I agree.

Comparing high ISO images from my G3 and my E-M5, I see them as quite comparable sensor-wise... whatever difference there is between them, it's hardly noticeable at all.

I do not see the E-M5 image quality as being a big step forward for m4/3 cameras, overall, as similar sensor output is already provided by the G3 and GX1. BUT, the E-M5 sensor is a huge step forward for Olympus m4/3 bodies, due to the sensor bringing Olympus higher-ISO performance into line with what the G3 and GX1 has already had for a while now.

All Olympus bodies preceding the E-M5 really suck at higher ISO, so updating the Pen bodies with the new sensor is a MUCH needed move. And I hope it happens SOON. (I'm itching to replace my E-PL3 with the E-PLnext).

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Don

I also had a GH2. The difference between the GH2 and E-M5 is subtle. I do like the greater dynamic range I am getting out of the E-M5. That was one of the most critical things. The IBIS is also great and I really like being able to stabilize while manually focusing with a zoomed in view. My guess is that Panasonic would not let Olympus have their best sensor, so Olympus went elsewhere.

For typical high ISO shots, the E-M5, G3/GX1, and GH2 are all in the same ball park. In terms of base ISO dynamic range, it seems like the E-M5 has a slight (but significant to some) edge on the GH2 (example), which in turn is known to be a step up from the G3/GX1. I too had a GH2, and the sensor performance of that camera was close enough to the E-M5 as far I am an concerned.

In the "entry level" category (eg, GF5) Panasonic is still using a version of their 1st gen 12MP sensor, so they will find themselves playing catch up if Olympus puts the OMD sensor in all the Pens any time soon.

I'm curious as to why the G3 and GH sensors never made it into Olympus cameras. If it were a matter of cost, I think we'd have seen the G3 sensor in the E-P3, a camera which in every other way spared little expense and sold at a high price point. Seems likely that Panasonic didn't give Olympus the option, and Sony stepped in to fill the need.

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Amin
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I don't agree totally there, I had an E-PL3 and took some excellent high ISO shots, it depends why high ISO is being used, if it's because there is very little light then yes the noise was there but if it was to keep shutter speed up in ok light then the results could be fine.

This was at 3200 ISO with the E-PL3

Paul

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G5, GH-3, 7-14, 12-35, 35-100, 25.
RX100

Paul... yes, high ISO in daylight conditions is not nearly as challenging as high ISO in dimly lit conditions where deeper shadows are common. Your image at 3200 in daylight looks great for 3200 (not sure why you would choose ISO 3200 in daylight conditions, though), but try that ISO on E-PL3 in a dimly lit bar or restaurant, for example, and you'll see some gnarly poor performance compared to the G3, GX1, E-M5.

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Don

completely agree

I agree, and ,must add, out of all the images I have shot, have never encounterd a daylight situation that requires a bump to ISO 3200.

I would much rather open my aperature to allow more light into the sensor as opposed to ISO 3200 in daylight, which I do with the primes that I use.

I don't think that the noise performance of the E-M5 sensor is it's standout feature, despite being obviously very good.

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Nic
E-M5, GH1
Flickr Photostream
>> Insert quote here <<

As Paul noted, the reason would be to get a higher shutter speed. For example, when shooting the Pana 100-300 at 300mm, I found that it was sharpest stopped down to f/7.1 or f/8, and I needed about 1/500s in order to stop action (kids running around) or even to make sure my shots were free of handshake blur at 300mm. f/7.1 and 1/500s means using some pretty high ISO values, easily getting up to ISO 3200 in daylight.

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Amin
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Hmmmmmm.......

I will file this away in the back of my brain..... I love this forum..