OM System OM-1 Final Review

[@matthieuzglurg6015]

That's nice to see some long term reviews from you guys ! It's pretty common to see you switch brands every 2 weeks as a camera reviewer, seeing a review of a camera that you actually extensively used is really good ! Also congrats on the 400k subs !

[@VandrefalkTV]

I've been using mine for wildlife, macro and portaits mainly- the compactness, the lenses, menus, ip-rating; it's a no-brainer. THAT and the computational photography (starry skies, live-nd, high-rez etc), I can't praise the system enough. Love it!

[@safemode8598]

We need Om Systems to succeed, you can tell that Chris and Jordan want it to succeed too. I don't want to live in a world without M/43. Thanks guys

[@sweden_ove2074]

Amen...!

[@philippsteiner1987]

Me Too I don't want to change the system in the future, because for my needs M43 is the best system. I can't and don't want to afford the money for FF lenses and I don't want to carry it. For me M43 gives me the best value for money.

[@jeidun]

@@philippsteiner1987 you can also take live comp photos for astrophotography and dont need to stack your photos in your PC because the camera will do it! even the low-end models... olympus is wayyy too convenient for me

[@philippsteiner1987]

@@jeidun or Focus Stacking, Timelapse and so many more things which the camera can do internal, which saves me a lot of work in the post. The best thing is the IBIS, since I have an EM1-MII a Tripod is an option not a necessity!

[@nicknico4121]

@@philippsteiner1987 I have been a m43 user for the past 12 years and it's false to say that FF lenses are more expensive...quite the opposite in fact!

[@cag981]

I have had an OM-1 since it's release and continue to be impressed. I am happy to see.this camera getting an honest review. Is it the best photo only camera...no. Is it the best video camera...no. But as a system for travel or outdoor wildlife and nature photography, I do not think it can be beat. The price of the system, lens offerings, lens quality and lens sizes are all factors one should consider. It's not just the camera, it's the total system. In that regard I could not be happier and I shoot everything from the milky way to wild birds. It does it all fine enough that I can sell work in large prints and buyers are amazed by the detail and color.

[@petemitchellcatanaoan3555]

Congrats on reaching 400k subs

[@bartjeej]

Congrats indeed, and just within 2022! Well deserved, you guys are by far my favourite review channel.

[@jacobh5817]

I’m using Hasselblad and Leica FF in the studio for a living, but needed something smaller and lighter for personal travel. Finally ended up with an OM-1. I always thought that M43 was too small for high quality images, but boy, was I wrong. By now, I absolutely love my OM-1 and the Zuiko lenses. It’s my go-to set for edc and travel. Esp. when you need longer glass, there’s no better system. My father bought me an OM-1 when I was 12, back in 1974. I still have that camera and it still works flawless. Every time I pick up my new OM-1, it reminds me of a lifetime of photography. When you’re looking for a versatile system, that’s easy to carry and produces great results, look beyond FF. Try an OM-1.

[@bothkindsofmusic2964]

Almost all cameras can do bird portraits and large birds-in-flight. With a frame rate of 50fps and pro capture modes, the OM-1 can do small (sparrow-size) birds in flight. Bird photographers greatly appreciate this new capability.

[@esterix101]

show me one birder who use om1

[@larrychicco1062]

​@@esterix101lol

[@DaisysWorld192]

Great to see this long term review of the OM1 especially when I ran out and bought one right after it launched. I am extremely happy with mine and glad I choose it over the GH6. More for its small form factor and well built design. And I say this as someone who also owns the Canon R, Sony A7S3 and GH5. Merry Christmas!

[@robbyvillabona]

Quick change of subject detection is done by turning the dial while holding down the button you assigned for turning it on/off.

[@forresthogue3532]

I used to own the Sony a1 with many top of the line Sony lenses and I can say that it’s an amazing camera and one I’m sure is on many peoples wish list. However, I was curious about all the hype of the OM1; I decided to rent and test it out and I was shocked at how good the camera was, so much so that I sold all my sony gear and switched to OM systems. I know that the bird tracking on the OM systems OM1 is fantastic and right up there with the A1. I think the Sony edges it out ever so slightly but we’re talking $6500 vs $2100. I unfortunately bought into the “full frame is better” bs and now I realize it’s not the camera, it’s the person behind it. Now, I do realize that all cameras(apsc, mft, ff, etc.)have their pros and cons and yes advancements in technology help, but people were taking amazing photos long before all the tech began to steamroll in. Time and time again I see all types of photo genres that I think are shot with expensive cameras, only to find out that it’s a camera that is years old. I see it on IG and other social media platforms ALL THE TIME. Hence, I’m just tired of people always putting OM systems and other capable brands/cameras on the back burners because of “lack of features” or whatever the reason may be. For those who may choose to comment, I can back up my claims per my photos; IG forrest_hogue_photography.

[@TechnoBabble]

Lack of features is an absolutely valid reason to not buy a camera and saying otherwise is silly. The reason why most pros upgrade is to get more consistent results and make the act of shooting more efficient. If one brand has a specific feature that would help your workflow immensely, why would you go with another system?

[@PhotoTrekr]

I currently shoot Sony full frame cameras and lenses. But, I'm considering buying into Olympus for a travel system.

[@forresthogue3532]

@@TechnoBabble because REAL photographers don’t need the latest and greatest. I’m constantly amazed when I see photos from others thinking “oh well they must have the best camera” only to find out they don’t. Yes, new features are great not needed to create a beautiful photo! All camera great now a days but I just always find it funny that people feel they need to upgrade to the latest and greatest because they think that will make them a better photographer. Yes, technology helps but people have been taking AMAZING photos way before this technology boom in the camera industry. I’ve been using my om5 a lot and it’s 100% not a professional camera but I KNOW how the fundamentals of photography and I know how to edit, which is where the True power lies in photographs.

