The platypus is one of nature’s strangest creatures. It’s scientifically designated as a mammal, but it is a synthesis of features found on a duck, beaver and otter. It’s also only one of two mammals that lay eggs like a bird or reptile. Olympus appears to have crafted its new OM-D E-M5 camera much like a platypus: it wouldn’t seem to work, but it does. The biggest difference, however is that the platypus could never be considered a beautiful design only a functional one, while the Olympus E-M5 is a real stunner.
What Olympus has created is a camera that will remind some photographers of its classic OM range of 35mm SLRs; however, it has features of Olympus’ more recent PEN series of mirrorless, interchangeable lens cameras, such as the E-P3 and E-620, as well as reminders of the company’s top-of-the-line E-5 DSLR. Like the PEN series, the EM-5 is small, but not too small. At 4.8” x 3.5” x 1.69” (122mm x 89mm x 43mm) and just less than a pound (425g), it has the compactness of Four Thirds cameras that tuck between compacts and full-size DSLRs, but also a comfortable, solid feel. Unlike too many Four Thirds cameras, Olympus has placed two more suitable control dials on the top of the camera, which are easily accessible.
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What many photographers will also like is its retro design that makes old new again. Part of its classic look is the viewfinder mound that has more to do with adding features than simply bringing back an old profile. Olympus has added an accessory port between the electronic viewfinder and flash hot shoe. The port will accept stereo microphones, macro light LEDs or the PENPal Bluetooth transmitter. The flash hot shoe, instead of a built-in flash, is also significant, since that is where the clip-on flash is attached; but it is also the control point of off-camera flashes with Olympus’ wireless control system.
The body of the Olympus E-M5 is a magnesium-alloy construction, which is weather-sealed, and houses a 16-MG MOS Four Thirds-format sensor that is paired with the newest TruePic VI image processor. The rear LCD screen is more than a screen, in that it tilts 80 degrees above and 50 degrees below the horizontal plane. Plus, it’s touch-sensitive.
Olympus is also boasting about the camera’s built-in image stabilization system that works in a 5-axis configuration: vertically, horizontally and rotationally along the other 3 axes. The rotational capability should place the EM-5 above in-lens stabilization systems found in some of its competitors. Other “platypus” features that should be desirable on this camera are the Live Bulb and Live Time modes. Essentially, you’re able to look at the rear LCD screen during a long exposure to monitor what the results will be instead of waiting until the image is actually captured.
Considering the audience for this camera, it had to record 1080i/60 video. With the updated sensor and TruePic processor, it’s more likely that video performance has improved. Of special note, is the use of H.264 MOV files instead of AVCHD, which often makes it difficult to determine where the camera had stored video files.
Biologists were uncertain and didn’t believe what they had found when they first stumbled upon the platypus. Some photographers may have a similar feeling when they first lay their eyes and hands on the Olympus OM-D EM-5 camera, having just been introduced for preview (February 2012) when this PhotographyTalk article was written. Nature is always filled with surprises that are usually wonders to behold and this Olympus camera is likely to parallel the platypus in this manner.
The Olympus OM-D EM-5 camera is available for pre-order from B&H Photo Video at
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Photograph by: © 2012 Olympus America Inc.
