Olympus's final Four Thirds flagship — the E-5, 12MP, IBIS, weather-sealed, 2010.
The Olympus E-5 was released in 2010 as the last professional Four Thirds DSLR and the final flagship of the E-System before Olympus moved fully to Micro Four Thirds. It sat at the top of the range and was the most capable Four Thirds body Olympus made, aimed at existing E-System owners with invested lens kits.
The E-5 is a Four Thirds digital SLR with a 12-megapixel Live MOS sensor in the four-thirds format and a Four Thirds lens mount. It has an optical pentaprism viewfinder, in-body image stabilisation, a fully articulated rear screen, and records 720p HD video. The shutter is a focal-plane type, and the body carries the weather sealing expected of the pro line.
The rugged sealed body and in-body stabilisation make it suited to landscape and field work with the well-regarded Zuiko Digital lenses. Its 12MP output is competent for prints and reportage, and the articulated screen helps low and high-angle shooting, though the smaller sensor gives it less high-ISO latitude than APS-C and full-frame rivals of the same year.
When buying, check the shutter count against its rating, inspect the sensor for dust and dead or stuck pixels, and test the articulated screen hinge and the IBIS for any rattle. Confirm the battery and battery-door latch are sound and that the BLM-5 pack is obtainable, and check the rubber grip for lifting. Colour handling is good for its generation, but note that Olympus no longer services E-System bodies, so buy on tested condition rather than expecting repair support.