Pixiq

Replacing the pro-grade Olympus E-3, the new E-5 is similar to its predecessor in many aspects but provides 12.3 versus 10.1 megapixel resolution and some new technology developed for other E-series DSLRs and for the mirrorless PEN cameras (such as the E-PL1). In fact, Olympus bills this new flagship model as offering the "reliability of an E-3 and the evolution of the PEN" hinting that it's the best of both worlds.

The new DSLR retains the best of the E-System models, including the Supersonic Wave Filter Dust Reduction System, Live View and a mechanical in-camera Image Stabilizer; the latter is said to provide a 5 shutter speed step benefit in camera shake compensation. And like the E-3, it's built like a tank, with a sealed lightweight “thixomold” magnesium alloy chassis that's splash proof and dustproof for optimal performance in harsh conditions.

Naturally, the Olympus E-5 also  benefits from upgrades including new amenities and some new features. Let's take a look at the most significant. 

Primary New Features

Superior Image Quality: The E-5 will achieve the highest image quality of any Olympus camera because it combines a 12.3 megapixel (Four-Thirds) LiveMOS Sensor, a gentler Anti-Aliasing filter and a TruePic V+ engine that utilizes a sophisticated algorithm for “Fine Detail Processing”. This technology is said to provide greater definition of fine detail and greater sharpness "by exhaustively processing each pixel", less digital noise at higher ISO settings and very accurate color rendition.

HD Video: The E-5 is the first Olympus DSLR with a movie mode, and it can capture 720p HD clips at a fast 30 frames per second. A built-in microphone records monaural audio but for superior sound quality, it accepts any optional stereo mic with a standard 3.5mm jack. When you’re ready to share your videos (or still photo), plug the E-5 camera into any HD television using an optional HDMI cable.

270 Degree Swivel LCD: The 3-inch HyperCrystal LCD with very high contrast, wide viewing angle and 920,000 dots to provide a high resolution preview image. Because of its dual axis swivel (variable angle) feature, the LCD covers all the viewing angles from low to high, making it very useful in both Live View and Movie mode.

Great Art Filter Versatility: The E-5 offers a full 10 in-camera Art Filters in capture mode and they're now available in every shooting mode, including Movie. An entirely new option is available too, Dramatic Tone, that provides a very striking effect by modifying contrast.  

Other Valuable Features

Available in other Olympus cameras, the Multiple Exposure function for still image capture allows for shooting up to four photos; the processor then combines them into one, in real-time or later, if you prefer. The E-5 camera is also equipped with an internal Digital Level Sensor that detects the camera’s pitch and roll with indicators in the optical viewfinder and on the LCD during Live View operation. This amenity is very useful in architectural photography or with any subject that includes a straight line such as the horizon.

The E-5 is fast too with a 5 frame per second Drive mode and "... the fastest AF speed in the world when coupled with the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 (24-120mm equivalent) Supersonic Wave Drive Lens". The autofocus system employs  a Twin cross type (fully biaxial) 11-point AF sensor, based on micro-sensing technologies that provide effective performance on both the vertical and horizontal axis. The E-5’s AF sensor features a houndstooth pattern phase detection sensor layout that uses micro-lamination technologies to achieve great reliability.

Open the card door and you'll notice two slots, one for CompactFlash Type I, including UDMA, and the other for SD, SDHC or SDXC cards. (Use Class 6 or higher for optimal performance in Movie mode.) It is possible to transfer image files from one card to the other with an in-camera function.

Several other features are billed as new:

Live Guide Control Panel: Available in Live View, a new Graphic User Interface (GUI) provides for more intuitive control using direct button settings and a colored menu screen.

New Picture Mode: Olympus now allows for selecting picture styles (such as vivid, natural, muted or monotone) with the option of also selecting any of the built in art filters monotone variations in any selected Picture Mode.

Copyright information EXIF tag: This is the first Olympus camera to provide this feature, allowing the user to input copyright data to protect the images.

Others: The E-5 gains a WB preset for underwater photography (when using an underwater casing), additional analog buttons, ISO levels to 6400, 7 frame AEB, i-Enhance, and Face Detection, more JPEG modification options in Playback mode plus Custom Resets and two Mysets. The latter allow the user to create two sets of specific configurations that can be quickly accessed with Custom buttons. 

Evaluation

The Olympus E-3 was already a fast, reliable and rugged DSLR used by some professionals and many serious enthusiasts. The new E-5 retains all of the benefits of that model but adds extras that should make it more versatile and convenient to operate. The additional features, particularly Movie mode, also help the E-5 to compete with current DSLRs of other brands. While this camera does not boast the greatest speed, the highest resolution or the most functions, it's certainly very well equipped and should be of interest particularly to those who appreciate the benefits of the extra rugged body or the Art Filters for creative effects.

Availability and Price: The Olympus E-5 camera will be available in October 2010. It includes the E-5 Body, USB Cable, Video Cable, Li-Ion Battery Pack (BLM-5), Li-Ion Battery Charger (BCM-5), Shoulder Strap, OLYMPUS software CD-ROM, Manuals and Registration card. The estimated Street price is $1700 (in both the U.S. and Canada).

For additional information and the very long list of specifications, visit the Olympus Web site at www.olympusamerica.com.