New OM System / Olympus WOW Camera OM-1 Hands-On Unboxing & First Impressions

[@robynaldridge8304]

I, too have fallen in love with this camera.

[@evanmcknight2566]

Thanks for the review. This looks like a fantastic camera. Looking forward to the full review.

[@ivanmartinphotography]

Great review Matt. Looks like it's going to be a beast. So excited to get my hands on it next month 😀

[@MattSuessPhoto]

Thanks Ivan - you should enjoy it when you get it!!

[@ryantang8146]

I pre-ordered mine and it looks like it is coming end of this month here in Asia. But sad that the gps field sensor of my EM1X is gone😩

[@MattSuessPhoto]

Oh awesome! There is a way to sync gps data via phone app - I'll have to do a video on it 😉

[@travelmitmir]

Maybe there is a successor to the EM1X - with 2 TruePic X processors 😀

[@bryankung]

Can you wear polarized sunglasses and look through the viewfinder without any issues?

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

I wish I could get this camera sooner. A new moon is coming and I have a lot of things I want to try with astrophotography and this camera. Also and let me know if they have made the IR/UV cut filter more friendly to Ha at the 656.281 nm point on the spectrum.

[@mikejenner5610]

Wow Matt what an awesome camera. When all around me were scoffing at Olympus and diving for Sony or Fuji I'm SO glad I kepththe faith and stuck with Olympus. I'm currently in negotiation with my domestic accountant for getting the new OM1. Cheers Bud. Mike

[@MattSuessPhoto]

Hopefully your negotiations are successful 😉

[@stevebonn3463]

The improvements look very encouraging, and I've taken the plunge to buy one of these. One area where I have challenges is with birds-in-flight in the early morning, which often come out only quasi-acceptable & with less detail when shot at ISO 6400 on the previous generation of OMD cameras. I'd be curious to see how the new camera performs with this scenario, especially at f/5.6 or f/6.3 apertures that I typically use with my lens setup. Can the the camera work well for these scenarios at ISO 12800 or ISO 25600? I guess I'll find out next month, if not sooner.

[@allenschneider1847]

I'm thinking about getting this camera or the fugi xt4 or xh2. What would you like better about the OM1?

[@nightowlnzab]

I'm a Fujifilm user currently, but this camera looks amazing. I was really turned off Olympus by the previous UI/menus- but this looks amazing, I love the extra help/info it displays and seems to be much better organised, there's got to be a catch... oh no there is, you can't navigate it using the touch-screen! To be fair, it's the same on my X-T4. 😥

[@MattSuessPhoto]

I wouldn't let that stop you from getting it 😉

[@nightowlnzab]

@@MattSuessPhoto It's awfully tempting, struggling to keep my GAS under control, love my X-T4 but oh to have a decent grip to sink your fingers into! Hanging out for the X-H2 to see what that might bring, but am seriously considering trying the M43 bandwagon.

[@SirMo]

I prefer tactile controls anyway for navigation. I just use the exposure dials to navigate through images on my Olympus cameras. Much more accurate and easier than touch screen in my opinion.

[@leric4205]

L'OM1 semble construit uniquement en plastique et non en métal ?

[@volkerwehres5917]

Nice Video. Question: Can I still use older lences like the 7-14mm Four Third with an MMF3 Adapter?

[@joerama]

I would think so and probably better than ever (since the phase detect coverage and autofocus are better than ever).

[@sepposeppa4819]

Hi, I have ordered one, but could you tell me, where are these made?

[@politicallyincorrectpuppy]

The OM-1 is made in Vietnam if I am correct just like the lenses.

[@jonbarnard7186]

Thanks Matt. I'm lusting after this camera, but I have one concern. I look at the raw files that DP review published, and compare them to the EM1 iii, and I don't see a 2 stop difference. I can't see any difference in noise at all. This may not be the case for jpegs, but I just don't see the improvement in the raw files. This may be one of the most useable cameras in the world. I wouldn't doubt that given my experience with Olympus cameras. But now I'm having a problem pulling the trigger.

[@MattSuessPhoto]

Do a search of my YT channel here, where I test the high ISO of the OM-1

[@sebastiaanvanwater]

Thanks for the overview. One question though: Does it still work with the flash unit that came with the EM1ii, Pen F and EM5ii?

