• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600
  • 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.4 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Olympus E-M5 II advantages over OM System OM-1

  • Thinner
    44 mm vs 72 mm
    Thinner

OM System OM-1 advantages over Olympus E-M5 II

  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (DCI) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Newer
    3 years vs 10 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Higher-res screen
    540k vs 346k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More pixels
    20.4 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    120.0 fps vs 10.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    92 vs 18 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/16000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Both provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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  • Body Only (Silver)
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Your purchases support this site

Buy the OM System OM-1

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent handling in a compact, weather-sealed body; Crisp, roomy electronic viewfinder; Image quality that can take the fight to APS-C DSLRs; Unique high-res mode lets it bat far above its weight for static scenes; Extremely fast 10 fps burst shooting, Excellent video feature set

  • Control dials are easily bumped; Below-average battery life at default settings; Buffer depths for raw shooters are a bit limited; 16-megapixel sensor resolution feels dated; Weak bundled flash strobe

  • Read our Olympus E-M5 II Review

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic GX7

Olympus E-M5 II
Panasonic GX7
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $648
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Internal flash

Compare Olympus E-M5 II vs Panasonic GX7

OM System OM-1
Panasonic GX7
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $648
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare OM System OM-1 vs Panasonic GX7

Compared to Panasonic GX8

Olympus E-M5 II
Panasonic GX8
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • Fast startup
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Olympus E-M5 II vs Panasonic GX8

OM System OM-1
Panasonic GX8
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • NFC

Compare OM System OM-1 vs Panasonic GX8

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Olympus E-M5 II
Panasonic GX85
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Olympus E-M5 II vs Panasonic GX85

OM System OM-1
Panasonic GX85
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Internal flash

Compare OM System OM-1 vs Panasonic GX85

Compared to Panasonic G95

Olympus E-M5 II
Panasonic G95
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • Thinner
  • $848
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Olympus E-M5 II vs Panasonic G95

OM System OM-1
Panasonic G95
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $848
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Bluetooth

Compare OM System OM-1 vs Panasonic G95

Compared to Olympus E-M1 Mark III

Olympus E-M5 II
Olympus E-M1 Mark III
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $1649
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Olympus E-M5 II vs Olympus E-M1 Mark III

OM System OM-1
Olympus E-M1 Mark III
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Newer
  • Higher-res screen
  • $1649
  • 4/3

Compare OM System OM-1 vs Olympus E-M1 Mark III

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