Upgrade Guide
OM System PEN→OM System OM-5
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Skip it
The OM-5 offers little measurable spec improvement over the PEN. Spend the money on glass instead.
Unchanged or similar
-
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 | PEN | OM-5 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | -0.5 | ||
| Street | -1.0 | ||
| Travel | -0.6 | ||
| Wedding & Events | -0.8 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | -0.3 | ||
| Filmmaking | -0.1 | ||
| Documentary | -0.7 | ||
| Sports & Action | -1.0 | ||
| Landscape | -0.2 | ||
| Wildlife | -0.6 | ||
| Casual | -0.3 | ||
| Food | — | ||
| Macro | +1.3 | ||
| Architecture | -0.1 | ||
| Astrophotography | -0.3 | ||
| Fun & simple | — |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | PEN | OM-5 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £849 | £899 | |
| Released | 2026 | 2022 | ↓ |
| Sensor | 20.4MP Four Thirds Live MOS | 20.4MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | |
| Resolution | 20MP | 20MP | |
| Video | 4K/C4K, OM-Log400, vertical video support | 4K/30p, C4K/24p, OM-Log400 | |
| Autofocus | Phase-hybrid AF (121 points) with subject detection (people, cats, dogs) | Phase-detect, 121 all-cross points, subject tracking | |
| Stabilisation | 5.5-stop IBIS | 5-axis IBIS, 7.5 stops (Dual IS with compatible lenses) | |
| Burst Rate | 30fps electronic | 30fps electronic, 10fps mechanical | |
| Battery Life | 410 shots (CIPA) | ~370 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 393g (with battery and card) | 414g (body only) | ↓ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes | |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 2.36M dots | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.74× magnification | |
| Screen | Tilting touchscreen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen | |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds | |
| Memory Cards | Single SD (UHS-I) | Dual SD UHS-II slots |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
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Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the OM-5 against your specific genres — not just specs.
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