OLYMPUS Your Vision, Our Future
Home Global site
Support Support TopDistributor List
Asia & Oceania
Digital Imaging(Cameras)
Consumer Top
Digital Imaging (Cameras) Top
Q&A
Q&A for E-M5
Product Q&A
* Digital SLR Cameras
* Compact Digital Cameras
Common Q&A
* Connect the camera with a computer
* Software
* Drivers, Patches
* Purchase information
* Warranty information
* Repairing service
* Instruction manuals
* Underwater protector
How to Take Great Pictures
Questions :

Question :
What comes packaged with the camera?

Answer:
The following items are packaged with the camera:
- E-M5 camera body
- Lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery ( BLN-1 )
- Lithium-ion Battery Charger ( BCN-1 )
- Flash ( FL-LM2 )
- USB cable ( CB-USB6 )
- Monaural Audio / Video cable ( CB-AVC3 )
- Body cap
- Strap
- Flash case
- Software CD-ROM:
OLYMPUS Viewer 2 ( Windows / Mac )
- Instruction Manual
- Warranty Card


Question :
What are the differences among the E-M5, E-P3 and E-5?

Answer:
The following table describes the differences:
E-M5 E-P3 E-5
Lens mount Micro Four Thirds Mount Four Thirds Mount
Image processor TruePic VI TruePicV+
Effective pixels 16.05 million pixels 12.3 million pixels
Sensor type 4/3 High-speed Live MOS Sensor
ISO sensitivity ISO 200 - 25600
( Default: 200 - 1600 )
ISO 200 - 12800
( Default: 200 - 1600 )
ISO 200 - 6400
( Default: 200 - 1600 )
Body color Black
Silver
Silver
Black
White
Black
Body material Magnesium alloy Aluminium,
Stainless steel
Magnesium alloy
Memory SD Memory Card
(SD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS-I compatible))
Eye-Fi card
SD Memory Card
( SD, SDHC, SDXC )
Compact Flash
Flash FL-LM2
( External flash, packaged with the camera )
Built-in flash
Sequential shooting Approx. 9.0 fps
( Sequential shooting H mode )
Approx. 3 fps Approx. 5.0 fps
( Sequential shooting H mode )
Viewfinder Built-in,Eye-level electronic viewfinder, 1.44 million dots
Field of view:100%
Magnification: 1.15x
( maximum )
External viewfinder Built-in,
Eye-level SLR viewfinder,
Field of view: 100%
Magnification: 1.15x
( maximum )
Hot shoe Available
Accessory port
(AP2)
Available Not available
Monitor 3.0 inches, 3:2
Approx. 610,000 dots
Movable Organic EL monitor
3.0 inches, 3:2
Approx. 610,000 dots
Organic EL monitor
3.0 inches, 3:2
Approx. 920,000 dots
Movable TFT color LCD
Touch panel Available Not available
Grip Available Available ( MCG-1 )
Packaged with the camera, Removable
Available
Control dial 2 dials (main / sub)
Movie MOV ( MPEG-4AVC / H.264 )
AVI ( Motion JPEG )
30 fps
AVCHD full HD
AVI ( Motion JPEG HD )
30 fps
AVI ( Motion JPEG HD )
30 fps
AF area 35 points 11 points
FAST AF system Available Not available
Shutter speed 60 - 1 / 4000 sec. 60 - 1 / 8000 sec.
Focus modes Single AF ( S-AF )
Continuous AF ( C-AF )
Manual Focus ( MF )
S-AF+MF
AF tracking ( C-AF+TR )
Single AF ( S-AF )
Continuous AF ( C-AF )
Manual Focus ( MF )
S-AF+MF
C-AF+MF
Advance AF Available
Menu languages 34 languages, including Japanese and English
Picture mode i-Enhance, Vivid, Natural, Muted,
Portrait, Monotone, Custom, Art filter
Art filter 11 art filters
- Pop Art
- Soft Focus
- Pale&Light Color
- Light Tone
- Grainy Film
- Pin Hole
- Diorama
- Cross Process
- Gentle Sepia
- Dramatic Tone
- Key Line

Art filter variation and 5 art effects available
10 art filters
- Pop Art
- Soft Focus
- Pale&Light Color
- Light Tone
- Grainy Film
- Pin Hole
- Diorama
- Cross Process
- Gentle Sepia
- Dramatic Tone

