife Photography

In this video, I wanted to try out the OM-5 for wildlife photography. I test it with the 40-150mm f/4, 40-150mm f/2.8 and the 300mm f/4 lenses.
📚 OM System for Wildlife Photography Course: bit.ly/3NehmG4
OM-5 for Wildlife Blog: www.espenhelland.com/wildlife...
OM System Gear used in video:
OM-5: bit.ly/3OC2IJQ
OM-1: bit.ly/3ED26PS
300mm f/4: bit.ly/3Xwn6An
40-150mm f/2.8: bit.ly/3F38K32
40-150mm f/4: bit.ly/3u1nRnn
0:00 Intro
1:01 Who is the OM-5 for
2:10 OM-5 with the 40-150mm f/4
7:05 OM-5 Features for Wildlife Photography
7:15 Exposure
7:33 Auto Focus
9:17 Image Stabilisation
9:48 ISO Capabilities
10:32 Frames Per Second
11:04 Pro Capture
12:42 Weather Rating
13:16 High Resolution Handheld
13:48 Camera Body
14:17 Custom Modes
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[@samwang5831]

Feature wise OM5 is hard to beat at its price range. I think most people are hesitant because of the smaller sensor. But in return one gets portability, sharp and affordable lenses, and an amazing IBIS. So amazing that a tripod is not a necessity. There are photographers who like to fix their camera on a tripd and wait for the magic moment. For those who like to move around, M43 should fit very well. The weather proofing is like icing on the cake, I often see photographers start packing their gear at the first raindrops, well, they should. With OM it is actually the best time to get going, right before or after the rain is when good things start to happen in nature.

[@bamsemh1]

Sensor only matters when you are printing huge.! But yeah, most amateurs (who call themselves pro) simply can't think outside fullframe.

[@diogoferreira9039]

It's absolutelly crazy that the sensor size conversation still has an impact on people... I have many fine art 60x40cm pictures done with a micro 4/3 16Mp sensor from 2013. I published images taken with an olympus EPL5 on National geographic... I haven't ever used any software to expand pics made with micro four thirds to print @ 40-60cm and I bet my best lens that no one would see any difference if those pictures were taken with the best full frame sensor ever made... I blame this absurd sensor size rush on bloggers that use their informal influence to drive buyers in certain directions, and off course make some money out of it, while swearing that their reviews are completely unbiased...

[@tarjei99]

With either the 100-400 or 150-40mm, it will be a really good value for money. And the reach is fantastic.

[@jakelindsay6251]

The EM5iii destroys the OM-5 in terms of value. The OM-5 is a joke of a release given how amazing the OM-1 was. Micro USB?!?! The old menus?!?! The same EVF and LCD?!?! The same sensor?!?!

[@diogoferreira9039]

@@jakelindsay6251 sure, but expecting a mini om1 for almost half the price is kind of fantasious from any other brand than olympus... If the om5 is an em1 mkiii it is a hell of a camera for the price.

[@jpsteiner2]

Thanks! I love my OM-5 along with the 12-45 f/4 and the 40-150 f/4. Your tips on pro capture and wildlife are really helpful. I mostly shoot city scape, but I am able to capture squirrels and birds on my morning walks. Pro capture is great for catching raindrops fall from leaves in a rainstorm.

[@EspenHelland]

Cool! That’s a great use of it 👍 thank you very much 🙂

[@phaser59]

Thanks Espen, fab video showing the power and versitility of the OM-5 and I'm loving my OM-5 which arrived on Monday this week. Spent the morning shooting birds here in South Wales and took home some great images. Keep up the good work and inspiring us with your beautiful images.

[@EspenHelland]

Thanks a lot Dean! Glad to hear you’re enjoying it

[@preciousa.4384]

Its 2023. Would you still recommend for a beginner?

[@martinmenajimenez3985]

Hi phaser59! What lens were you using? For birds. Thanks!

[@CheikoSairin]

I am currently planning to upgrade my old camera OMD E-M5, and plan to choose E-m5 iii or OM5. And this video is very useful as a reference before buying the camera. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@jamesbowmanphotography]

This was great thank you. I use the EM5 M3 in a similar way so was really interested to see what you would do with the OM5. I can’t really stretch to the OM-1 so happy to see you confirm that good wildlife photos are possible either the right lens setup (and I’m very proud of some of mine). I find it’s ok with the 300mm F4.

