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E-PL5 OLYMPUS PEN LITE REVIEW

I brought this little baby for my KL trip so that I could test out the photo qualities in real time rather than just snapping the same old test shots. Initially, I was really reluctant to lug a rather bulky camera along, but after knowing the size range of micro four third lenses that Olympus has to offer, I was somewhat convinced to at least give this camera a chance to prove its worth outdoors. 

I have written my post about the KL trip not too long back HERE. So you can check it out to see the photos under different light conditions. I mostly used the automatic mode, which is pretty basic for beginners and vacation shots. (Because really, who has the time to change the settings manually when you’re on the go?) Also, it is because I am no photographer. Just like everyone else on the street, we all have preferences for cameras and the way we want to capture memories. So what I will be reviewing on will be pretty basic this time round.

 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS & SELF POTRAITS

As usual, Olympus has a knack for designing sexy cameras with shiny bodies. The Interchangeable Lens Camera (ILC) has a tilt-enabled screen that allows self-portraits, which is good news for girls, including me. In addition, Olympus has the hand grip in order to keep everything stable even with a metallic frame. The reasonably weighted camera comes with the default lens of a 14-42mm, adding on to the weight of the body, like most typical ILC does, which makes it very unlikely an ideal companion for myself. 

However, knowing that there is another unique selling point of this camera, a Body Cap Lens (BCL-1580) that serves as a body cap, and lens as the same time, which will ensure that we won’t miss a single moment when the time comes! It is Olympus thinnest lens so far, measuring at about 9mm at its thickest width. However, it has to be focused manually, which makes me think twice. (For an auto user like me, it’s tiring)

INSTANT PHOTOS
You know how painful it is to manually adjust your focus just because it’s not focusing on what you want? The touch function that Olympus has put in this time is the AF Shutter. Just click on live view’s monitor where you want to focus on, and the E-PL5 will do the rest of the work. Focus speed, shutter response, continuous shooting and shot to shot are all excellent. Time taken to start up is also impressive.

ISO 25600, NON FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY.
Because I am very particular and prefer non flash photography when on the go, I usually look for cameras with generally high ISO so as to make up for my photo quality. With the E-PL5’s ISO going up as high as 25600, it is an ideal number for low light photography… but this time, without compromising on the photo quality. Little noise is observed when taken under low light. However, it is advised to use manual settings for low light photography due to the limitations of the auto function for the set.

PROBLEMS + VERDICT
The auto white balance in the auto mode is very “warm” and sometimes can ruin a person’s skin tone or the room setting. However, I have done some research and noted that it can be changed when getting into the custom menu. Other than that, I have no issues with the camera, which is pretty much one of the gadgets that are on my wish list now. 

The pricing for the OLYMPUS PEN Lite E-PL5 Single Lens Kit which includes the body and M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 IIR is priced at S$1098. 

The pricing for the OLYMPUS PEN Lite E-PL5 Double Zoom Kit which includes the body, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 IIR and M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6 R is priced at $1348.