Art filter variation and 5 art effects available
10 art filters
- Pop Art
- Soft Focus
- Pale&Light Color
- Light Tone
- Grainy Film
- Pin Hole
- Diorama
- Cross Process
- Gentle Sepia
- Dramatic Tone

Art filter variation and effects not available
Face priority AF
Eye priority AF
Eye detect AF
Available Not available
Multi Exposure 2 frames max. 4 frames max.
Level Gauge Available
Underwater Housing
(Sold separately)
Available Not available Available
HDMI output connector HDMI Micro Connector
( Type D )
HDMI Mini Connector
( Type C )
Battery BLN-1 BLS-1 or BLS-5 BLM-5
Power battery holder
(Sold separately)
HLD-6 Not available HLD-4
Dimensions
(excluding protrusions)
121.0 mm (W) x 89.6 mm (H) x 41.9 mm (D) / 4.8" (W) x 3.5" (H) x 1.6" (D) 122.0 mm (W) x 69.1 mm (H) x 34.3 mm (D) / 4.8" (W) x 2.7" (H) x 1.4" (D) 142.5 mm (W) x 116.5 mm (H) x 74.5 mm (D) / 5.6" (W) x 4.6" (H) x 2.9" (D)
Weight - Approx. 425g
(including battery and SD card)
- Approx. 373g
(body only)
- Approx. 637g
(ED 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 EZ lens + camera body + battery)
- Approx. 369g
(including battery and SD card)
- Approx. 321g (body only)
- Approx. 482g
(M14-42mm II R lens + camera body + battery)
Approx. 892g
(including battery and CF card)
Release date March 2012 July 2011 October 2010
Refer to the product's page E-M5 E-P3 E-5
Product comparison page E-M5 / E-P3 / E-5
Note:
You can also compare other models on the following web page:
* Product comparison

Question :
What kind of materials are used for the camera body?

Answer:
The camera body is made of a magnesium alloy.


Question :
Which lenses can be attached to the E-M5 ( OLYMPUS OM-D series ) ?

Answer:
The Micro Four Thirds lenses ( M.ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses ) for OLYMPUS PEN series cameras can be attached to the E-M5.

You can also attach Four Thirds lenses (OLYMPUS E-SYSTEM) or OM series lenses for film cameras by using an adapter *1 ( MMF-1 *2, MMF-2 *2, MMF-3 and MF-2 *2, respectively ).

Refer to the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL Lenses page for information on the Olympus Micro Four Thirds lenses and lens accessories.

*1 Lens adapters are sold separately.
*2 The MMF-1, MMF-2 and MF-2 are not splashproof or dustproof.

Question :
How long is the shutter-release lag time?

Answer:
After the shutter button is pressed halfway, it takes about 50 msec to release the shutter.


Question :
Which lenses are compatible with the MMF-1, MMF-2 and MMF-3?

Answer:
You can use Four Thirds System lenses on Micro Four Thirds-compliant cameras by adding either the MMF-1, MMF-2 or MMF-3 lens adapter.

Note:
- Focal length and f-stop ( aperture value ) does not change.
- To see compatible lenses on a Panasonic camera body, refer to the Panasonic support Web site.
- When you take pictures in C-AF or C-AF+TR ( AF tracking ) mode with OLYMPUS OM-D or OLYMPUS PEN series cameras and a Four Thirds System lens, the camera operates as in S-AF mode.
C-AF+TR ( AF tracking ) is not available in E-P1.
- It is recommended to update the firmware in the lens to the latest version. Visit the following Web site for more information:
* Joint update service for OLYMPUS E-SYSTEM

The following table shows the lenses compatible with the MMF-1, MMF-2 and MMF-3.
Refer to the footnote below the table when you see a mark (*) in "Compatible or Not compatible" field.

