OM System Launches Second Digital Camera

2022.10.26

OM System, the company that inherited the Olympus legacy, just launched their second branded digital camera since the transfer. The first, the OM-1 continued the lineup from the excellent Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III review here. Since then, OM System has been rebranding Olympus lenses by simply changing the official name.

The OM System OM-5 is the successor to the impressive Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III reviewed here. There is virtually nothing to distinguish these models apart the branding. This might sound dissappointing yet the E-M5 is one of the most capable mirrorless digital cameras on the market and possibly the most feature-dense compact model, now being overtaken by the new OM-5 that adds a few more features.

Just like its predecessor, the OM-5 is built around a 20 megapixels Four-Thirds CMOS sensor mounted directly onto a 5-axis image-stabilization system. OM System improved upon the system with efficiency up to 6½-stops, which remains among top performers. The sensor offers builtin Phase-Detect AF at 121-points and is behind a speedy hybrid shutter with a top-speed of 1/8000s and bulb exposure support up to a full hour. Its fast readout allows the OM-5 to capture full-resolution images at up to 30 FPS, again exactly like the E-M5 Mark III.

OM System made a number of improvements to the processing pipeline in the OM-5. In addition to the Olympus invented modes of Live-Bulb and Live-Time, this camera also adds a Live-ND mode which simulates ultra-low ISO exposures without the need of a physical ND filter. A more powerful processor allows the OM-5 to capture Super-Resolution images hand-held.

This new camera is really compact and weighs only 414g. Even so, its build quality has been improved and its weatherproof construction is now certified IP53. A more features were added, including Starry-Sky AF and even UVC/UAC webcam protocol support.

The OM System OM-5 is expected this month for $1300 USD. There is no word on Canadian pricing yet. It is possible to preorder the camera though from Amazon, B&H Photo and Adorama.

• Digital Camera