[@EspenHelland]

Absolutely, it’s a good camera and the lens usually counts for more

[@davidblack2632]

Great video. I just got my OM-5 early this week and have been really enjoying using it. I haven't tried any wildlife with it yet. My wildlife camera is the OM-1. The Real Right Stuff L-Bracket for the OM-5 really help holding the camera. I can then hook my small finger under the camera to give a more secure hold. Great advice on setting up the camera.

[@EspenHelland]

Cheers! Good tip!

[@moisescugat3948]

I just got mine a few days ago!! Super happy with it!! It will be the perfect second body!!!

[@EspenHelland]

Awesome! Hope you enjoy it

[@tonimakinen4723]

Hello. Nice pictures ! What do you think about battery life ? Did you have to charge the battery while you were taking pictures ? 100-400 mzuiko, are you still using it in ypur work ?

[@gordon3988]

Informative video! Enjoyed many of the photos as well! Nice camera if small and light is important; not many other choices. Some nice smaller APSC ones, but rarely with effective IBIS or weather sealing.

[@TITAOSTEIN]

Great images Espen! The OM5 looks like a very good choice for casual wildlife and nature photography when you are doing something else, like hiking, climbing etc…

[@amanandapan9635]

The tripod plate EM5mk3 is brittle especially with heavy lens mounted. Is it still using the same tripod plate?

[@joeltam7079]

❤❤❤Beautiful photos by OM - 5❤❤❤

[@conrada9477]

Thanks for an informative review. I am primarily a wildlife shooter (enthusiast). Would the OM5 and 300mm f4 lens be a good combo to start with the Olympus system? I'm aware of the OM-1 but don't want to jump to the higher bodies right away.

[@EspenHelland]

If you shoot other subjects as well and you really want a small body the OM-5 is a good aground camera. However, if you shoot primarily wildlife I would jump to the OM-1 if you can afford it with the 300mm f/4. You can also get a used camera body while you save up.

[@donbrockmeier5523]

Enjoyed your video and using my OM 5 as a backup to the OM 1. You mentioned denoise software. I use Topazs Photo AI with the OM 1 but they donot support OM 5. Is this correct and is their another solution you use?

[@EspenHelland]

Thanks Don, I find that it works when using the ‘old’ way of transferring it to Topaz and it produces a tiff file after.

[@d-entrecasteaux]

Slightly off topic. Have you tested the latest OM1 firmware update? I photograph small birds and haven’t noticed any difference in AF performance. Actually, the AF seems slightly worse. How can that be?

[@user-nd8yi3uw1m]

I have an OM-1, today my dream came true and I bought a 300mm lens, a gorgeous lens.

[@donbrockmeier5523]

On my OM5kk I set the AEF/AFL to S3/C3/M3/*3 but my shutter button continues to focus when half pressed, and my AEL/AEF button to AEL/AEF What do I need to change as on my OM1 there is a setting for Half Pressing the Shutter Button?

[@Ed-gc5xb]

Anyone no how the ibis is for handheld wildlife video, love how stable my gh6 was but sold it for the slow auto focus, now using the canon r7 but isn’t as stable but a lot better than my Sony I mainly use for photography, I’m just after a second body for handheld wildlife video and wider shots so I can leave the tripod at home on long hikes, thx

[@bamsemh1]

Have you tried to hold canon rp? I had to use the grip on it, because I found it a bit too small 😬 I love the grip on my om-1 😊 let's not talk about the grip wheels, against the m1 mk2 and mk3 😅 because om-1 got worse on them 😬

[@EspenHelland]

Yeah, it’s set a bit deep. No haven’t tried the canon

[@hoyreanphotography]

Lovely birds

[@Futile_Soundscapes]

Hey Espen, and thx so much for this great video. I'm wondering, would you choose a OM-5 (new) of a secondhand EM1-miii when considering stepping over to MFT and birdphotography???

[@EspenHelland]

Thanks 🙂 The OM-5 is great if you want a really small and lightweight camera for a variety of purposes, but for bird photography and taking advantage of pro capture with more frames I would definitely go for the em1iii.

[@Futile_Soundscapes]

@@EspenHelland So there is no Pro-capture on the OM-5....?