Lenses Compatible (x) or
Not compatible (-)
OLYMPUS ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 8mm F3.5 Fisheye     x *1
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 7-14mm F4.0     x *1
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6    x
ZUIKO DIGITAL 11-22mm F2.8-3.5     x *1
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 SWD     x *1
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6     x *2
ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm F2.8-3.5    x *1
ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm F2.8-3.5 II    x
ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-45mm F3.5-5.6    x *1
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 18-180mm F3.5-6.3    x *1
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-35mm F2.0 SWD    x *1
ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm F2.8    x 
ZUIKO DIGITAL 35mm F3.5 Macro    x *1
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50mm F2.0 Macro    x *1
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 150mm F2.0    x *1
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 35-100mm F2.0     x *1
ZUIKO DIGITAL 40-150mm F3.5-4.5    x *1
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm F4.0-5.6    x *2
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50-200mm F2.8-3.5     x *1
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50-200mm F2.8-3.5 SWD    x *1
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 300mm F2.8    x *1
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 90-250mm F2.8     x *1
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm F4.0-5.6    x *2
Teleconverter EC-14     - *3
Teleconverter EC-20    - *3
Extension Tube EX-25    - *3
OM Adapter MF-1    - 
Panasonic LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm F2.8-3.5 ASPH.    x *1
LEICA D VARIO-ELMAR 14-50mm/F3.8-5.6 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S.    x
LEICA D VARIO-ELMAR 14-150mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S.    x
LEICA D SUMMILUX 25mm/F1.4 ASPH.    x *2
SIGMA 24mm F1.8 EX DG ASPHERICAL MACRO    x *1
30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM    x *1
50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM    x *1
MACRO 105mm F2.8 EX DG    x *1
APO MACRO 150mm F2.8 EX DG HSM    x *1
10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM    x *1
18-50mm F2.8 EX DC MACRO    x *1
18-50mm F3.5-5.6 DC     x *1
18-125mm F3.5-5.6 DC    x *1
APO 50-500mm F4-6.3 EX DG HSM    x *1
55-200mm F4-5.6 DC    x *1
APO 70-200mm F2.8 II DG MACRO HSM    x *1
APO 135-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG    x *1
APO 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM    x *1
*1 When it is difficult to focus on your subject using a lens that is not compatible with high-speed imager AF, shooting with "S-AF + MF" mode is recommended.
*2 Some lenses that are compatible with high-speed imager AF require a firmware update to achieve compatibility. For this reason, it is recommended to update the firmware in the lens to the latest version.
*3 Attaching two or more adapters between the camera body and the lens is not recommended.

Question :
Which lenses are compatible with Four Thirds or Micro Four Thirds digital cameras?

Answer:
The following table shows the compatibility:

Compatible ( x ), Compatible with adapter ( xx ), Not compatible ( - )
    Four Thirds System camera body Micro Four Thirds System camera body
Lenses for
digital cameras
Four Thirds System lens x xx *1
Micro Four Thirds System lens - x
Competitor's lens - -
Lenses for
film cameras 
OM system lens xx *2 xx *2
Competitor's lens x -
*1 Four Thirds adapter MMF-1, MMF-2 or MMF-3 is required.
Refer to the following Q&A to see compatible lenses for MMF-1, MMF-2 and MMF-3:
* Which lenses are compatible with the MMF-1, MMF-2 and MMF-3?
*2 OM adapter MF-1 or MF-2 is required.
Refer to the following web page to see compatible lenses for MF-1 ( Four Thirds mount adapter ) and MF-2 ( Micro Four Thirds mount adapter ) :
* OM-Series Lenses Compatibility Table
Olympus Four Thirds System cameras ( as of February 2012 ) :
E-5, E-3, E-1, E-30, E-620, E-520, E-420, E-510, E-410, E-500, E-330, E-300

Olympus Micro Four Thirds System cameras ( as of February 2012 ) :
E-M5, E-P3, E-P2, E-P1, E-PL3, E-PL2, E-PL1s, E-PL1, E-PM1
Note:
You cannot use the Micro Four Thirds System lens on a Four Thirds System camera body.

Question :
Which M. ZUIKO conversion lenses can be attached to each M. ZUIKO lens?

