the brand new OM System OM-5
Earlier this year, the first new camera under the OM System brand was released: the OM System OM-1. And with that, also the last camera of predecessor Olympus; since that name still adorns the body. Since then there has been much speculation about the next release of the OM system, with expectations already unanimously suggesting that the next camera release should be the successor to the E-M5 Mark III: the OM-5.
First impressions
Needless to say that I was thrilled when CameraNu invited me to test the new OM-5 before it came out in October ’22 and shoot a video of the experience! As the owner and regular user of an Olympus E-M5 Mark III and a long-time Olympus/OM System enthusiast in general, I was very curious about this successor and couldn’t wait to go out and try it.
The new OM System OM-5, the first with the new name on the bodyWhat immediately stood out when unpacking the new OM System OM-5 was the new naming on the body: For the first time it now says, ‘OM System’. What was also immediately noticeable was the great external resemblance to the predecessor of the OM-5, the E-M5 Mark III. To be honest, apart from the naming, I hardly saw any other differences; the OM-5 seems to use (almost?) the exact same housing.
In the battery compartment I saw that the OM-5 uses the BLS-50 battery, the same as the E-M5 mark III. A quick inspection of the underside of the body also taught me that the connection for an external grip only contains contact points that allow communication with an additional shutter button, as is the case with the E-M5 Mark III. A grip with an extra battery, such as the OM-1/E-M1s and also earlier E-M5 models, is therefore not an option.
Under the hood
Before receiving the camera, I had already taken a look at the accompanying product specifications that OM System send me, to get an idea of the new possibilities of the OM-5. As it turned out, the OM-5 may look almost identical to its predecessor but that certainly does not apply to the inside! For example, the OM-5 has a faster TruepicⅨ processor, improved IP53 class dust and splash water resistance, image stabilization up to 7.7 EV steps and various pro functions that were not previously available in the 5 series: 50MP Hand held high-res mode ( 80MP even from a tripod), Live ND, Pro-Capture and Starry Sky AF.
While the OM-1 has also been given a completely new menu, the OM-5 still uses the well-known menu that is also used in the E-M5 mark III and other OMD models. I have read good things about the new menu in the OM-1 and despite that the existing menu works fine for me, I am curious why OM System has chosen not to equip the new OM-5 with that new menu as well.
Out in the field
With all the new options in mind, I set out to test the OM-5 and experience how this latest OM System camera performs in the field. The first thing I noticed was the responsiveness when focusing, which has noticeably improved. I was particularly impressed with the performance when focusing and tracking moving subjects in combination with Pro-Capture!
OM-5 + 20mm f/1.4 at f7.1, 1/60 sec and ISO200Furthermore, the improved image stabilization was also quite noticeable. Where I like to go out at the edges of the day and as such get a lot of twilight while shooting, I regularly puzzle with the lighting conditions. A tripod usually doesn't fit in my light pack, so it's important to be able to take sharp photos handheld. Preferably without too high ISO values (and therefore without too much noise). The full stop more image stabilization than the predecessor gives just a little more space, and that is immediately noticeable when shooting by hand in less than ideal light.
Video
I also regularly use the predecessor of the OM-5, the E-M5 mark III for video and know I am certainly not alone in this. A light, compact body with 4K recording capability is ideal for photographers who also occasionally make video recordings in the field or for vlogs, for example.
The OM-5 offers some very welcome updates in that regard: where the E-M5 mark III was limited to recordings of half an hour, the OM-5 no longer has a recording time limit. Furthermore, the OM-5 offers the OM-log 400 profile which should give more room in dynamic range. And finally: with the OM-5 it is possible to ‘film vertically’, i.e. save the video files immediately in portrait orientation. Handy for those who want to easily share videos on social media.
In conclusion
Although I only tested the OM-5 in practice for a day, I think I got a pretty good impression of the possibilities this camera offers. While the appearance of the camera may seem to suggest that little has changed compared to the predecessor, that is certainly not the case in practice. I’m impressed with how fast the camera feels, especially in combination with pro functions, and the new OM-5 feels like a pro camera in a very compact package.
And as far as that package is concerned: as a fan of compact system cameras like the OM-5, but also someone who occasionally makes a trip to just a little more power and counter balance when I'm out with a telephoto lens, for example, I had a tiny bit of hope that the possibility to connect a grip with an extra battery would return, as the 5 series used to have up until the E-M5 Mark iii. On the other hand, it is nice that I can now use the same ECG-5 grip that I use with the E-M5 mark III with the OM-5 I guess.
All in all I am impressed with the internal upgrade the OM-5 has received compared to its predecessor and I can only say that the OM-5 is a very versatile camera for photo and video that I like to have in my camera bag would like to have. And certainly not only because of its small size and weight!
OM-5 + 300mm f/4 at f/4, 1/1000 sec and ISO1600Disclaimer
This blog is a translation of a Dutch blog I wrote as a part of a paid partnership with Cameranu, in extentions of a Youtube video we did together on my experience testing this camera. I was commissioned to test this product and give my honest opinion about it, which I was very happy to do! (You know where to find me when there’s new products coming out OM System! ;)).
