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Tech Cameras

Olympus PEN E-PL5 First Impressions Review

Olympus updates its PEN line with a 16-megapixel image sensor taken straight from the Olympus OM-D.

Jeremy Stamas
Written by Jeremy Stamas

Updated December 23, 2014

The Olympus PEN E-PL5 looks a whole lot like last year's PEN E-P3 shares many of the same features as its predecessor, the PEN E-PL3 the heart of the camera has been replaced with a brand new 16-megapixel image sensor transplanted the company's own OM-D flagship. That sensor represents a significant upgrade over the 12.3-megapixel imager found in previous PEN models, and it has been coupled with the OM-D's TruePic VI image processor and best-in-class autofocus system as well.

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  • Introduction

  • Specs

  • Introduction
  • Specs

Introduction

Other than this new sensor, the E-PL5 doesn't offer much that we haven't seen before on an Olympus PEN. It has the same retro design that we've been treated to since the launch of the E-P1 a few years ago, and it offers the changeable right side grip that was a key element to last year's E-P3. The articulated LCD uses a capacitive touch interface and the camera has a burst mode that can handle 8 photos per second. You can read more about the E-PL5, as well as Olympus' other new camera and lens announcements at Photokina, here.

The E-PL5 comes in white, silver, or black, and the price is expected to be around $650 at launch for the body only. For another $50 you can get the E-PL5 with an M.ZUIKO 14-42mm II kit lens.

Specs

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Meet the tester

Jeremy Stamas

Jeremy Stamas

Managing Editor, Video

@nematode9

Jeremy is the video expert of our imaging team and Reviewed.com's head of video production. Originally from Pennsylvania and upstate NY, he graduated from Bard college with a degree in film and electronic media. He has been living and working in New England since 2005.

See all of Jeremy Stamas's reviews

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