New from Olympus: The PEN E-P5, VF-4 Viewfinder and Three Black Fixed Lenses
Olympus has just announced the new E-P5, the fourth generation of their popular PEN series of interchangeable lens mirrorless Micro Four Thirds camera bodies, which features an eye-catching, retro design that’s reminiscent of the original PEN F series from the 1960s and '70s. An optional viewfinder for the E-P5, called the VF-4, was also released as well as black versions of the M.ZUIKO 17mm f/1.8, 45mm f/1.8 and 75mm f/1.8 lenses.
The PEN E-P5
The new E-P5 features a Live MOS image sensor with 16.1 million effective pixels and a Micro Four Thirds lens mount. It’s powered by a TruePic VI image processor, and features five-axis image stabilization (yaw, pitch, vertical shift, horizontal shift and roll). Capabilities include built-in Wi-Fi and a built-in flash that can wirelessly control three external flash groups. The E-P5 has the ability to shoot nine frames per second, and the ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 to 25600. Its Autofocus promises to be fast and the tilting rear 3-inch LCD offers touch focus and shutter release.
The mechanical shutter on the PEN E-P5 provides speeds from 60 to 1/8000 seconds, as well as offering Live Bulb mode—which enables you to watch long exposures evolve on the camera’s LCD screen. A built-in interval shooting mode makes it possible to create time-lapse videos without additional equipment. The PEN E-P5 can capture Full 1920 x 1080 HD movies at 29.97p, with 16-bit 48 kHz stereo sound via its built-in microphone. A micro HDMI connector is built in to play back videos and stills on your HDTV. The E-P5 records to SD, SDHC and SDXC cards, and it’s also compatible with UHS-1 and Eye-Fi cards. A USB 2.0 port is also provided to connect directly to a computer.
The Wi-Fi functionality on the E-P5 makes it possible to remotely view your shots and fire the shutter with a smartphone, and the touch-focus capability on the PEN works by tapping the touchscreen display of your mobile gadget as well. If you connect the E-P5 to a smartphone with built-in GPS, the camera can utilize those capabilities remotely.
As far as more traditional camera features go, the E-P5 features a hand grip, 2 x 2 control dial with a custom lever for hands-on control, and a self-timer is present, complete with a helpful audio countdown so you’ll know exactly when to kick in your best feigned smile. A histogram is provided, as is focus peaking and creative functions like art filters and Photo Story. An array of bracketing options are built into the E-P5 for exposure, ISO, white balance, flash and even the art filters. You can also bracket up to seven frames to process as an HDR image in post. For file formats, the E-P5 provides RAW (12-bit lossless compression), JPEG, JPEG + RAW and MPO for 3D stills.
There are useful onboard-editing functions such as RAW development, Monochrome, Red Eye Fix and Resizing (1280 x 960, 640 x 480, and 320 x 240). A Supersonic Wave Filter helps to keep dust off the sensor, and a hot shoe enables you to attach external gear, such as the Olympus FL-50R, FL-300R and FL-600R flashes, which are all compatible with the wireless-control functions of the E-P5. The camera body weighs only 0.83 lb, and will be available in Silver, Black or White.
| Camera Type | Micro Four Thirds interchangeable lens system camera |
| Memory | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible & Eye-Fi Card compatible) |
| Screen Size | 17.3 mm (H) x 13.0 mm (V) |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds Mount |
| Sensor | 4/3 Live MOS Sensor |
| Total Pixels | 17.2MP |
| Effective Pixels | 16.1MP |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:3 |
| Recording Format | DCF, DPOF compatible / Exif, PRINT Image Matching III, MPO compatible |
| File Format | RAW (12-bit lossless compression), JPEG, RAW+JPEG, MPO (3D still) |
| RAW Recording Image Size | 4608 x 3456 pixels |
| JPEG Recording Image Size | 4608 x 3456 pixels - 640 x 480 pixels |
| File Size | RAW: 4608 x3456 - 1/1.5 lossless compressed (17MB) Set1(LF): 4608 x 3456 - 1/4 compressed (7.5MB) Set2(LN): 4608 x 3456 - 1/8 compressed (3.5MB) Set3(MN): 2560 x 1920 - 1/8 compressed (1.1MB) Set4(SN): 10 |
