Olympus OM-D E-M5, the camera that kickstarted the mirrorless evolution - RED35 Restrospective

[@enjoyable...9186]

HELLO, GREETINGS FROM SOUTHERN GERMANY. I HAVE BEEN TAKING PHOTOS WITH THE OM-D E-M5 ii SINCE 2015 😊

[@gregfeeler6910]

OMG, Jimmy, I can't believe you just did a video on the OG E-M5, and especially using one you just bought to replace the one you used to have. I just did the same thing!! In 2012 I was still shooting with the E-series Four Thirds Olympus cameras but had tried a couple of used PENs (E-P2 and E-P3) because I knew that MFT was the future and the Olympus DSLRs were going away, but I just couldn't connect to a camera without a viewfinder. When the E-M5 came out I just went nuts. It took me a couple of years to get a refurbished one from Olympus but I just loved it! Then came the first E-M1 and then another E-M1 and I stupidly sold the E-M5. Two years ago I got an E-M5 Mk III, and then an OM-5 (which is wonderful), but just a month ago I found an absolutely mint original E-M5 (black, like my first one) with the kit 12-50 EZ kit lens, and everything but manual and box for US $100.00! And it only had 3,300 shutter activations. Your review is dead spot on in my opinion, including what it's like to use today. Without intending to I have ended up with every PEN E-Px (i.e. E-P1 through E-P7) and a PEN-F (black) and every OM-D body but for an E-M5 Mk II or an E-M1X (that includes two OM-1s). And some lenses... 🙂 Olympus got so much right with the E-M5 that it started a revolution which has changed the entire camera world. How cool to be able to not only own such a landmark and beautiful machine, but to also be able to legitimately use it today to make even more great images. Thanks for a stellar video!

[@robinschaeffer6252]

I bought three E-M5 cameras because there was a time when camera and lens was selling for the (used) price of the lens alone - sellers were throwing in the camera body to "move" the lens (M43 was dying right? LOL) Used prices have - doubled - since that all time low. I gave one to my wife, one to my son, and kept one for myself. Although I have some newer M4/3 cameras I still often use the original E-M5 camera. It's like a smaller version of the OM1 I bought back in the 70's.

[@hansemannluchter643]

That's why I bought my E-M5, besides the fact that it was ridiculously cheap.. I learned photography back in the late 1970's, on a borrowed OM-1. At my school we had "after class" activities, so we didn't run around on the streets and do stupid-kid things, photography was one of them. There was even a dark-room, so we also learned to develop our film, mostly TriX 2 and 4 hundred, and make "prints". It was great fun, both shooting the film and developing it, and we only had to pay for the film and the paper used.. We would shoot a 36-exposure film each week, back then you really thought about "should I take this shot?" That mindset has stayed with me, although it is now practically free to take as many shots as you can. Shortly after I got the E-M5, found a OM-1 with the 55mm 1,2 lense, for 7€. It is a killer-lense on a M43 camera, because of the crop-factor. All the problems that lense has on the edges are gone..

[@Jikan4299]

First time when i saw this E-M5 Camera. I compared it with other cameras from DSLR and APSC with the same range of price. Then i realized that E-M5 got many more features that being the pioneer of recent mirrorless camera. Start from IBIS 5 Axis, touch screen, weather sealed, and EVF. I bought it first back at 2015 and in used condition. Then after 6 months i bought 45 f/1.8 lens. After many times i take more pictures then i realized that this camera was something. I do falling in love with the result of the photos. I don't know. Just love with the colour and the sharpness (if you can get the sharp picture). The colour that produced when i lean on sunlight very amazed me. Really try to get the shadow and contrast with the sunlight. It was so amazing (don't do with the strong sunlight just when the sunlight really touching your eyes then start to capture the photo). And the pixel of the picture when i see from the screen, looks like it's glueing each other. That's what i like from E-M5 until now. I don't know if in the future i can find more interesting on this camera. I do still keeping this E-M5 until now. And this is the 3rd times i bought. Because the previous had something trouble so i sell it. Now i got the silver one. The previous was both black (start with the original and the new version black)

[@7x5.5BDE]

RRS BOEM5 grip and Oly 75mm 1.8 lens is a killer setup on this camera.

