OM System OM-1 Review
- OM System OM-1 Review: Overview
- OM System OM-1 Review: Imaging Capabilities
- OM System OM-1 Review: Video Capabilities
- Final Thoughts on the OM System OM-1
- Camera Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: 20.4MP Four Thirds Stacked CMOS sensor
- Image Processor: TruePic X Dual Quad Core Processor
- ISO: 80 - 25,600 (expandable to 80 - 102,400)
- Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds
- Speed: Up to 120.0 fps
- Autofocus: 1053 focus points
- Video: Up to 4K/60p & 1080p/60p
- Size/Weight: 135 x 92 x 73 mm / 599 grams
- Battery Life: 520 shots
- Stabilization: Yes
- Touchscreen: Yes
- 5 Features That Make the Olympus PEN-F a Fantastic Used Camera
- Micro Four Thirds vs APS-C: Pros and Cons
- Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.2 PRO
- Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm f/4 IS PRO
- Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO
- Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f/5-6.3 IS
- Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f/4 IS PRO
- Best Olympus Lenses for Landscape Photography in 2021
- Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II vs OM-D E-M10 Mark II
If you are shopping for a new camera, the Olympus OM System OM-1 is one of the trendiest cameras on the market. And here in this OM System OM-1 Review, we share everything there is to know about it. Whether you are a photographer or videographer or like to dabble in both, this article is for you!
One excellent resource with tons of used OM System OM-1 cameras in stock and a place I have bought and sold countless photo and video gear throughout the years is MPB. They are a trustworthy and reliable online platform that sells used photo and video kit at unbeatable prices.
Moreover, every camera at MPB is dutifully hand-inspected by expert product specialists and backed by a six-month warranty, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free. Another awesome feature of MPB is that you can trade in and sell your old camera equipment to help offset the cost of new-to-you gear you want and need.
Now, without further ado, let’s dive in and discover what makes the OM System OM-1 a one-of-a-kind camera in 2023!
Check out the video above by Rob Trek to learn more about the best camera settings for the OM System OM-1 in his OM System OM-1 Review.
Table of Contents
OM System OM-1 Review: Overview
The OM System OM-1 is an advanced new Olympus mirrorless camera that launched in March 2022. It is a high-end Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera and the first flagship camera to debut since OM Digital Solutions bought Olympus in 2021. Its camera specs blow other popular Olympus cameras (like the Olympus PEN-F) out of the water and make it a direct competitor to premium MFT cameras like the Panasonic Lumix GH6.
A high-resolution 20.4-megapixel stacked sensor and two TruePic X Quad Core image processors are at the camera's core. The trio works hand in hand to make the OM-1 one of the fastest and most responsive MFT cameras ever released, regardless of brand. The speed and accuracy of the photo/video autofocus, in particular, are impressive.
The standard kit lens for the OM-1 is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II, but there are endless compatible Micro Four Third lenses to choose from (scroll down to see a list of our recommended OM-1 lenses).
Other highlight-worthy features of this mirrorless camera include its intuitive button layout/menu system, fully weather-sealed body, and compact size. The camera's ergonomics and handling make it easy for beginners to learn on and increase workflow speeds for professionals. The weather-resistant body is ideal for outdoor and landscape photographers. And its compact and portable size is perfect for travel photography and everyday use.
Here’s an in-depth look at the key features and specs of the Olympus OM System OM-1:
OM System OM-1 Review: Imaging Capabilities
The first thing that stands out when taking still photos with the OM System OM-1 is the outstanding image quality. Corner-to-corner sharpness is superb, and colors are bold and bright straight out of the camera (especially in JPEGs). While JPEGs have better out-of-the-camera colors, RAW images have superior Dynamic Range, which is better for editing.
Next, let’s talk about the industry-leading continuous shooting capabilities of the OM-1. It can capture blackout-free, in-focus bursts at up to 50 frames per second (fps), even when using full autofocus and auto exposure. That number jumps to a mind-blowing 120 fps if you lock the autofocus and auto exposure settings.
One important thing to note about the lighting-fast continuous shooting speeds of the OM-1 is that they are only possible with certain lenses. Some lenses top out at 25 fps, and other older ones max out at 14 fps (which is still faster than most cameras). Due to its high-speed shooting, the OM-1 is a go-to option for sports and wildlife photographers.
Two more notable photography features of this camera are the creative multi-shot modes and the new electronic viewfinder (EVF). There are six unique multi-shot modes, with my favorite being the “High-Resolution” 80MP mode and “Live Composite” mode. Lastly, the OLED EVF has 5.76 million dots, refreshes every five milliseconds, and helps better compose images.
Learn More:
OM System OM-1 Review: Video Capabilities
Equally impressive is how the OM System OM-1 performs as a video camera. For starters, it boasts stunning UHD and DCI 4K video capabilities. Whichever professional 4K video resolution you select, the OM-1 can record eight and 10-bit footage at frame rates of 24, 30, and 60p. 24p is best for filmmakers, 30p for YouTube, and 60p if you want to create slow-motion videos.
Speaking of YouTube, the OM-1 is a great camera for YouTubers, vloggers, and social media influencers (Instagram, TikTok, etc.). The bright fully-articulated rear LCD is fantastic for framing scenes and makes it easy to shoot selfie videos. Additionally, the camera’s Wi-Fi lets you quickly transfer your videos to your mobile devices.
Another advanced video feature of the OM-1 is the built-in 5-axis image stabilization (IBIS). It adds up to seven stops of exposure to your content, significantly improves the camera’s low-light performance, and makes shooting handheld video possible. Camera shake is all but eliminated courtesy of the IBIS.
On top of all that, the dual memory SD card slots and long-lasting battery are invaluable video features. Having two memory cards installed in your camera means you can record more footage. And the new BLX-1 batteries can shoot uninterrupted for up to 90 minutes with no risk of overheating.
Final Thoughts on the OM System OM-1
As you can see, the Olympus OM System OM-1 is a powerful Micro Four Thirds camera that excels in both photography and videography. While it’s an easy-to-use camera perfect for beginners, its relatively high price makes it a more common choice for enthusiasts and professionals. You can now get your hands on a used OM-1 for around $2000.
Thanks for taking the time to read our OM System OM-1 Review. As a parting gift, here’s a list of our favorite Micro Four Thirds lenses to pair with the OM-1 and other Olympus / Panasonic cameras. You can find amazing deals on all of these lenses and more on MPB.
