Upgrade Guide

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II→Olympus OM-D E-M1

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Olympus

OM-D E-M5 Mark II

£124 used

2015

→

Upgrade to

Olympus

OM-D E-M1

£104 used (-£20)

2013

❌

Skip it

The OM-D E-M1 offers little measurable spec improvement over the OM-D E-M5 Mark II. Spend the money on glass instead.

Unchanged or similar

Suitability by genre

Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.

Full spec comparison

Spec	OM-D E-M5 Mark II	OM-D E-M1
Price	£124 used	£104 used
Released	2015	2013	↓
Sensor	16MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS	16.3MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS
Resolution	16MP	16MP	↑
Video	1080p/60p	Full HD 1080p/30
Autofocus	Contrast-detect AF, face detection	Dual Fast AF: 37-point on-sensor phase detect + 81-area contrast AF, face and eye detection
Stabilisation	5-axis IBIS, 5.0 stops	5-axis in-body stabilisation, 4 stops (CIPA)
Burst Rate	10fps	10fps (6.5fps with continuous AF)
Battery Life	~310 shots (CIPA)	~350 shots (CIPA)	↑
Weight	417g (with battery and card)	497g (with battery)	↓
Weather Sealed	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder	Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.74× magnification	OLED EVF, 2.36M dots, 1.48x
Screen	3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.04M dots	3.0" tilting touchscreen, 1.04M dots
Mount	Micro Four Thirds	Micro Four Thirds
Memory Cards	Single SD UHS-I slot	Single SD slot

Compare side-by-side

See OM-D E-M5 Mark II and OM-D E-M1 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

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