[@pictureeyecandy]

Yes, I have one, and it is awesome. I agree it's still a great camera for 2024

[@zenlife1200]

I bought mine new in 2014 and it's still in use today.

[@VulcanSpock]

I remember when I first saw the E-M5 back then, I really lusted it.

[@brycepinson8641]

I just picked up one a month ago cheap with 2 lenses as a secondary camera to my full frame set up. It's perfect to take around town, family vacations, and long hikes.

[@d.r.martin6301]

Still a fine little camera and a good value. I've had mine for 5 years and, for now, it's all I need.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

EM5 was my second micro four thirds camera and my first ever Olympus! It was such a fun camera. I was really amazed by its overall performance! The IBIS, the compact size and I really love the design, not just the look but the amount of dials and buttons and placement is just about perfect! I have later on upgraded to the EM1 which I honestly don’t like quite as much as the EM5 despite em1 is technically superior. EM5 is probably still one of my favourite camera I have ever used among all the brands, and you know I have used a lot of cameras 😂 great video!

[@JoelFlores14]

I am actually trying to decide if i should get one off of FB marketplace right now and i think this video swayed me!

[@martieleusink3479]

I started digital photography (almost) with the Olympus E-1. Then came the Nikon D300 and alongside that the Olympus E-M5. When the price of the E-M1 was dropped significantly I bought that camera too. Later on all the Nikon gear was traded in for the OM-1. The E-M5 died when it was soaked during street photography in Amsterdam. Though the E-M1 and the OM-1 are very capable cameras - even more capable than I need or can master - I missed the E-M5 for nostalgic reasons. So there is now a second hand E-M5 in the closet. I use it while travelling combined with the 25 mm f1.8. A nice light and compact setup. BTW After a year I’m growing into the OM-1; slow adapter!

[@hansemannluchter643]

I still have my D200 and D300, for use with my old MF Nikkor lenses. I absolute love the 85 and 105mm Nikkor lenses, and will purchase a fullframe D600 or D800 when one shows up at a good price. But for everyday carrying around, I'll bring a M43 camera. Or two...

[@TheMobileDJ]

Thanks for the Video I am sitting at home at the moment waiting for my Olympus E-M1 Mark 1 to arrive that I bought from MPB after watching videos including yours. At school over 40 years ago I used to use an Olympus OM1 while all my friend had Nikon so I have always had a fondness for the Olympus Brand Respect Tony

[@scottworsham]

Bought the EM-5 when it came out, bought the EM-1 next, and just recently got the EM-1 MKII. They're my favorite cameras. All about the glass and will do whatever you need them to, I've found.

[@7x5.5BDE]

Bought it in silver in 2014, foolishly sold it. Bought a brand new matte black 'Elite' edition in 2022, not letting that one go. Just purchased brand new MKII in black. M43 4life. 🤜🤛

[@johnehman8685]

I got the Lumix G1 right when it came out but then switched to the Olympus E-M5 shortly thereafter. I just loved the look and feel and everything about it (though I did add a small grip). I still love it and find it a joy to use!

[@kslee9516]

Support from HK~ Used EM-10 for 10 years. Have just bought OM-5~ really like to take the m4/3 out to have a walk in HK and take some photos Burdenless~~

[@xmeda]

12-50 is quite good in fact. I bought ut after 12-100/4 and 14-150 and now Im using it whnever I do not want to carry heavy 12-100/4 and I need wide FOV. It works well even on 20mpix EM5III. Sure not on 12-100/4 level, but still surprisingly good after what I kept reading about it. Anbout similar with 14-42, but longer and wider + sealed. And it does nice "macro". Got mine for $60 equivallen including functional EPL6 with dead battery ;)

[@hansemannluchter643]

I agree, the 12-50mm is a very good zoom-lense, unless you are a bokeh-fanatic. And.. It's weather-sealed, something you only get in the rather expensive "pro" lenses..

