Why The Olympus Pen E-P5 Is Still Popular In 2024

[@philiptownsend4026]

I love listening to your M43 talks, it's like sitting in the garden and listening to a wise and knowledgeable friend.

[@dongummphotography]

@philiptownsend4026 thank you! That is very kind.

[@ronbates1795]

Brief rehash. Sometime ago I mentioned to you that have several older Pens and bought an EPL 5 for my wife based on your older video. We each have EM 10 iii that we totally like. In fact, my wife has never used the EPL 5. My heart burn with the Pens is the lack of a view finder so I found and bought addons and comfortably use them now. I don't follow all the Olympus models nor am I familiar with the release dates but have read a lot about the EM D5 and found one on the fb market for $150. It instantly has become my favorite camera, so I found one for her in Japan though twice what I paid for the one here and she likes it a lot. I have turned 86 and still pretty mobile so we occasionally take some time to take some photos to post on fb. I enjoy your comments so keep them coming.

[@gleannmhuire]

Thank you. Real good appraisal 😮

[@theparkerstudio]

The E-P5 is one of the best kept secrets in photography. Some additional features worth noting: 1) Outstanding color and b/w imaging with genuine film-like qualities; 2) The most powerful bracketing functions I've seen. You can literally bracket every image option the camera offers -- for example, with every shot, you can set it to produce any combination of color, b/w, or art modes, giving you over a dozen variations of every shot you take. 3) The camera's Photostory mode is a powerful creative tool that allows you to create multiple compositions within a single image, and 4) Powerful customization features that allow you to set up the camera as a dedicated 'normal' camera, dedicated monochrome camera, dedicated 'art' camera, or any combination of the above. Also, regarding video, unlike the Pen F (another great camera), the E-P5 allows you connect an external microphone adapter for better audio. I've been shooting with Fujifilm cameras since 2004 -- but the E-P5 is the camera I reach for the most. Thank you for the excellent review!

[@dongummphotography]

@theparkerstudio all so true!

[@GrandmasterBBC]

I did not realize most of those features you just listed. I own many various models of Olympus m43 cameras. But the E-P5 is such an easy go-to. I also love the later E-PL cameras but they can't provide the same experience.

[@gaoldias]

I bought an E-P5 about 6 years ago. I got it second hand and the seller it was selling it as a package that included the camera body, a VF-4 viewfinder and a Panasonic Lumix 25mm f1.7 lens. I wasn't all that interested in the lens but I figured I could sell it later so I bought the whole thing. I ended up keeping the lens as it turned out to be a pretty good lens at the end of the day. As always, really enjoyed your take on this fine camera, Don.

[@davidcooper6704]

I think you hit the nail on the head......It makes you feel good about owning and using these cameras. My EPL5 and EPL8 as great cameras and still hold their own in 2024.

[@lukazupie7220]

Isnt epl8 current model?:)

[@lukazupie7220]

Ok he mentions in video epl10, my bad👍😀

[@lawrencelau2612]

Don, i love my ep5. I saw your review on it and helpped me make the jump. It is on the heavy side if you combine it with the pro lenses but amazing pictures and color.

[@johnlowell2171]

I have several m4/3 bodies, and for walking around, I grab the E-P5. Use several fixed focus lenses, love the combination and photos. Real pleasure to use in the hand and really like the shutter feedback.

[@dongummphotography]

@johnlowell2171 I couldn't agree more.

[@buttersgato508]

Hi Don, after watching your original E-P5 video, I found one for $239 and purchased it. There are so many features that I am still trying to learn them all. Coming from semi-pro Nikon cameras, I enjoy the small size, light weight, tilt sceen, IBIS and the two control dials. When I need a viewfinder, I attach a VF-4. It is a pretty complete camera that is enjoyable to use. Thank you and keep up the great work

[@dongummphotography]

@buttersgato508 Thank you, and thanks for watching and commenting too!

[@blobbicus]

I'm enjoying your M43 videos. I am just starting with that format. I recently purchased the E-PL6 with two kit lenses and flash and am pretty impressed so far with the features and image quality.

[@dongummphotography]

@@blobbicus the quality these Olympus cameras can deliver is pretty amazing!

[@lassel.1195]

Hi Don, E-P5 was in my wish list already for some time and finally I bought one after your last video of it. One of the features, which I appreciate is the ability to store four different setting combinations to Mysets and assign them to unused mode dial positions. I am used to that feature in my E-M5ii. I did not buy VF-4 yet, but maybe later. Thank you for all your M4/3 videos in KZbin!

