{"id":4127,"date":"2025-01-01T08:06:10","date_gmt":"2025-01-01T16:06:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/goldengrailpublishing.com\/?p=4127"},"modified":"2026-01-07T04:16:52","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T12:16:52","slug":"om-system-om-5-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/goldengrailpublishing.com\/?p=4127","title":{"rendered":"OM System OM-5 Review"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n <\/i><\/i><\/i><\/i><\/i>\n <\/div>\n
\n <\/i><\/i><\/i><\/i> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Verdict<\/h2>\n

A lightweight, reasonably affordable yet reassuringly durable mirrorless camera that offers an enticing balance of portability, creativity and, moreover, quality.<\/p>\n

The OM-5 is notable in being the first camera from the former Olympus to bear its new \u2018OM System\u2019 branding. It would be a shame if it\u2019s overlooked due to this opaque branding as this is a capable contender for anyone looking to trade up from smartphone snapping to more considered photography. The OM-5 is a mid-range, everyday camera that offers everything all but the most fastidious of photo enthusiasts might want.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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\n <\/i>
\n Pros <\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
    \n
  • \n <\/i>
    \n Compact proportions yet rock solid construction <\/li>\n
  • \n <\/i>
    \n Comprehensive features and intuitive hands-on control via top plate dials <\/li>\n
  • \n <\/i>
    \n Great results straight out of the camera with minimum fuss <\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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    \n <\/i>
    \n Cons <\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
    \n
      \n
    • \n <\/i>
      \n The compact build is due in part to a physically smaller Four Thirds sensor <\/li>\n
    • \n <\/i>
      \n Those with larger hands\/fingers may find the OM-5\u2019s control layout a little crammed <\/li>\n
    • \n <\/i>
      \n Not as much support from third parties for add-on accessories <\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n
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      <\/div>\n<\/section>\n
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      Key Features<\/h2>\n
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        \n
      • \n
        \n <\/span><\/p>\n


        \n Compact, pocket friendly build <\/span><\/p>\n


        \n With very manageable 366g body-only weight <\/span>\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n
        \n <\/span><\/p>\n


        \n Four Thirds format sensor <\/span><\/p>\n


        \n Unique to OM System and original development partner Panasonic <\/span>\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n
        \n <\/span><\/p>\n


        \n 20.4MP stills <\/span><\/p>\n


        \n And up to 4K resolution video <\/span>\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n
        \n <\/span><\/p>\n


        \n Body integral five-axis image stabilisation mechanism <\/span><\/p>\n


        \n Provides up to a 7.5-stop equivalence <\/span>\n <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

        Introduction<\/h2>\n

        While the connection might not be immediately obvious to anyone who has not previously owned a film-era OM series SLR,\u00a0 \u2018OM System\u2019 is the former Olympus camera division under new ownership. The rather opaque re-branding occurred a couple of years back, yet happily the products that have emerged since have maintained the same quality and performance we\u2019d have expected from its former owner.<\/strong><\/p>\n

        Whichever trading name they\u2019re now being released under, these mirrorless compact system cameras \u2013 the OM-5 here included \u2013 have always been some of the most lightweight and portable interchangeable lens models available. That\u2019s largely due to the incorporation of a Four Thirds sensor that is physically smaller at 17.3x13mm than the APS-C or Full Frame sensors used by rival manufacturers.\u00a0<\/p>\n

        Though the rule of thumb is the bigger the sensor the more pixels can be competently crammed onto it, and so theoretically the better the resultant image, the set-up here has enabled a shorter distance between the sensor and lens mount. A quirk (or benefit) to this system is that whichever lens is attached provides a 35mm equivalence of double whatever is inscribed on the lens barrel. For example, attaching the OM System 12-40mm f\/2.8 II Pro zoom lens we had in for testing alongside our OM-5 camera body gives us the equivalent of what would be a 24-80mm reach on a 35mm camera.<\/p>\n

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        This, in theory, ensures that our camera and lens combination should be as adept at shooting wide angle landscapes as it is portraits and close-ups. While it\u2019s not quite the super telephoto zoom for dedicated sports or wildlife photography, the focal range very much makes it a jack-of-all-trades.<\/p>\n

