Upgrade Guide
OM System OM-1→OM System OM-5 Mark II
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Situational
One clear hardware improvement over the OM-1. Worth it if that specific upgrade aligns with what you shoot.
What's new in the OM-5 Mark II
-
Generation3 years newer (2025 vs 2022)
Unchanged or similar
-
ResolutionSimilar (20MP)
-
StabilisationIBIS not present in new body
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.
| Genre | OM-1 | OM-5 Mark II | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | -0.8 | ||
| Street | +0.4 | ||
| Travel | +0.5 | ||
| Wedding & Events | -2.2 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | -0.2 | ||
| Filmmaking | -1.5 | ||
| Documentary | -1.3 | ||
| Sports & Action | -2.5 | ||
| Landscape | — | ||
| Wildlife | -1.6 | ||
| Casual | +0.4 | ||
| Food | -0.2 | ||
| Macro | — | ||
| Architecture | -0.1 | ||
| Astrophotography | -0.4 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | OM-1 | OM-5 Mark II | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,299 | £880 | |
| Released | 2022 | 2025 | ↑ |
| Sensor | Micro Four Thirds Live MOS stacked BSI | 20.4MP Four Thirds Live MOS | |
| Resolution | 20MP | 20MP | |
| Video | 4K 60fps 10-bit | 4K/30p, OM-Log400 | |
| Autofocus | 1053-point cross-type phase-detect, AI subject recognition | Phase-hybrid AF (121 cross-type points) | |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 7.0 stops (8 stops with sync IS) | Up to 7.5-stop Sync IS (6.5-stop body-only) | |
| Burst Rate | 10fps mechanical, 50fps electronic, 120fps Pro Capture | 10fps (AF tracking), 30fps (locked) | |
| Battery Life | 520 shots (CIPA) | 310 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 599g (body only) | 370g (body only) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes | |
| Viewfinder | EVF 0.83× 5.76M-dot | EVF, 2.36M dots, 1.37x magnification | |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.62M-dot | Fully articulating touchscreen | |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds | |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Single SD (UHS-II) |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See OM-1 and OM-5 Mark II next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.
Get a personalised upgrade score
Run the upgrade checker →
Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the OM-5 Mark II against your specific genres — not just specs.
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