[@KirstenBayes]

Love my E-M5 as a travel camera. It does benefit from bright lenses, and you do have to pay more attention to exposure to protect highlights. But my goodness, it's been in cities, forests, on the hills, boats. Such a fun little thing.

[@mohammedalfailakawi4266]

I still own this legend camera

[@LeighKempPhotoArt]

Hi Jimmy, the original E-M5 was my first MFT camera. I saved up and bought mine just about as soon as it came out and instantly fell in love with it. Styling-wise it so reminded me of my OM series film cameras. I wanted a silver one but it costed more so I got the black a reversal from the film days when black used to cost more as it looked more "professional" :). When, after extensive use, it developed a shutter fault and was diagnosed as un-economical to repair, Olympus Europe very generously sent me a limited edition Mk II Titanium model as replacement as I had mentioned my OM titanium model that I had owned in my film days. I still use the Mk II today as my go to travel camera, it's travelled thousands of miles. Funny, like you, I bought a used original Mk 1 in silver some while back so I got my silver one in the end albeit many years later :) , still as good a camera as it ever was. Sure, the later models have more bells and whistles but I could and have happily shot all day long with the Mk 1 and not felt in any way at a disadvantage, Cheers, Leigh

[@bghows13]

Thanks Jimmy. Your video has inspired me to bring out my original bought new EM-5 to shoot this weekend.

[@ewingpoon]

as an amateur wildlife photography, my em5 is still my beloved companion with the much newer 100-400. it still works great though without a decent tracking system it could be a hit and miss in that respect. but it brings joys of serendipity when you got those hits amongst misses. thx for bringing em5 up again in 2024! it is that great, dude!

[@thomasgahr1411]

My first Olympus was the E-M 10. Always thought it was incredibly capable. I still have it here. Then came the E-M 5 Mark2 and then the E-M 1 Mark3. A fun series of cameras. I have to say that both the E-M 10 and E-M 5 feel special and I love holding and using them.

[@sebzematik]

When I first saw the E-M 10 in 2014 I fell in love instantly. I had had Nikon SLRs and one DSLR before but at some point stopped using them - too heavy to carry around. The E-M 10 looked so good and felt so good and all of a sudden photography was fun again. Later I got the E-M 10 Mark III, and I just updated to an OM-5 because I wanted weather sealing and the built in ND filter, plus I now have some heavier pro lenses (and the grip!). The only thing I still need to get used to is the screen. The tilt screen is so much more convenient for shooting from the hip or from over your head. But apart from that I am super happy. Great video btw, your work has already had an impact on my decisions (for certain lenses for example) years ago. :D

[@khronokraze]

I remember also being super intrigued by this new camera and system and couldn't shake the desire to get it. I had started my mirrorless journey with Fujifilm X10 and X100. I switched to the EM-5 system and stuck with its m43 system for many years and it was the one I used while shooting professional portraits. I just loved how it looked like a mini pro DSLR, especially when fully kitted out with the optional battery grip. And, being the first system to have ibis was such a game changer. I had owned the em-1 then went back to the em-5 with the mk2 version last. It's a great system which eventually has some very great lenses. Going back to the original em-5, I remember borrowing some very long telephoto m43 lenses to go to a race track and photo sports cars and it did surprisingly well, actually. I did it to practice fast action tracking and I took home many cool shots. Great thing about cropped sensors such as m43 is for long-range shooting. Can carry a very light and compact system and get great telephoto reach. I did eventually switch back to Fujifilm with the X-Pro q and X-Pro 2 for several years. I currently own a Nikon Zf having had the Zf-c just prior.

