OM System OM-5 - The Updated Olympus Camera System Review

[@PhotoTrekr]

I'm 70 now and thinking about selling my full frame system and buying into Olympus.

[@weizenobstmusli8232]

It's basically a EM1 Mark 3 in a smaller body for around 1000 bucks. I think it's a good offering.

[@dayeah765caoni3]

Except the usb c port. It’s self sabotage to sell a new camera with MICRO USB port in 2023!! Why oh why?!

[@AnandaSim]

I've followed you two and Chris & Jordan for a long time. Keep up the good work. I sat through the video and realised you actually enunciated some positive points which is a worthy thing to do.

[@IvoTichelaar]

I like the OM-5. I have an EM5 mkii, and it's been doing fine for ages. A bit heavy for its size. I'd love a 20mp sensor and some newer tech, but otherwise size and form factor are fine. The EM5 mkiii was a decent upgrade. That the OM-5 is basically the same with more processing features and better weather sealing makes it very interesting for me.

[@dmsphoto17]

As a current OM-1 user, I must say that the new OM-5 is a disappointment. While I really like the form factor, apart from a few upgrades, this camera just seems like a repurposed OMD EM-5 iii that got a new "paint job" - OM System's way of using old parts and calling it new. At a minimum, OM Systems would have benefited from implementing a new sensor with better AF performance that simply works (comparable to other AF systems), along with adding the new menu system to make it a companion to OM-1. I was hoping to add the OM-5 as a companion to the OM-1 - something smaller as an everyday carry but also unique. Stretch the limits a bit. I feel a new sensor could have done this. Panasonic increased the resolution of the GH-6, so maybe something like that or improved dynamic range, or perhaps a macro capability feature kind of like what you see on the Fuji x100 series (albeit it's a fixed lens). Given that this camera is the first with the OM System badge, it just seems like they missed an opportunity here to come up with something that really makes a statement. Kind of like when the original EM-5 came out. This camera may be great for some, but I really don't see myself buying one.

[@EmberSkyMedia]

Ditto, I have the GH6 and and I'm looking for a "Photo" companion camera to go with it that doesn't break the bank but is better than my GH4 and eailier MFT cameras... the lack of USB-C does however show some really backwards thinking.

[@dmsphoto17]

@@EmberSkyMedia Agreed. I feel OM System didn't really take into account current users and their choices were primarily financially-driven. I've actually considered the new XT-5 as an option (having used Fuji in the past). It's smaller than the OM-1, only a little larger than the OM-5 and coupled with a small prime or small zoom it's a lightweight and easy carry.....

[@EmberSkyMedia]

@@dmsphoto17 Currently my "photo" camera is the Nikon Z6, it works but it adds quite a bit of weight in my bag/pockets for lenses etc... and I'd like to completely switch over to MFT and those 100-350g lenses (and my 100-400mm zoom I got) for most things. I mainly do birding/astro/travel so light weight is important to me... and less cables etc I need to bring the better.

[@dmsphoto17]

@@EmberSkyMedia Ahhh. Thanks for the additional context. I felt Nikon had the best ergonomics in the film days - maybe still do, but I haven't used a Z6 or 7. Yeah the size/weight/portability along with a main interest in wildlife was what attracted to go exlucively MFT in 2020. My first mirrorless camera was the original EM-5 back in 2012 - a great, innovative camera at the time.

[@EmberSkyMedia]

@@dmsphoto17 Nikon is great but they are going IQ to the max and that means bigger heavier and pricier glass... great for an African Safari where you are in the van all day, no so great when lugging the gear around Europe or backpacking america for days on end vs. when I travel with MFT. The only thing is I need a good wide lens and eyeing the 9mm as my next purchase (and sell some more Nikon stuff).