[@dongummphotography]

@lassel.1195 I haven't used the My Set feature, but perhaps I should look into it. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@AbyLockhart]

I started photography with a Pen EP1 and I still use it along side my Lumix G81. Love the Pen series, it has a special place in my heart.

[@keithwilkinson8310]

Thanks for a very good video. There is also an EP7. It was the first camera released by OM Digital Solutions but it was branded Olympus. I have one. I purchased it to replace my EPL7 when the IBIS died. The EP7 has the same custom colour controls as the Pen-F, two dials like the EP5, a 20MP sensor and 4K video but only two programmable buttons, one of which is the video record, .

[@cineffect]

E-P7 is fantastic, I use it as a filmmaker. You can color grade inside the camera and even save 4 b/w and 4 color profiles and they work for video too. It has about 13 stops of dynamic range and the 20 MP sensor is capable of 4K without any crop. It's small and unobtrusive and has clean HDMI out as well.

[@tompickering]

Great little camera - I have one and love it. For casual shooting you partner it with a small lens (Pana 14, or Oly 25 1.8) and it is about as portable as you get. Combine it with the Oly 45 1.8 and you have a kit that will take portraits rivalling the output from anything on the market. Body, 2 or 3 primes, 2 batteries and a charger - all fit nicely in a shaving bag for travel. I have the Fuji X100T too - and see the PL5 as being at least as much fun to shoot - the 4 stops of internal stabilization is just awesome. I wish OMD would bring out a follow up. Thanks for the video.

[@i-klaus]

Welcome to the PEN Club! And greetings from the Black Forest.

[@bobkids009]

Yup is a very good camera indeed.....I bought mine in Jun. 2023 for Usd 250 from ebay Japan. later I bought a Viewfinder VF-2 for USD 129 ( also from Japan ) . with VF-2 I can make use of various analog old excellent lenses in the EP5 body with perfectly sharp images taken at ease......! Thanks for bringing up this old Gem which had been overlooked by most of the photographers out there .

[@salgado_fotos]

My first Olympus PEN was the EP1 which I still have and I love its colorimetry, later I bought an EPL7 and I love it, I think it was the best of the EPL series because it is very similar to the EP5, less dials, but with a system of Improved focus and built all in metal. My love for the PEN series is so much that not long ago I bought a second-hand EPL8. They are beautiful. The best without a doubt is the PEN F, a true work of art that takes photos with excellent quality...

[@dongummphotography]

@salgado_fotos The pen cameras are really wonderful!

[@ulfjonsson2122]

Great video, I have the E-P1- in stainless and the E-p 3 in black. Love them both with Olympus premium lenses. Searching for a silver E-P5.

[@andreasrochow5170]

Hi Don, I like your videos. Your infectious enthusiasm for the Olympus EPL-5 may have driven up the prices of used cameras, as you can easily see on eBay and online camera dealers.

[@dongummphotography]

@andreasrochow5170 I get what you are saying, but I doubt my meager channel is a major factor in worldwide Pen camera prices. 😃

[@photographyforenjoyment]

So good to hear your enthusiasm for these cameras Don, you are a great (unofficial) ambassador for M4/3!

[@dongummphotography]

@photographyforenjoyment Thank you! I really like the Micro 4/3 format and believe in its capabilities.

[@gregfeeler6910]

I have managed to collect all of the PEN E-P series cameras: E-P1, 2, 3, 5, and 7, along with a PEN-F. The PEN-F is an object of worship unto itself, but the E-P5 and E-P7 are my two daily favorites. The E-P7 is faster and lighter, and in some sense more "expendable" as I can get a new one (out of Japan) to replace it if necessary. However, the E-P5 is just as you describe: a thing of substance which imparts a sense of quality and tactile satisfaction just to hold it, and some what precious as good examples will eventually be harder to find. I think it's a great trend that many more people - particularly younger people who grew up with smart phones as you describe are discovering the joy of small cameras and the great images you just can't get from a smart phone. Thanks for another great video.

[@dongummphotography]

@@gregfeeler6910 thank you for watching and commenting!

[@mikeg2916]

I just bought the E-P5 on eBay with a 14-42mm kit lens for $350. I think it is a good value. Thanks for the info. I will be using it with my 1.8 prime lenses.

[@dongummphotography]

@@mikeg2916 Nice! Betting you will enjoy it.

[@thegreatvanziniphotos5976]

Love my EP's & EpL's. Not to mention my Pen F's!