Answer:
The following table shows the lenses that can be attached to a converter lens ( WCON-P01, FCON-P01 or MCON-P01 / sold separately ) :
as of February 2012
Lens Converter lens that can be attached
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II *1
Macro Converter ( MCON-P01 )
Fisheye Lens Converter ( FCON-P01 )
Wide Converter ( WCON-P01 )
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R *1, *2
Macro Converter ( MCON-P01 )
Fisheye Lens Converter ( FCON-P01 )
Wide Converter ( WCON-P01 )
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm F4.0-5.6
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm F4.0-5.6
Macro Converter ( MCON-P01 ) *3
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm F4.0-5.6 R
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm F4.0-5.6 R
Macro Converter ( MCON-P01 ) *3
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-150mm F4.0-5.6
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-150mm F4.0-5.6
Macro Converter ( MCON-P01 ) *3
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm F1.8
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm F1.8
Macro Converter ( MCON-P01 ) *3
*1 The converter cannot be attached to the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 lens that is bundled with E-P1, E-P2 and E-PL1 Lens kit.
*2 Remove the decoration ring from the lens before attaching to the converter. Refer to the following web page for more information:
* How do I attach a lens hood or converter lens to the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R lens?
*3 Remove the macro adapter MA-P01 from the MCON-P01 before attaching to the lens.


Question :
How do I attach a lens hood or converter lens to the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R lens?

Answer:
To attach a lens hood ( LH-40, sold separately ) or converter lens ( MCON-P01, WCON-P01, FCON-P01, each sold separately ) to the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R lens, please do the following:

  1. Gently twist the decoration ring in the direction shown in Step 1 of the example illustration.
  2. Remove the decoration ring.
  3. Align the mark on the lens hood or conversion lens with the bar on the lens and then gently push the lens hood or conversion lens onto the lens as shown in Step 3.
  4. Turn the lens hood or conversion lens in the direction shown in Step 4 until it clicks securely into place.
e.g. How to attach a lens hood (LH-40, sold separately) to the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R

Question :
Which types of memory cards can I use?

Answer:
SD, SDHC and SDXC cards, including Eye-Fi® cards, can be used.
xD-Picture Card™ and CompactFlash® media cannot be used.

Note:
To see a list of compatible memory cards, click here:
* Compatibility table for Media Card ( OM-D / PEN series )

Question :
Where can I find the instruction manual for my camera?

Answer:
You can either read online or download the instruction manual for your camera.
See the following Web page to find the available manuals:
* Download Manuals


Question :
Where can I get my camera repaired or serviced?

Answer:
Please contact the Olympus authorized distributor or service center in your country.
See the OLYMPUS Authorized Distributors List to find the nearest distributor or service center.
* OLYMPUS Authorized Distributors List ( PDF )


Question :
How do I remove the accessory port cover and flash connector ( hot shoe ) cover from the E-M5?

Answer:
To attach the flash ( packaged with the camera ) or other accessories ( those compatible with the accessory port ), remove the cover of the accessory port and flash connector ( hot shoe ) from the E-M5.

How to remove the accessory port cover:
You will see a mark on the left side of the accessory port cover.
Hook your finger into the edge of the cover near the mark and turn it to the right as shown in the illustration below.

How to remove the accessory port cover

How to remove the flash connector ( hot shoe ) cover:
Slide the cover toward the back of the camera.

Note:
Store the cover in a safe place to avoid losing it.


Question :
I hear a slight humming noise when I power ON the E-M5. What is this sound?

Answer:
The sound being produced when the E-M5 is turned ON is the operating sound of the image stabilizer unit.

The E-M5 is equipped with a new mechanism to facilitate the 5-axis image stabilization. Even if the image stabilizer is OFF, the sound is active to insure that the sensor stays in the center of the image circle.

Note:
The sound of the image stabilizer unit is decreased while movie shooting.


Question :
How can I set the Image Stabilizer by pressing the shutter button halfway? ( Half Way Rls With IS )

Answer:
To activate the Image Stabilizer by pressing the shutter button halfway, set the Half Way Rls With IS to ON.
This feature is especially helpful when composing your shot with a telephoto or macro lens since you will be viewing a focused and stabilized image.

How to set the Half Way Rls With IS

  1. Press the [ MENU ] button.
  2. Select ( Custom Menu ) using the arrow pad [ Updown ] button, and then press the [ Right ] button.

    Custom Menu
  3. In release_continuous_shooting ( C. Release / Sequential Shooting ), select Half Way Rls With IS and press the [ Right ] button.

