OM System OM-5 announced, price confirmed

While Olympus billed the OM-D E-M5 Mark III as a camera for vloggers and content creators, OM System is aiming its replacement, the OM System OM-5 at outdoor enthusiasts who want to capture their adventures. The OM-5 is a smaller, lighter alternative to the OM System OM-1 for content creators whose primary interest is an outdoor pursuit like walking or climbing, while the OM-1’s target market is dedicated photographers and videographers.

There’s a lot that seems familiar with the OM-5, but there are also a few changes. It has the same 20.4MP Four Thirds type Live MOS sensor as the E-M5 Mark III, for instance, but the processor has been upgraded to a new TruePic engine. This boost in processing power is key to some of the improvements that the OM-5 makes on the E-M5 III.

The High Res Shot mode, for example, has gained a hand-held mode that enables 50MP images to be created without the need for a tripod. There’s also a Live ND filter that enables the exposure to be extended by up to 4EV (ND16) without the need to use traditional filters.

In addition, the image stabilisation is said to be 15% better than before, with a shutter speed compensation factor up to 7.5EV with a compatible lens, and the 121-point (all-cross-type) autofocus system has been enhanced with the face and eye detection claimed to be faster and more accurate. The OM System OM-5 also has Starry Sky AF, which makes it easier to get sharp images of stars in the night sky.

Pro Capture mode is also available with a maximum shooting rate of 30fps (with the focus and exposure locked at the start) with 14 frames being captured before the shutter button is fully pressed.

The on-board Focus Stacking has been upgraded so the compositing of the 8 images can now take place in-camera.

OM System has also upgraded the OM-5’s weatherproofing to IP53. That’s the same level as the OM-1 and it means the camera can survive being exposed to a jet of water, so it should take rain in its stride.

On the video front, the OM-5 is capable of recording C4K (4096 x 2160) video at 24p, 4K (3840 x 2160) video at 30, 25, 24p or Full HD video at up to 60p (120fps in High-Speed Recording mode), and the recording time is only limited by the storage or battery life.

OM-Log400 is supported to give more freedom over post-capture grading and vertical shooting is enabled. It’s also possible to connect the LS-P5 audio recorder to the OM-5 (or an external microphone) for better-quality sound. Headphones can be connected to the LS-P5 for monitoring the audio.

The OM System OM-5 uses the same BLS-50 battery as the OM-5 Mark III, and it can be used with the ECG-5 External Grip. In CIPA tests, up to 310 images or 60 mins of video can be captured on a single battery charge with the OM-5. The battery can be charged using a USB connection to the camera (when it’s turned off), but the USB connection is not a USB-C type.

OM System OM-5 price and availability

The OM System OM-5 is available to order immediately and will ship in mid to late November. The OM System OM-5 price is £1,199 / €1,299 / $1,199.99 body only or £1,499 / €1,699 / $1,599.99 with the 12-45mm f/4 lens. In the UK and USA anyone who pre-orders th OM-5 will receive an extended warranty.