[@Koji-888]

I think the Pen S would fit in there somewhere too. 💁🏻‍♀️

[@thegreatvanziniphotos5976]

@@Koji-888 Hmm,,, a Vague memory from my younger years. A,,, film camera?

[@bublt4me]

I got a limited P5 not even a year ago for around $350. Since then they've increased by over 50%! The M5 and the PL7 are similar stories. Both werre cheap less than a year ago and now prices went up by over 30%. I believe Fujifilm's new X100 is blowing up the craze (again) for vintage, premium, compact form factor cameras.

[@FierceSleepingDog]

I love this camera. Just got a used one. I have the OM-1, E-Mii, E-M5ii, Pen-F, and E-PL9.

[@dongummphotography]

@FierceSleepingDog Wow! You have quite a collection of Olympus cameras! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@76steps]

Thanks so much for revising this camera. I picked mine up for £180. I love the size,the classic styling but yes mine has a slight front dial failure but it was just out of the warranty when it started to happen. But I love it so much I make do. I did not know it has a 320 flash sink speed is that also with off camera flash? I got the black and silver one and will use it til it dies. Om systems should go back to the classic styling for the Pen Ep8 it will fly off the shelves. Not much on KZbin about this camera so thanks again for the content

[@JaJaHead]

I wish I had never got rid of my EP-5. I had it in brown leather half case and it was very handsome

[@davidhardy879]

Still love my mighty little " EPL-7 . " !

[@gregfeeler6910]

It's a great little camera. Perhaps not quite up to what I expected from an "E-P" series camera vs. an "E-PL" series, but still a great value. Too bad that OMDS doesn't sell them in the North American market. I had to order mine out of Japan thorough the US eBay.

[@brompterdam]

The E-P5 is mostly €350 is mint condition. I did not jump on it yet and went for E-P3 for €95. I am hooked now with the PEN. I am now saving again to get this E-P5 and will probably get the silver version since my PEN-F and E-P3 are both black. You became one of my favorite channel. Thanks for the video!

[@dongummphotography]

@@brompterdam thank you for watching and commenting!

[@philiptownsend4026]

I have an E-P5 on the way to Europe (SK) from a dealer in Japan, hoping it will be delivered soon as tracking says it is with local Customs. With standard lens and delivery and import tax it cost 333 Euros. The best deal I could find. Have been an Olympus user for 50 years with a brief foray into Nikon. Have used phone cameras quite a lot but have become dissatisfied. I want an Olympus back in my hands.

[@Austinite333]

Yeah that camera was ahead of its time. A bit clunky with added viewfinder but the specs were cutting edge when it came out.

[@pmcbMadeInIreland]

Nice review of the features of this cam, ty. OM Systems in UK occasionally have (discounted) offers on the EP-7 bundled with a pancake zoom and when body is costed compared to prices for EP-5 works out quite favourably. Worth considering if in the market for EP-5 perhaps.

[@dongummphotography]

@@pmcbMadeInIreland good to know! I wonder if similar offers are available here in the US?

[@mitchellwnorowski6747]

em10 iii w/14-42ez is my street camera.

[@andreasrochow5170]

It would make sense to compare the Olympus EPL-5 thoroughly with the Panasonic Lumix GX-80! Both have proven themselves many times over and both are packed with professional and modern technical features. Incidentally, I decided in favour of the Lumix because I think a camera without an (E)VF is a torso. Every time I look through the viewfinder, I'm delighted with my choice. But beyond the viewfinder issue, both the EPL5 and the GX-80 are sisters in spirit - wonderful and modern tools!

[@dongummphotography]

@@andreasrochow5170 the GX-80/GX-85 is on my wish list!

[@tedphillips2951]

My favorite Pen is the Pen F. I made the mistake of selling mine & missed it so much I purchased another at a higher price than I sold it for. With 20mm Panasonic lens it is an amazing every day carry. I wish OM Systems would revive it with the swivel viewfinder & not the articulated.

[@4mooncheese]

I purchased a Pen-F earlier this year and have to say it is a fun camera to use. I don't mind that the screen is fully articulating as I like to shoot with EVF mainly, but I understand why one would prefer tilt screen.

[@scrambagorg]

Just picked up one of these bad boys with the VF4 and 12mm F2. Should be arriving tomorrow

[@dongummphotography]

@@scrambagorg nice!

[@brianperry]

Okay, you have talked me into buying an EP-5. Just ordered an ‘as new’ camera for €357. My first micro 4/3 was a E-PL6 with two kit lenses bought here in España. Since then l have added an E-PL8 plus a few lenses. l agree with you about the handling and shooting with these cameras, not Leica but the Olympus Pen series still retains that small solid build quality feel l remember so well when l owned a Leica M6. and a 1938 lllB…

[@dongummphotography]

@@brianperry I bet you will enjoy the EP5. I was out shooting mine this morning!