[@peterscott-jones9998]

It’s a great little camera and stands up well today especially for people who just want a bit more than phone photography 👍👍👍

[@Janne_sumunen]

Still rocking with original Em5 (black) and Em5 mkii (silver). Got bunch of lenses and i just like that metal body, feels good in the hands + i got hld-8g grip if i handle bigger lens 👌

[@danilozucchini6292]

In 2012 i wished buy the Sony A7 but when Olympus launched the OMD-EM5 it was too pretty and i bought it. I still use it. Today i have a OMD-EM1 Mark III

[@jodeverill]

In 2020 I went into a shop to buy the Sony A7 Mkiii. Picked it up, hated it, and walked out with the E-M1 Mkiii. It's not just the looks, it's the feeling.

[@flagger2020]

I had a friend who had 4/3rds cameras and then got an E-M5.. so he gave me his e510 and e620 with a few lenes. I eventually got a couple more 4/3rd pana lenses with an L1 and later L10. I then experimented with a E-pl1 which was not good with the 4/3rd lens, so finally took the leap to an E-M1 to have PD with my older lens. It never wowed me. So I sort of moved away from u4/3rd to nex. Fast forward to last year and I finally got a used E-M5 and a used E-M1ii, both from Japan in mint condition. I now use the E-M5 as my bad weather smaller camera, although its IQ is ok, I prefer the E-M1ii which is just amazing and my favorite u4/3rds camera. I current have m1, m1ii, pl1,pl3,pl5, m10 and a gx1 and gx9. So have tried almost all of them except the video centric pana G and E-P series. One last camera I got with 2 lens for less than 200$ on sale that is excellent in raw only, is the Yi M1. Unless there is a real sensor upgrade I probably wont buy anymore.

[@denistessier8642]

Wonderful video, Jimmy! I've had my OM-D EM-5 since it was released 12 yrs ago. It's still a jewel in my opinion! I've always enjoyed using it and it has served me extremely well. This might not be a popular statement, but 16 MP is quite adequate for most people. Recently, I've been pining for the OM-1 mark II. Just waiting to see if OM Systems will be launching something new in the next few months… 🤞🏻

[@anderson6074]

Well timed for my confirmation bias: I ordered an EM5 yesterday. I debated about the Mark ii, but ultimately sided with the tilt screen, one-hand-worthy power switch placement and better condition for less money. I have been having a ball with an E-PL6 but really feel where the 5-axis IBIS would have saved many shots for me. Bonus points for EVF and weather sealing. Can't wait!

[@nlanca1]

I still have my original bought in 2013, though I use it rarely these days. Like you I bought it because of the looks-I was already an M43 user but with Lumix-which is crazy really, but as soon as I handled it I realised what a high quality job it is; as you say, possibly the closest to Leica for build quality. I'm still enjoying M43 with a Pen f and an EM1 mk2, both bought used.

[@estraume]

The E-M5 was my first M43 camera. I got the kit with the 12-50 EZ lens back in 2013. In 2015, I traded it for the E-M5 Mk.II, which I gave to the teenage kids of a friend last year when I bought the OM-1. Just a few weeks ago I also got the PEN-F, so now I think I have the best of both worlds, both retro and modern.

[@Photo_CB]

Got my E-M5 - black - with EZ 12-50 back in 2013. It was my first digital camera and I loved it. Still got it but never use it these days. | got a second one, silver this time, which I used as a backup nad second body on my first safari trip. I sold that silver one when I upgraded to a secondhand E-M1 but I still have the first, and its in good, used condition and almost fully usable - I haven't got a decent battery for it now :-( I also went through several eyepieces - lost mainly on the Tokyo metro or so it seems - eventually getting an extended eyepiece which is much better, and stays on! Could never get used to the dodgy colour balance of the screen though. Not that that mattered that much as it didn't have Wifi. Great camera - got me hooked on mirrorless, that's for sure.

[@LebronPhoto1]

This was the camera that after fracturing my back, allowed me to switch from a full frame Nikon to a more compact, lighter set up. Finally I was able to get out again and enjoy photography. My EM5 eventually gave way to an EM1, EM1 MKII and the MKIII. Today, I use an OM1 MKII.