[@garybrown9719]

Great job guy's But the f stop is not exactly double and with Olympus and Panasonic got to figure in the 2x crop

[@Jonathan-hu3lk]

Does this camera also have in-camera focus stacking? I thought I’d read that somewhere, but I might be getting confused with another model. Even without it, I’m considering forking out for one. The camera has had a lot of jip from other reviewers saying it’s not much of an upgrade from the e-m5 iii. But the live ND and handheld high res is very compelling for a body that is smaller than the e-m1 iii. I currently own an e-m10 iii. I’ve previously owned an e-m1 ii, but I sold it as I’d rather take the smaller camera out. Although, I’d like a weather sealed camera for an up and coming trip to Scotland. So, this seems ideal

[@DaveTCSTV]

Hi and thanks for watching, It does have in-camera focus stacking. It is under shooting menu 2/ bracketing/ focus bracket. Thanks

[@Jonathan-hu3lk]

@@DaveTCSTV Thanks. is focus bracketing the same as in-camera focus stacking though? I thought the bracketing just gave you the different images so that could do the focus stacking in post. Whereas in-camera focus stacking actually compiles the bracketed images together for you, without having to do it in post.

[@DaveTCSTV]

@@Jonathan-hu3lk It is a bit confusing but focus bracketing and stacking are two different things. Focus bracketing racks focus shot after shot to later stack in post production. Some camera's offer to do that in camera. The OM-5 does do both in camera. Set the camera up to do focus stacking and you will get all the shots from the sequence as well as single image that the OM-5 has stacked in camera. Hope this helps.

[@Jonathan-hu3lk]

@@DaveTCSTV thanks. I know what the difference is between bracketing and stacking. I just wasn’t sure if it had in-camera focus stacking

[@DaveTCSTV]

@@Jonathan-hu3lk Thanks for the reply. Didn't mean to imply that you didn't know. Apologize if it came off that way. Other people read these comments that might need clarification so sometimes I am guilty of over explaining. Cheers.

[@allenschneider1847]

I love the weather ceiling it offers, but for a serious amateur doing all round photography (family, street, grandchildren sports, nature, etc) would you recommend the OM-5, Fugi XS-20, or Cannon R-7?

[@1990geddes]

I’m using the Nikon zfc for the exact reason but with my kids. I’m only in my 30s have owned fx cameras but zfc is the camera I just enjoy using

[@johnmiller6108]

I am amazed at how people cry about depth of field and one card. Neither a big deal especially for a second camera. Pros and enthusiast all know this and it really is not cared about by everyone else. I t also goes toe to toe with every camera on the market except om1 on features plus ibis. And 20 mp is the sweat spot for file size and manipulation. How about a store front photo composite of three shots for a 9x12 front display. That 9’x12’ from a om1. I sold all my canon gear and my omd mkii and now shoot weddings landscape and events with my omd 5 mkiii. It is that good.

[@FMcMtl]

5th review i see today, and no one is showing live the AF. It was a major drawback for me with the M5ii compared to the M1ii or my sonyA7. It was Definitely not fast or precise enough for street photography. I wonder if this has been updated. Also, I wonder if the screen flips up to shoot waist level, like the old M10, I dont like the flipout screens, not practical for me.

[@gamingwithstand6886]

I wish they would bring back the virtical grip.

[@ekotamtomo1588]

how to photograph moving objects like football players on the field. shooting in low light or night mode

[@FotosyMas.]

Why do reviewers keep adding an “s” at the end of the OM System name? Also, the name of the company is OM Digital Solutions.

[@DRUmat404]

very small update compared to em5 mark iii & em1 mark iii. And no USB-C...Sad!! I'll just keep my em5 iii as my secondary camera

[@RoderickJMacdonald]

It seems to me that anyone serious enough about sound to use headphones would/should record sound with a dedicated recorder.

[@drewcrawford3211]

Highly disagree. Monitoring audio is important for all levels of production, Bara rearly tell you the whole story in regards to your audio imput. Additionally recording audio independently increases your editing work load no matter what, and in high turn around industries like news or youtube, is often more of a hindrance.

[@RoderickJMacdonald]

@@drewcrawford3211 You are probably right I guess. If you regularly do it in camera and are happy with the results, then it works. I am always amazed at the number of people who have the energy for serious video.

[@MarchalisVan]

@@drewcrawford3211 32bit external recording can simplify a lot. just need the initial input volume set up to be in the "eh close enough" basket

[@drewcrawford3211]

@@MarchalisVan Not wrong but the number of times I've seen someone (myself included) set and forget 32bit and it's come back to bite them (usually electrical/wireless interference or non grounded cables) is high enough I prefer to just monitor.