[@forresthogue3532]

@@PhotoTrekr you won’t be disappointed! Very rugged system, super light, reliable and best weather dealing in the business.

[@A.Whiteaway]

Absolute gem for wildlife photography

[@johnisaacs5127]

Subject Detection: You can toggle subject detection by pressing the function button. You can change the subject by holding down the function button and rotating either control wheel. This has been mentioned previously, as well as the fact that this also is how LiveND works. But this feature of toggling a function with the function button, or holding it down to change it with control dials, is quite widespread among functions of Olympus cameras. Enable bracketing on/off by function button, or hold it down and scroll through the bracketing functions. But yes, it would be handy to have face/eye detection in the same function and control settings with control wheels by holding the function button down. C-AF test: what was the AF sensitivity set to? Default is 0, but for subjects moving quickly towards you I prefer +2.

[@ecosmidis]

If you assign subject detection to a button then, with subject off, set face on. By toggling subject on/off you switch face off/on! Found by accident and love it! And yes, long press the subject button and switch modes with front dial. Supper easy but needs getting used to.

[@HokKan]

@@ecosmidis when you need both subject and face detect turned off, it's an extra step.

[@ecosmidis]

​@@HokKan True. I find in practice that if I need this it is for multiple shots so I don't mind

[@simpedros4766]

Yep that’s exactly what I do and it works brilliant

[@PhilThach]

I find this camera very interesting, I just don't know if I want to invest in yet another system. Thanks for giving this camera lots of coverage. Most of the other big photography channels virtually ignore it.

[@markmozley5604]

I felt the same way at one time. I am shooting Nikon D500, D800E and the Z9. A few years ago I added a Em 10 as my entry to mirrorless. Loved it, added another for BW infared and then added the EM-1 mark III about 3 months before the new OM 1. I shoot wildlife, landscape, barrel racing, little league baseball, and pet/owner picture. The EM-1 and OM-1 are very similar. I Love having it as part of my kit. It is my throw in the truck and sit on the kitchen table camera. It with the lens (300 f4, 40-150 f2.8 and 12-40 f2,8) provides a lot of options for quick and grab photography. .

[@MotoRich900]

Great update video guys, after years of hauling around my EF500 f/4 L IS and having torn my right arm ligaments along with arthritic hands it was time to shrink and lighten the load, and I couldn't be happier! As a long time viewer keep up the great work on your channel guys, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your families!

[@malikknows3510]

Very nice and fair video, thank you. I had been waiting for it for quite some time. I think Chris's summation at the end was spot on. Not sure why, but M43 brings out the bias and negativity among reviewers and enthusiasts and I'm not sure why. Clearly, the OM cameras represent a reasonable set of compromises for a particular type of user, and Chris points that out. Fuji also offers a reasonable set of compromises for a slightly different user, yet they don't seem to attract the negativity. I think Jordan's comment at the end of the video that other manufacturers are catching up on image stabilization, while true, was a bit gratuitous. A statement that it is still leading but the gap is narrowing is fair yet also gives OM credit where it is due, rather than undercut their achievement with a slightly negative context. That "slightly negative context" is a cloud from which M43 can't seem to break through and I do think it is a shame. I'm finding the built in ND filter, for one, a feature that few other manufacturers include, yet it is a great benefit, at least to me (and I think others). As an avid consumer of camera news and tech, I'm coming from Canon, Sony and, most recently, a Nikon Z5 which I traded for an OM-1. I'd have come to Olympus earlier yet was slightly put off by most of what I read about the system relative to these other manufacturers. It's a pity because, overall, the OM-1 fits me better. Live and learn, I guess. Happy holidays and all the best to all!

[@TL-xw6fh]

Jordan doesn't like OM System. He prefers Panasonic.

[@jeffreywrightphotography]

I think Jordan's comment regarding the gap narrowing in image stabilization is completely valid. Olympus and now OM System have maintained their niche popularity because of very specific functional advantages in their cameras, a big one being superior in body stabilization. Accepting that with its small sensor, it will never be able to compete on pure image quality they need to maintain their advantages in other areas. If they can't do that, there becomes little reason to stick with the system. For now, they still offer computational features unique to them, but other systems have started to slowly do this as well. If OM loses their computational advantages and their IBIS advantage (or their lead is narrowed to an insubstantial amount), all they have left is smaller lenses. Even that has been diminishing, however, as they have been putting more of their development into ultra wide aperture lenses that negate much of the size advantage.

[@malikknows3510]

@@jeffreywrightphotography No, not really. For any advantage any camera has one can always say others are catching up, so why say it with regard to this camera, this system? It's a biased thing to say, and M43 gets it a lot.

[@malikknows3510]

@@TL-xw6fh It seems so.

[@jeffreywrightphotography]

@Malik Knows As a camera reviewer it's his job to point these things out and every camera gets these kinds of comments as they should. Sony cameras unique feature remains its autofocus and completeness of its full frame lens line up yet gets constant complaints about its default color profile, menu system (before their recently update one), and camera build quality. As other systems narrow the gap in autofocus abilities that always gets mentioned. That's one of the big reasons the Nikon Z9 was so well received. Canon has caught a lot of flack for not allowing third party lenses while simultaneously not bringing out more lenses in their own system. Everyone has things they need to work on to keep their user base or risk losing (or not gaining new) customers.

[@martinda7446]

I have an OM1 from about 1978, After watching this I spent quite some time looking for the in-body stabilisation system button.