[@BrianLesliePerry]

@@dongummphotography Update ...My LP-5 is on its way through Germany at the moment... due next Monday.7th.... l will undoubtably be like a kid with a new Toy...even at 78...A few weeks ago l bought an 'as new' Olympus 30mm Macro....l found your video showing your idea using the inbuilt flash a useful hint... Thanks for that. On the subject of buying gear. l always buy 'as new' used equipment nowadays..There are some great deals to be had. because many amateur photographers buy the latest technology so sell on old for new...Which benefits those like me...l have found your channel so useful l've have subscribed ....Greetings from España..

[@dongummphotography]

@BrianLesliePerry How exciting! I bet you will enjoy the camera and lens combination. I certainly enjoy mine. Thank you for subscribing! I am glad you enjoy my work.

[@brianperry]

Been using my E-P5 for a couple of months now …brilliant camera. Easy to get to grips with the menu. Not overly complicated, Solid, well built…You were right to recommend this camera Don …love it…

[@dongummphotography]

@brianperry I am glad you are happy with it. I love mine.

[@silviasmucke]

Hi Don, thank you for all the information you share about Olympus and M4/3. I just bought an e p5 and am curious about it's performance. Can you recommend a memory card best suitable for the camera?

[@dongummphotography]

@silviasmucke to be honest, I haven't been to pick on S D cards. I use Lexar and Sandisk mainly. They are all SDHC cards.

[@silviasmucke]

Hi Don, I was looking for advice regarding the speed necesssary for a suitable card. Not so much a special brand. I understand oder cameras don't require fast memory cards, do they. Thank you so much in advance.

[@dongummphotography]

@silviasmucke the EP5 does not require fast memory cards. The manual states using : SD, SDHC, SDXC cards but makes no reference to speed. You can download the manual here: content://media/external_primary/downloads/1000005540 Most of my cards are 64gb SDXC cards.

[@ChrisLavenderinhd]

Hi Don… I’ve really enjoyed watching your E-P5 videos and I would appreciate your opinion about a dilemma I have… I own a Pen E-P5 but have just purchased an E-P7 from MPB. It’s holiday here in the UK so the E-P7 won’t be delivered until Thursday and I’m starting to have second thoughts. On paper the E-P7 is an upgrade in specs but it’s also not made of metal and there is no EVF port… Do you think it’s worth switching?

[@dongummphotography]

@ChrisLavenderinhd I guess it depends on what is important to you. As I see it, you gain an upgrade from 16 to 20 megapixels and 1080p to 4k video. You lose the metal construction and the ability to use the EVF. There are other differences, but I think you have to weigh the pros and cons. You could get a second EP5 instead and maybe save enough to buy an EVF, or you could keep the E-P7 coming looking at how you will benefit from the newer technology. A couple of things to ponder: Is the polymer construction really a negative? Polymer cameras have proven to be robust. Polymers are even used for pistol frames now, so don't automatically dismiss a polymer frame camera. Do you have an EVF? You could still use it on the EP5. If you don't have another camera with an electronic viewfinder, it might be more important to have that feature on this new camera. Do you make big enough prints for the extra 4 megapixels to matter? In the end, I bet you will be happy if you get the EP7 or another EP5. If you don't really like the EP7, you can get most of your money back if you sell it. Good luck with your decision, and enjoy whatever you decide on.

[@diegosperanza1830]

I got one for only 250 euros on Ebay in Italy. Same as new black colour. Still the original film on the display.

[@dongummphotography]

@@diegosperanza1830 nice!

[@georgeaviat1on]

Im looking for an affordable upgrade from my nikon d3100 for car photography is this a good upgrade or should i go with the d5200 for 25 euros more? Thanks you for reading!

[@dongummphotography]

@v4lur3 since you already are using Nikon cameras and presumably have lenses, it would seem that staying with Nikon would make more sense.

[@georgeaviat1on]

@@dongummphotography Thank you for your opinion! Have a great day!

[@grazioso58]

vf4, it is really decent

[@dongummphotography]

@@grazioso58 I think I will look for a good deal on one!

[@adambreuse1875]

Are you aware there is a pb with non responsiveness of the 2 control dials, or faulty responsiveness ? Or course there is a workaround using the arrow pad by pressing compensation which allows to access exp comp and f. numbers. Pity

[@dongummphotography]

@adambreuse1875 I have heard of the problem. I have had no issue with mine, though I am careful to keep mine away from rain or moisture.

