The Four Thirds sensor may be small, but it offers plenty to play with. These cameras are small, far higher resolution than a phone, and also offer multiple lenses that can create dramatic images. For wildlife photographers, the small sensor has been helpful to get extra reach, and for street photographers, it gives inconspicuous cameras. While there are many cameras that came and went over the years, there is only one that is spectacular even today: the Olympus E5. Here is a look at what makes the Four Thirds camera so enchanting.

The Olympus E5 is a sturdy DSLR that is built quite well. The camera feels nice in your hands, the grip is very easy, and the textured body won’t let it slip out of your hand. As we stated in our article, “I haven’t felt a better DSLR grip, ever. Plus, I knew that the camera would be able to shake off any bumps that it took. When I held the camera by the lens, it felt almost like a hammer.” In addition, the viewfinder is also bright, and the LCD is just perfect for any situation.

Announced in 2010, the camera has a 12.3MP Four Thirds sensor, a burst rate of 5fps, and 11 autofocus points. It also includes ISO up to 6400, AF sensitivity to -2, a 3-inch 920,000-dot LCD, and the ability to shoot videos at 720p/30fps. Overall, the specs were distinct for their time, but their performance was more so.

Four Thirds has come a long way, and the E5 is just perfect when it comes to its autofocus system. It is not just smart but also fast and accurate, and in our test, it was faster than the Canon 7D. If coupled with a fast prime lens, the camera is great for low-light scenarios such as concert photography, too. As we explained previously, “The E-5 also has top-notch autofocusing. Because you’re using the other focusing points to great effect in composition, you can theoretically lower your megapixels.”

But the autofocus was not the only great thing; the image quality can also wipe the floor. The colors are vivid and deep, and when you underexpose the image, they still work very well. The RAW files give you enough to pull details from highlights and shadows, and with Lightroom, you can do wonders. When we tested the device with a flash, the results were just as great. Portraits stood out really well, as did images shot with a white box.

There is also the option of art filters for photographers who want a different kind of image. While professionals won’t use them, many semi-professionals will be able to play around and not waste time in post-processing. The results were great even then, and you can use these effects to make certain images.

From whatever we have seen, the E-5 has been a spectacular Four Thirds camera, and it will be an ideal choice for many even today. For anyone looking to buy a second camera that gives vintage looking images, this is one option for you.