[@michaelj.1121]

Thanks for your great reviews and especially this one. An Olympus shooter myself for years all your positive points resonate 100% with me. This does 99% of what photography is - and it does it very well and conveniently.

[@pankajnjoshi9673]

Chris is my favorite you tube camera reviewer and I am glad that you guys have revisited OM-1. So well done. Just one unfulfilled expectation. I was expecting to see some data on improvement in noise performance and dynamic range that was missing in your first video. Thanks.

[@richard.robert]

I have the OM-1 since its release. I mainly use it for wildlife photography and fishing videos (Chris fly fishing is a great sport!). I know this camera isn't the best for stills and video, but for my needs it's nearly perfect. Its portability and build quality is great.

[@marcel9568]

Why is it not the best for stills?

[@TheGotoGeek]

@@marcel9568 FF typically gives you more DR, although whether that's useful more than rescuing bad exposures is up for debate.

[@richard.robert]

20 mp is limited to crop pictures, small size sensor and high Iso is not the best.

[@jeffreywrightphotography]

@Marcel by best I think he means best you can get. That doesn't mean it isn't good for stills, it is. No camera or even camera system is the absolute best in everything so it's always a matter of assessing you needs, preferences, budget, and then picking what fits those the best for you.

[@davidevans7325]

The OM-1 I have since it's release uses rolls of film. Not a good name for a new camera !!

[@dustinhecker3986]

Thanks guys as always. I decided at the beginning of 2022 to upgrade from the EMD Mark II to the OM-1. I'm very happy I did.

[@jshanni2066]

I took the OM-1 and a 300/4 to the MotoGp qualifying Saturday at Phillip Island a couple of months ago and was blown away by its ability to find and focus on the bikes/riders at 250+ km/hr . It's a seriously underated motor sports camera system, especially with the portability of the telephoto lenses. I just had a 20 inch print done of Pol Espagaro exiting turn 1 and it looks spectacularly good. It could definitely print larger. So IQ is fine , at least in daylight. It's not (currently) quite as good for people sports , the AI modes seem to work better than standard C-AF modes, but I'll be testing this out as the football seasons begin.

[@juanguerrero1761]

Just for your info, JAIRO DÍAZ, official photographer of SUPERBIKES is using Olympus, also for the very large prints shown in circuits.

[@kamilrakowski23]

Not only him. Fernando Marmolejo shoots Wsbk. In Europe (Italy, Spain, Poland) there are several top-level motorsport photographers who use Olympus. I shoot motocross and tcr Europe. The OM-1 is a beast. Last summer I shot the final of the Polish Motocross Championships (my last motocross event in 2022) One thing surprised me. The Om-1 with firmware 1.3 in combination with the 17mm and 45mm 1.2(wide open) was incredibly effective. 8 of 10 shots were perfectly sharp on the helmet in 25fps mode when the bike was going full speed towards me. In combination with 40-150 or 300mm f4 it's no surprise, but with 1.2 primes?! Pro capture is super usefull too. Occasionally I shoot formula f4 and here om-1 does not disappoint either. Helmet sharp in every photo. The efficiency of Om-1 in motorsort photography is much higher than the other cameras I tested (z9, r5, a1).

[@TheRobAGE]

Chris, to turn on and off the subject detect quickly is easy. Customize the AEL button to subject detect on/off. This does exactly what it sounds like...click to turn on, click again to turn off. The bonus to this setup is if you then press and hold the AEL button, you can then cycle through the subject detect types by rotating the front dial.

[@Marco_Chiappetta]

Great, honest review. Thank you guys for not being "MFT is dead" doom and gloomers. Biggest endorsement IMO is that Chris can essentially use whatever camera he wants for his personal travels and side projects and he currently chooses an OM-1.

[@mavfan1]

Chris has tiny hands

[@Marco_Chiappetta]

@@mavfan1 🤣

[@michaelbaileyphotographycr9728]

Hey Chris & Jordan - you can quickly switch subject detection on, and switch subject, by holding your assigned button down and turning the scroll wheel. I agree though, I wish they'd add face detection in there as well to keep it all together.

[@Gebhardt5265]

Came here to say this as well- it’s a handy way to quickly access it/adjust it

[@vaclavpotucek9060]

Hey Michael, I was always struggling to quickly change the strength of Live ND on my EM 1 III and it works the same way! It is amazing, thank you !

[@georgelewinnek5184]

The OM-1 meets my needs as an older camera user. While I once could hold a camera steady enough to handhold shots at 1/30 of a second, I now need the industry-leading image stabilization of this camera. I also appreciate carrying less weight. I gave my Nikon D610 to my son-in-law with a nice selection of lenses and then bought an OM-1 with with two zoom lenses and a 1.4 teleconverter. I now have 40% less weight with 40% longer reach with the telephoto than I had. My son-in-law's photography improved, mainly because he now has better telephotos than he had. My photography improved because of the image stabilization.

[@gregfeeler6910]

Good review! I think the photo part of this review answers the classic question of, “What is the best camera?” - the one you have with you. MFT will always have the lens size and weight advantages over larger sensor formats because of physics, which is why it works so well for travel, adventure, outdoor, and wilderness photography, and just as a “take everywhere all the time” system. Photography is about images - not hardware - and I’ve never had anyone look at my photos and say, “Too bad you didn’t shoot that with a FF camera.” Personally, I get photos all the time because I have my OM-1 or E-M5 Mk III with me when a FF system would be at home in a bag. Olympus had the reputation of making significant improvements in their cameras though on-going firmware updates. The E-M1 Mk II was greatly enhanced even years after its introduction, and I expect OM Digital Solutions to do the same with the OM-1. It seems the historic conversation was about “what you give up” to shoot with MFT, but the OM-1 has changed that to “what little you gain” by lugging gear of twice the weight and half-again or twice the cost.