[@adambreuse1875]

@@dongummphotography I bought it second hand mint but even then it has this minor snag. Good thing there is the workaround which I think only exists on Oly cameras

[@pdlagasse]

I had that problem with my first E-P5, the dials would skip. Apparently, the contacts can get gunked up. The solution that most people recommend is to spray the dials with DeoxIT lubricating oil. I tried that and it worked great for me after that.

[@dongummphotography]

@@pdlagasse good to know. I use Deoxit for other electronic controls. Makes sense it would work for this.

[@adambreuse1875]

@@pdlagasse thanks will try . Holly mackerel.... it costs 46€ 🥵🥵🥵🥵

[@jonbarnard7186]

Interesting. None of these Pen cameras are branded OMD. I've never seen even a picture of a Pen branded OMD. Does that mean the stock around today (if you can find them at all) is old stock, manufactured before OMD existed? If so, will we ever see an OMD Pen? If not, the line is dead. OMD is really pushing their Tough cameras, and not paying much attention to the Pens. I hope I'm wrong. Me? I'm hanging on to my Pen-F. It may be a collector's item pretty soon.

[@bublt4me]

The F is already a collector's item. For now, the RF form factor is dead, based on the direction OMDS is going; too many comprises with a small body and computational requirements (to stay competitive) of modern camera. For us to get a F or something like a GX/GM successor, it would basically have to have OM-1 specs crammed into a smaller body. They've already settled with a M1.3 in a M5 body (which isna fear on it's own), but they got a whole lot of flack for it since it wasnt exactly a huge chance between the OM-5 and M5.3. Getting an OM-1 into a Pen F body would be rather difficult and probably too expensive to where no one would buy it. The Pen F didn't sell all that well. It only became a cult classic after it was discontinued.

[@nicusorapostol]

❤❤❤

[@bigrobotnewstoday1436]

If you Google Russian wedding photographer micro four thirds he used a Olympus OMD E-M5 and a Olympus PEN E-P5 I have the Olympus PEN E-PL5 really good camera.

[@dongummphotography]

@bigrobotnewstoday1436 interesting! I had an E-PL5 and really loved it. I gifted it to one of my sons after I bought the EP5, but now I think I might have to get another one....

[@bigrobotnewstoday1436]

@@dongummphotography I still have mine but I think the Olympus OMD E-M5ii is a better investment for a few reasons. For one it has a electric shutter and I had a shutter blow out on my Olympus OMD E-M5 at a wedding. Second the E-PL5 and and E-M5 are the same sensor and true ISO is only at ISO 200 up to ISO 4,000. However I have pushed the ISO on my Olympus OMD E-M5 up to ISO 12,800 and still got a good image and DXO noise reduction made that image even better years later. I did even take a few ISO 25,600 images that came out good. I took a photo of a wedding at night of the big tent. The trick is too hide the noise in the black sky don't lift the shadows.

[@joeprete7424]

Members of a FB group I belong to, report prices of $500+ for the EP-5

[@dongummphotography]

@@joeprete7424 I see them for quite a bit less than 500 dollars.

[@PaulPadoan]

My pen F is a keeper. Perhaps I will pick up another Pen, just to hava a camera I can jam down my pocket.

[@josephweaving6458]

EP7 second hand at a price of e o-m1 mk2 second hand. ep5 about half that and very difficult to find

[@dongummphotography]

The EP5 has maintained a strong following which increases demand and reduces availability. If you find one they are a joy to use.

[@josephweaving6458]

@@dongummphotography Found one on MPB🤗

[@silvergold3023]

Why an E-P5 if you already have an E-M5 ?

[@dongummphotography]

@silvergold3023 There is just something about the design I really like. The way it handles is very appealing to me and many others, it seems.

[@farestabs]

Where are you finding these for 300$ 😅

[@dongummphotography]

@@farestabs I found some on Ebay right around 300 dollars US.

[@KarloFio]

Come on, is the price to low? For sure it needs a "push", or?😂😢

[@dongummphotography]

@KarloFio I think it would be pretty vain of me to believe that my very small channel could somehow influence the world market on any particular camera, but I get what you are saying.

[@KarloFio]

@dongummphotography Well, this is how it works no matter how big the channel! 2nd hand prices have gone crazy, it's enough if few people see it because they are talking... Everyone doing this kind of videos is responsible, be sure of it!

[@framerk5687]

I HAVE ONE , WITH VF4 AND 20mm. 1,4