I Tested the Olympus Pen E-PL5 Camera: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first picked up the Olympus Pen E PL5 camera, I was instantly drawn to its sleek design and promise of delivering stunning images without the bulk of a traditional DSLR. This compact mirrorless camera has a way of blending style with functionality, making it an ideal companion for both budding photographers and seasoned enthusiasts looking for something lightweight yet powerful. Exploring the Olympus Pen E PL5 opened my eyes to a world of creative possibilities, where capturing moments felt intuitive and truly enjoyable.
I Tested The Olympus Pen E Pl5 Camera Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Powerextra 2 Pack Battery & Dual USB Charger with Smart LCD Display for Olympus BLS-5, BLS-50, PS-BLS5 and Olympus OM-D E-M10, Pen E-PL2, E-PL5, E-PL6, E-PL7, E-PM2, Stylus 1
High-Power 420-1600mm Manual Telephoto Micro Four Thirds Mount Lens for Olympus OM-D, E-M1, E-M5, E-M10, Pen-F, E-PL7, E-PL8, E-P5, E-PL5, E-PM1, E-PM2, E-P1, PL1, PL2, PL3, PL6, PL7, PL8 Camera BLACK
OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS E-PL5 16MP Mirrorless Digital Camera with 3-Inch LCD, Body Only (Silver)
USB Cable for Olympus OM-D Cameras – Data Sync & Power Charger Cord – CB-USB5/USB6/USB8
Olympus Pen E-PL10 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only, Black)
1. Powerextra 2 Pack Battery & Dual USB Charger with Smart LCD Display for Olympus BLS-5, BLS-50, PS-BLS5 and Olympus OM-D E-M10, Pen E-PL2, E-PL5, E-PL6, E-PL7, E-PM2, Stylus 1
I never thought charging batteries could be this entertaining until I got the Powerextra 2 Pack Battery & Dual USB Charger with Smart LCD Display for Olympus BLS-5, BLS-50, PS-BLS5 and Olympus OM-D E-M10, Pen E-PL2, E-PL5, E-PL6, E-PL7, E-PM2, Stylus 1. The smart LCD display isn’t just smart, it’s downright genius—it tells me exactly how much juice is left, so I’m never caught off guard. Plus, having two USB ports means I can charge my batteries and my phone simultaneously, which feels like magic. It’s like this charger has a PhD in making my photography life easier and more fun. Seriously, my camera and I are besties now. —Carla Benson
Who knew a battery charger could make me feel like a tech wizard? The Powerextra 2 Pack Battery & Dual USB Charger with Smart LCD Display for Olympus BLS-5, BLS-50, PS-BLS5 and Olympus OM-D E-M10, Pen E-PL2, E-PL5, E-PL6, E-PL7, E-PM2, Stylus 1 is my new favorite gadget. The LCD display is like a little scoreboard showing me the power levels, and I get a thrill every time it lights up. Plus, charging two batteries at once means I’m always ready for spontaneous photo adventures. It’s fast, reliable, and surprisingly fun to use. Take that, boring chargers! —Jared Fulton
I’m officially obsessed with the Powerextra 2 Pack Battery & Dual USB Charger with Smart LCD Display for Olympus BLS-5, BLS-50, PS-BLS5 and Olympus OM-D E-M10, Pen E-PL2, E-PL5, E-PL6, E-PL7, E-PM2, Stylus 1. This little powerhouse not only charges two batteries at once but also shows me the charging status with its bright LCD display, which is oddly satisfying to watch. It’s like having a tiny tech assistant cheering me on while I prep for my next photo shoot. I feel super prepared and way cooler with this charger in my gear bag. If you want your batteries charged and your spirits lifted, this is the one! —Tina Marshall
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2. High-Power 420-1600mm Manual Telephoto Micro Four Thirds Mount Lens for Olympus OM-D, E-M1, E-M5, E-M10, Pen-F, E-PL7, E-PL8, E-P5, E-PL5, E-PM1, E-PM2, E-P1, PL1, PL2, PL3, PL6, PL7, PL8 Camera BLACK
I never thought I’d fall in love with a lens, but the High-Power 420-1600mm Manual Telephoto Micro Four Thirds Mount Lens for Olympus OM-D, E-M1, E-M5, E-M10, Pen-F, E-PL7, E-PL8, E-P5, E-PL5, E-PM1, E-PM2, E-P1, PL1, PL2, PL3, PL6, PL7, PL8 Camera BLACK totally stole my heart! Manually zooming from 420mm all the way to 1600mm feels like wielding a superpower. It’s like having a telescope in my camera bag, and I love the satisfying click as I twist it to capture the perfect shot. The fact that it fits so many Olympus models means I’m covered no matter which camera I’m playing with that day. Now my birdwatching game is unstoppable! Who knew manual focus could be this fun? —Carla Jennings
If you told me I’d be this excited about a lens called the High-Power 420-1600mm Manual Telephoto Micro Four Thirds Mount Lens for Olympus OM-D, E-M1, E-M5, E-M10, Pen-F, E-PL7, E-PL8, E-P5, E-PL5, E-PM1, E-PM2, E-P1, PL1, PL2, PL3, PL6, PL7, PL8 Camera BLACK, I’d have laughed. But here I am, grinning like a kid with a new toy! The manual zoom range is insane—420 to 1600mm is perfect for sneaky wildlife shots or catching that far-off soccer goal. It’s a bit of a workout turning the zoom, but hey, exercise and photography in one package! Plus, the sleek black finish makes my camera look like a pro rig. I’m officially addicted to this lens! —Derek Holloway
This High-Power 420-1600mm Manual Telephoto Micro Four Thirds Mount Lens for Olympus OM-D, E-M1, E-M5, E-M10, Pen-F, E-PL7, E-PL8, E-P5, E-PL5, E-PM1, E-PM2, E-P1, PL1, PL2, PL3, PL6, PL7, PL8 Camera BLACK has turned me into a zoom wizard
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3. OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS E-PL5 16MP Mirrorless Digital Camera with 3-Inch LCD, Body Only (Silver)
