OM System OM-5 Camera Review

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I like to travel light and unencumbered.

This might mean taking the train into the big city or walking to my local downtown area to grab lunch.

For some, it may mean cave spelunking in Costa Rica or hiking in Glacier National Park.

Whatever your use case, the weather-sealed OM System OM-5 Camera is purposely built to go alongside you.

Let’s jump into the reasons why this micro four-thirds system camera may or may not be the right one for your particular adventure.

OM System OM-5 Camera Specs

 

• Sensor Resolution – 20.4 Megapixel
• Image Stabilization – Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
• ISO Sensitivity Range – 200 to 25,600 (Extended: 64 to 25,600)
• Continuous Shooting – Up to 10 fps at 20.4 MP for up to 149 Frames (Raw) / Unlimited Frames (JPEG)
• Media/Memory Card Slot – Single Slot: SD/SDHC (UHS-II)
• Built-In ND Filter – 4-Stop Electronic ND Filter
• Shutter Speed – Mechanical Shutter 1/8000 to 60 Seconds
• Shutter Speed – Electronic Shutter 1/32000 to 60 Seconds
• Dimensions (W x H x D) – 4.9 x 3.4 x 2″ / 125.3 x 85.2 x 49.7 mm
• Weight – 12.9 oz / 366 g (Body Only) 14.6 oz / 414 g (With Battery)

Build & Appearance

The OM System OM-5 is so small that one would assume it couldn’t handle the outside elements. But in reality, it is incredibly robust.

The IP53 standard rating for weather-sealing means you can take this camera into the rain without worry.

As the brand’s mid-tier camera, sitting below the OM System OM-1, it doesn’t have the highest level viewfinder and back screen, but they’re both serviceable.

It also has an outdated micro-USB port for power and data transfer, putting it further down the feature list of the flagship OM-1.

The camera is available in black and silver and has retro good looks. You may get asked if you’re shooting film when out and about.

Ergonomics & Handling

As a small, retro-styled digital camera, the OM System OM-5 camera has a smaller grip, but I had no problems holding onto it with my average-sized hands.

The button and dial placement are spot on, and everything feels correct in my hand.

This camera does not have a back AF On button, but the AEL button was easily re-programmable for this function, as is almost every single button on the camera.

The menu system in OM System cameras is much improved over the Olympus branded previous cameras, such as the E M5 Mark III predecessor.

However, a feature-rich camera with more robust computational features such as handheld high res, focus stacking, and more will have some complications with pages of menu options.

Fortunately, the super control panel is front and center, with an easy way to navigate menus on this tiny camera.

The flip-out screen is a nice feature for low-to-the-ground angles and for video creators filming themselves.

Focus Performance

The OM Digital Solutions OM-5 Camera has on-sensor phase detection, which is an improvement over previous Olympus camera versions with their contrast detection system.

This advanced autofocus system does feature face and eye detection, but I found it to be behind the competition.

Don’t get me wrong; this autofocus system is extremely fast, but the stacked sensor of the OM System OM-1 makes it the flagship camera of the current crop of bodies with the new OM System branding.

Low Light Performance

For those seeking noise-free images, be aware that a micro four-thirds mirrorless camera will not produce as clean an image as a full-frame camera.

Still, the OM System OM-5 is a fine camera for outdoor photographers and excellent for street photography.

I find the focus good in low light with clean images up to ISO 3200, where one may want to add noise reduction via software.

Image Quality

The color science of the OM-5 is terrific, with sharp and vibrant images without the need for software enhancements.

Built-in art filters are available for JPEG images, although I did not use any in these samples.

The dynamic range is very good, and there aren’t too many situations I can imagine where the RAW files couldn’t recover data.

Overall Performance

Pulling the OM System OM-5 camera from your camera bag and flicking the lever on will make it ready to go.

While I would not recommend this camera for wildlife or sports photographers, the image processor is modern and capable of shooting 10 fps in full RAW.

Being a smaller camera body, the OM-5 has a smaller battery that holds its charge well, although I would recommend extras for really long days of use or cold weather.

Other Useful Features

The high-resolution mode will allow the camera to shoot 50-megapixel handheld hi-res mode. The caveat is that the subject must be still. This could be quite a useful feature for product photographers.

Pro capture mode is another unique feature that will allow the photographer to buffer a set number of images before and after pressing the shutter, resulting in the ability to capture the most precise moments in moving subjects.

The Live ND mode will help you capture those silky waterfall images without screwing an ND filter onto your lens.

Of course, Live Composite had been a mainstay in Olympus and OM System cameras for years, and this slow shutter speed feature returns once again in this new camera.

How I Tested the OM System OM-5 Camera

I feel the OM-5, with its good looks and small size, is perfect for street and travel photography. I went on foot in my local area to capture life around me.

No one looked at me twice, and it was a pleasure to carry and use. I’ve always loved Olympus cameras for their robust weather sealing, and as clouds filled the sky during my walks, I had no worries.

Alternatives

OM Digital Solutions has streamlined the camera lineup, so there are no competitors for the OM System OM-5 Camera under their umbrella.

You either jump up to the dual car slot, stacked sensor pro level OM-1, or down to the entry-level and even more diminutive OM-10.

Nikon has the retro-styled Z fc, but the lack of native crop sensor lenses for that system may be a deal breaker for many. The OM system has a plethora of lenses from many different first and third-party brands.

If video recording is most important, the Panasonic G9 could be an option, albeit for a higher price point.

Value for Money

At around US$1000, the OM-5 is good value for the amount of tech inside this tiny camera.

The handheld high-resolution mode alone turns it from a discreet street photographer’s camera into a 50-megapixel-resolution monster.

The OM System OM-5 camera with the OM System 20mm f/1.4 (40mm full frame equivalent) would be a highly capable travel combination at a great price for the costs.

FAQ’s

Is OM System the same as Olympus?

The OM system branding represents the camera division of Olympus spun off into its own brand.

What lenses will mount onto the micro-four-thirds sensor?

All Olympus lenses will mount, as will Panasonic G series lenses, along with select lenses from Sigma, Voigtlander, and more.

Is this a good camera for hiking?

Absolutely! The rear control dials are usable with gloves, and the weather sealing is best in class.

OM System OM-5 Camera Review | Conclusion

If you want a camera body that can fit inside your jacket pocket for outdoor adventures, the OM System OM-5 is a great choice.

It’s priced well, and it, along with compatible lenses, will not weigh you down as you are out and about.

While I would not use the camera to shoot events in low light, I would take it on a trip to Yosemite National Park or Times Square for some New York City street photography.

The video features are good enough for non-commercial use, and the high-res shot mode makes this a contender for in-studio product photography – it would be a great asset to any Etsy shop owner for sure.