Review and Initial Impressions of OM Systems OM-5 Camera

Review and Initial Impressions of OM Systems OM-5 Camera

**OM Systems Unveils the OM-5: A Refinement of the E-M5 Mark III**

OM Systems has announced the release of their latest camera, the OM-5, marking a significant addition to their revamped lineup. This new mirrorless camera shares many similarities with its predecessor, the Olympus E-M5 Mark III, but offers refinements and improvements that make it an appealing choice for MFT shooters with a collection of MFT lenses.

The OM-5 is a compact, versatile, and weather-sealed camera, designed for outdoor and adventure photography. Its ergonomics and size are similar to the E-M5 Mark III, making it familiar and comfortable for users of the earlier E-M5 series. Both cameras share strong capabilities in image stabilization (IBIS), weather sealing, and good image quality, making them ideal for enthusiasts looking for a lightweight, rugged travel camera.

One of the standout features of the OM-5 is its in-body image stabilization, which offers up to 7.5 stops with compatible lenses, making it highly competitive for hand-held shooting without a tripod. The shutter mechanism is smooth and well-damped, benefiting low-shutter-speed shooting and enhancing user confidence.

However, the OM-5 does not significantly improve upon the E-M5 III in terms of frame rate for continuous autofocus shots, with a drop to 6 fps compared to the E-M5 Mark III’s 10 fps without AF. The electronic shutter can achieve up to 30 fps with continuous AF.

The OM-5 boasts a 20MP MFT sensor, a 2.36M-dot OLED viewfinder with a 60 fps refresh rate, and can record 4K/30p video. It also features face-detection AF, an articulating touchscreen, and a start autofocus feature for focusing on stars. Additionally, the OM-5 can be used as a universal webcam.

While the OM-5 offers excellent image stabilization, robust outdoor-ready build, pleasing JPEG colors, and a versatile system suitable for travel, macro, and casual wildlife photography, it lacks some of the cutting-edge features found in OM System’s flagship models. For instance, it uses a Gen IX processor, not a stacked sensor, and its IBIS is not as advanced as the one found in the OM-1 II or OM-3.

For those who currently own an E-M5 Mark III, it is not recommended to upgrade to the OM-5, as the improvements may not be substantial enough to justify the investment. MFT users could consider buying an Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III body for as little as $899.

It's worth noting that underwater housings for the E-M5 III may be compatible with the OM-5, but this has not been confirmed. The OM-5 is not recommended for underwater photography compared to full-frame and APS-C cameras.

In conclusion, the OM-5 serves as a reliable continuation of the E-M5 Mark III’s philosophy, offering excellent image stabilization, robust outdoor-ready build, pleasing JPEG colors, and a versatile system. While it does not quite hit the mark currently in terms of cutting-edge features, it strikes a strong balance of performance and value for enthusiasts familiar with or upgrading from the 5-series cameras.

However, the potential of OM Systems with Olympus's legacy remains to be seen, as the OM-5 does not fully capitalize on the opportunities that the Olympus brand presents. The OM-5 provides 6 stops of IBIS, which can be increased to 7.5 stops with compatible lenses, and offers a 50MP high-resolution mode. It is a micro four-thirds camera, and its menu system retains the same layout as the E-M5 III, which is less intuitive compared to the OM-1's menu system.

Compared to other cameras in its price range, such as the Sony a6100, Canon EOS R10, and Fuji X-S10, the OM-5 may not offer the best value for money. As always, potential buyers are encouraged to weigh the pros and cons of the OM-5 against their specific photography needs and preferences.

1. Despite the newly announced OM-5 being a refined version of the E-M5 Mark III, it may not be a significant upgrade for those already owning the E-M5 Mark III due to minor improvements.
2. The copy of the E-M5 Mark III body can be purchased for a relatively affordable price, around $899, providing an alternative Solution for MFT shooters.
3. Underwater photography enthusiasts might find full-frame and APS-C cameras more suitable for their needs rather than relying on the OM-5 which is not specifically designed for this purpose.
4. In the realm of travel photography, the OM-5 excels due to its excellent image stabilization, robust build, pleasing JPEG colors, and versatility, catering to various styles such as macro and casual wildlife photography.
5. The OM-5's use of a Gen IX processor and less improved IBIS compared to its flagship models may imply that the camera lacks some cutting-edge features in the industry.
6. With underwater housings for the E-M5 III potentially being compatible with the OM-5, there could be opportunities for users to try underwater photography with this camera, although it is not primarily designed for such purposes.

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