[@philippsteiner1987]

Besides that, Me and my girlfriend are able to take all our main lenses with me in a backpack, when we travel, which is a lot: two EM1-MII bodies, oly 12-40pro, Oly 12-100pro, pana 50-200, Oly 100-400 and the PEN-F with is 17mm f1.8 and 45mm F1.8.

[@blackice5649]

Definitely! I can pack 4 PRO lenses in a small backpack and hike all day long and I'm 66 years old. I see some of my buddies struggling with their Full Frames using only one lens. I'm no professional, but pro lenses like the 12-100, 40-150 f/2.8, and the 7-14 have amazing image quality. One of these comments mentioned something about these cameras not being good for stills - I completely disagree.

[@philippsteiner1987]

@@blackice5649 I am also not a professional, but for M43 I am able to spend the money on pro lenses (except the 150-400 😞), for FF I am not able/willing to afford the money

[@Jgatti41]

I have the OM-1, personally for me I don't find the image quality lacking. I own all pro lenses and love the results I get. I know the megapixels are not there but I like that I have a capable 20mp camera with the option to shoot 50 or 80mp. I wish they could make it work on moving subject but I'm good with it as it is now. I won't lie, I have considered adding a 2nd system to see what, or if there is anything I am missing. But next year I have 2 trips planned that the OM-1's weather sealing and features make me more confident to have it with me. I was invited to go on a photography trip to Iceland and I have a trip booked to Isle Royale. The weather on Isle Royale can change day to day and even hour to hour. Because I will be backpacking I need a camera where I won't have to worry about it getting wet. I'll probably bring something to cover it in a downpour, but it will be around my neck 100% of the time and I won't have any worries about it failing me. The in body ND is going to be great shooting the water falls in Iceland or the waves of lake Superior. Thanks to Chris and Jordan for the long term review video. Good to see when so many poo poo the OM-1 with little use.

[@earlteigrob9211]

Very fair review!!! For its target audience (outdoor adventure) it is a great camera. The OM-1 was a huge leap forward in every way. Combined with same really amazing pro lenses at a very decent price, it adds up go to the perfect camera for me. It computational modes are unparalleled in the industry. In terms of absolute image quality, it will never be as good as a FF camera, but I don't need it be. For 98% of the stuff I shot, FF would make zero difference.

[@Jgatti41]

As someone who shoots a variety of genres , I feel too often people dismiss the OM-1 for portrait photography, I have done some pretty creative portrait shoots with the live composite feature as well as some of the other features that are OM/Olympus exclusive. A friend shoots Nikon and tells me I'm cheating when we do light painting with models lol

[@dons7991]

I am glad that you created a final review covering the OM-1 more in depth and after using it for a long time. Chris, your points about the OM-1 and Olympus lenses being a great travel system because of small size and weight yet excellent performance even under harsh weather conditions are spot on. I've used my OM-1's in Alaska shooting whales, icebergs, glaciers, and Bald Eagles from zodiacs and then Coastal Brown Bears chasing and feeding on salmon and the images have been outstanding! Then using them in Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands for penguins, seals, and flying birds! The combination of unique technologies, like ProCapture and the 150-400mm f/4.5 PRO w/1.25x lens, are game changers for making possible unique images. Especially for travel where size and weight restrictions were very limited. Jordan, your points regarding video will be helpful as my goal will be learning how to produce high quality videos this year. Thanks guys! Happy New Year!

[@MarkoKoskenoja]

Great review guys 👍 Chris's rationale for liking the OM-1 is the same reasoning that I went with the M43 format years ago although I bought a Panasonic G9 and Panasonic Leica lenses. It still does everything I need.

[@HaraldEngels]

For nearly a decade I was using solely Sony full-frame cameras and I will continue to use these probably forever. Two years ago I had to make a short trip to Hong Kong which is famous for purchasing used camera gear. Since I did not want to take the bulky full-frame cameras with me I purchased there for 80 USD an Olympus E-PL6 and a 14-42mm kit lens. Although this old camera has its limits I made some great shots with it, also during night. Since then I purchased several M43 cameras and lenses and I have to admit, that I have a profound interest that this compact system stays alive and that Panasonic and OM systems are bringing back some more compact cameras.

[@mrheng562]

Great review. I've used the Olympus OM5 and just waiting for them to update their hardware. I mean, look at the USB they decided to put on the OM5. It's a head scratcher.

[@ryankwan1934]

Love this long-term review. Great job guys. I honestly think people are sleeping on this camera. If you are shooting within its light envelope, it's Z9/A1 good. It also lets you do some ridiculous handheld things like LiveND and Live Composite. I haven't used an ND filter since getting this.

[@bigmillsy10]

Thanks for the update. As a long term OM D em1 then Mk ii user, I was on the verge of giving up on the system, mainly because of the awful EVF on the mkii, which made using the camera an unpleasant experience. When the OM1 was released, I decided on a last throw of the dice and haven’t been disappointed. For pro work I use 2 Z9’s which are simply too big for travel, the OM1 on the other hand is perfect and on a recent trip to Italy the 12-100 and the 8-14 covered my needs adequately. I’m really enjoying the computational aspect of the camera and on a days visit to Herculaneum, I found the OM1 well up to the task. For me this is the first OM since the Pen f which doesn’t frustrate me to distraction, good review.