[@EspenHelland]

@@Futile_Soundscapes it has it but it’s limiting with regards to frames per second and other settings

[@Futile_Soundscapes]

@@EspenHelland Have you ever tried out the Lumix G Vario 100-300 II on an Olympus camera?

[@martinmenajimenez3985]

Hello Espen, thanks for your review! Quick question, I’m about to buy the this camera (OM-5) - this is goin to be my first camera, I love nature and wildlife, also I like the outdoor photography. What lenses do you recommend me? I also like to photograph birds. So maybe I’ll need two different options. Thanks!

[@EspenHelland]

Hi Martin, I always recommend the 300mm f/4 for birds and wildlife as it’s a fantastic lens that’s relatively affordable compared to others of this calibre. The 40-150mm f/2.8 is great. Obviously it depends on your budget and if you want a zoom instead the 100-400mm is a good choice. For an all round outdoor photography lens the 12-100mm f/4 is really good.

[@javajolt4212]

Does the OM5 have Internal Digital Tele-converter? The Pen F and others do. Could be a way to stretch the 40-150.

[@EspenHelland]

Yes 👍 a great feature

[@xfontan66]

Great video! I own an old EM10MKII and thinking about upgrade with either OM1 or this OM5. Just thinking about it

[@EspenHelland]

The OM-5 is a nice little camera that is great to carry with anywhere, but personally I would go for the OM-1 as it packs so many more features.

[@xfontan66]

@@EspenHelland thanks a lot

[@EatInTaiwan]

Hello Mr Helland, may I ask you what gear you used to shoot this video? Not the pictures you took, but the footage of yourself talking to the camera

[@EspenHelland]

I would have been using my OM-1 as I was shooting with the OM-5

[@geoffreyhoddinott3270]

Hi Espen. Thank you for you postings! Some great shots and tips on wildlife photography. I am taking notes! I have the em-5 (original) and love it. Hope it is ok to ask a couple of questions as I did not get a reply from Olympus. I am considering purchasing the 12-100mm pro f-4 and wondering if this lens is compatible with the em-5? I also have the 75-300mm. It is not a pro lens but very solid design. Is that lens (75-300) weathersealed and wondering if a teleconverter would work with it and with the 12-100. If so what would you recommend? Thanks and all the best to you and your fellow enthusiasts.

[@anaqisuandi9586]

how there yes the 12-100 pro is compatible with the original em5 tho you will loose the function button on the side, and as for the 75-300mm its not weather sealed but you could get more reach on the 75-300mm with the teleconverter but i dont recommend it as you need as much light to go through. From my experience for wildlife go for the 12-100 pro as a starter but if you want to get better results with a budget you might wanna look at the lumix 100-300mm.

[@geoffreyhoddinott3270]

I'll keep the lumix in mind and you're right about the teleconverter. Good to know about the function button Thanks for the advice really appreciate it. Cheers. @@anaqisuandi9586

[@geoffreyhoddinott3270]

How do you think losing the function button on the 12-100 will affect its functionality? I'm not familiar on how it works. I use the camera in the wilderness mostly on shutter speed and aperture mode.(s) @@anaqisuandi9586

[@geoffreyhoddinott3270]

I am not familiar with a function button on the lens. Will that affect the normal operation of the camera/lens? I am new to photography and I generally shoot wildlife in aperture and shutter speed modes. @@anaqisuandi9586

[@UnluckyNewbie]

Hello! E-m1x or this for bird photo? With 300f4. Animal af is good with m1x?

[@EspenHelland]

I would say the em1x if your mainly photographing wildlife. The OM-5 is more of a small versatile camera. The animal af on the em1x isn’t the best, for that I would go the OM-1.

[@paolopicchel653]

Nice video with a lot of general use information even for a beginner like me. For my other needs, however, I think I will buy the OM1, are there problems with any moderate crops? Thank you.