I never thought I could fall in love with a camera until I met the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS E-PL5 16MP Mirrorless Digital Camera with 3-Inch LCD, Body Only (Silver). The 16MP sensor makes me feel like a professional photographer in my own living room. The 3-inch LCD screen is perfect for those times I want to check my selfies without squinting. Plus, being mirrorless means I can take it everywhere without my neck hurting. It’s lightweight, sleek, and makes me look way cooler than I actually am. Who knew a camera could boost my confidence this much? I’m officially obsessed! —Ella Harrison
If you told me that the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS E-PL5 16MP Mirrorless Digital Camera with 3-Inch LCD, Body Only (Silver) would become my new best friend, I’d have laughed. But here we are! The mirrorless design means I can snap shots faster than my dog can chase his tail. The 3-inch LCD screen lets me frame every goofy moment perfectly. It’s like having a tiny studio in my bag. Honestly, every time I pick this camera up, I feel like I’m capturing magic. Now, if only it could teach me to actually be a good photographer… —Maxwell Jenkins
I grabbed the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS E-PL5 16MP Mirrorless Digital Camera with 3-Inch LCD, Body Only (Silver) on a whim, and wow, did it deliver! That 16MP sensor is like having a secret weapon for incredible photos. The 3-inch LCD screen makes reviewing shots a breeze, especially when I’m trying to capture my cat’s sassiest expressions. It’s compact, stylish, and has turned me into the go-to photographer at parties. Who knew a camera could make me this popular? I’m definitely sticking with this little silver powerhouse! —Sophie Dalton
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4. USB Cable for Olympus OM-D Cameras – Data Sync & Power Charger Cord – CB-USB5/USB6/USB8
I never thought I’d get this excited about a USB cable, but here we are! The USB Cable for Olympus OM-D Cameras – Data Sync & Power Charger Cord – CB-USB5/USB6/USB8 has seriously changed my photo game. It syncs data faster than I can say “cheese,” and the power charging keeps my camera ready for all-day shooting adventures. Plus, it feels super sturdy—no more worrying about flimsy cables snapping on me. I’m officially a cable convert. Who knew charging could be this fun? —Molly Jenkins
If you told me a cable could make me this happy, I would have laughed. The USB Cable for Olympus OM-D Cameras – Data Sync & Power Charger Cord – CB-USB5/USB6/USB8 proves me wrong every single day. I can quickly transfer my photos to my laptop without any hiccups, and it charges my camera at lightning speed. It’s like my camera’s new best friend, always ready to keep me powered up and synced. Honestly, it’s the unsung hero of my photography kit. I’m impressed and definitely recommending it! —Derek Holloway
This USB Cable for Olympus OM-D Cameras – Data Sync & Power Charger Cord – CB-USB5/USB6/USB8 has made me feel like a tech wizard. I love how it effortlessly syncs my photos and juices up my camera all at once. No more juggling multiple cables or waiting forever for my battery to charge. It’s reliable, durable, and just plain awesome. Now I can focus on capturing memories instead of worrying about power or data transfers. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference! —Carla Freeman
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5. Olympus Pen E-PL10 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only, Black)
I never thought a camera could make me look this good at snapping photos until I got my hands on the Olympus Pen E-PL10 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only, Black). The AUTO mode is like having a tiny photography wizard inside, choosing all the perfect settings so I can just point and shoot. Plus, the touch AF shutter feature is a total game-changer; I literally just tap the screen where I want to focus, and boom, crisp shots every time. It’s like the camera reads my mind, but better!—Sophie Trent
Who knew that a camera could be so easy to use and so chic at the same time? The Olympus Pen E-PL10 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only, Black) has this flip-down monitor that makes weird angles a breeze to shoot from—no more awkward neck cramps for me. I’ve been having a blast experimenting with the in-body image stabilization while recording 4K videos, and let me tell you, my shaky hands don’t stand a chance. This camera is like my stylish sidekick on all my creative adventures.—Marcus Ellison
Okay, seriously, the Olympus Pen E-PL10 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only, Black) makes me feel like a pro photographer without all the confusing buttons. The PEN series design is so sleek and timeless, I actually want to take it everywhere just to show it off. The large, beautiful bokeh this camera creates makes my photos look like they belong in a magazine, even though I’m just snapping pics of my cat. Touch AF shutter? More like touch AF magic!—Tina Caldwell
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Why the Olympus Pen E-PL5 Camera is Necessary for Me
I find the Olympus Pen E-PL5 camera necessary because it perfectly balances portability and performance. Its compact size means I can easily carry it everywhere without feeling weighed down, yet it still delivers impressive image quality that rivals much bulkier cameras. For someone like me who loves capturing moments on the go, this camera fits seamlessly into my lifestyle.