[@MattSuessPhoto]

I don't see why it wouldn't - nothing has been changed regarding the flash mount.

[@giuseppe.g]

This camera are amazing, I never have a mft camere but this om-1 make me want to try it...

[@MattSuessPhoto]

Give it a shot!

[@kifley19]

How come it does only 10 bit 4k 60fps on log and hlg? Why didn't they include it for the standard video mode? Plus, no dual recording for video even though it uses the same card slots.

[@loryhawley2930]

I'll start again...I was excited to think there was going to be an Astro Tracking function; but it wasn't included...is it possible that it could be in a firmware upgrade at some point?

[@MattSuessPhoto]

Not sure which rumor site started that one, but they definitely got their info wrong.

[@RnFfishy]

My only remaining question on this camera is how it handles astrophotography and long exposures. Your 20 sec exposure Live Comp photo looks really promising. Would love to see some moonless sky examples. The noise control looks so much more improved! A night photography specific review would be good to see :) Great in depth review, thanks! Been holding onto the Panasonic GX8 for so long mainly because I haven't really missed much with other M43 models IQ wise. I think it's time to upgrade finally :)

[@MattSuessPhoto]

I think I am heading down to Moab this weekend with the camera searching for some clear skies to further test the night shots 😃

[@SirMo]

There is a channel on youtube: @UCaSHstI7EgghGynGNNlIsPA The dude that runs it uses Olympus cameras for his astrophotography. He's pretty hard core and likes the system for astro. He hasn't reviewed OM-1 yet. But he said as soon as he gets it he will do a review. He did a really in depth review of the previous modes.

[@Muehlema1]

The FL-LM3 flash was seen on several unboxing OM-1 videos now. It is not listed as an official accessory bundled, neither with kit nor body. So, is it now bundled or not?

[@MattSuessPhoto]

Not sure - guess we will find out soon enough when they ship. I have a few of them kicking around from other cameras - not sure if I ever used them lol.

[@whamni]

Brilliant review Matt, I'll need to win the lotto 🤣

[@MattSuessPhoto]

Thanks for watching Alec!

[@derekbarkham2314]

😂

[@jigjitsu5599]

I’m patiently waiting for the EM0

[@bpcs63]

It's looking better and better... my wallet is shivering!

[@RichardBO9]

Thanks for the overview. Much appreciated.

[@janisriemers2715]

Visu krievu vai latviešu valodā

[@formermpc10]

Wow, a lot of adjectives! Sign me up.

[@rickbear7249]

Many Olympus camera owners won't own an OMD EM-1 in any form. Therefore, Matt, please include a mid-range Olympus OMD camera, such as the EM-5 MkIII in your comparisons. This will give a better idea of what future improvements owners of mid-range cameras may expect from OM-SYSTEMS in future camera releases. Thanks, Rick

[@MattSuessPhoto]

Hi Rick - this camera competes with the earlier E-M1 line and even the E-M1X - it is a replacement to the E-M1 MK3. So comparing it to an E-M5 that costs half as much and is targeted to a different audience isn't fair ;)

[@rickbear7249]

@Matt Suess Photography mostly agreed, Matt, but I think you misunderstood my request. I am a professional photographer. However, I'm also a teacher of photography. What I'm requesting is that you consider telling enthusiasts why they might consider purchasing an OM-1 as an upgrade. Also, as I'm sure some of these new features will filter down into the mid-range offerings, it'd be useful to our enthusiast friends, to look at what may be in the pipeline within OM-SYSTEMS' future more affordable range of cameras 😉 😜 Rick

[@MattSuessPhoto]

@@rickbear7249 ahh I hear ya! Might have to have someone else do that video though, as I don't own an E-M5 and pretty much only test what I have and use. I do have a E-M10 m4 though - but that definitely wouldn't be a fair fight 😉

[@fiskpad]

Matt,after having handled the new OM-1 can you say that the control dials (front and rear) are as well made as those of the EM1X? If you have used or own one you know exactly what I mean. The detents are dampened and truly feel like a flagship camera should. Or are they the same as the EM1 MK III? I ask because if OM systems is now claiming the OM-1 is their flagship then build quality should reflect that.

