The OM System OM-5 is a compact mirrorless camera that inherits the DNA of the former Olympus brand, combining powerful features with excellent portability. Packed into its small body are a 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS), 4K video recording capabilities, and weather-sealing. In this review, we’ll take a detailed look at the OM-5’s key features, performance, and real-world usage experience.
OM System OM-5 Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 20MP Live MOS sensor (Micro Four Thirds) |
| Image Stabilization | 5-axis sensor-shift IBIS (up to 6.5 stops) |
| Video | 4K 30p, 1080p 60p |
| Viewfinder | 2.36M-dot OLED EVF |
| Monitor | 3-inch 1.04M-dot fully articulating touchscreen |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 10fps (mechanical shutter), 30fps (electronic shutter) |
| Autofocus | 121-point phase-detection AF |
| Weather Sealing | IPX1 rated |
| Weight | Approx. 414g (including battery and memory card) |
๐๏ธ Solid Build Quality and Compact Design
The OM-5 adopts the same body design as the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III, which translates to proven ergonomics and excellent portability.
Weather-Sealed Construction
With its IPX1-rated weather-sealing, you can confidently shoot in adverse weather conditions. This is a significant advantage for photographers who enjoy outdoor shooting.
Compact Size and Light Weight
Weighing only about 414g (with battery), the OM-5 is comfortable to carry for extended periods. Its size and weight make it ideal for travel and everyday snap shooting.
๐ธ Image Quality and Performance
The OM-5 delivers excellent image quality with its 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor.
Handheld High-Resolution Mode
Using the handheld high-resolution mode, you can create images up to 50MP. With a tripod, this increases to 80MP. This mode is particularly useful for shooting static subjects, landscapes, or product photography.
Superior Color Reproduction
OM System (formerly Olympus) applies its excellent color science technology, reproducing natural and vibrant colors. The high-quality JPEG output often requires minimal post-processing to achieve satisfactory results.
๐ฅ Video Recording Capabilities
The OM-5 supports 4K 30p video recording with unlimited recording time.
OM-Log Profile
The OM-Log profile allows for a wider dynamic range in video capture. However, it’s limited to 8-bit recording, which may restrict extensive color grading options.
Leveraging Powerful IBIS
The 5-axis IBIS system works exceptionally well for video recording. This enables stable handheld shooting, making it particularly suitable for vlogging.
๐ ๏ธ User Experience and Functionality
The OM-5 offers intuitive controls and various customization options.
User-Friendly Interface
Two command dials and several function buttons allow for quick and efficient operation. Setting AF points via the touchscreen is also very intuitive.
Wide Range of Shooting Aids
The camera provides various shooting aids such as Live ND filter, focus stacking, and Pro Capture mode, supporting creative shooting.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
To better understand the OM-5’s performance, let’s compare it with similar-priced competitors.
OM-5 vs Fujifilm X-S10
- Sensor size: OM-5 (Micro Four Thirds) vs X-S10 (APS-C)
- IBIS performance: OM-5 superior (up to 6.5 stops vs 6 stops)
- Weather-sealing: OM-5 (Yes) vs X-S10 (No)
- Weight: OM-5 (414g) vs X-S10 (465g)
The OM-5 boasts stronger IBIS and weather-sealing, while the X-S10 has an advantage in low-light performance due to its larger sensor.
OM-5 vs Sony A6600
- Sensor size: OM-5 (Micro Four Thirds) vs A6600 (APS-C)
- Battery life: A6600 superior (810 shots vs OM-5’s 310 shots)
- AF performance: A6600 offers superior real-time tracking AF
- Lens system: OM-5 has a wider selection of Micro Four Thirds lenses
The A6600 offers longer battery life and superior AF performance, but the OM-5 has stronger IBIS and a more compact system.
OM-5 vs Panasonic G9
- Sensor: Both 20MP Micro Four Thirds
- Continuous shooting: G9 superior (20fps vs OM-5’s 10fps, mechanical shutter)
- EVF: G9 superior (3.68M-dot vs OM-5’s 2.36M-dot)
- Size/Weight: OM-5 more compact and lighter
The G9 packs high-performance features in a larger body, while the OM-5 offers similar image quality in a more compact package.