[@larsltj]

I got this camera on launch day and I used it a lot. I sold it for 100USD a couple of years ago. My copy was well used with scratches and dents😅 I recently got the E-m10 IV, and it has much of the same look and feel. Evf, sensor and ibis is also a step up from the 1 gen e-m5.

[@malcolmwright6948]

I dropped Canon for Olympus. I went from a Canon 7d mk2 to an olympus E-M10 mk3 as I couldn't get any image stabilisation using Canon primes. I've worked my way up to OM1 mk2 in the 5 years I've been using MFT. It's saved me £'000s switching. With software you can now upscale 16mp.

[@AbkenariFarang]

Just became you have asked Jimmy 😅 Please show the E-P7 some love

[@searam1]

Cheers Jimmy , this is Sean in Atlanta! You’re as bad as I am with OLYMPUS cameras! I have my recently purchased EM5 MIII that I took out this morning and I love except for the rear screen. I am not a fan of the flippy screen and much prefer the tilt screen, but that’s the way it goes… I still don’t understand all the hate and negativity toward micro 4/3! I happen to love the System and all the cameras, Panasonic Lumix included! And I especially love the quality and size of the lenses! I have followed you for at least eight or nine years, as you know, and between you and Derek Forss, another OM/Olympus Ambassador, I have kept my love for these masterpieces alive. Sure, I bought a Nikon Z5 and love it, but my heart belongs to the micro 4/3 system. Is London all decorated now for Christmas? I was hoping to get over there this year but perhaps next November. I’m buying you some beers when I get over there… Sean

[@ulfjonsson2122]

Very nice video

[@christophertyler1882]

I know a couple of years ago, I almost got the EM5 but got the EM10ii instead as they were nearly the same price and I didn’t need the weather sealing. I don’t remember the features that the EM10ii had that the original EM5 didn’t. Been enjoying the light weight coming from Nikon DSLR.

[@teepee63]

When I first looked at the em5 I was put off by the quality of the EV, plus at the time EVF's were quite new and strange and I wasn't sure I could get used to it but I loved the form factor and feel of it. As a result I stayed DSLR until a few years ago when I bought the EM5 III. I realized then I should probably have put aside my doubts when I first picked up the EM5 as I was always drawn towards it in camera shops.

[@mikevandebunt811]

I only bought my EM-5 a couple of years ago (also coming from Canon full frame). I was accustomed to lens based IS, which is very good, but the 5 axis IBIS in the EM-5 just blew me away. It has spoiled me now for cameras without stabilization.

[@Red35Photography]

Absolutely!! That’s how I felt

[@tonvanbruchem142]

Jimmy, Perhaps it’s an idea to give attention to the Olympus FT series and lenses. With a mmf-3 adapter it is possible to use these lenses on a MFT body with great results. Regards Ton

[@hansemannluchter643]

What's wrong with the 12-50 EZ? It is weather-sealed, has a macro-mode, and the clutch focus ring. Anyway, I got a E-M5 a couple of years ago, at a flea-market, shutter-count just below 9000. It came with the 12-50EZ, 17mm 1.8 and 45mm 1.8, all with original hoods, UV-filters, caps, and the flash. Payed 130€, you can't even get a decent phone for that. I liked it so much that when a Pen E-P1, with 17mm 2.8, VF-1, 14-42mm zoom, the 4/3 50mm 2.0 Macro and original converter showed up, I happily payed the 70€ asking price. Later, I got the original OM-M43 adaptor, so all my old MF Zuikos have been resurrected.. Great little cameras, great little lenses, I can haul all that digital stuff round and about without breaking my back, wouldn't want to carry 2 Nikon DSLR'S and 6 lenses around all day, and I certainly couldn't get them for roughly 200€...