[@MattSuessPhoto]

Nothing will compare to the EM1X unless a v2 comes out. But the OM-1 does get recessed control dials like on the X. But they are hard plastic and not rubberized like on the X. There is a tighter snap to them on the OM-1, but maybe my X is a touch more broken in 😉

[@ABUSHfan]

Looks awesome

[@luckgod1857]

How is iso 3200 or 6400 doing? What do the photos look like?

[@MattSuessPhoto]

I just posted a round 2 battle of the OM-1 at 6400 ISO vs the E-M1 MKIII at 1600 ISO: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmeuhqGljd2GnNU

[@rmgwheelsspokeslab.7767]

Don´t you miss the top LCD? My GOD, 50fps is crazy. I have a D500 and limit a lot my bursts not to storage that much and I have no time to check all the images I keep... :D

[@MattSuessPhoto]

Nah - don't miss the top LCD.

[@davidfoster2613]

Would this camera be better than buying the Sony A7IV. I’m thing about buying both cameras?

[@MattSuessPhoto]

It's been a few years since I shot with Sony, before I switched to Olympus full time. But I can say I've never regretted the switch :)

[@bobessner734]

Matt... I think you mis-spoke about the new max ISO limit?

[@MattSuessPhoto]

What did I say? The max is ISO 25,6000.

[@bobessner734]

@@MattSuessPhoto I now understand you are correct that the "native" limit is 25,600 but what does it mean that ISO top limit is around 103,000 ?

[@MattSuessPhoto]

@@bobessner734 Yes, the native ISO goes up to 25,600 but you can extend it to 102,400. Just like the native low ISO is 200 but can be extended down to 80. Native means what the sensor is really designed for. Extending it beyond that range is possible but with bigger image quality hits. For example in the low extended range of ISO 80 and 100, dynamic range is usually much less than the native ISO 200.

[@bobessner734]

Thanks for clarifying, Matt! I got the OM-1 and grip pre-ordered yesterday at 12:30 am so hopefully I'll have it by end of March. I've been waiting 2 years for this camera and can't wait to use my 150-400 PRO lens with it. I bought one of the first OM-1 cameras when it first came out in 1972. I've been with Olympus for 50 years. I have around 100 zuiko film lenses and around 50 OM film bodies. It's time for me to start selling them off though.

[@ulysses01]

@@bobessner734 good glass can last forever! Have you considered using some of that vintage glass on the new OM-1 and other Olympus cameras? With the right adapter, you should have no problem doing so.

[@cathyrobbins5285]

Are our current batteries compatible?

[@MattSuessPhoto]

No they are not.

[@DavidCrooksPhotos]

No charger in box and you can download the manual on the internet.

[@MattSuessPhoto]

Great - nice to see they are saving some trees with that manual download 😀

[@ottomellar6774]

No battery charger?

[@MattSuessPhoto]

No charger is included. It comes with a cable to charge when battery is in camera. A separate charger can be purchased.

[@roycejohnson929]

Thats a huge wow !! Better save my pennies ! lol

[@kennynvake4hve584]

Well I guess both the em 1 mark ii and iii prices are going to tank..Speaking of prices how much is this going to set US back...........

[@MattSuessPhoto]

It is $2,199 USD

[@tappersreviews4677]

There's a really big price difference between the EM1 III and the OM1. And IMO the OM1 is not really a huge advance depending on what you do, so the EM1 III still might make sense for many users looking to upgrade from older Olympus models.

[@ulysses01]

@@tappersreviews4677 the OM-1 contains plenty of tech that improves upon the E-M1 Mark III, along with loads of of feature refinements. It’s much faster, for much better productivity. You’ve got significantly higher quality images as far as noise levels and dynamic range. You’ve got that remarkable EVF plus improvements in the LCD. Almost every computational feature is significantly faster thanks to the TruePic X, plus there’s more headroom for lots more computational imagery. Considering the E-M1 Mark III was $1800 when it was released in July 2020, the price for this much improved camera is not surprising. They could have gone higher than $2200, but I’m surprised they didn’t. All of that said, the E-M1 Mark III is a fantastic camera, and its capabilities hold up even now. It’ll be a great value for those who buy it and put it to work.