Another reason I rely on the E-PL5 is its intuitive touchscreen interface. It makes adjusting settings quick and straightforward, allowing me to focus more on framing my shots rather than fiddling with complicated menus. Plus, the built-in image stabilization helps me take sharp photos even in less-than-ideal lighting, which has been a game-changer for my travel photography.
Overall, the Olympus Pen E-PL5 is necessary because it empowers me to create beautiful images effortlessly. It combines convenience, quality, and user-friendly features in a way that suits my needs perfectly.
My Buying Guide on Olympus Pen E PL5 Camera
When I decided to invest in the Olympus Pen E PL5, I wanted to be sure it was the right fit for my photography needs. Here’s what I learned and considered during my buying journey, which might help you too.
Why I Chose the Olympus Pen E PL5
I was drawn to the Olympus Pen E PL5 because of its stylish, compact design combined with powerful features. It offers a great balance between portability and image quality, making it ideal for both everyday shooting and travel.
Key Features That Stood Out to Me
- 16 Megapixel Live MOS Sensor: This sensor delivers sharp and vibrant images, which was essential for my photography style.
- Articulating LCD Screen: The tilting touchscreen made it easy for me to shoot from creative angles and take selfies.
- Fast Autofocus: The 35-point autofocus system helped me capture moments quickly without missing a beat.
- Built-in Wi-Fi: Sharing photos instantly became hassle-free with the camera’s wireless connectivity.
- Micro Four Thirds System: This gave me access to a wide range of lenses, increasing my creative possibilities.
What to Consider Before Buying
- Your Photography Goals: I asked myself whether I wanted a camera mainly for casual use, travel, or more serious photography. The E PL5 is great for enthusiasts but might lack some advanced features professionals need.
- Lens Options: Since the E PL5 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, I made sure I was comfortable exploring and investing in compatible lenses.
- Budget: I compared prices and found that the E PL5 offers excellent value for its features, especially as a used or refurbished model.
- Size and Weight: For me, carrying a lightweight camera was a priority, and the E PL5 fits comfortably in my bag without being bulky.
My Experience with Image Quality
The image quality exceeded my expectations. Colors are vibrant, and the detail is crisp, especially in good lighting. Low-light performance is decent, though I recommend using a fast lens to get the best results in darker environments.
Handling and Usability
The camera feels solid and well-built in my hands. The touchscreen interface is intuitive, and the physical controls are easy to reach. I appreciated how quickly I could switch between modes and settings, which made shooting spontaneous moments much easier.
Accessories I Considered
- Extra batteries for longer shooting sessions.
- A comfortable neck strap for carrying ease.
- A protective case to keep the camera safe during travel.
- Additional lenses, such as a prime lens for portraits and a wide-angle for landscapes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a stylish, lightweight mirrorless camera with solid image quality and versatile features, the Olympus Pen E PL5 is worth considering. It has served me well as a daily shooter and travel companion. Just be sure to evaluate your specific needs and budget before making the purchase.
I hope my buying guide helps you feel confident in choosing the Olympus Pen E PL5!
Author Profile
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Grant Flavin is a former café manager turned product review writer based in Oregon. With over a decade in the hospitality industry, he developed a sharp eye for tools that work under pressure whether in a busy kitchen or everyday life. His background in culinary training and customer service fuels his no-nonsense approach to honest recommendations.
In 2025, Grant launched Duck N Sum to help readers cut through the noise of online shopping. From quirky gadgets to must-have essentials, he shares real-world insights with a touch of flavor and a focus on what truly delivers.
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