OM-5vs A7S
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Outdoor & Adventure — OM-5 (2022): The toughest camera at this price — IP53 weather sealing and 7.5-stop IBIS built for adventure photographers.
Astrophotography & Low-Light — A7S (2014): The original A7S pioneered the concept of a camera optimised entirely for low light. Its 12.2MP sensor has enormous photosites — extraordinary high-ISO performance that still holds up. Lacking IBIS and limited to 1080p internally (4K requires external recorder), it is a specialist tool. For astrophotography, event videography, or any scenario where light is genuinely scarce, it remains outstanding.
Who should buy what
OM-5 (2022)
- 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
A7S (2014)
- Astrophotographers
- Low-light event videographers
- Filmmakers needing clean high-ISO footage
Quick take: The om-5 has the highest resolution at 20mp; the a7s is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | OM-5 (2022) | A7S (2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £899 | £600 |
| Sensor | 20.4MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | 12.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 20.4MP | 12.2MP |
| Video | 4K/60p, 4K/120p Cinema4K | 1080p/60p internal, 4K via HDMI (external recorder) |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect, 121 all-cross points, subject tracking | Phase-detect / contrast-detect hybrid AF |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 7.5 stops (Dual IS with compatible lenses) | None |
| Burst Rate | 30fps electronic, 10fps mechanical | 5fps |
| Battery Life | ~370 shots (CIPA) | ~370 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 414g body only | 474g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 122.3 × 87.6 × 49.7mm | 126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.74× magnification | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Multi/Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | OM-5 | A7S |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor & Adventure | — | |
| Landscape | ||
| Travel | ||
| Wildlife | — | |
| Portrait | ||
| Sports & Action | ||
| Astrophotography | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Street | — |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
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Camera family history