[@EspenHelland]

Cheers, the OM-1 is a great camera! I tend to crop my images a bit no problem

[@mden2490]

Thank you so much for the video. I noticed that you commented on questions from a couple people about using this specific camera for wildlife, and please tell me if I’m wrong, but it sounded as though wildlife photography would be the second reason why you would use the camera and the primary would be for other forms such as still photography, landscape, etc. did I understand that correctly? I you also commented that they some of the individuals again that they should look at the OM-1, but that camera is certainly over $1000 more than OM-5. This camera could not serve as a gateway into wildlife photography..for someone who is new to it, and is trying to improve their skills? I am seriously looking at purchasing this camera, but I’m also looking at the Fuji xs- 20, which has a lot of the bells and whistles, that the OM-1 has?

[@EspenHelland]

I think if your main interest was a wildlife camera I would go for a used OM-1 or used em1iii if that’s more affordable. The small size of the OM-5 is great for a travel all purpose camera. Though with the em1iii you get more frames per second and for pro capture. Personally I think the OM-5 is best for hiking adventure or travel as it’s so small and lightweight and then it can be used for landscape, street, wildlife or whatever really. Though for day to day usage I prefer a camera that’s fits my hand slightly better (larger) and has more features like better auto focus such as the OM-1 and more fps when I use pro capture. I don’t know anything about the Fuji I’m afraid.

[@mden2490]

@@EspenHelland thank you for the response.

[@Lez325]

I think I prefer my OM 1 for wildlife- having only just bought it the OM 5 would be a pointless expense for me. I have both the 300mm f4 pro and the 40-150mm f2.8 pro which both take my MC14 teleconverter - great video as always :)

[@0n596]

What TC you use? Is it from Olympus? Is there a TC 2?

[@Lez325]

@@0n596 I have both the mc14 and mc20

[@lt.e]

@Lez325 what do you prefer first? The 40-150 with 2x converter or sace the money a bit longer for the 300 f4?

[@Lez325]

@@lt.e 300mm f4

[@davebellamy4867]

Nice video! I love the red sqirrels. We don't have them any more in the southern UK since the idiots brought grey sqirrels in. I have EM5 Mkiii as an upgrade to the EM10ii and I like it.

[@EspenHelland]

Cheer Dave!

[@danram69]

do you not use your buiklt in teleconvertor they work great

[@EspenHelland]

I use it sometimes, but not as a default

[@0n596]

Can I use a Teleconverter with the 150 or 300 mm lens?

[@EspenHelland]

Yes, but not the 40-150 f/4

[@0n596]

@@EspenHelland Thanks so much and happy shooting!

[@Peteryzhang]

Is Om-5 + Om100-400mm 5-6.3 lens a good combination for amateur bird photographer?

[@EspenHelland]

If your main focus is on birds and wildlife I’d probably go for the OM-1 if you can afford it. The OM-5 is a good camera, but more an overall small camera that’s versatile for a lot of situations where you want something very small and light. The 100-400mm would be ideal yes.

[@Peteryzhang]

@@EspenHelland Thanks , after some investigation, since I cannot afford the om 1, I see I may use EM1-iii instead. Thanks anyway.

[@EspenHelland]

@@Peteryzhang that’s a great one to start with 👍 enjoy

[@Peteryzhang]

@@EspenHelland By the way Espen, any news they will release an upgrade version of EM-1 this year? Mark 4 maybe.

[@angelsalas3808]

Is this a full frame camera? Looks Medium format for some reason.

[@EspenHelland]

No it’s micro four thirds

[@meneerhalfwerk7096]

Which Mark did you use?

[@EspenHelland]

This is the first and only OM-5 at the moment

[@dawidwolnik628]

@Espen Helland so quiet, you need subtitle

[@tonigenes5816]

Perhaps OM-5 makes sense as a portable camera but not for wildlife, because 150 grams less will not make any difference there while having disatvantages like small EVF, light grip, low battery life, old focus system. OM-1 is such a big step forward for wildlife in so many things, that none of the previous Olympus cameras does not make sense to me. Anybody who wants wildlife with m4/3 gear, should take OM-1. Even as a backup camera for wildlife, I would still prefere a camera with larger EVF (like E-M1 MK II). I don't mind that is 150 grams heavier than OM-5.

[@stephanarts3405]

I understand what you say. But for those of us that dropped their APS-C body a few years ago because those stayed at home in a bag. I specifically chose the OM-5 over the OM-1 for that reason.

[@kbruff2010]

It’s a great system - but professionals have to stop thinking about sensor size and focus on performance and use

[@adambreuse1875]

Who is interested in squirrels ? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