Upgrade Guide

OM System PEN→OM System OM-1

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

You own

OM System

PEN

£849

2026

→

Upgrade to

OM System

OM-1

£1299 (+£450)

2022

⚖️

Situational

One clear hardware improvement over the PEN. Worth it if that specific upgrade aligns with what you shoot.

What's new in the OM-1

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	PEN	OM-1
Price	£849	£1,299
Released	2026	2022	↓
Sensor	20.4MP Four Thirds Live MOS	Micro Four Thirds Live MOS stacked BSI
Resolution	20MP	20MP
Video	4K/C4K, OM-Log400, vertical video support	4K 60fps 10-bit
Autofocus	Phase-hybrid AF (121 points) with subject detection (people, cats, dogs)	1053-point cross-type phase-detect, AI subject recognition
Stabilisation	5.5-stop IBIS	5-axis IBIS, 7.0 stops (8 stops with sync IS)
Burst Rate	30fps electronic	10fps mechanical, 50fps electronic, 120fps Pro Capture	↓
Battery Life	410 shots (CIPA)	520 shots (CIPA)	↑
Weight	393g (with battery and card)	599g (body only)	↓
Weather Sealed	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder	EVF, 2.36M dots	EVF 0.83× 5.76M-dot
Screen	Tilting touchscreen	3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.62M-dot
Mount	Micro Four Thirds	Micro Four Thirds
Memory Cards	Single SD (UHS-I)	Dual SD UHS-II slots

Compare side-by-side

See PEN and OM-1 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the OM-1 against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the PEN

Related buying guides

Camera family history