[@vermis8344]

The closest thing I have to the OG E-M5 is the OM-5. 😅 I was lusting for a GX9ii with weather sealing and other features, and realised the OM-5 could give me what I wanted. If the E-M5 is what it grew out of, I don't doubt the quality. Interesting to see the accessory port. I thought that was only on the P series cameras. I got a used E-Pl6 that came with an accessory flash - TBH I'd like to stick an accessory EVF on it instead, but I'd be paying more for that than I paid for the camera. Using my hand to shade the screen is cheaper! I tend to prefer all black since most of my cameras do a stint in the forest, on wildlife duty; although my original GX80 is black and silver, and I'm not opposed to it. But I have to say I'd like to round out my Olympus/OM collection with a black and silver E-M10...

[@Michael-fw5ef]

If you didn't care about focal length or price, would you buy the 25mm f1.2 or the 75mm f1.8 from Olympus? Which lens is sharper and produces better images overall?

[@yan870126]

I found the m3 is my fav, that's y I'm having the om5, but really unfortunate it's not magnesium allow T-T! I found that the viewfinder of EM5 original is too prominent. Thus, I'm not very like the design. Though I was started as GF5 2012...but my 1st olympus was em10ii that was sooooo handsome even it's black color but cheap! I got it S$200 brand new with extra battery!

[@apilgrim7]

The E-M5 Black Elite edition has the traditional leatherette skin.

[@johnyoung1606]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@vic_the_roman]

Mine is still in use. It sits in the middle of my EM1X and EPL6. ❤

[@meh-87]

The shutter is failing on mine :(

[@kavach]

I want one. Where can I get it in Your India 🇮🇳

[@jjsilver23]

Have the om5 because it was cheaper used then an em5…bizarre .

[@_krakra_]

I am looking camera body plus 1-2 fix lenses for my 16y old daughter. Could you please advice me body plus lens. Budget is 600euro.

[@Red35Photography]

I think this E-5 with a kit 12-45 and a 25mm 1.8 prime will be a good starter setup. All should fit in the 600 euro budget. The prime can be used in low light and portrait with decent shallow depth of field for beginner. That’s used of course and if you want new body, look for upcoming deals and there may be some around Christmas time and look for E-M10iv kit

[@_krakra_]

@@Red35Photography Ty. What about bodies like E-M5 Mark II vs E-M10iv or iii. You mean 12-45 f4? This is quite expensive even used . Only lens is 480€

[@NOTJustANomad]

​@@_krakra_I'd recommend looking into good deals that come with lenses. Not necessarily the lens you want. But you can pick up combos and sell the lens to offset the budget for the lenses you actually want.

[@AbkenariFarang]

Please have a look at the E-P7. I am sure your daughter will love it

[@_krakra_]

@@AbkenariFarang i like it but no Evf

[@terrywbreedlove]

I bought this little beauty back in 2013 and was crazy amazed with it. Bought it with the 17mm 1.8 and the 45mm 1.8. Plenty more Olympus cameras and lenses followed after that. I had to sell out after Olympus bailed on us.

[@raksh9]

Did your Olympus gear stop working after the acquisition?

[@terrywbreedlove]

@ Ask the person who bought them.

[@raksh9]

@@terrywbreedlove I mean, why sell just because the company's ownership changed? It didn't affect the gear you had and loved.

[@robinschaeffer6252]

@@raksh9 I agree, like automobiles, cameras are depreciating assets - to get your money out of them use them until they are used up.

[@raksh9]

@@robinschaeffer6252 Exactly! I'm still using the EM5 and Olympus lenses I bought from 2012 onwards. They didn't suddenly stop working or producing beautiful images when the acquisition happened.

[@kapitanursynow8146]

Why are your eyes always angry? 🙂

[@paulplus3830]

Almost bought one and it was a good offer, but I had heard the menu system is bad, so I asked the guy to change ISO and he couldn't find that setting. So I bought a Lumix GX80 instead and was happy with it.

[@LebronPhoto1]

You asked the wrong guy because that was easy on the super control panel.

[@paulplus3830]

@@LebronPhoto1 Might be so.

[@LebronPhoto1]

@@paulplus3830 hitting the ok button in the back launches the super control panel and you can adjust the ISO right there.