When you're in the market for a mirrorless camera, Olympus has several intriguing options with unique features to ponder. From the E-PL6 Body Only with its robust 16MP Live MOS sensor and useful 3-axis image stabilization, to the weather-sealed OM-D E-M5 Mirrorless Camera Kit, each model caters to different needs. Don't overlook the E-PL8 EZ's rotating touch panel monitor suited for creative shots or the advanced functionalities of the OM-D E-M5 Mark II Kit Camera. To determine which fits your style, let's compare their strengths and specific advantages so you can capture the perfect shot.
Key Takeaways
- The Olympus Mirrorless SLR E-PL6 features 3-Axis IBIS and a versatile ISO range, ideal for high-quality imaging in a compact form.
- The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Kit integrates a weather-sealed body and electronic viewfinder, excelling in build quality and low-light performance.
- The Olympus Mirrorless Single-Lens Reflex Camera E-PL8 has a 180-degree rotating touch panel and APS-C sensor, perfect for selfies and vlogging.
- The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Kit with 12-40mm PRO lens offers 5-axis IBIS and High Res Shot function, delivering 40MP images and excellent stability.
- Optical and In-Body Image Stabilization ensure crisp, blur-free photographs and videos, with 5-axis IBIS being most effective for dynamic shooting conditions.
Olympus Mirrorless SLR E-PL6 Body Only (Red) – International Version
The Olympus Mirrorless SLR E-PL6 Body Only (Red) – International Version is ideal for photography enthusiasts who crave high-quality imaging without the bulk of traditional SLRs.
This camera boasts a 16 Mega Pixel Live MOS sensor, ensuring sharp, detailed photos. You'll love the 3-Axis In Body image stabilization, which minimizes blur, enhancing the overall quality of your shots.
The versatile ISO range from 100 to 25,600 adapts to various lighting conditions.
For creative photographers, the interval shooting mode combined with Time Lapse movie capabilities opens up artistic possibilities.
Plus, with Amazon's 30-Day Return Guarantee, you can feel confident in your purchase. If you find a lower price, let Amazon know for a price comparison.
Delve into high-quality, convenient photography with the Olympus E-PL6.
Best For: Photography enthusiasts who want high-quality imaging without the bulk of traditional SLRs will find the Olympus Mirrorless SLR E-PL6 Body Only (Red) – International Version ideal for their needs.
Pros:
- 16 Mega Pixel Live MOS sensor ensures sharp, detailed photos.
- 3-Axis In Body image stabilization minimizes blur.
- Versatile ISO range from 100 to 25,600 adapts to various lighting conditions.
Cons:
- Display specifications are not provided.
- Lens details are not included.
- Limited warranty information available through Amazon's link.
OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5 Mirrorless Camera Kit
Looking for a versatile and high-performing camera that doesn't weigh you down? The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mirrorless Camera Kit might just be your perfect match.
This camera stands out by maximizing the Micro Four Thirds system, offering compactness, light weight, and impressive performance. Equipped with a 12-50mm EZ lens, weather-sealed tropicalized body, and ergonomic design, it's ready for any challenging environment.
You'll love the robust build, functional menu, and customizable buttons that give you quick access to your preferred settings. Plus, the electronic viewfinder and image stabilizer enhance your shooting experience, especially in low-light conditions.
Despite some minor drawbacks like no Wi-Fi and a steep learning curve, this kit offers excellent value and image quality, ideal for ambitious amateurs.
Best For: Ambitious amateur photographers seeking a portable, high-quality camera that performs well in various conditions.
Pros:
- Compact, lightweight, and weather-sealed design
- High image quality with excellent performance at high ISOs
- Customizable buttons and functional menu for quick access to settings
Cons:
- No Wi-Fi connectivity
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Navigation buttons are small and spongy
OLYMPUS Mirrorless Single – Lens Reflex Camera E – PL8 EZ, whites
With its sleek design and user-friendly features, the OLYMPUS Mirrorless Single-Lens Reflex Camera E-PL8 EZ, whites, is perfect for photography enthusiasts who value the legacy of the OLYMPUS PEN series.
