Upgrade Guide
OM System OM-5→OM System OM-1 Mark II
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Worthwhile
Clear improvements over the OM-5. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.
What's new in the OM-1 Mark II
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StabilisationImproved — 8.5-stop IBIS
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Burst rate120fps with AF tracking vs 30fps electronic, 10fps mechanical
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Battery life520 shots (CIPA) vs ~370 shots (CIPA)
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Generation2 years newer (2024 vs 2022)
Unchanged or similar
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ResolutionSimilar (20MP)
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-5 | OM-1 Mark II | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | +1.1 | ||
| Street | -0.2 | ||
| Travel | -0.2 | ||
| Wedding & Events | +2.4 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | +0.1 | ||
| Filmmaking | +1.7 | ||
| Documentary | +1.6 | ||
| Sports & Action | +2.6 | ||
| Landscape | +0.2 | ||
| Wildlife | +1.6 | ||
| Casual | -0.5 | ||
| Food | +0.5 | ||
| Macro | +0.3 | ||
| Architecture | +0.3 | ||
| Astrophotography | +0.4 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | OM-5 | OM-1 Mark II | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £899 | £2,049 | |
| Released | 2022 | 2024 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 20.4MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | 20MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | |
| Resolution | 20MP | 20MP | ↓ |
| Video | 4K/30p, C4K/24p, OM-Log400 | 4K/60p, 1080p/240p, 4K HLG | |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect, 121 all-cross points, subject tracking | AI subject detection AF (birds, animals, motorsport) | |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 7.5 stops (Dual IS with compatible lenses) | 8.5-stop IBIS | |
| Burst Rate | 30fps electronic, 10fps mechanical | 120fps with AF tracking | ↑ |
| Battery Life | ~370 shots (CIPA) | 520 shots (CIPA) | ↑ |
| Weight | 414g (body only) | 599g (body only) | ↓ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes | |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.74× magnification | 0.83" OLED EVF, 5.76M dots, 120fps | |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen | |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds | |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Dual SD UHS-II |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See OM-5 and OM-1 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-1 Mark II against your specific genres — not just specs.
Other upgrades from the OM-5
Camera family history