| Image Stabilization Type | 5-axis image stabilization (yaw/pitch/vertical shift/horizontal shift/roll) image sensor shift type for movie & stills |
| Image Stabilization Mode | 4 modes (S-I.S.AUTO, S-I.S.1, S-I.S.2, S-I.S.3, OFF) |
| IS for Live View Image | Available by half-pressing the shutter button or enlarging operation |
| Manual Input Focal Length Settings | 8, 10, 12, 15, 16, 18, 24, 28, 30, 35, 40, 48, 50, 55, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 100, 105, 120, 135, 150, 180, 200, 210, 250, 300, 350, 400, 500, 600, 800, 1000 |
| Shutter Type | Computerized focal-plane shutter |
| Shutter Speed | 60 - 1/8000 sec |
| Live View | 100% field of view, Exposure compensation, WB adjustment Gradation auto and Face detection preview (up to 8 faces), Grid line, Histogram, Magnification display (x5/x7/x10/x14) |
| Display Modes | Normal, Histogram, Highlight and Shadow, Level Guide, OFF |
| Monitor Type | 3" (7.6cm) 1037K dots (3:2) with electrostatic capacitance touch panel |
| Tilting Angle | Up to 80° (upward) / Up to 50° (downward) |
| Brightness / Color Temperature Control | ±7 levels / ±7 levels |
| Color Tone Select | Vivid / Natural |
| AF System | High-speed imager AF (full-time AF available) |
| Focus Mode | Single AF (S-AF) / Continuous AF (C-AF) / Manual Focus (MF) / S-AF + MF / AF tracking (C-AF + TR) |
| Magnified Frame AF | Selectable from over 800 AF points Magnification x5, x7, x10 (default), x14 (selectable) Super Spot AF (0.02 - 0.16% in view image) |
| Eye Detection AF Mode | OFF / Nearer-eye priority / Right-eye priority / Left-eye priority |
| Focusing Point | 35-area multiple AF |
| Metering System (TTL Image Sensor Metering) | Digital ESP metering (324-area multi pattern metering), Center weighted average metering, Spot metering, Spot metering with highlight control, Spot metering with shadow control |
| Metering Range | EV 0 - 20 (at normal temperature, 17mm f/2.8, ISO 100) |
| Exposure Modes | i Auto, P: Program AE (program shift can be performed), A: Aperture priority AE, S: Shutter priority AE, M: Manual, Bulb, Time, Scene Select AE, Art Filter, Underwater Wide / Macro, My Set |
| Scene Select AE | Portrait, e-Portrait, Landscape, Landscape + Portrait, Sport, Night, Night + Portrait, Children, High Key, Low Key, DIS mode, Macro, Nature Macro, Candle, Sunset, Documents, Panorama, Fireworks, Beach & Snow, Fisheye Conv., Wide Conv., Macro Conv. |
| ISO Sensitivity | AUTO ISO: 100 - 25600 (customizable, default: 100 - 1600) Manual ISO: 100, 200 - 25600, 1/3 or 1 EV steps selectable |
| Exposure Compensation | ±3 EV in 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV steps selectable |
| AE Lock | Locks at 1st release of shutter button (can be set to Fn/Rec button) |
| Flash Method | TTL Auto, Auto, Manual, Super FP1 (FP-TTL AUTO, FP-MANUAL) |
| Flash Control | Up to ±3 EV in 0.3, 0.5, 1 EV steps selectable |
| Built-in Flash | TTL Flash, GN=7 (ISO 100) / GN=10 (ISO 200) |
| Flash Modes | Flash Auto, Redeye, Fill-in, Flash Off, Red-eye Slow sync.(1st curtain), Slow sync.(1st curtain), Slow sync.(2nd curtain), Manual (1/1 - 1/64) |
| Sync Speed | 1/320 sec (built-in flash) 1/250 sec (external flash) Super FP: 1/125 - 1/4000 sec |
| Wireless Flash Control | Triggered and controlled by built-in flash (Olympus Wireless RC Flash system compatible) |
| External Flash Type | TTL Auto, Auto, Manual, FP-TTL-AUTO, FP-MANUAL |
| Wireless Flash Control Channels | 4 |
| Group Number | 4 groups (external flash 3 groups + built-in flash) |
| Sequential Shooting Max Speed | 9 fps (H mode), 4.5 - 5 fps (L mode) |
| Max Recordable Images on Sequential Shooting | RAW: 20 frames (L), 15 frames (H) / JPEG: 70 frames (L), 19 frames (H) |
| Self-Timer | 12 sec, 2 sec., custom 1-30 sec. (shooting interval 0.5/1/2/3 sec., 1-10 shots) |
| Exposure Bracketing | 2, 3, 5 frames in 0.3, 0.7, 1.0 EV steps selectable / 7 frames in 0.3, 0.7 EV steps selectable |
| ISO Bracketing | 3 frames in 0.3, 0.7, 1.0 EV steps selectable |
| White Balance Bracketing | 3 frames in 2, 4, 6 steps selectable in each A-B/G-M axis |
| Flash Bracketing | 3 frames in 0.3, 0.7, 1.0 EV steps selectable |