The camera inherits the series' timeless design, coupled with modern touches like a 180-degree rotating, bottom-opening touch panel monitor, making it great for selfies and vlogs.
Note that it doesn't come with a lens, so you'll need to purchase one separately, utilizing its APS-C sensor for excellent image quality.
Users have praised its usability but highlighted the necessity of a quality lens for peak performance.
You'll also appreciate the 30-day return guarantee from Amazon, providing peace of mind.
Warranty and support information is readily available for added assurance.
Best For: Photography enthusiasts who enjoy the OLYMPUS PEN series' legacy design and need a modern yet classic-looking camera for vlogging and selfies.
Pros:
- Sleek design inherited from the OLYMPUS PEN series
- 180-degree rotating, bottom-opening touch panel monitor for easy selfies and vlogs
- APS-C sensor for excellent image quality
Cons:
- No lens included, requires an additional purchase
- Importance of having a quality lens for optimum performance
- Lack of built-in viewfinder may be an issue for some users
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Kit Camera with 12-40 mm PRO Lens
For photographers seeking a versatile and high-performance camera, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Kit Camera with the 12-40 mm PRO Lens stands out.
This kit is part of the Micro Four Thirds System, combining compactness with a high-quality build. The 5-axis image stabilization guarantees blur-free photos, while the High Res Shot function captures stunning 40-megapixel images.
Equipped with a pivoting LCD and a large electronic viewfinder, you'll get a crystal-clear view. It's dust, splash, and frost-proof, perfect for harsh conditions.
The kit includes the E-M5 body, 12-40 mm PRO lens, and essential accessories. Users rave about its weather-sealing and image quality, although some have noted autofocus and ergonomics issues.
Enjoy Wi-Fi connectivity for easy sharing.
Best For: Advanced users and professionals who need a compact, weather-sealed camera with high-quality imaging capabilities and versatile lens options.
Pros:
- 5-axis image stabilization for blur-free photos and videos
- Fully sealed design for dust, splash, and frost-proof shooting
- High Res Shot function enabling 40-megapixel images
Cons:
- Some users report issues with autofocus performance
- Ergonomics may not be comfortable for everyone
- Screen responsiveness can be problematic for certain users
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Olympus Mirrorless Camera Body and Lens Comparison Review
When choosing an Olympus mirrorless camera body and lens, you'll want to ponder a few key factors.
Pay attention to sensor and resolution quality for clear images, and the types of image stabilization available.
Also look at the display and viewfinder features, build and ergonomics, as well as connectivity and additional add-ons that can enhance your shooting experience.
Sensor and Resolution Quality
Choosing the right sensor and resolution quality in an Olympus mirrorless camera involves balancing several pivotal factors.
A higher sensor resolution generally provides more detailed images, but it can also increase noise and decrease performance in low-light conditions. If you're into low-light photography or need a shallower depth of field, a full-frame sensor might be your best friend.
Conversely, Olympus's popular 16-megapixel Live MOS sensor offers an excellent balance between resolution and low-light capability, catering to diverse shooting needs.
Consider the type of photography you plan to do. For instance, landscape photography benefits from higher resolution for intricate details, while street photography might prioritize low-light performance.
It's vital to remember that a higher megapixel count doesn't always mean better image quality. Other factors like lens quality and the camera's image processing capabilities also profoundly impact the final result.
When you're evaluating Olympus mirrorless cameras, take a holistic approach. Assess the sensor's resolution in conjunction with other system features such as lens compatibility and overall build quality.
This balanced perspective will help you make an informed choice, ensuring your camera meets your specific needs efficiently.
Image Stabilization Types
One key factor to weigh when selecting an Olympus mirrorless camera is the type of image stabilization it offers. You have several options: Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS), and Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS).