        The OM System OM-5 appears a sound choice for anyone trading up from shooting on their smartphone to a dedicated digital camera for the first time. The large flip-out screen at the back should offer familiar, intuitive operation for anyone who doesn\u2019t want to fiddle around with this camera\u2019s otherwise enticingly tactile operational buttons and dials. That\u2019s the theory, but how about in practice?<\/p>\n

        <\/section>\n

        Design and Handling<\/h2>\n
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        • 125x85x50mm body dimensions<\/li>\n
        • 366g body-only weight is comparable to a point-and-shoot compact<\/li>\n
        • 3-inch flip-out touchscreen with a 1,040,000-dot resolution <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          With an attractively retro exterior resembling a shrunken old-school SLR, the OM-5 is recognisably smaller and more manageable when held in the palm than competing manufacturers\u2019 cameras housing physically larger APS-C and Full Frame-sized sensors. <\/p>\n

          Here the OM System camera\u2019s physically more diminutive Four Thirds sensor is encased within a robust-to-the-touch body. Potential purchasers have the choice of silver or completely black exterior.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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          \n Advertisement <\/div>\n
          <\/div>\n<\/section>\n
          \"OM
          Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

          As noted in the intro, the build and performance quality of Olympus mirrorless cameras has always been high. Though the OM-5 now has \u2018OM System\u2019 etched above its lens mount, this weatherproofed splash-, dust- and freeze-resistant camera proves no exception. <\/p>\n

          Picking it up, the palm-sized body feels unusually lightweight at 366g without the lens attached \u2013 so much so that I thought I must have forgotten to insert the battery when I hadn\u2019t. That said, the OM-5 exterior is of high-quality construction. <\/p>\n

          It has no give to it and feels reassuringly solid in use, with the busy array of top plate dials, in lieu of any control dials on the handgrip, having just the right amount of \u2018give\u2019 to them.<\/p>\n

          \"OM
          Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

          As well as helping avoid neck injury or back strain, the jacket pocket-sized design and low weight of this model make it a perfect companion for landscape, travel and street photography; I\u2019m simply more likely to take it out and about with me as an \u2018everyday camera\u2019 than a heavier or bulkier alternative. <\/p>\n

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          There\u2019s a little compromise to be made when comparing the OM System OM-5 to an SLR or higher-end mirrorless rival, as well. Operational response times are swift enough that once I\u2019ve imagined an intended composition in my mind\u2019s eye, I am more than likely going to be able to quickly frame and capture it before my subject has moved on.<\/p>\n

          Yes, it is possible to just point and shoot with this camera and achieve excellent results. And yet the rangefinder-like top plate dials and switches on the OM-5 will hold extra appeal for those who want to get hands-on and exert a degree of manual control over their image-making as their confidence and skill set grows.<\/p>\n

          \"OM
          Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

          If I have one criticism that may put off absolute beginners it\u2019s that the camera\u2019s top plate is fairly crammed, with not a lot of room for the fat-fingered to turn dials and changes. <\/p>\n

          As this camera majors on its compactness overall, the OM-5\u2019s handgrip isn\u2019t particularly prominent either. I found that there\u2019s just enough room to get a couple of fingers around it at the front, while a forefinger hovers over the raised shutter release button and my thumb rests on a leather effect promontory at the back. I was therefore able to hold the camera steady enough for my liking. <\/p>\n

          Attaching the lens adds to overall heft, while the provided neck strap also can help steady the camera if held at full stretch.<\/p>\n

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          <\/div>\n<\/section>\n
          \"OM
          Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

          Sticking with the positives, the camera is attractively tactile and once gripped, it\u2019s hard to keep fingers from wandering over to a particular dial or button to effect some change in setting or other. <\/p>\n

          The camera feels comfortable in the palm when walking around capturing subjects and, if and when you do want to move beyond pointing and shooting, the OM System OM-5 is not a camera to get bored of too quickly or easily.<\/p>\n