| Art Filter Bracketing | i-Enhance, Vivid, Natural, Muted, Portrait, Monotone, Custom, Art Filters selectable |
| Bracketing for HDR post process | 3, 5 frames in 2.0, 3.0 EV steps selectable / 7 frames in 2.0 EV steps selectable |
| Movie Recording Format | MOV (MPEG-4AVC/H.264) , AVI (Motion JPEG) |
| Movie Mode (MOV) | Full HD 1920 x 1080/30p at 20 or 17 Mbps (16:9); HD 1280 x 720/30p at 13 or 10 Mbps (16:9) |
| Movie Mode (AVI) | HD 1280 x 720 at 30 fps (16:9); SD 640 x 480 at 30 fps (4:3) |
| Max Recording Time (MOV) | Full HD: 22 - 29 min. / HD: 29 min. |
| Max Recording Time (AVI) | HD: 7 min. / SD: 14 min. |
| Image Stabilization (Movie Mode) | M-IS (image sensor shift), OFF |
| Exposure Control (Movie Mode) | P: Program AE, A: Aperture priority AE, S: Shutter speed priority AE, M: Manual, Art Filter |
| Compression Ratio | M-JPEG: 1/12 (HD), 1/8 (SD) |
| File Size | MOV: 4GB max / M-JPEG: 2GB max |
| Audio Recording Format | WAV (stereo linear PCM/16-bit, 48kHz) |
| Microphone / Speaker | Stereo / Mono |
| Max Audio Recording Time | Picture with Sound: 30 sec. |
| White Balance Modes | Auto, 7 Preset, 2 Capture, Custom (K setting) |
| White Balance Compensation | ±7 steps in each A-B/G-M axis |
| Preset White Balance | Sunny (5300K), Shadow (7500K), Cloudy (6000K), Incandescent (3000K), Fluorescent (4000K), Underwater, WB Flash (5500K) |
| Color Matrix | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
| Time-Lapse | 1 sec. - 24 hrs (99 frames max) |
| Multi-Exposure | 2 frames / auto gain, exposing on recorded picture (RAW) |
| Multi-Aspect Ratio | 4:3 (default), 3:2, 16:9, 1:1, 3:4 |
| Level Gauge Detection | 2-axis |
| One Push Tele-Converter Magnification | x2 |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| GPS | Available by using smartphone GPS data |
| Wireless Shooting | Live View, Rec View, Wireless Touch AF shutter, Power OFF |
| Image Sharing | JPEG/MOV (connect up to 4 devices simultaneously) |
| QR Code Setting | Yes |
| Playback Modes | Single-frame, Information display, Index display (4/9/25/100 frames), Calendar, Enlargement (2x - 14x), Movie (with sound, FF/REW/Pause), Picture rotation (auto), Slideshow (with sound including BGM, 2 selectable slide show effects, replaceable BGM), Light Box display |
| Information Display | Histogram (independent luminance / RGB available), Highlight/Shadow point warning, AF frame, Photographic information, OFF |
| Menu Languages | English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Russian, Czech, Dutch, Danish, Polish, Portuguese, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Croat, Slovenian, Hungarian, Greek, Slovakian, Turkish, Latvian, Estonian, Lithuanian, Ukrainian, Serbian, Bulgarian, Rumanian, Indonesian, Malay, Thai |
| Print Function | Print reservation (DPOF), Direct print (PictBridge compatible) |
| Interfaces | USB 2.0, Micro-HDMI (Type-D), Hot Shoe, Accessory Port (multi-connector), Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) |
| Battery Type | BLN Li-Ion (included) |
| Sleep Mode | 1/3/5 min |
| Battery Life | 330 shots (CIPA) |
| Operating Temperature / Humidity | 32 to 104°F (0 to 40°C) / 30 - 90% |
| Storage Temperature / Humidity | -4 to 140°F (-20 to 60°C) / 10 - 90% |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 4.81 x 2.71 x 1.46" (122 x 69 x 37mm) |
| Weight (Body Only) | 13.3 oz (378 g) |
| Weight with Battery & Memory Card | 14.8 oz (420 g) |
The VF-4 Viewfinder
Photographers of a certain style rely heavily on viewfinders, so Olympus offers the separately available VF-4 viewfinder for these shooters. It’s designed to mount to the accessory port on top of the E-P5, and provide a 2.36 million pixel LCD for composing shots in any environment. The VF-4 is equipped with an eye-sensor, offers 1.48x magnification, and features a diopter adjustment range of -4 to +2m. The VF-4 only adds 41.8 grams of weight to the camera, and with a firmware update, the VF-4 will also be compatible with the Olympus E-PL5, E-PM2, E-M5, E-PL3, E-PM1, E-P3, E-PL2, E-PL1, E-PL1s, E-P2 and XZ2. However, its eye sensor is only functional with the E-P5, and the E-PL2, E-PL1, E-PL1s, E-P2 and XZ2 will exhibit some image degradation in the viewfinder.