[@neildonaldson2454]

Great review guys! I have been using the OM-1 since April and it is a very capable system, produces great results, I'm confident to use it in challenging weather and it's a pleasure to use. The fact that I can pack the OM-1 with a few lenses and not feel weighed down when hiking is a massive plus! Not had any issues with the latest firmware. Good advice to OM-systems guys, hopefully we will see some of those changes start to filter through in future firmware updates.

[@metalmick99]

Thanks for another entertaining and informative clip - Jordan and Chris do great work. I note the OM-1 was bearing a few marks that showed it had been used...well. 😉I'm new to the OM-1, and chose it as an upgrade specifically for its relative compactness and light weight, but also quality and weather-sealing. Both body and lenses are significantly higher-quality than for my previous system. Chris mentioned in this and other clips that the image quality is not so good as other cameras, then went on to mention some of the OM-1's attributes. This was almost like damning it with faint praise. Chris has explained previously that the nature of an M43 means that subject isolation can be an issue, but I primarily take landscape photos although I do get into other aspects of photography as well. So far, I'm very, very pleased with the bump in sharpness that I'm seeing in my images and I'm starting to truly enjoy the camera, not the least of which is its IBIS. It's worth noting that when I finally decided on the OM-1, and compared the weight of a system I wanted vs a Sony A7IV, I was several kilograms lighter and this is important to me, because I have to carry it and also because I don't want to risk my gear to airline baggage handlers when I travel, and want it as carry-on luggage. On the topic of IQ, I found the wiki on the subject...clarifying. I'm sure that I'll enjoy using the camera for a good many years, and as software for post-processing improves, I suspect that there will be even more joy ahead.

[@spanksen]

Thank you so much guys for supporting the OM System, thats why i love you so much more than Tony and the others, and you are really sympatic. Hope that the come up with a good Firmware Upgrade soon for the OM1. Happy New Year

[@timafken2297]

I’m a long long time Olympus user. I have the OM1. It is important to note that “humans” aren’t my main subject as this is the weak point (Face and Eye Detection and no Sport AI mode). But for Nature, Outdoor and Wildlife this camera is hard to beat when you include also the Olympus Pro Lenses. Up to 50FPS, CAF (with or without Tracking) and the Bird / Animal AF and Pro Capture on top equals no-brainer. For nature, well just look at all those stacking, bracketing, HDR, LiveND, Hand Held Highress Shot and Starry AF…. Again brilliant. And then there are the lenses, just three to note: 8-25mm F4, 40-150mm F2.8 and 150-400 F4.5 TC1.25 IS. I will go as far as to state, that as long as you are in the Outdoor, Nature, Wildlife, Adventure and Travel camp then there is no overall system that really can beat this on value for money, roughness, weather sealing and feature set. You can go all in with Nikon (imo best system) but you will loose more then 30000 USD just for equal usability

[@tycham85]

Thank you for posting the final review! I know I’ve asked a couple times on other reviews. I’ve loved my OM-1 (decided I couldn’t wait for the final review). I love it for the reasons you mentioned and agree that it’s just a firmware update (or two) away from greatness. Why doesn’t OM System hire you two to gain a Voice of the Customer perspective for the engineers?!?

[@LarryFasnacht]

I concur with your final assessment completely. I enjoy mine so much I bought a second body. I have a Nikon D850 from which the image files are much superior to those from the OM-1, but as you pointed out, image quality, while important isn’t everything. For example, I carried the OM-1 and the 12-100 f/4 lens as my only camera lens on a trip with the family to Disney for 4 days. It was perfect for the job.

[@JerredZ]

Larry - I bought an OM-1!!

[@StrangelyIronic]

The argument of getting better IQ with the same or less cost quickly evaporates when you weigh the cost of lenses of those systems to what you can pick up with Olympus/Panasonic MFT. It's hard to match the older or newer (same lens with new branding) Olympus 12-40 f/2.8. An equivalent mirrorless 24-80-ish in FF terms at f/2.8 constant aperture and good weather sealing cost quite a bit more than the very good shape 12-40 I got for 290 bucks. The 75 f/1.8 mentioned here is a gem along with the 45mm f/1.8 for budget tele/portrait lenses (150 and 90mm FF). The PRO 20, 25, and 45mm (40, 50, and 90 FF) are fairly good priced used for great performance. There's also lenses like the 40-150 f/2.8 Pro, 300mm f/4 pro, and PanaLeica 200mm f/2.8 that, while pricey, are nearly impossible to replace on those other mirrorless options. You can actually get pretty close to even cheaper with some DSLR platforms. I have a full kit of Pentax and Sigma lenses that cover most of the same ranges that were mostly all pretty cheap used while still being fairly high quality. There's the argument of IQ and noise, but with the advancement in denoise in just the last few months I've found my old compacts looking amazing, much less my E-M5.II, E-PL8, E-P5, and E-M1.III. Obviously, low light performance for high movement will be worse with less light coming in, but even that isn't that bad on the E-M1.III, much less the OM-1. Stationary shots on non-moving subjects where you can get away with 1 second handheld will still be sharp for most people with the IBIS. My current setup for out and about is usually an E-M5.II with a 20mm f/1.4 lens. That gives me my favorite 40mm focal length with a fairly fast aperture and weather sealing. If the OM-1 Jr comes out like the OM-System rep teased at being in demand, I'll compare that with a used OM-1 and the possible G9 Mark II rumored recently as well. Not in a big hurry, the E-M5.II still puts out great images, stellar with denoise if you want that (I like MFT noise, appears closer to "grain" than a lot of sensors). I have a full Pentax kit with a KP and K-1.II for APS-C and FF (KP competes with FF in a LOT of ways). I've tried to jump to Fuji or Sony for aps-c/fullframe over my MFT gear, but I love the images and really love the lenses, so what's the point in spending the money?