          Features<\/h2>\n
            \n
          • Internal anti-shake system provides the equivalent of 7.5 stops with compatible lenses<\/li>\n
          • Up to 50MP still images achievable via 50MP Handheld High Res Shot option<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Like other cameras in the OM System range and the outwardly near-identical Olympus mirrorless models that came before it, the 20 effective megapixel OM-5 features the ability to boost its resolution further. <\/p>\n

            The camera can construct up to 50-megapixel images from a composite series of shots via its Handheld High Res Shot option \u2013 a feature that at one time would have definitely required a tripod in support. <\/p>\n

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            \n Advertisement <\/div>\n
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            Here the camera offers up to the equivalent of 7.5EV steps of body-integral image stabilisation with a compatible lens thanks to the competency of its built-in five-axis image stabiliser. This means that any lens, such as the one we were using, becomes immediately stabilised and protects against the blurring effects of camera shake when attached.<\/p>\n

            \"OM
            Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

            With a nod to those who wish to share footage between a camera and a smartphone, support for vertical video playback on smartphones is provided, as it is on the OM-1 Mark II higher up the range. <\/p>\n

            Otherwise, the OM-5 supports up to 4K resolution video shooting and compatibility with separately available accessories, including an ECG-5 External Grip for power users plus a RM-WR1 Wireless Remote Control, should one be required. <\/p>\n

            Of course, investing in an OM-5 if you don\u2019t own any of the previous similar models to bear the Olympus branding, including its once popular PEN range, isn\u2019t just about investing in the camera body itself but is really about investing in a system. That\u2019s one thing the new OM System name does at least successfully allude to.<\/p>\n

            \"OM
            Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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            The fact that the OM-5 is more of an enthusiast\u2019s camera than a professional-grade example is indicated by the fact that there is just a single memory card slot for the commonly used SD card. <\/p>\n

            Given the level of spec on offer and the achievable price point, that\u2019s perfectly fine by us. Power users who like the look and sound of the OM system are instead directed to the two slots provided by the very capable flagship OM-1 Mark II in the same manufacturer\u2019s range, even if that does inevitably result in a price hike.<\/p>\n

            Image Quality<\/h2>\n
              \n
            • 20MP stills photography<\/li>\n
            • 30fps high speed continuous shooting video electronic shutter, or 10fps utilising mechanical shutter\u00a0<\/li>\n
            • 4K resolution video at up to 30fps, or Full HD clips at a slow motion inducing 120fps\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              I am used to images from OM System\/Olympus cameras being photo-realistic from the get-go, with rarely any adjustments required, save for perhaps a tweak to contrast and, very occasionally, to colour saturation. <\/p>\n

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              \n \"OM<\/p>\n
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              \n \"OM<\/p>\n
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              That said, there is the option to dial in more vivid and dramatic tones in-camera as regards the latter. On-board digital Art Filters can be deployed here, given their own setting on the large and obvious shooting mode dial. <\/p>\n

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              This includes the self-explanatory Pop Art filter. I found that when used in moderation, this filter can give a warmer more saturated boost to what otherwise might resemble dull colours, especially on an overcast day.<\/p>\n

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              \n \"OM<\/p>\n
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              \n \"OM<\/p>\n
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              \n \"OM<\/p>\n
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              \n \"OM<\/p>\n
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              Whereas when it comes to the automatic compression of JPEGs, most digital cameras will offer Small, Medium or Fine options. <\/p>\n

              While the latter setting is ostensibly the default here, the OM-5 goes \u2018one louder\u2019 in practice, offering a maximum quality, least compression Super Fine JPEG option. This is just one step below the choice of going for a non-compressed maximum file size Raw. If you want optimal everyday results without quickly filling up your card with more data-hungry Raw files, then Super Fine is the way to go, delivering richly detailed results with plenty of realistic colour tones.<\/p>\n

              Latest deals<\/h2>\n
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              <\/div>\n<\/section>\n

              Should you buy it?<\/h2>\n
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              \n <\/i><\/p>\n

              You want a creatively powerful, portable and intuitive-to-use camera<\/h4>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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              \nThe OM-5 is a creatively powerful, portable and intuitive-to-use camera with the ability to switch lenses for optimal capture of any subject, and one that will neither break your back nor the bank. It\u2019s a very capable everyday, travel or sightseeing companion.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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              \n <\/i><\/p>\n

