OM-5vs ZV-E1
VS
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.
Video Creators, Vloggers & Filmmakers — ZV-E1 (2023): Full-frame video quality in a vlogging body — exceptional low-light performance and a genuinely compact form factor.
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
ZV-E1 (2023)
- Video creators who want full-frame low-light quality in a compact body
- Vloggers stepping up from APS-C who prioritise image quality over resolution
- Filmmakers who want S-Log3 and cinematic colour in a run-and-gun package
- A7S III users who want the same sensor in a smaller, lighter body
Quick take: The om-5 has the highest resolution at 20mp; the om-5 is the most affordable; only the om-5 is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | OM-5 (2022) | ZV-E1 (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £899 | £1,999 |
| Sensor | 20.4MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | 12.1MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS Exmor R |
| Resolution | 20.4MP | 12.1MP |
| Video | 4K/60p, 4K/120p Cinema4K | 4K/60p (S-Cinetone, S-Log3), 4K/120p, 1080p/240p |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect, 121 all-cross points, subject tracking | Real-time Tracking AF with subject recognition |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 7.5 stops (Dual IS with compatible lenses) | IBIS — Active Mode for video |
| Burst Rate | 30fps electronic, 10fps mechanical | 10fps |
| Battery Life | ~370 shots (CIPA) | ~570 shots (CIPA) / ~105 min video |
| Weight | 414g body only | 483g (with battery) |
| Dimensions | 122.3 × 87.6 × 49.7mm | 121.4 × 71.6 × 54.3mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.74× magnification | None — screen only |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony FE mount (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Single CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm mic, Multi-Interface Shoe |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | OM-5 | ZV-E1 |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor & Adventure | — | |
| Landscape | ||
| Travel | ||
| Wildlife | — | |
| Portrait | ||
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Low Light | — | |
| Street | — |
More comparisons with OM-5
Camera family history