[@otzzitattoo2946]

gracias por compartir. creo que el sonido es perfecto

[@kevinbourke4038]

This is 2022. Do OM Systems believe that we, are going to accept charging the battery via a micro USB port ? No way ! At least the EM5 mk3 came with a charger. And as for the battery, doesn't last long, you'll need 2 spares.

[@sweeperdave1]

A decent camera for sure but a disappointing upgrade from the E-M5 Mkiii especially under the new company. I was hoping for more. Still, as an Olympus faithful, I have high hopes for OMDS.

[@daysofgrace2934]

I know how to use the old menu system and I don’t want to learn something new. This is an advantage, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it…

[@spritual_enlightenment]

No earphone port? That's too bad.

[@eldiabolico3750]

Sorry guys, my first digital camera was an Olympus back in 1999… I just can’t stand and understand that stupid new name. Shame.

[@m.stewart8094]

Yes it’s a shame but Olympus must have refused to license the name to new owners. I’m sure the new owners tried given its value.

[@michaeld5888]

With your being a photographer since 1999 it is sad to see you and others have been seduced by the idea of branding as being of any significance in the functionality of the equipment. It is a sad fact that this may be a problem of our age and I feel sympathy for the people trying to keep these cameras going when people worry about the name stamped on it. Using the brand Olympus is entirely out of their control.

[@eldiabolico3750]

@@michaeld5888 what’s sad is the level of ignorance you’re displaying publicly… this may be a problem of your generation and the lack of respect that you proudly advocate for. The fact that you don’t understand what the name Olympus means says it all and the fact that you keep supporting bad marketing decisions and hide behind ‘sympathy’ and editing your comments is another sign of your generation: lazy little spoiled kids that don’t have to work or fight for anything because mom & dad (my generation) did all the hard work for you. It is obvious that you don’t value Heritage nor traditions, therefore if I gave to explain, you’ll simply not understand boy.

[@michaeld5888]

@@eldiabolico3750 I expect I am a lot older than you and have used cameras with no electricity in them so the spoilt child tack is a bit off. In the UK we have Mums not Moms so that is a failed branding in the US for a start. More an old fool who has used cameras with no electricity at all but one that thinks that OMD needs all the help it can get. Use it or lose it and negative press hurts. People do care what camera they are perceived by others to be using as with the red dot but it seems a very minor matter really especially to an old photographer.

[@eldiabolico3750]

@@michaeld5888 I guess we’re about the same age then… OMD means absolutely nothing for the camera world. It was a poor marketing decision and an unjustifiable one. I’m not American so you’ll have to cope with some mistakes unless you wish to speak in Greek, French, German, Spanish or Portuguese with me. As an ‘old’ photographer you should understand what I’m saying and not accept everything they serve you unless you want to see another company disappear like Kodak. Not only OMD slapped the Olympus name that was already on demise but the quality of their new cameras has already decreased substantially. For a company basically selling to their own fan base, I see no real future nor expansion in an already reduced market share unless they create something really special… plastic is definitely not the way to go. In addition, micro 4/3 is really in trouble due to the newer smartphones (all cameras are), but especially small sensors can’t really brag about any real image quality differences… I almost got one myself before the OMD fiasco for light traveling… opted for a Fujifilm X100V and a Ricoh GR III instead to accompany my Nikon Z and Pentax Q systems (no need for more interchangeable lenses). I wish you good luck with your purchase decisions. I’ll stick to my old Olympus that will still have some collector’s value (joking, not selling that baby).

[@glennsak]

OM System really blew this one. On the heels of the OM-1, the OM-5 is a major disappointment.

[@angelisone]

Waiting for 40MEG. 20 is so dated when cell phones can go beyond 100Meg

[@FMcMtl]

The more mp you put, the less light they get and more artifacts. 20 is fine for a cropped sensor if u want to shoot in low light. Most other cropped sensor are 24mp, which is exactly the same density as 20mp on a MFT. Personally, I would even accept 16mp if I can get low noise until ISO6400.

