Olympus OM-D E-M5

Manufacturer: Olympus Type: camera Year introduced: 2012

Overview

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 was a 16.1-megapixel Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera announced in February 2012 that Alex Mustard described as potentially “one of the most important underwater cameras released for several years” (^[1]). It was the first Micro Four Thirds camera to incorporate a built-in electronic viewfinder (120fps refresh, HD resolution) and the world’s first 5-axis image stabilization system in an interchangeable-lens camera (^[2]).

Drawing on the retro styling of Olympus’s legendary OM film SLR series, the E-M5 packed specifications that Mustard said “better most DX/APS-C SLRs” into a body only slightly larger than some compacts (^[3]). Key features included a TruePic VI image processor, ISO 100-25,600, the world’s fastest autofocus system (FAST AF), 9fps continuous shooting, a dustproof and splashproof magnesium alloy body, and a tilting 3.0-inch touchscreen OLED display.

The camera was available from April 2012 starting at $999.99 body-only. Housings were available from Olympus (PT-EP08) and Nauticam, with the Nauticam housing praised for its ergonomic lever that gave convenient access to the record button for back-button focus (^[4]).

The E-M5 proved hugely popular underwater. Mustard bought one after reviewing it, and extensive community discussion on the Wetpixel forums (with over 20,000 views on the main thread) led to detailed underwater settings guides by forum member Coroander and Mustard (^[5]). The camera was particularly strong for low-light shooting thanks to the combination of good ISO performance, in-body image stabilization with all lenses, and the fact that Micro Four Thirds lenses need less stopping down for equivalent depth of field.

Reviews & Discussion

• ^[6] — Adam Hanlon’s announcement coverage detailing the camera’s specifications, including 5-axis IS, FAST AF, and dustproof/splashproof body. Article (editorial source).
• ^[7] — Comprehensive field review shot in Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Mustard evaluated whether the camera was “a no compromise alternative to a SLR for serious underwater photography,” covering the Olympus housing, image quality (ISO, resolution, dynamic range), lens performance, autofocus, and image stabilization. Article (editorial source).
• ^[8] — Detailed underwater settings guide by Coroander and Alex Mustard, covering menu configuration, focus modes (including back-button AF via the record button), custom button assignments, and EVF settings optimized for housing use. Article (editorial source).

References

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