Olympus E-5 – just to be there to save four thirds legacy lenses?

by Enche Tjin on August 31, 2010

In recent years, Olympus is very focused on micro four thirds system development and neglecting the development of four thirds system. There are no new lens for four third system for a while now, and Olympus has not been updating their flagship Olympus E-3 camera for three years. Olympus E-520, one of the best selling consumer DSLR camera has not been updated for two years.

This fall, E-5 will here just to be there to save four third system from collapsing entirely. While E-3 is a capable cameras for any circumstances, many enthusiasts and pro shooters might need another body to upgrade.

From the leaked specs, it seems like Olympus is playing safe. Nothing really stand-out from competition at the moment.

The mighty waterproof Olympus E-3

The mighty waterproof Olympus E-3

Olympus E-5 specs

  • Magnesium weather proof  body
  • Truepic V processor
  • Dual memory card slots (not sure if CF+SD or 2xSD)
  • 12 MP sensor
  • 11 AF points
  • 6 fps continuous shooting
  • Image stabilization
  • Anti-dust feature
  • Swivel LCD screen
  • HD video @ 720P with 30 fps
  • Built-in wireless flash
  • 100% viewfinder coverage

The difference from E-3 include new processor, 720p/30 fps video recording, slightly bigger resolution and slightly faster continuous shooting. I think we can expect Olympus E-620 replacement next year, with video feature and new processor next year.

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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

kwanonku September 1, 2010 at 12:12 am

imo, there are some specific objectives why the E-5 is still release (Beside the continuity of 4/3 legacy)
1. Many of professional users still not captured by Micro 4/3 market due to reliability, availability of accessories and speedy system
2. From E-3 itself, there are many improvement to be address in E-5 such :
- High ISO performance (still having noise banding )
- Body size.. how come the small sensor like 4/3 has a huge body ? Is it possible to be as Pentax K-7 in term of size for example ?
- Better Dynamic Range such like EP series
- Price ?

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