OM SYSTEM OM-5 Released – A Versatile Micro Four Thirds Mirrorless Camera

Camera News

by Jeff LochOctober 26^th, 2022

OM SYSTEM has just announced a new compact and durable Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera: the OM-5. The camera features a 20.4MP Live MOS sensor, 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization, and it can record in DCI 4K at up to 24 frames per second and 4K UHD at 30p. The OM-5 will be available in late November for $1,199.99.

OM System – formerly known as Olympus – is well known amongst photographers and filmmakers for its lineup of Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras. Earlier this year, the company released its OM-1 flagship MFT camera with impressive 12-bit RAW external recording capabilities.

OM SYSTEM is now back with a more “entry-level” camera with a small form factor, rugged camera body, the OM-5.

OM SYSTEM OM-5 features

The OM-5 is OM SYSTEM’s newest MFT camera for content creators in the quest for a compact, lightweight, and rugged creation tool. On the inside, you’ll find a 20.4MP Live MOS image sensor, similar to the one in the OM-1.

However, the camera is powered by a TruePic IX image processor, which has a slower readout than the TruePic X found in the OM-1. As a result, the OM-5 can shoot stills at up to 30fps.

Autofocus capabilities are usually not what MFT cameras are the best at. In photo mode, the OM-5’s autofocus system combines 121 phase-detection AF points and 121 contrast-detection AF points. Face and Eye Detection AF have also been upgraded.

In video mode, the camera utilizes On-chip Phase Detection AF sensor information for video focusing control. Let’s hope all these autofocus improvements will provide more reliable and smooth performances for content creators.

Video capabilities

When it comes to video features, the OM-5 has an in-body sensor-shift image stabilization which reduces camera shake by up to 6.5 stops, according to OM SYSTEM.

The camera can record internally in DCI 4K at up to 24p and in UHD 4K at up to 30p. In FullHD, you can capture clips at up to 119.88fps for slow motion. In 4K, videos are recorded in H.264/MOV/MPEG-4 AVC with a maximum bitrate of 237Mb/s in DCI 4K and 102Mb/s in UHD 4K.

The OM SYSTEM OM-5 supports OM-Log recording for maximum grading capabilities.

Lastly, a new Vertical Video mode provides a 9:16 aspect ratio for easily integrating videos on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other social media platforms.

OM SYSTEM OM-5 camera body

The new OM SYSTEM OM-5 is a reasonably compact and lightweight mirrorless camera with dimensions of only 12.5 x 8.5 x 4.9.cm for a weight of 12.9oz/365g. In addition, the camera body is IP53 rated, which means it is dust/splash/freezeproof down to -10°C.

You’ll find a 3.0″ 1.04m-Dot vari-angle touchscreen at the back of the camera and a 2.36m-dot OLED EVF.

On the sides are one Micro-HDMI output, one Micro-USB input/output, one 3.5mm TRS stereo microphone input, a 2.5mm sub-mini control port for remotes, and a single slot SD/SDHC memory card slot. Unfortunately, as you can tell, there is no headphone jack, which is annoying.

OM SYSTEM states that you can connect the LS-P5 linear PCM recorder to capture high-quality audio while recording videos – which allows you to monitor your audio via the recorder’s headphone jack – and the Slate Tone feature is available for easy audio data synchronization while editing videos.

Regarding connectivity, the OM-5 has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities that allow you to share images wirelessly. Furthermore, you can control the camera remotely from a linked smartphone or tablet.

The camera is powered by BLS-50 Lithium-Ion batteries that should give you a run time of around 310 pictures. The bundled USB-AC adapter can be used to charge the battery in the camera. Furthermore, an optional ECG-5 battery grip is also available.

Price and availability

The OM-5 will be available in late November 2022, starting at $1,199,99, for the body only. Also, a bundle kit with the 12-45mm F/4 PRO lens is available for $1,599.99.

For more information, please visit OM SYSTEM’s website here.

What do you think about this new MFT mirrorless camera? Do you consider getting one, or do you prefer cameras with bigger image sensors? Do you believe OM SYSTEM is moving in the right direction? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!