The OM System OM-5 may be the first ‘Olympus camera’ not to bear the iconic name, but the familiar logo is the only thing that’s missing here – this is a camera that lives up to the Olympus legacy, and expands on it in a number of worthwhile ways.
The OM-5 is the successor to the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III. It’s the OM System brand’s ‘middle camera’, next to the flagship OM System OM-1 and the entry-level Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV (the next model of which will be rechristened the OM-10).
Where the OM-1 is the top-tier system for pros and experts, the OM-5 is built to deliver many of the flagship’s best features in a body that’s smaller, lighter, and built for those who want to go on an adventure and take photos, rather than going on a photographic adventure. So how does it compare to the best Olympus cameras?
Key features
The OM System OM-5 features the same 20.4MP sensor as the E-M5 Mark III, but it’s paired with an updated TruePic IX processor to squeeze even more computational cleverness out of the body – and this is where it truly shines.
It boasts Live ND filters, which offer a software-driven alternative to neutral density filters up to ND16 (4 stops). This means you can get those silky water shots without filters, since the in-body image stabilisation has been boosted by 15% to 6.5 stops as standard, or 7.5 stops when paired with one of the Olympus Sync-IS lenses.
All this feeds into the ethos of this camera: a body you can take on an adventure, spot a photo opportunity, and still get those great shots – even without taking a tripod, filters or cumbersome accessories.
This story is from the December 15, 2022 edition of Photography week.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 15, 2022 edition of Photography week.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
CANON RF 24-105MM F/2.8L IS USM Z
A standard lens is reborn
MASTER DODGING AND BURNING
James Paterson shows you how to use these essential tools for old-school darkroom-style image enhancements
TRACKSIDE TIPS AND TRICKS
Chris Nevard explains how you can capture photorealistic images of model railways on a budget
THESE FOOD PHOTOS WILL MAKE YOUR MOUTH WATER
Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year announces shortlist for 2024 contest
30 TIPS FOR SHOOTING SUPER SHOTS THIS SPRING
Pro photographer Simon Roy reveals his key techniques
AKASO LAUNCHES AFFORDABLE BRAVE 8 LITE ACTION CAMERA
Budget model arrives with new features include HDR and Hindsight modes
VILTROX AF 27MM F1.2 PRO
A 'pro' lens with a consumer price tag
HOW TO...MASTER SHADOWS AND HIGHLIGHTS
This powerful tool has more to it than meets the eye, and it's ideal for landscapes
PATCHWORK PORTRAITS
Mike Harris uses the Brenizer method to shoot and edit a bokeh panorama with a super-shallow depth of field
PHOTO CONTEST CELEBRATES BRITAIN'S NATURAL WONDERS
British Wildlife Photography Awards feature amazing images of fauna and flora