Digital Imaging(Cameras)
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Digital Imaging (Cameras) Top
Q&A
Q&A for E-M5
Product Q&A
* Interchangeable Lens Cameras
* Compact Digital Cameras
Common Q&A
* Software
Questions :
See the following Web page for general questions and answers for OLYMPUS OM-D and OLYMPUS PEN series cameras :


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

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 ).

*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 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 :
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


Question :
When recording movies I can hear the sound of the lens focusing, how can I reduce this sound?

Answer:
When recording sound in a movie, the sound made by the lens and camera operating may be recorded. This is due to the proximity of the microphone to the lens. If desired, you can reduce these sounds by shooting with [AF Mode] set to [S-AF], or by limiting the amount of times you press the buttons.


Question :
My lens is not auto-focusing, what is the cause?

Answer:
In the micro four thirds lineup the following lenses, M. Zuiko ED 12-40mm f2.8 Pro, M. Zuiko 12mm f1.8, and M. Zuiko 17mm f1.8 have a function called Manual Focus Clutch Focusing. This ring controls whether the camera/lens is in MF (Manual Focus) or AF (Auto Focus). If you are using one of these lenses, grasp the focusing ring between your thumb and forefinger and push it toward the front of the lens. It will snap forward and set the focus mode to AF. If you pull it back to expose the Hyper focal scale it will be in Manual mode. Basically this allows for quick switching in situations where manual focus is better suited for the situation.


Question :
How do I confirm the firmware version of the camera or attached lens?

Answer:
The following procedure explains how to confirm the firmware version of your camera and lens:

  1. Press the [MENU] button.
    In icon (Setup Menu), select Firmware using the Up or Down arrow pad button, then press the Right arrow pad button to open.



  2. The firmware version of the camera and attached lens is displayed.
    (When a lens is not attached to the camera, only the firmware version of the camera is displayed.)
  1. Press the [OK] button to display the Setup Menu.

Question :
Where is the [B-Fn1], [B-Fn2] or [L-Fn] button that is used for Button Function?

Answer:
Using the B-Fn1 Function, B-Fn2 Function and L-Fn Function, you can assign functions to the Fn button (Function button) on the Power Battery Holder HLD-6, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 EZ lens and M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO lens.

How to change the assigned function:
In icon Custom Menu, select icon Button/Dial and press the [OK] button. Select Button Function and press the [OK] button. Select B-Fn1 Function, B-Fn2 Function or L-Fn Function, then press the Right arrow pad button to open, and change the assigned function by pressing the Up or Down arrow pad button. Once the desired function is selected, press the [OK] button to set.

B-Fn1 Function and B-Fn2 Function:
You can assign a function to the [B-Fn1] button and [B-Fn2] button on the Power Battery Holder HLD-6.

L-Fn Function:
You can assign a function to the [L-Fn] button on the ED 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 EZ lens and ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO lens.

Note:
  • In default setting, the function assigned to each button is AEL/AFL for B-Fn1 Function, icon (AF Area Select) for B-Fn2 Function and AF Stop for L-Fn Function.
  • When the L-Fn Function is not available on your camera, the function of [L-Fn] button on the lens is AF Stop.

Question :
How do I set the Digital Tele-converter function?

Answer:
After setting the Digital Tele-converter to On in the setting menu, you can use it by assigning the function button [Fn1], [Fn2] or [ icon (movie) ] button.

The following procedure explains how to enable the function in E-M5.

Setting the Digital Tele-converter function to On:

  1. Press the [MENU] button. In icon (Shooting Menu 1), select Digital Tele-converter and press the [OK] button.



  2. Select On and press the [OK] button.



  3. Make sure that Digital Tele-converter is On.


Utilize the following procedure to set the button function.

On E-M5, you can assign the Digital Tele-converter function to the [Fn1], [Fn2] or [ icon (movie)] button.
The following procedure explains how to assign the function to the [Fn1] button.


Assigning Digital Tele-converter function to the [Fn1] button:

  1. In icon (Custom Menu), select icon (Button/Dial) and press the [OK] button.



  2. Select Button Function and press the [OK] button.



  3. Select Fn1 Function and press the Right arrow pad button.

  4. Select icon (Digital Tele-converter) using the Up or Down arrow pad button and press the [OK] button.



  5. Make sure that the Fn1 Function is set to icon (Digital Tele-converter).



  6. When you press the [Fn1] button in shooting mode, the image on the monitor will be enlarged by 2x.
    The image will be recorded as it is displayed on the monitor.
    To cancel the Digital Tele-converter mode, press the [Fn1] button again.
Note:
  • Digital Tele-converter is not available in Multiple Exposure and when 3D photo, Panorama, Fisheye effect, Wide Angle and Macro is selected in SCN mode.
  • When a RAW photo is displayed in playback, the area that you displayed on the monitor using Digital Tele-converter is indicated by a frame.

Question :
How do I use the touch screen on the camera?

Answer:
You can operate the E-M5 by tapping the monitor of the camera.

Note:
  • Touch screen operation is not available in the following situations:
    While recording movies, panorama, 3D, e-portrait, multiple exposure, during bulb or time photography, one-touch white balance display, and when buttons or dials are in use.
  • In self-timer mode, you can start the timer by tapping the monitor of the camera.
    Tap the monitor again to stop the timer.
  • Do not touch the monitor with fingernails or sharp objects.
  • Gloves and monitor covers may interfere with touch screen operation.

[ Using the touch screen in Live Guides ]

You can operate the Live Guides using the touch screen.

