Decision tools · Compare
OM-D E-M1 vs OM-D E-M5
Quick take: The OM-D E-M1 has the highest resolution at 16MP; the OM-D E-M5 is the most affordable.
16 specs side by side·13 genres scored·UK prices from Wex Photo Video and Clifton Cameras
How to read this page. Highlighted cells win that row on the spec alone. Genre scores are the engine's base scores (enthusiast, photo and video); Camera Match re-weights them for your level and priorities. Price buttons are affiliate links; the price you pay is the same.
Price buttons are affiliate links — GearFrame may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects a score. Learn more
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | OM-D E-M1Olympus · 2013 | OM-D E-M5Olympus · 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £104 used | £40 usedBest |
| Sensor | 16.3MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS | 16.1MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS |
| Resolution | 16.3MPBest | 16.1MP |
| Video | Full HD 1080p/30 | Full HD 1080/60i |
| Autofocus | Dual Fast AF: 37-point on-sensor phase detect + 81-area contrast AF, face and eye detection | Contrast-detect AF, 35 areas, face and eye detection |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis in-body stabilisation, 4 stops (CIPA) | 5-axis in-body stabilisation |
| Burst Rate | 10fps (6.5fps with continuous AF)Best | 9fps |
| Battery Life | ~350 shots (CIPA) | ~360 shots (CIPA)Best |
| Weight | 497g (with battery) | 425g (with battery)Best |
| Dimensions | 130.4 × 93.5 × 63.1mm | 121.9 × 88.9 × 43.2mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | OLED EVF, 2.36M dots, 1.48x | EVF, 1.44M dots |
| Screen | 3.0" tilting touchscreen, 1.04M dots | 3.0" tilting OLED touch screen, 610k dots |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Memory Cards | Single SD slot | Single SD slot |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0 multi-connector, micro HDMI, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm mic jack, RM-UC1 remote | USB 2.0 multi-connector, micro HDMI, hot shoe, Accessory Port 2 |
Wins the row — price, resolution, burst, battery, weight and sealing are compared; text specs aren't ranked.
How they score by genreengine base scores out of 10
Genre
OM-D E-M1
OM-D E-M5
Portrait
5.8/10
4.9/10
Street
6.0/10
6.0/10
Travel
5.8/10
5.9/10
Wedding & Events
4.8/10
4.0/10
Documentary
5.1/10
4.1/10
Sports & Action
6.0/10
5.3/10
Landscape
4.6/10
4.7/10
Wildlife
6.7/10
6.1/10
Casual
4.3/10
4.3/10
Food
5.6/10
5.5/10
Macro
6.9/10
5.1/10
Architecture
4.3/10
4.4/10
Astrophotography
5.4/10
3.7/10
Scores come from the same engine as Camera Match: verified specifications weighted by what each genre needs, with documented adjustments. The product page and this table show the enthusiast base score. See how scores are calculated →
Next
More comparisons with OM-D E-M1
Camera family history