    Half Way Rls With IS
  4. Select On with the [ Updown ] button, and press the [ OK ] button.

    press the [OK] button

Question :
Can I choose the power source when the Power battery holder ( HLD-6 ) is attached to the E-M5 camera?

Answer:
When the Power Battery Holder (HLD-6) is attached to the camera, you can choose between using the battery in HLD-6 or the one in the camera body.
The battery in the HLD-6 is used if you set the Battery Priority to PBH. If the battery in the HLD-6 is completely drained, the power source will automatically switch to the in-camera battery.

How to change the setting

  1. Press the [ MENU ] button.
  2. Select ( Custom Menu ) using the arrow pad [ Updown ] button, and then press the [ Right ] button.

    Custom Menu
  3. In release_continuous_shooting (K. P Utility), select Battery Priority Battery Priority and press the [ Updown ] button.

    Battery Priority
  4. Select Body Battery or PBH Battery with the [ Updown ] button.

    PBH Battery

    PBH battery priority ( Default )
    The battery in the HLD-6 is used.
    If there is no battery in the HLD-6 or if the battery in the HLD-6 is completely drained, the power source will automatically switch to the in-camera battery.

    Body battery priority

    Body battery priority
    The battery in the camera is used. If there is no battery in the camera or if the battery in the camera is completely drained, the power source will automatically switch to the battery in the HLD-6.
  5. Press the [ OK ] button to complete the setting.


Question :
How do I change the viewfinder display style of the Built-in EVF ( electronic viewfinder ) ?

Answer:
In the E-M5, you can select from 3 styles of display within the built-in EVF ( electronic viewfinder ).
The following procedure describes how to change the viewfinder display style.

viewfinder display style

Note:
- The default viewfinder display style is Style 3.
- If the EVF Auto Switch is set to OFF, the built-in EVF is Style 3.
- Style 1 and Style 2 cannot be displayed on the back monitor or external electronic viewfinder ( VF-2 / VF-3 ).
- The displayed magnification ratio in Style 1 and Style 2 is 0.92 x in 4:3 aspect ratio and 1.0 x in 3:2.

How to change the viewfinder display style

  1. Press the [ MENU ] button.
  2. Select ( Custom Menu ) using the arrow pad [ Updown ] button, and then press the [ Right ] button.

    Custom Menu
  3. In release_continuous_shooting ( J. Built-In EVF ), select Built-in EVF Style and press the [ Right ] button.

    Built-in EVF Style
  4. Select Style 1, Style 2 or Style 3 with the [ Updown ] button, and press the [ OK ] button.



Question :
How do I display the LV Super Control Panel during Live View shooting?

Answer:
Before you can access the LV Super Control Panel ( Live SCP ) during Live View shooting on the built-in EVF or back monitor, you must set Live SCP to ON in the camera's menu.

After this is set, pressing the INFO button will bring you to the Live Super Control Panel depending on the shooting mode it was set up in.

Press the INFO button

Note:
The default LV Super Control panel setting is OFF.

How to activate the Live Super Control Panel :

* Note: use the arrow buttons on the back of the camera to select each menu item.

  1. Press the [ MENU ] button.
  2. Select "gears" Custom menu ( Custom menu ), then select D DISP/ /PC. Press the [ OK ] button.

    Select gears (Custom menu), then select DISP/ /PC. Press the [ OK ] button.
  3. Select Control Settings Control Settings. Press [ OK ] button.

    Select Control Settings. Press [ OK ] button.
  4. Select the shooting modes you want to have Live SCP, for example P / A / S / M, and press the right arrow button.

    Select the shooting modes you want to have Live SCP, for example P,A / S / M, and press the right arrow button.
  5. Select Live SCP and press the right arrow button.

    Select Live SCP and press the right arrow button
  6. Select ON and press [ OK ] button.

    Select ON and press [ OK ] button.
  7. When you are in the shooting mode you setup, such as P, pressing the INFO button will now bring up the Live Super Control Panel. Press [ OK ] and use the arrow buttons to select the various settings. Press [ OK ] to change the setting for a given function.



Question :
Are any firmware updates available for my camera?

Answer:
You can find the available firmware for your camera on the following Web page:
* Download Files: Software, Firmware, Drivers


 Top of this page
Contact Us Sitemap About This Website
Copyright OLYMPUS CORPORATION All Rights Reserved.