  1. If you tap the tab on the right of the monitor, the Live Guides will be displayed.
    Select and tap a desired live guide to change its setting.

  1. Use your finger to position the slider up and down, and then press the [OK] button to complete the setting.
    Press the [MENU] button to exit the live guide display.
Note:
  • The live guide function is available only in iAUTO.
  • You can also use the live guide when framing images in the viewfinder.
    The live guides will be displayed in the viewfinder when you press the [OK] button. Select each live guide and position the level bar using the main dial or arrow pad buttons.

[ Using the touch screen in shooting mode ]

You can focus on a subject or shoot a picture by tapping the monitor of the camera. The touch screen setting changes whenever you tap the icon button on the monitor.



icon ...Touch screen operation disabled.

icon ...Focus on the subject in a selected area. The procedure below (*1) explains how to take pictures using the function.

icon ...Tap a subject to focus and automatically release the shutter. The function is disabled in movie mode.

*1 How to take pictures by focusing on a subject using the touch screen ( icon ):

  1. Tap the subject you want to focus.
    If you tap a subject, the AF frame will be displayed on the monitor. You can change the size of the AF frame by sliding the level bar up and down. The level bar is on the right of the monitor.



  2. When you tap the icon , the area of the AF frame will be enlarged.
    You can scroll the display by tapping and moving your finger on the monitor.



  3. When the subject is focused, press the shutter button to take the picture.

[ Using the touch screen in Playback Mode ]

You can turn to the next image or zoom in and out the displayed imge using the touch screen.

Single-frame playback

  • Scroll forward or backward
    In playback display, slide your finger to the left to view latter frames and to the right to view earlier frames.



  • Zoom in and out
    When you tap the monitor of the camera, the level bar will be displayed on the right.
    You can zoom in and out by sliding the level bar up and down with your finger.
    While zooming in, you can scroll the display by tapping and moving your finger on the monitor.



    Tap icon on the lower right to display index playback. For calendar playback, tap icon until the calendar is displayed.

Index playback / Calendar playback

  • Page Ahead / Page Back
    Slide your finger up to view the next page and down to view the previous page.



    Use icon or icon to change the number of images displayed. For single-frame playback, tap icon until the current selected image is displayed in full frame.

Viewing Images in full size

You can display a full frame image if you tap the image you want to display.

[ Using the touch screen to adjust Settings ]

You can select a function in Super Control Panel or LV Super Control Panel.

  1. Press the [OK] button to display the Super Control Panel.



  2. If you tap a function, the selected field will be highlighted.



  3. Use the sub dial to change settings.

Question :
How do I set the JPEG image mode (image size and compression rate)?

Answer:
The JPEG image mode can be selected from three image sizes (L, M, and S) and four compression rates (SF, F, N, and B). Four settings out of 12 combination can be set.

In default JPEG image mode setting, the combination of image size and compression rate is L-F, L-N, M (2560 x 1920) - N and S (1280 x 960) - N.



  1. Combination of image size and compression rate
  2. How to change JPEG image mode (image size and compression)

1. Combination of image size and compression rate

In image size M and S, separate setting is required to change the default pixel size setting to another size. Refer to the following question for more information:

* I would like to change the default pixel size setting in image size M (Middle) and S (Small). What should I do?

Image Size (when aspect rate is 4:3)
Name Pixel Size
L
(Large)
4608 × 3456
M
(Middle)
3200 × 2400
2560 × 1920 *
1920 × 1440
1600 × 1200
S
(Small)
1280 × 960 *
1024 × 768
640 × 480
  • * Default setting in image size M and S.


Compression Rate
Name Compression Rate
SF
(Super Fine)
1/2.7
F
(Fine)
1/4
N
(Normal)
1/8
B
(Basic)
1/12
Note:

You cannot change the image size and compression rate in RAW and the image size in L.

2. How to change JPEG image mode (image size and compression)

  1. In icon (Custom Menu), select Color/WEB and press the [OK] button.



  2. Select icon and press the [OK] button.



  3. In Set , the current combination setting of image size and compression is displayed.



  4. Select an image size from L, M and S by pressing the Up or Down arrow pad button.
    Press the Right arrow pad button to proceed to the compression rate setting.



  5. Select a compression rate from SF, F, N and B.
    To set another image mode setting, press the Right arrow pad button.
    Press the [OK] button to complete the image mode setting.




Question :
I would like to change the default pixel size setting in image size M (Middle) and S (Small). What should I do?

Answer:
Image size M (Middle) and S (Small) can be changed to the pixel size in the following table. (When aspect rate is 4:3.)

Image Size Selectable Pixel Size
M
(Middle)

3200 × 2400
(equivalent to appro×. 8,000,000 pi×els)

2560 × 1920
(equivalent to appro×. 5,000,000 pi×els) *

1920 × 1440
(equivalent to appro×. 2,800,000 pi×els)

1600 × 1200
(equivalent to appro×. 2,000,000 pi×els)

S
(Small)

1280 × 960
(equivalent to appro×. 1,220,000 pi×els) *

1024 × 768
(equivalent to appro×. 800,000 pi×els)

640 × 480
(equivalent to appro×. 300,000 pi×els)

  • * The default pixel size
Note:

How to change pixel size in image size M and S

  1. In icon (Custom Menu), select Color/WEB and press the [OK] button.



  2. Select Pixel Count and press the [OK] button.



  3. Select the image mode you want to change its pixel size and press the Right arrow pad button.
    In the example below, image mode M is selected to change its pixel size.



  4. Select a pixel size and press the [OK] button to complete the setting.



After the setting, you can shoot in the pixel size when you select image mode M or S.


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