Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark I
Introduction
This is the camera that properly got me into photography. Before picking it up, I’d spent about five years shooting on and off with my phone, always trying to explore my eye for detail and perspective. I wanted to strip it all back – to start from the basics – and use a camera that didn’t have any flashy icons, AI features or distractions. I wouldn’t call myself a beginner in terms of creativity, but when it came to using an actual camera, I didn’t have a clue. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 was the perfect starting point. It taught me the old-school way, pushed my creativity, and helped me develop a style I now genuinely love.
Let’s be honest – this camera isn’t designed for street photography. Olympus has always been more associated with wildlife and travel. But I kept seeing this model pop up online, and it had a solid reputation. In a world where Canon, Sony and other big brands dominate the scene (and your wallet), Olympus felt like a quieter, more honest choice. I didn’t want to spend a fortune. I just wanted something that would help me learn, grow and shoot. And despite being over a decade old, this camera held its own. Whether you’re new to cameras or just love the craft, I hope this review helps you see what this underrated bit of kit can really do.
What have I learned from using this camera?
One of the most important things I’ve learned since picking up this camera is how essential it is to understand manual settings. As someone who came from phone photography, transitioning into using a proper camera felt like stepping into a completely new world. I didn’t know much about light sensitivity, aperture, or shutter speed at first — the very foundations of how a camera works. This isn’t a point-and-shoot review and I’m not here to give you a technical rundown. But I will say this: the OM-D E-M5 is a camera that allows you to truly express yourself. You can use auto modes if you really want to, and there are also options like aperture and shutter priority, but what helped me the most was sticking to full manual.
Learning how to control every element of the exposure process, from how light enters the sensor to how motion and sharpness are captured. This taught me more than any tutorial could. Using the electronic viewfinder instead of just holding the camera in front of me made a huge difference. It forced me to slow down, to compose with intention, and to actually see what I was photographing before pressing the shutter.
Circled is the button for the eye sensor which can be turned on/off.
A small but useful trick I’ve learned with this camera, which isn’t immediately obvious, is to turn off the EVF Auto Switch in the settings. I use the eye sensor button located on the right side of the electronic viewfinder to manually switch between the screen and the EVF. While you could leave the auto switch on, I’ve found it can sometimes be unreliable. If something accidentally covers the eye sensor, the viewfinder may turn on or off when you don’t want it to. Controlling it manually gives me more consistency when I’m shooting on the go.
Less Features. Less Problems.
There aren’t loads of features on this camera, and that’s exactly what I love about it. It’s simple, it’s basic, and it just gets the job done. When I started shooting with it, I was mainly drawn to black and white photography. I would head out with one goal: to find contrast. I looked for bright highlights and deep shadows, usually in architecture or interesting pockets of light in the city. One of my favourite shots, which started in black and white and later became a colour image I now love, reminded me of why I picked this camera up in the first place. It impressed me. The kind of creative result I got from that tiny body was something I used to think only expensive cameras could deliver.
This is the photo. Minimalist Perfection.
So what's the catch?
This is a great travel camera. It fits in your pocket, your suitcase, or any small bag, and it’s incredibly lightweight. But it’s not a professional camera by any means. The autofocus can be quite slow. It’s great for capturing motion blur in street photography, but it does struggle in low-light conditions. You can get sharp, clean shots from it, but sometimes there’s a noticeable delay between pressing the shutter and the camera actually taking the photo. It’s not a deal-breaker, just something to be aware of.
The colour quality is reasonably good, especially when you consider that this camera came out over 13 years ago. It doesn’t have any AI features; that simply wasn’t a thing back then. But considering its age, this camera still holds up impressively well. It’s a solid choice for anyone just starting out, especially if you don’t want to spend hundreds on a new Sony, or if you simply want something basic to help you learn the craft.
Final Take.
Maybe you’re someone who’s not easily impressed by feature-heavy gear. Maybe you’re looking for something straightforward — a camera that just works, that helps you stay focused on the image rather than the settings. If you’re transitioning from phone photography into proper cameras, this is the one. And not just the camera — the brand too. Olympus, now known as OM System, has really earned my respect.
The design is thoughtful. As someone who appreciates ergonomics, I’ll say it’s not the grippiest body out there, but it’s small, and it’s comfortable in the hand. It does what it needs to do. Even though low light performance is a limitation, that can actually work in your favour. The constraints of this camera will push you to think more creatively. It’s a bit like using a prime lens instead of a zoom — you start to adapt, to move differently, and that mindset will only make you a better photographer.
Pair this camera with a good lens, and you’ll be surprised at what you can achieve. I now own the OM System OM-1 Mark I, one of Olympus’s latest cameras, and honestly, the difference between the two isn’t as huge as you might expect — especially when you use quality glass. You can tell the difference, but it’s marginal. If you’re someone who grows quickly, learns fast, and loves a challenge, this camera might be the perfect starting point before you eventually move up to something more powerful.
For the time that it was made, and even now the E-M5 is more than capable of being a street photography camera. Yes, the Mark II and Mark III versions are definite upgrades, but this original model still holds its own. If you’re thinking about buying it, just do it. Seriously, just try it. You won’t regret it.
In fact, I’m currently selling this very camera. If you’re interested, you’ll find the link at the end of this blog. It’s in near mint condition and has served me well. If you’ve got any questions, feel free to reach out to me on eBay or Instagram - I’d be happy to chat more about it.
(Instagram Link: @tommyregan__)
I’m really glad I bought this camera, and I’m even more glad that I got into Olympus when I did. If you want simplicity without losing quality, if you want something modern that doesn’t follow trends but sets its own pace, this is the brand for you. For such a small sensor, it delivers so much.
Thanks for reading. If you’ve been on the fence about Olympus, I hope this helped shift your perspective. I’ll see you again in under two weeks for August’s edition of TR Street Magazine.
eBay Link to buy: https://ebay.us/m/54PazM