๐ก Pros and Cons of the OM-5
Based on real-world usage, here are the pros and cons of the OM-5:
Pros
- Excellent portability and robust weather-sealed construction
- Powerful 5-axis IBIS system
- High-quality 4K video with unlimited recording
- Various shooting aids (Live ND, focus stacking, etc.)
- Intuitive operation and customization options
Cons
- Use of Micro USB port (no USB-C support)
- Limited battery life
- Lack of headphone jack
- 8-bit video recording limits color grading options
- AF performance slightly behind the latest models
๐ท Real-World Experience and Image Quality Analysis
Let’s take a closer look at the real-world experience and image quality of the OM-5.
Still Photo Quality
The 20MP sensor delivers rich detail and excellent color reproduction. Images are clean with minimal noise up to ISO 1600, and even ISO 3200 and 6400 produce usable results.
RAW files offer considerable flexibility in post-processing. Underexposed photos can be pushed 2-3 stops with minimal increase in noise.
Video Performance
4K video is detailed and sharp. Using the OM-Log profile provides a wider dynamic range, but due to 8-bit recording limitations, extensive color grading should be approached cautiously.
The IBIS performance is excellent, allowing for very stable footage even when shooting handheld. This is particularly useful for vlogging or documentary work.
Autofocus Performance
The 121-point phase-detection AF system is fast and accurate for still photography. Face detection and eye AF work well, making it useful for portrait photography. Video AF is generally stable, but it may lag behind the latest Sony or Canon models in tracking fast-moving subjects.
๐ Battery Life and Connectivity
The OM-5 uses the BLS-50 battery, rated for about 310 shots per CIPA standards. In real-world use, you can typically get more shots, but it’s advisable to carry spare batteries for extended shooting sessions.
Charging is possible via the Micro USB port, but only when the camera is turned off. The lack of a USB-C port is somewhat disappointing for a 2024 model.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity allow for smartphone pairing, enabling remote shooting and image transfer for added convenience.
๐ฏ Target Users for the OM-5
The OM-5 is particularly suitable for:
- Travel photographers who prefer lightweight equipment
- Vloggers needing stable handheld footage
- Outdoor photographers who shoot in adverse weather conditions
- Users wanting to leverage the diverse Micro Four Thirds lens system
- Professionals seeking a compact, feature-rich second camera
However, it may be limiting for:
- Users who primarily shoot in very low-light conditions
- Sports/wildlife photographers needing very fast continuous shooting
- Professional videographers requiring 10-bit or higher quality video recording
๐ Conclusion and Purchase Recommendation
The OM System OM-5 is a mirrorless camera that packs powerful features into a compact body. Its excellent IBIS, high-quality 4K video, and weather-sealed construction make it ideal for travel and outdoor shooting.
Even in 2024, the OM-5 remains an attractive option. We recommend it for the following reasons:
- Portability: Small and light, perfect for travel or everyday shooting.
- Durability: Weather-sealed construction for worry-free use in various environments.
- Stability: Exceptional IBIS provides a significant advantage for handheld shooting.
- Versatility: Delivers high-quality results for both still photos and videos.
- Lens Selection: Access to a wide range of Micro Four Thirds lenses.
However, the lack of a USB-C port and limited battery life are minor drawbacks. Also, consider that its AF performance and video bit depth slightly lag behind the latest models.
Overall, the OM-5 is an excellent choice for users seeking high-quality photos and videos with lightweight equipment. It’s particularly ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and travelers.
Learn more about the OM-5 on the OM System official website
We hope this review has been helpful for those interested in the OM System OM-5. Remember, camera choice depends on individual shooting style and needs, so we recommend renting or trying it out in-store if possible. The OM-5, with its powerful features in a compact body, opens up new creative possibilities for many photographers.