[@corrbox2]

Thanks Chris and Jordan. You guys have really update me to the OM1. You reviews over many years have been interesting, informative, and very, very helpful. Thank you both very much. 👍📸

[@dogpadogpa]

DPReview could you guide viewers through photography areas e.g. which system/lenses/flashes is good for travel, landscape, weather, street, wildlife and WHY. A lot of buyers only look at megapixels and guess that bigger sensors have no disadvantage. I got caught in this before moving to m4/3. FF is preferred in portrait/shallow DOF/high ISO areas but m4/3 is better for magnification (macro (insects) + far (birds)), weight, travel where I enjoy going. That's hard to tell until you make a mistake in purchasing the wrong system (like buying a Lamborghini when a 4WD is better for campers).

[@FierceSleepingDog]

Nikon shooter here. That OM-1 is a nice looking camera. Built well too. Love the form factor. If I had more $$$, I'd buy one.

[@rreichar1]

Very nice video! I mostly shoot birds along with the occasional family event and some travel. In the past few years I have gone from the Panasonic G9 to the Canon R6 and R7. In July I added the OM-1. It will focus on birds in flight faster and better than anything else I’ve tried. As you guys mentioned the hardware really has no issues. For birds I would love for it to have dual back button AF like my Canon bodies. This, of course, could be done with a firmware update. I do really enjoy the camera quite a bit. I have taken it to Alaska where it got soaking wet several times with no issues. I have a very small bag that will hold the OM-1 with the PL 100-400 and a couple of other lenses and accessories plus my 11 inch iPad Pro. It fits under an economy airline seat with room for my feet on each side. I have seriously considered selling my Canon gear to buy more M43 lenses. The only thing really stopping me is that OM Systems may not be around in the future. Plus I really love my Canon RF 100-500 lens. Hopefully OM will survive and continue to update the firmware on the OM-1.

[@spostma6532]

Hmm, OM Systems not around anymore in future? Personally I think they will be still there in future, just seen the Japanese Marketshare statistics and OM Systems is nr 3 (1=Canon, 2=Sony) and growing marketshare! (Sony lost some percentage) Info to be found on 4/3 rumors. And although Nikon has the Z9 they are loosing marketshare rapidly. So as an OM-1 owner I am not worried about the OMS future..

[@johngpendleton]

I do a lot of back-of-house restaurant shooting, so small is essential. I've loved this camera since it first came out.

[@geoffreybassett6741]

Great review. Video IBIS on this system still blows me away. Looking forward to seeing what you saw in Japan :)

[@JamesPetts]

For the subject detection: I have it set to a button. To change the subject, simply hold down the button and turn the front dial. You do not need to dive into the menus to do this.

[@MrFirstdance2000]

I'm very glad to see this review. As an owner of a G9 and Em1mkii, I have not pulled the trigger . However, I do appreciate all the early Beta testers including Chris and Jordan, on our behalf. Thank you guys for the hardwork and your very diligent reviews. I still disagree with you over the picture quality of the G9 vs. the Em1 Mk iii...but as in all our opinions...I defer to the clients eye!

[@H2Cars]

Which One Is Best Sony zve1 or This? For filming and photos.

[@marcomarcon5802]

I bought it and appreciate it because it's currently the most advanced body that allows me to use my tiny M43 primes. I often shoot static subjects and the hand-held sensor-shift technology allows me to produce images with resolution, noise and dynamic range entirely comparable to FF

[@bpcs63]

Nice to see a "final review" and a well balanced one too. If you are into m43 already, the OM-1 is a no-brainer, and if you are curious about saving your back with BIF, it's worth a try!

[@mhector1532]

Thank you for the long-term perspective. I was window shopping this camera when it came out, having already recently bought a camera (and thus not able to commit to a second new one). It is helpful to get the follow-up assessment with the equipment, long after the excitement of something new and shiny has worn off and the honeymoon is over. :)

[@alcurtis93]

You can use a button tied to subject detection and then hold that button down and use the back scroll wheel to choose which subject. Pressing the button will also turn it on and off. Very handy

[@chriswright6381]

Love my OM-1 - so functional, no need for a tripod (except for astro), best weatherproofing around, IBIS, handheld hi-res etc. Does it all! 👍😉

[@pesto12601]

I only use the olympus system for photography - I don't do video at all... for the reach, price and weight - hard to beat!!

[@philliplivingstone5336]

Love my OM1 (and Mk3) they enable me to get captures that make me look better than I really am! Good review.

[@chriskelly6218]

Desperately sad that we are losing you and Jordan Chris, at least in this DPReview forum. Good luck with whatever comes next for you.

[@RJPhotographics]

Learned some good tips on video there. Thanks! Was worried the 75mm lens motor would be a bit slow, but it kept up pretty well which was also good to know.

[@ScottJWaldron]

Looks pretty nice! Yeah, more encoding modes in h.265 and better 8-bit would be cool. Hopefully OM continues to expand it in firmware. In my case I often use that codec for efficiency in 8-bit on a NinjaV rather than making 10-bit files only smaller.

[@chrislachman7590]

Nice review ~ used the OM1 now in Egypt, India, Nepal, and next week Norway and Morocco. Gave my GH4 to my cousin. I loved that camera too but the OM1 is far more versatile in low light and better auto focus. Used Log 400 in Egypt and never graded before but using ColorFinale in FC[X it was quite easy. Used HLG in India and that was easier to grade. Lots more to learn.