OIS is built into the lens and works by moving lens elements to counteract camera shake.
It's particularly effective for telephoto and zoom lenses, giving you crisp images even in handheld shooting scenarios.
On the other hand, IBIS is built into the camera body and moves the sensor to achieve stabilization.
This technology comes in two main variants: 3-axis and 5-axis.
The 3-axis type stabilizes the camera in pitch, yaw, and roll directions.
For more extensive stabilization, 5-axis IBIS also manages horizontal and vertical shifts, making it ideal for video recordings and challenging shooting conditions.
Though less common, some cameras include EIS, which leverages the camera's image processing to stabilize footage.
However, EIS usually lags behind OIS and IBIS in effectiveness.
Display and Viewfinder Features
Grasping the importance of display and viewfinder features is crucial for anyone on the hunt for an Olympus mirrorless camera.
A good display and viewfinder will provide you with clear and sharp images, even in bright sunlight, guaranteeing accurate composition and focus. Some Olympus models offer touch panel type, bottom-opening monitors that rotate 180 degrees, which can be incredibly useful if you're into selfies or vlogging.
Electronic viewfinders (EVFs) are another key feature to weigh. High-resolution EVFs with fast refresh rates can reduce eye strain and make the shooting experience more immersive.
You'll find pivoting LCDs and large EVFs in many Olympus cameras, providing crystal-clear views and flexible shooting options. This flexibility can greatly enhance your shooting experience, whether you're capturing landscapes or snapping quick portraits.
Additionally, the quality of the display and viewfinder plays a significant role in manual focus and exposure adjustments. High-quality displays and EVFs allow for more precise control over your camera's settings, making it easier to achieve the perfect shot.
Build and Ergonomics
After understanding the significance of display and viewfinder features, let's focus on the build and ergonomics of an Olympus mirrorless camera.
You'll find that the build quality and ergonomics are essential for the camera's overall usability. Weight, size, and grip shape are pivotal factors; these elements determine how comfortably you can hold and operate the camera for extended periods.
For those who shoot in harsh environments, weather-sealing and dust-proofing are indispensable.
These features provide extra protection, letting you focus on capturing the perfect shot without worrying about your gear. The materials used in the camera's construction also play a significant role.
Metal bodies tend to offer a sense of premium quality and ruggedness that can withstand the test of time, unlike plastic bodies, which might feel less durable.
The layout and design of the controls and buttons are pivotal too.
You'll want intuitive and easily accessible controls that let you make quick adjustments during fast-paced shooting situations.
Additionally, a camera's balance and weight distribution affect how it feels when paired with different lenses.
Some cameras are more comfortable to maneuver, making them more enjoyable to use.
Connectivity and Add-ons
When selecting an Olympus mirrorless camera body and lens, connectivity and add-ons play a pivotal role in enhancing your overall shooting experience.
One key feature, Wi-Fi connectivity, allows instant picture sharing and gives you total control over the camera from your smartphone. It's especially handy when you're out in the field and need to upload photos on-the-go or adjust settings without touching the camera.
Olympus cameras often come packed with additional features like interval shooting mode and Time Lapse movie, ideal for creating stunning sequences and time-lapse videos.
If you're into experimenting with different types of photography, these features are a must.
Don't overlook the inclusion of a flash in the kit, which becomes essential when shooting in low-light conditions. It can make a significant difference in the quality of your photos.
Additionally, a touch panel type bottom-opening monitor enhances usability, making it easier to navigate through settings and review shots.
At a Glance
In brief, choosing the right Olympus mirrorless camera depends on your specific needs. The E-PL6 offers portability with solid image quality, while the OM-D E-M5 adds durability and a viewfinder for more serious photographers. The E-PL8 is great if you love a flip-out screen for selfies. Finally, the OM-D E-M5 Mark II delivers top-tier stabilization and advanced features. Weigh your priorities and pick the one that matches your photography style best!