              You want plenty of third-party accessory options<\/h4>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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              \nIf you want a large array of options from third-party manufacturers when it comes to affordable lenses and accessories the likes of Fuji, Sony, Nikon and Canon are better ways to go.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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              Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n

              The OM System OM-5 has two jobs to do: be approachable enough to tempt smartphone users to invest in a mirrorless camera system and satisfy enthusiast photographers ditching a DSLR by offering much the same feature set and operation they\u2019re already used to. On both counts, I think this camera largely succeeds.\u00a0<\/p>\n

              It\u2019s a shame then that, with the loss of Olympus branding from the front of these cameras, the \u2018OM System\u2019 has lost decades of hard-won brand recognition and visibility. This puts them at a disadvantage in comparison with close competitors, including Fujifilm\u2019s X-series mirrorless range (such as the X-S20 or X-T50), which are also reasonably compact while featuring a larger APS-C-sized sensor. You can find more great alternatives in our guide to the best cameras. <\/p>\n

              Still, for those willing to go against the grain and investigate further the OM-5 is a capable all-rounder that should reward and satisfy curious users with years of faithful use.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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              Trusted Score<\/h2>\n
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              \n <\/i><\/i><\/i><\/i><\/i>\n <\/div>\n
              \n <\/i><\/i><\/i><\/i> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
              \n

              How we test<\/h2>\n
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              We test every camera we review thoroughly. We use set tests to compare features properly and we use it as our main device over the review period. We\u2019ll always tell you what we find and we never, ever, accept money to review a product.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

              \n
                \n
              • <\/i>Every camera we review is used for at least a week<\/li>\n
              • <\/i>All of the key features are tried and tested in real-world settings<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

                FAQs<\/h2>\n
                \n
                What sensor does the OM System OM-5 have? <\/strong> <\/p>\n

                The OM-5 includes a 20.4MP Micro Four Thirds sensor. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

                How many memory card slots does this camera have?<\/strong> <\/p>\n

                The OM System OM-5 includes one SD card slot. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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                Full Specs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                \u00a0<\/th>\nOM System OM-5 Review<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<\/tbody>\n
                UK RRP<\/th>\n\u00a31199.99 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                USA RRP<\/th>\n$1199.99 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                EU RRP<\/th>\n\u20ac1298 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Manufacturer<\/th>\nOlympus <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Quiet Mark Accredited<\/th>\n\u2013 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Video Recording<\/th>\nYes <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                IP rating<\/th>\nNo <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Battery<\/th>\n1210 mAh <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Size (Dimensions)<\/th>\n125.3 x 49.7 x 85.2 MM <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Weight<\/th>\n366 G <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                ASIN<\/th>\nB0BHZ2SGD5 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Release Date<\/th>\n2022 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Sensor Type<\/th>\n20.4MP Micro Four Thirds <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Autofocus<\/th>\nYes <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Burst shooting (mechanical shutter)<\/th>\nYes <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Burst shooting (electronic shutter)<\/th>\nYes <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Viewfinder<\/th>\nYes <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Screen<\/th>\nYes <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Image stabilisation<\/th>\nYes <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Wi-Fi<\/th>\nYes <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Bluetooth<\/th>\nYes <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Number of Memory card slots<\/th>\n1 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                USB charging<\/th>\nYes <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Microphone port<\/th>\nYes <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                Lens mount<\/th>\nYes <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/section>\n
                \n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                Verdict A lightweight, reasonably affordable yet reassuringly durable mirrorless camera that offers an enticing balance of portability, creativity and, moreover, quality. The OM-5 is notable<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4128,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4127","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-camera-reviews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/goldengrailpublishing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4127","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/goldengrailpublishing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/goldengrailpublishing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goldengrailpublishing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goldengrailpublishing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4127"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/goldengrailpublishing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4127\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4395,"href":"https:\/\/goldengrailpublishing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4127\/revisions\/4395"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goldengrailpublishing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4128"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/goldengrailpublishing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4127"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goldengrailpublishing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4127"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/goldengrailpublishing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4127"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}