Olympus's premium PEN mirrorless — 16.1MP MFT with 5-axis IBIS, built-in WiFi, and retro rangefinder styling.
The Olympus PEN E-P5 was released in 2013 as the flagship PEN model, featuring a 16.1MP Live MOS sensor and 5-axis IBIS (5 stops, Olympus CIPA claim) in the rangefinder-style PEN body. 1080/30fps video. No built-in EVF — the optional VF-4 attaches via the hot shoe. BLN-1 battery. At approximately 420g with battery and card.
16.1MP Four Thirds Live MOS sensor (17.3×13mm). 1080/30fps. 5-axis IBIS rated 5 stops (Olympus CIPA; real-world ~3.5-4 stops). No built-in EVF — optional VF-4 (high-resolution OLED EVF) attaches via hot shoe. BLN-1 battery (7.6V, 1220mAh). Approximately 420g with battery and card. Micro Four Thirds mount.
The E-P5's 5-axis IBIS was notable at launch as the strongest in-body stabilisation available in a compact PEN body. The 5-axis system (shared with the E-M1) corrects pitch, yaw, roll, and two-axis shift — providing stabilisation for longer focal-length adapted lenses without OIS. The absence of a built-in EVF reflects the PEN's rangefinder-inspired heritage; the optional VF-4 provides a large, high-resolution viewfinder when needed.
On the used market the Olympus PEN E-P5 is affordable as a vintage 5-axis IBIS MFT body. Condition checks: BLN-1 battery health (confirm it's not the smaller BLS-50 — different cell), IBIS operation, hot shoe contacts for VF-4. No built-in EVF. Compatible with all Micro Four Thirds lenses.