Decision tools · Compare
OM-D E-M5 Mark II vs OM-5
Quick take: The OM-5 has the highest resolution at 20MP; the OM-D E-M5 Mark II is the most affordable.
16 specs side by side·15 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
Verdictwhich should you buy?
OM-D E-M5 Mark II — Travel & Landscape: 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.
OM-5 — Outdoor & Adventure: The toughest camera at this price — IP53 weather sealing and 7.5-stop IBIS built for adventure photographers.
Who should buy what
OM-D E-M5 Mark II (2015)
is the right camera for you if…
- Travel photographers wanting compact + weather sealing
- Outdoor and landscape shooters
- Micro Four Thirds system users
OM-5 (2022)
is the right camera for you if…
- Outdoor and adventure photographers who need a compact, weather-sealed body
- Travellers who want MFT's compact size with pro-level weather protection
- E-M5 III owners upgrading to OM System's improved subject detection
- Photographers who want strong IBIS and rugged build without OM-1 pricing
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | OM-D E-M5 Mark IIOlympus · 2015 | OM-5OM System · 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £124 usedBest | £899 |
| Sensor | 16MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | 20.4MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS |
| Resolution | 16.0MP | 20.4MPBest |
| Video | 1080p/60p | 4K/30p, C4K/24p, OM-Log400 |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF, face detection | Phase-detect, 121 all-cross points, subject tracking |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 5.0 stops | 5-axis IBIS, 7.5 stops (Dual IS with compatible lenses) |
| Burst Rate | 10fps | 30fps electronic, 10fps mechanicalBest |
| Battery Life | ~310 shots (CIPA) | ~370 shots (CIPA)Best |
| Weight | 417g (with battery and card) | 414g (body only)Best |
| Dimensions | 123.7 × 85.0 × 44.5mm | 122.3 × 87.6 × 49.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.74× magnification | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.74× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.04M dots | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Dual SD UHS-II slots |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, Wi-Fi | USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
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-M5 Mark II
OM-5
Portrait
5.0/10
6.5/10
Street
5.9/10
6.8/10
Travel
5.8/10
6.6/10
Wedding & Events
4.0/10
5.5/10
Vlogging & Video
4.2/10
6.1/10
Documentary
4.6/10
6.3/10
Sports & Action
5.4/10
6.7/10
Landscape
5.4/10
5.9/10
Wildlife
6.1/10
7.5/10
Casual
4.3/10
6.0/10
Food
5.9/10
6.9/10
Macro
7.1/10
8.1/10
Architecture
5.4/10
6.0/10
Astrophotography
5.5/10
5.6/10
Filmmaking
—
5.1/10
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-M5 Mark II
Camera family history