[@Greggie_D]

Price! The biggest deterrent. Surprised it wasn’t mentioned. Not many will be attracted at FF price. A7 series with some of the Tamron lenses not much bigger either.

[@pep98]

Hello. Im very happy that this channel (one of the very few!!) dared to mention the many bugs in this camera when you shoot video! I changed my "old" Md in for this one special for the 10 bit video version. Besides the bugs you mentioned i found out another, very annoying, bug. in EACH clip the last frame is turned in into a freeze frame. And that means the with a video of 20 minute's (and 92 clips) the first hour of your work your only busy with removing the last frame from each clip. I mentioned this to the German importer, since no other country's in Europe have an importer anymore! The answer i got was very short and really amazing!!! " Well, do not use 10 bits or H265" Well OM Systems, WHY do you put the option in then? But i got no reply anymore!! So i put the same question on their youtube channel. Only to find out they didn't respond there anymore either and worse, they just removed my question! This must be the worse customer handling i experienced in the past 20 years. BTW, do YOU have a solution for this bug?

[@charliewright7274]

Love getting a new video from you guys.

[@ericaceous1652]

In depth, balanced and expert as always. Thanks guys. Would be interested to see an autofocus comparison between the Panasonic G9 and OM1. I'm a G9 owner and have been wondering whether the grass is greener, but based on this video, the only real benefit of the OM1 over the G9 that I'm seeing is the promise of better autofocus, which might not deliver

[@adamlawonphotography5219]

Wow 400k subscribers, absolutely well deserved…. Love your channel ❤️🎄📸❤️🎄

[@keithswindell6212]

But does the subject detection have a "crying Jordan" mode? It isn't complete without it. Perhaps in the next firmware update? 🙂

[@targettman]

I've been using mine for hiking, family day trips and shots of toddlers. It's actually the perfect camera for chucking in a bag with all the other stuff because it's so small but so capable

[@Bigfarmer8]

I always like your final reviews much more than the initial reviews. This is an excellent example. If I were a video shooter I probably would understand Jordan's complaints and I really hope OMDS are listening. As a photo shooter that is happy with M3/4 image quality this is just about the ideal camera.

[@reedbernstein9354]

I live in Thailand and I motorcycle around the mountains. The Olympus or now OM system is great for this kind of travel. A year or so back my very old Olympus EM 1 mark 1 kind of died on me. Not it’s fault, I’m not gentle with my gear. I bought a used EM-10 mark 2 as a temporary replacement. I paid about 200. USD. I got to say… this old beater camera is the best bang for my dollar (baht) I’ve ever used. I love micro 4/3. I also shoot with an APS camera, a Ricoh gr2. These 2 with a couple of Olympus lenses is all I need.

[@Sanjiocom]

The stabilisation looks amazing based on the handheld video footage.

[@kazukinakamura1110]

M43 is the best form factor for me. I travel a lot and I like to keep a few prime lenses in my bag. Not to mention that some airlines are sticky about the weight limit of carry-ons.

[@diogoferreira9039]

Thank you guys, your revirws are the best! I agree that the face priority should be in the same menu as the other ai detection modes. To change among current AI modes press the button you programed for subject detection and rotate one of the dials. A solution to resolve the face detection/other AI subjects is to leave the face detection permanently on and just assign one button to ai modes, when you select one ai mode the face detection will be turned off... I assigned 2 buttons for these functions on M and have adjusted the custom modes to serve me better on specific types of photography (persons, animals, macro and underwater). I agree that a couple of firmwares are needed to improve certain things photography wise too (the 80Mp hi-res, needs a twich) but I'm pretty much blown away with this camera. I upgraded from an em1 mkii and I'm stoked with pretty much everything, from af performance, to hand held modes, dynamic range and noise reduction... I hope om systems continue Olympus creative camera technology legacy, their cameras have always been such amazing tools... The om1 is a very special camera, it's a very nice start for om systems...

[@NE_Pigeons]

Love this channel. Content is super. You guys are both awesome.

[@dpreview]

Thanks so much! Made my morning! -Jordan

[@brietman_]

That's why I use Olympus. They are really handy if you want a good compact camera. Especially if you use more than 1 lens and want more zoom. You don't need a special camera bag. Just some pouches and cover. But..... I am not sure if the young folks still need a separate camera for their hobby. Mobile camera's become so much better and are much easier to use and share. Olympus doesn't seems to focus on the budget PEN series or the cheaper lenses. Around 2010, they ideal for the people wanted a good compact camera (and mobile camera's where as bad/badder than simple compact camera).

[@BrentODell]

I used an E-M1 mkii for a few years and loved it. I really WANT to want this camera. I went to Canon, and I'm frustrated by the current lack of 3rd party lenses, but I love the AF and high-iso ability of my R6.

[@laurentyarp514]

Totally agree with Chris: the OM-1 is a great travel camera. I also have a GX9 and the OM-1 is just slightly taller than the GX9. Not that a big body. Perfect for that use case.

[@geuskoeman721]

just bought ir for streephotography

[@sebastiaanvanwater]

Ah so that's what they meant when they were going to address the weird colors from the last video. In any case, nice surprise to have a final review (until a major firmware update?). As for me, the OM-1 is basically the best camera I am currently using and though I still like the IQ edge of FF, the OM-1 is nicer to use overall so it's my default camera, basically. IQ is good enough in but the most extreme cases. I'm more like Chris in terms of video so I'm also content here, but I appreciate the input from Jordan in case I feel more "adventurous" with 10-bit.

