The E-P5 from 2013 was the top-tier PEN body of its era, featuring a 16.1MP Live MOS sensor, 5-stop IBIS, a fixed touchscreen, and Wi-Fi at 420g. No 4K, no viewfinder built in (optional VF-4 accessory sold separately). It competed with the Panasonic GX7 and offered strong stabilization for its time. Now a very cheap used buy, relevant mainly for manual-lens shooters who want Olympus IBIS in a flat PEN form factor. It replaces the Olympus PEN E-P3. It has been succeeded by the Olympus PEN E-P7. At 420g, this is one of the lightest M43 bodies available, 118g below the M43 average of 538g. Step up to the Panasonic Lumix G97 if you want more controls at the cost of 99g extra.
Best for: Handheld and low-light photography
Pros
- 5-stop IBIS for handheld stability
Cons
- Contrast-detect AF only, slower on unpredictably moving subjects
- Not weather sealed
- No 4K video
Street and everyday
The PEN E-P5 pairs a classic metal rangefinder-style body with 5-axis in-body stabilisation, which steadies any lens you mount, including unstabilised primes. That combination of style, IBIS, and a still-capable 16MP sensor makes it a desirable used street and everyday camera for those who value handling and design. Full guide →
Available light
The 5-axis stabilisation lets you shoot handheld at slow shutter speeds, helping in low light without a fast lens or high ISO. There is no built-in viewfinder, so it relies on the rear screen or an optional add-on finder, but the IBIS is a real advantage over the viewfinder-less Panasonic compacts of its era.
Specifications
| Body | |
| Brand | Olympus |
| Status | discontinued |
| Released | 2013-06 |
| Weight | 420g |
| Dimensions | 122.4 × 67.9 × 36.9mm |
| Weather sealed | No |
| Screen | Fixed |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Sensor | |
| Description | 16.1MP Live MOS |
| Megapixels | 16.1MP |
| Resolution | 4608 × 3456 |
| Viewfinder | |
| EVF | No |
| Stabilisation | |
| IBIS | Yes |
| IBIS stops | 5 stops |
| Dual IS | No |
| Autofocus | |
| Phase detect | No |
| Subject recognition | No |
| Shooting | |
| Video | |
| 4K | No |
| 4K 60fps | No |
| Log | No |
| Ports & storage | |
| Card slots | 1 |
| Card type | SD UHS-I |
| HDMI | micro |
| Headphone jack | No |
| Mic port | No |
| WiFi | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Battery | BLN-1 |
| Pricing | |
| Price (approx.) | N/A |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Olympus PEN E-P5 have IBIS?
Yes. The Olympus PEN E-P5 has in-body image stabilisation rated at 5 stops.
Is the Olympus PEN E-P5 weather sealed?
No. The Olympus PEN E-P5 does not have weather sealing. Take care in rain or dusty conditions.
Does the Olympus PEN E-P5 shoot 4K video?
No. The Olympus PEN E-P5 does not record 4K video.
Does the Olympus PEN E-P5 have phase-detect autofocus?
No. The Olympus PEN E-P5 uses contrast-detect autofocus. It is slower to lock on to moving subjects than phase-detect systems.
What card does the Olympus PEN E-P5 use?
The Olympus PEN E-P5 has 1 card slot and accepts SD UHS-I cards.
How much does the Olympus PEN E-P5 weigh?
The Olympus PEN E-P5 weighs 420g (body only, with battery and card).
Is the Olympus PEN E-P5 still worth buying?
The Olympus PEN E-P5 has been succeeded by the Olympus PEN E-P7. The newer model improves on AF performance, sensor, and video specs. At a reduced second-hand price the Olympus PEN E-P5 remains a capable body, but the Olympus PEN E-P7 is the better long-term buy if the budget allows.