Decision tools · Compare
OM-1 vs A1
Quick take: The A1 has the highest resolution at 50MP; the OM-1 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.
Sony
A1 2021
Best for Professional sport, wildlife, portrait & hybrid shooting
£4199
new today at Wex Photo Video
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Verdictwhich should you buy?
OM-1 — Wildlife, Sport, Outdoor: OM System's statement camera — class-leading weather sealing and the best IBIS in the business.
A1 — Professional Sport, Wildlife, Portrait & Hybrid Shooting: 50MP, 30fps, 8K — the Sony A1 is the most complete professional camera ever made.
Who should buy what
OM-1 (2022)
is the right camera for you if…
- Wildlife and bird photographers who need fast burst and pro weather sealing
- Outdoor photographers who work in challenging conditions
A1 (2021)
is the right camera for you if…
- Professional photographers who need resolution and speed without compromise
- Sports and wildlife photographers demanding the absolute fastest Sony
- Studio and fashion photographers who also shoot sport or events
- A9 III or A7R V owners who want a single body that does everything
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | OM-1OM System · 2022 | A1Sony · 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £299Best | £4,199 |
| Sensor | Micro Four Thirds Live MOS stacked BSI | 50.1MP Full-Frame Stacked BSI CMOS Exmor RS |
| Resolution | 20.4MP | 50.1MPBest |
| Video | 4K 60fps 10-bit | 8K/30p, 4K/120p, 1080p/240p |
| Autofocus | 1053-point cross-type phase-detect, AI subject recognition | Real-time Tracking, AI subject recognition — 759 phase-detect points |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 7.0 stops (8 stops with sync IS) | IBIS — up to 5.5 stops |
| Burst Rate | 10fps mechanical, 50fps electronic, 120fps Pro Capture | 30fps electronic with full AF/AEBest |
| Battery Life | 520 shots (CIPA)Best | ~430 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 599g (body only)Best | 737g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 134.8 × 91.6 × 72.7mm | 128.9 × 96.9 × 80.8mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF 0.83× 5.76M-dot | EVF, 9.44M dots, 0.90× magnification, 240fps |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.62M-dot | 3.0" fully tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony FE mount (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Dual CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5GHz, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C 3.1, HDMI, 3.5mm mic/headphone | USB-C, Wi-Fi 5GHz, Bluetooth, Ethernet, HDMI |
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-1
A1
Portrait
7.3/10
8.2/10
Street
6.5/10
6.1/10
Travel
6.4/10
6.0/10
Wedding & Events
7.6/10
7.9/10
Vlogging & Video
6.4/10
—
Filmmaking
6.6/10
7.8/10
Documentary
7.6/10
7.6/10
Sports & Action
9.2/10
8.8/10
Landscape
6.0/10
7.6/10
Wildlife
9.0/10
8.7/10
Casual
5.6/10
4.8/10
Food
7.1/10
7.4/10
Macro
8.1/10
7.3/10
Architecture
6.1/10
7.9/10
Astrophotography
5.9/10
6.8/10
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 →
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