[@michaelbuddy]

This camera is a winner for the stacked sensor the mega 150-400 zuiko lens and the auto macro stacking capability. it's a winner for professional use, and the more people who buy it, the better it will get. I think Olympus / OM systems needs to start selling more and more benefits to their system and company. Might even come down to corporate ethics, privacy, online service, a particular lens, adaptability, moddability. Try to hit something there because the other big camera co's are working with a lot of ammo in the space. Olympus I would think is working with less but they are optics geniuses and know how to do just about everything the competitors are doing. Can they do it fast enough? don't know.

[@lucadipaolo1997]

Apparently it's possible to use H.265 10 bit on the free version Resolve if you install the HEVC codec from the Microsoft Store. I haven't tested it myself, but some people got it to work that way with Fuji files. For anyone interested, apparently this will not work with Sony footage.

[@KarySchump]

I always enjoy your videos, even though I’m not in the market for any new cameras or lenses at the moment. Also, please more of Jordan running!! 😂

[@gmnty13]

Nice thoughtful review. I have an Oly em1.3 which I use mainly for travel purposes. Fantastic camera. Maybe I’ll have a look at the next OM1.

[@moisescugat3948]

I shoot landscapes. Remember that for still subjects, if you use LiveND you end up with more Dynamic Range than any FF camera in the market* (and you can even increase ISO to 400 and you will still have the same amount of DR). (*find the DR/ISO graphic od the OM1 using LiveND in photos to photos)

[@PrimeAudioReviews]

The video quality looked great in this video. I'd love to try an Olympus camera - been curious ever since I started watching Gavin Hoey's Adorama videos!

[@incee_netinai]

more longer term reviews pls

[@Lordvader330]

I have had my OM-1 since the launch week. I use a t for wildlife and travel. To date I have had one video of still where I have said “man I could use a full frame system”! Plus I can carry 10 lens and 2 flashes in a single backpack. Plus the weather sealing is class leading.

[@stephanweiskorn6760]

Excellent video 😊!

[@LukeTaylorPhotography]

I would love to see OM Systems thrive in the future. I love my e-m1 mark ii.

[@simonwilliams2109]

Thanks for the review. Sorry for the dumb question. A friend has a heap of film ear primes for his old Olympus camera. Can they be used on the new OM system cameras?

[@j.joe.b3384]

Love you’re reviews. Currently use EM5ii and plan to upgrade to OM1 or EM1iii. Interested in AF for sports photography.

[@mimstyle]

Almost miss this review! Still on version 1.0 and for me is the best camera I ever had! Shocking fast for what I'm doing and so easy to use after mapping buttons and my menu! For video I'm in 10bit flat, so nice with DaVinci 👍

[@DGBomber]

Congrats on hitting 400k guys!!

[@emotioneering]

Great review and a camera that’s on my consideration list. One of the initial benefits of mirrorless vs SLR was a reduced size; this has largely not materialised except for this one

[@wileec5939]

I shot the best Nikon offered, along with their 600mm f/4, 400mm f/2.8, etc. lenses for more than a decade - and hauled that gear all over the US and some international locations - big pain - but got the shots. I've just started traveling with the Oly gear, basically all the best lenses, TCs, and the OM-1 (and have the EM 1 III and EM1X. Travel is a breeze compared to before and shooting handheld most of the time is a huge bonus compared to the RRS tripod and gimbal that was required for the other gear. In lower light, it's more of a challenge, but I've shot the Z7 with the Z70-200mm f/2.8 next to the Oly with 40-150mm f/2.8 on a few different outings with subjects in motion in low light and got comparable results (shooting RAW, processing through DXO Pure RAW, then final tweaks in Adobe Bridge. There is little I can't capture well with the Oly system and the TCs and lenses together are sharper than when I combined comparable on the Nikon side - and that was with AF Fine Tune for each combo - making them very usable. Be great to have some long f/2.0 primes to compare to the 400f/2.8 and the 300mm f/2.8 lenses, but I don't think that will ever happen, as most M43 shooters won't tolerate the weight, nor expense.

[@rossthefiddler5890]

Thanks Chris & Jordan. I have been enjoying my OM-1 for nearly four months now, but I rarely do video so I only use basic default settings in 4K, but bird & animal subject detection photos are my main use. I was was wondering Chris, why don't you use lens hoods?

[@TheGotoGeek]

A note on subject detect. If you assign subject detect to a button you can hold down that button and turn a dial to select the subject type. They really do need to put humans into that selection though.

[@extremelydave]

This looked like a pretty fair review to me. As Chris said, the hardware is awesome, just put out some updates to the software and you'll have a beast of a camera.

[@austinmcconnell]

"A GH5 with good autofocus" is so spot on. 😂

[@danieldougan269]

That is literally what I have been requesting for years.

[@austinmcconnell]

@@danieldougan269 Good ol’ Olympus… they’ll get you what you need… 5 years after you need it. 😅

[@bardofhighrenown]

Out of curiosity, what camera do you use personally Chris? If you're just going out for your own enjoyment, not making a video for anything (I'll check out the fishing channel). What do you use?

[@niccollsvideo]

Well it is primarily this OM1. I'm.spending so much of my time taking photos though for work , so if I have free time it's fishing time!

[@bardofhighrenown]

@@niccollsvideo Yeah that makes sense. I doubt mechanics want to go home from work and work on more cars either.

[@AgManagmentOlds]

Chris you suggested you would like to see subject detection in the quick menu. Assign it to a button and when you hold down that button you can scroll between subjects. Do wish people were in this menu as a choice though.

[@snowwalker9999]

The video I have been waiting for. Thank you guys. Now it would be even more fantastic if you compared this camera to the R6 ii (almost the same price) for both sports/wildlife and video.

[@emptyandseephotos7858]

Flagship with flagships