[@ianllyodlimtago3131]

I think it;s time to upgrade my EM1mk1

[@MattSuessPhoto]

I think so ;)

[@SirMo]

Same here. I've been shooting my trusty e-m1 mk1 for years, and it's been an amazing work horse of a camera. I don't shoot action often (like sports and stuff). But I have done it occasionally, so OM-1 seems to be a huge upgrade in that sense for those rare occasions I need it.

[@xflyingtiger]

If you buy the optional battery charger, a battery comes with the charger. So you end up with a camera, a charger, and 2 batteries.

[@gregdonoghue3464]

A definite upgrade over the Mark lll. Auto Focus and Tracking are also better than the M1X. But for wildlife and sports photographers, the balance when using long lenses would be an issue. A battery grip would be a necessity. Here is where the M1X body is preferable. I would expect a new M1X ll would be the next offering from OM Systems with a larger sensor and including the improvements offered in the OM-1.

[@hypeschwartz]

I think it's time to upgrade my mkii

[@MattSuessPhoto]

Oh for sure @Guilt Monkey!!

[@hypeschwartz]

@@MattSuessPhoto handheld Hi-Res is what I crave the most, and the 12bit 4:4:4 video output is a great feature. Pricing looks to be as high as its quality and features.

[@dmitry.sh.8946]

What about the picture quality? the same miserable left?

[@MattSuessPhoto]

Image quality is better than any previous Olympus camera.

[@dmitry.sh.8946]

@@MattSuessPhoto Clear! Thanks...

[@joennick1]

External USB pack while using the camera? Only in limited scenarios. Also takes 150 mins to charge this way? Just give us a proper battery charger.

[@MattSuessPhoto]

The battery is actually slightly bigger - 2280 mAh vs 1720 mAh thus the slightly extra charging time. Normal battery chargers are available as extra purchase.

[@raksh9]

Olympus in Australia is offering a free spare battery and dual battery charger with OM1 preorders.

[@Lucidexplore]

Curious why no longer its Olympus?

[@MattSuessPhoto]

Sold to OM Digital Solutions last year. How did you miss that news lol? 😉

[@moggridge1]

If nothing else, the short video of the camera taking a shower made me say "Wow!". 😲

[@MattSuessPhoto]

lol that video is pretty awesome.

[@DavidCrooksPhotos]

$149 for the dual charger!

[@jalexed]

If the last TruePic was namned IX as in 9, I'm sure this one is pronounced "ten" and not "x". :)

[@UrbaneHobbit]

It’s X, like E-M1X. Olympus likes the letter X!

[@jalexed]

@@UrbaneHobbit haha. Yeah. I saw Gavin Hoey explain the X part in his video and he felt as surprised as me. Guess Olympus will pronounce fifteen as ex-ve. 😉

[@loryhawley2930]

II

[@aleckennedy6513]

As I understand it started from an Olympus patent application. See this video for an analysis, kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKrbdqiClp6qp8U

[@richardgorski23]

$2199 no way. Of course all these Olympus ambassadors are going to praise. I also will wait for Gerald Undone or Tony

[@MattSuessPhoto]

🤣 You are going to wait for Tony to do a review? 🤣😂🤣 Thanks man - you just made my day 😂

[@sealand000]

Tony "m4/3 is dead"? That Tony?

[@SirMo]

That price is actually much better than the competition for this level of features and ruggedness. You need to spend basically twice as much or more on Nikon, Sony or Canon for this type of pro camera. Even Fuji is more expensive comparatively. Again for a flagship pro camera.

[@MattSuessPhoto]

@@sealand000 lol yeah, that Tony 🤣

[@helio-c2525]

In his latest video on the OM-1, Toneh redefines multiplication by claiming 1.25 x 4.5 = 6.6 (at around the 21 min mark). He also has an obsession with aperture equivalency against M43 (which he conveniently ignores when it doesn't suit his argument). I consider him almost as far down the rabbit hole as Ken "Electric Universe" Wheeler. For better unbiased independent reviews check out channels like Gordon Laing and DPReview.

[@MrPetebuster1]

I'll await a more balanced review from people that aren't promoting the camera which seems to be all reviews at the moment , the sensor is still half the size of ff so what's the downsides??

[@MattSuessPhoto]

I only promote what I use in my day-to-day full-time photography career (30+ yrs and counting), and Olympus/OM SYSTEM has served me and my clients well since I left FF a few years ago.