[@Stesalti]

I would take all the manufacturers who continue to make articulated screens like that, as if there were only vloggers and people who make videos in the world. I've seen in a statistic that it's not even 5% of users. And if they do, they don't do it with cameras... absurd and ridiculous

[@Lofote]

But where is the disadvantage of that mechanism? I use it a lot in stills, it is not limited to vlogging where you have advantages in this mechanism

[@Stesalti]

@@Lofote the disadvantage for someone like me who uses a camera only to take pictures is having the display outside the camera just to be able to tilt it a bit. the step forward is to make it hybrid. a bit like the xt5 did for example. to be able to shoot from above or below you have to let the whole display come out which is not free from possible accidental shots

[@pesto12601]

Negative... i use my articulated screen all the time.. and I'm not a vlogger! In a crowd.... lift that sucker over the heads and tilt the screen so you can see. Taking a low mushroom shot near the ground? Point it low and tilt the screen up. In fact - I won't buy a camera that doesn't have one of these screens... to each their own I suppose!

[@Stesalti]

@@pesto12601 everyone has their own ideas. mine is that for me it is uncomfortable, very easy to give it a blow and break it being attached only in the central part. it doesn't give me an idea of ​​solidity and for me that type of display is very uncomfortable. the fuji xt5 made a very smart one. Two other things, I don't understand what it takes to make all the keys backlit and put a memory inside the machine like Leica did with the M11, instead of putting billions of useless mega pixels

[@Lofote]

@@Stesalti I like the design of the α7R-V, no idea whether Fuji uses a similar one, but I get your point. Thing is that I work for a camera shop and we have lots of people saying selfie-capable camera is a must. It's not just for vlogggers 🙃

[@Marcocanadea]

just oredered one. dont care too much about usb-c...

[@andrewh2341]

Love you guys but the audio for this video is just unacceptable. You can hear someone breathing and clothes rustling 😢

[@davothedon]

"Unacceptable" is a bit strong. 😄

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Thanks for the feedback. Audio was a challenge for us that day in -25C. We have some ideas for how we can fix the jacket rustling for future winter episodes.

[@nikoforu]

Dave's manly breathing makes me feel warmer and safer.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

@@nikoforu LOL That's a silver lining.

[@kennychan2044]

@@TheCameraStoreTV When you get a solution I hope you will make a video on it. I think a lot of people, me included, would enjoy learning how to do audio better in challenging conditions. Nothing like learning from a real use case.

[@nuj427]

"OM SYSTEM" is not ugly enough. Why not just slap "Olympus OM CAMERA SYSTEM" on the top plate then?

[@pesto12601]

Is seeing NIKON or CANON that much prettier?? LOL...

[@nuj427]

@@pesto12601 I didn't mention anything about better. Just the fact that "Olympus" I think should be enough. Not "OLYMPUS OM 4/3 CAMERA SYSTEM MADE IN JAPAN" slapped on the front of the camera. That's like saying why not slap "Leica M11 $10k" in front of the M11 than!

[@cristibaluta]

@@pesto12601 om system might be the only brand in history to be made from 2 words

[@pesto12601]

@@cristibaluta Ummm... not even close.. "BLACKMAGIC DESIGN" "PHASE ONE" "BELL & HOWELL" "RED DIGITAL CAMERA"

[@davidwebb091370]

i would make it the simplest naming convention ever for a camera by just branding the capital letter "O" on the camera. So they would just simply call their cameras O6, O7, etc. And if they come up with a "wow" camera, they'd just call it "O yeah" 😀

[@TonyWang]

First?

[@TonyWang]

I still have my OMD-EM5

[@oscars4107]

Theres a reason people are going back to shooting on film and digicams. They want a photographic experience not a pixel peeping, technical analasis of every camera and photo. Long live the low resolution revolution . 😂😂😂

[@IvanAgram]

Olympus. They should have kept the name, the heritage, pay for it if needed. It sounds waaaay better than OM Systems... OM Systems... what a unsexy name.

[@Vivid_Clicks]

So basically this is just an em5 markiii rebranded 😒

[@cristibaluta]

that logo is so ugly