OM System · Camera History

OM System OM-5 Series

The rugged Micro Four Thirds adventure camera — across two generations.

The E-M5 line traces back to the groundbreaking E-M5 II, which established the compact weather-sealed Micro Four Thirds formula with class-leading 5-axis IBIS and a high-res composite mode. The E-M5 III refined it with phase-detect AF and a newer processor. Its successor, the OM-5, rebranded the line while retaining the compact, rugged character that made it popular with travel and outdoor photographers.

📷 3 generations 💷 £ → £899 current

Generation 1

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II

£350 Released 2015 The E-M5 II was the benchmark weather-sealed travel camera of its generation. The 16MP sensor is modest by today's standards but excellent in practice, and the 5-axis IBIS is genuinely useful. Weather sealing, a flip screen, and a high-res composite mode make it a practical companion. A highly capable used-market buy for travel and outdoor photographers who don't need the latest resolution numbers.

16MP 1080p/60p Contrast-detect AF, face detection 5-axis IBIS, 5.0 stops 10fps ~310 shots (CIPA) Weather sealed 417g (with battery and card)

View full specs → Upgrade from this →

Generation 2

OM System Olympus OM-D E-M5 III

£699 Released 2019 The lightest weather-sealed MFT camera — compact, travel-friendly, and capable with 7.5-stop IBIS in a body that fits in a jacket pocket.

20MP 4K/30p, 1080p/120p Hybrid phase/contrast AF with face/eye detection 7.5-stop 5-axis IBIS 30fps electronic / 10fps mechanical 390 shots (CIPA) Weather sealed 414g body only

What's new in this generation

Resolution: 20MP (+4MP)
Stabilisation improved (7.5-stop 5-axis IBIS)
Burst rate: 30fps electronic / 10fps mechanical
Video: 4K/30p, 1080p/120p
Price: +£349 vs previous

View full specs → Was the upgrade worth it? → Upgrade from this → Compare with previous →

Current generation

OM System OM-5

£899 Released 2022 The toughest camera at this price — IP53 weather sealing and 7.5-stop IBIS built for adventure photographers.

20MP 4K/60p, 4K/120p Cinema4K Phase-detect, 121 all-cross points, subject tracking 5-axis IBIS, 7.5 stops (Dual IS with compatible lenses) 30fps electronic, 10fps mechanical ~370 shots (CIPA) Weather sealed 414g body only

What's new in this generation

Video: 4K/60p, 4K/120p Cinema4K
Price: +£200 vs previous

View full specs → Was the upgrade worth it? → Compare with previous →

All generations at a glance

Spec	OM-D E-M5 Mark II (2015)	Olympus OM-D E-M5 III (2019)	OM-5 (2022)
Price	£350	£699	£899
Resolution	16MP	20MP	20MP
Video	1080p/60p	4K/30p, 1080p/120p	4K/60p, 4K/120p Cinema4K
Stabilisation	5-axis IBIS, 5.0 stops	7.5-stop 5-axis IBIS	5-axis IBIS, 7.5 stops (Dual IS with compatible lenses)
Burst Rate	10fps	30fps electronic / 10fps mechanical	30fps electronic, 10fps mechanical
Battery	~310 shots (CIPA)	390 shots (CIPA)	~370 shots (CIPA)
Weather Sealed	Yes	Yes	Yes
Weight	417g (with battery and card)	414g body only	414g body only