| Finder Type | 2.36M-dot |
| Viewfinder magnification | Approx. 1.48x (-1m, 50mm lens, Infinity) |
| Field of View | Approx. 100% |
| Eye point | Approx. 21mm (-1m, Distance from rear lens surface) |
| Diopter adjustment range | -4 to +2m |
| Eye Sensor | Available (E-P5) |
| Eye Sensor | Available |
| Compatible Body | E-P5, E-PL5, E-PM2, E-M5, E-PL3, E-PM1, E-P3, E-PL2, E-PL1, E-PL1s, E-P2, XZ-2 (firmware update required, not compatible with eye sensor, image degradation on viewfinder) |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 1.12 x 1.99 x 1.88" (28 x 51 x 48mm) |
| Weight | 1.48 oz (41.8 g) |
New M.ZUIKO Prime Lenses
The new M.Zuiko prime lenses are available in a black finish, and they include a 17mm f/1.8, 45mm f/1.8 and 75mm f/1.8. The 17mm has a 35mm equivalent focal length of 34mm, a seven-blade circular aperture and nine lens elements in six groups. The elements feature the Zuiko Extra-low Reflection Optical coating. The 45mm f/1.8 has a 35mm equivalent focal length of 90mm, a seven-blade circular aperture and nine elements in eight groups. Its autofocusing is nearly silent, which is beneficial when shooting video. The 75mm f/1.8 features a metal build and has a 35mm equivalent focal length of 150mm, a nine-blade circular aperture and ten lens elements in nine groups.
If you have questions about this new Olympus photo equipment, speak with a sales professional in the B&H SuperStore, over the phone at 1-800-606-6969 or online via Live Chat.
| Olympus 75mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Lens | M. Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.8 Lens |
Olympus M.ZUIKO Digital 17mm f/1.8 Lens | |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Focal Length | 75mm (35mm equivalent: 150mm) | 45mm (35mm equivalent: 90mm) | 17mm (35mm equivalent: 34mm) |
| Image Stabilization | No | N/A | N/A |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.8 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22.0 | f/22 | f/22 |
| Number of Diaphragm Blades | 9 (Circular diaphragm) | 7 (Circular Aperture Diaphragm) | 7 |
| Lens Construction | 10 Elements in 9 Groups (including 3 ED (Extra-low Dispersion) Elements and 2 HR (High Refractive) Elements | 2 E-HR lenses; 9 Elements in 8 Groups | 9 elements in 6 groups (including 2 double-sided aspheric lenses, 2 aspherical lenses, and 1 high refractive lens) |
| Lens Coating | ZERO: Zuiko Extra-low Reflection Optical | N/A | N/A |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 2.75' (0.84m) | 19.7" (0.5m) | 9.8" (25 cm) |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.10x (35mm equivalent: 0.20x) | 0.11x (35mm equivalent: 0.22x) | 0.08x |
| Minimum Field Size | 130 x 173mm | 118 x 157 mm | N/A |
| Angle of View | 16° | 27° | 64.9° |
| Autofocus | Yes, High-speed Imager AF (MSC) | High-speed Imager AF(MSC) | N/A |
| Manual Focus | Yes | N/A | N/A |
| Focus Method | Internal | N/A | N/A |
| Front Glass Element Diameter | 50mm | N/A | N/A |
| Filter Thread Diameter | 58mm | 37mm | 46mm |
| Dimensions (Diameter x Length) | 2.52 x 2.72" (64 x 69mm) | 2.2 x 1.8" (56 x 46mm) |
2.3 x 1.4" (57.5 x 35.5mm) |
| Weight | 10.8 oz (305 g) | 4.1 oz (116g) | 4.2 oz (120 g) |
4 Comments
Have you heard if Olympus plans to release a 25 mm micro four thirds lens?
Since you asked this question, Olympus has released two 25 mm M.Zuiko lenses. There is a f/1.2 PRO version (debuted in 2016) and a f/1.8 Premium version (debuted in 2014). So you have choices.
Are Olympus ever going to release black hoods for their black lenses?
Yes, they have done so.
These hoods must be purchased separately. They do not come with the lenses. Unless you buy a kit.