The E-PL5 from 2012 was a step up from the E-PL3, introducing a 16.1MP Live MOS sensor, 3.5-stop IBIS, and a fully articulated touchscreen at 325g. No 4K, no viewfinder, no Wi-Fi. The jump to 16MP from 12MP was its main advancement. Used copies are very affordable and the flip screen remains useful for low-angle shooting, making it a functional if dated used-market still camera. It replaces the Olympus PEN E-PL3. It has been succeeded by the Olympus PEN E-PL6. At 325g, this is one of the lightest M43 bodies available, 213g below the M43 average of 538g. Step up to the Panasonic Lumix G100D if you want more controls at the cost of 8g extra.
Best for: Handheld and low-light photography
Pros
- 3.5-stop IBIS for handheld stability
Cons
- Contrast-detect AF only, slower on unpredictably moving subjects
- Not weather sealed
- No 4K video
Specifications
| Body | |
| Brand | Olympus |
| Status | discontinued |
| Released | 2012-09 |
| Weight | 325g |
| Dimensions | 117.5 × 64 × 38.5mm |
| Weather sealed | No |
| Screen | Fully articulated |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Sensor | |
| Description | 16.1MP Live MOS |
| Megapixels | 16.1MP |
| Resolution | 4608 × 3456 |
| Viewfinder | |
| EVF | No |
| Stabilisation | |
| IBIS | Yes |
| IBIS stops | 3.5 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 | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Battery | BLS-50 |
| Pricing | |
| Price (approx.) | N/A |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Olympus PEN E-PL5 have IBIS?
Yes. The Olympus PEN E-PL5 has in-body image stabilisation rated at 3.5 stops.
Is the Olympus PEN E-PL5 weather sealed?
No. The Olympus PEN E-PL5 does not have weather sealing. Take care in rain or dusty conditions.
Does the Olympus PEN E-PL5 shoot 4K video?
No. The Olympus PEN E-PL5 does not record 4K video.
Does the Olympus PEN E-PL5 have phase-detect autofocus?
No. The Olympus PEN E-PL5 uses contrast-detect autofocus. It is slower to lock on to moving subjects than phase-detect systems.
What card does the Olympus PEN E-PL5 use?
The Olympus PEN E-PL5 has 1 card slot and accepts SD UHS-I cards.
How much does the Olympus PEN E-PL5 weigh?
The Olympus PEN E-PL5 weighs 325g (body only, with battery and card).
Is the Olympus PEN E-PL5 still worth buying?
The Olympus PEN E-PL5 has been succeeded by the Olympus PEN E-PL6. The newer model improves on AF performance, sensor, and video specs. At a reduced second-hand price the Olympus PEN E-PL5 remains a capable body, but the Olympus PEN E-PL6 is the better long-term buy if the budget allows.