photoxels
- 20.4MP 4/3″ Stacked BSI Live MOS Sensor
- OLED EVF 5.76M dots 0.83x magnification
- 5-Axis 7-steps IBIS
- 4K/60P Video
- Dual card UHS-II slots
- Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Weather Sealed (IP53)
QUICKFACT SHEET
The OM SYSTEM OM-1 still retains the OLYMPUS brand right there on the viewfinder in case you forgot its prestigious lineage. In another time, if Olympus had not sold off its imaging division to OM Digital Solutions (the imaging business of Japan Industrial Partners), this Micro Four Thirds (MFT) mirrorless camera would have been called the Olympus OM-D E-M1 IV. The OM SYSTEM OM-1 will apparently be the last Olympus-branded camera and it is the first mirrorless camera under the OM SYSTEM umbrella. Of course, the OM-1 model name is a nostalgic flashback to Olympus’ first film SLR that launched a revolution of smaller and lighter film SLR cameras. One of the most compelling reason pro photographers give for choosing Olympus Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras is the smaller and lighter combo size of camera and long telephoto lenses. In fact, more and more pro photographers are not put off with the smaller MFT sensor size (as compared to a full-frame sensor) because the image quality and number of pixels are more than sufficient for their type of photography.
Continuing in the footprint of the E-M1 III, the OM-1 is an expert-level/pro-level Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera for photography enthusiasts and pros. It is beautifully designed and is fully featured with many professional-grade features, accessories and lenses. It features a brand-new 20.4 MP Stacked BSI Live MOS Sensor. For those who shoot landscape or want more megapixels, it has a High Res Shot mode to shoot 50MP images handheld or 80MP images with the camera on a tripod. It offers perhaps the best 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) in the industry (7 steps of compensation in-body, 8 steps in combination with compatible OIS lenses) and the body also offers the best weather-sealing in the industry rated against dust and moisture (IP53 rating). It is also freeze-proof down to -10°C (14°F). The best-in-class (and worry-free) IBIS and weather-proofing are also two features photographers who shoot and film in extreme conditions give for choosing an Olympus MFT OM-D E-M series mirrorless camera — and why now you may also want to consider the OM-1 over its larger and heavier full-frame competitors.
The OM-1 accepts interchangeable lenses using the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) mount. Olympus has some of the best high quality mirrorless lenses. Its long telephoto lenses are a fraction the size and weight of similar lenses offered by its full-frame competitors — one of the main reason nature and sports photographers tired of lugging heavy gear would want to choose the OM-1. The Micro Four-thirds mirrorless format, with a slightly smaller sensor size than APS-C and full-frame sensors, allows for the design of compact and lightweight system (especially the telephoto lenses), while still achieving the high quality image and high performances than pro photographers demand.
The best news is that while a full-frame mirrorless camera must use lenses that are the same size (therefore as large and heavy) as their full-frame DSLR counterparts (for the image to be able to cover the sensor), mirrorless cameras using the smaller APS-C sensor and the MFT sensor can have smaller (and, therefore, lighter) lenses. In other words, though a full-frame mirrorless camera can gain a weight advantage over its DSLR counterpart, its mirrorless lenses do not gain a substantial size and weight advantage over their DSLR counterparts.
The overall weight reduction (camera + long telephoto lens) from using a full-frame mirrorless camera is therefore not going to be as dramatic as when you switch to an APS-C mirrorless camera and long telephoto lens combo — and especially when you switch to a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera (such as the OM-1) and long telephoto lens combo.
This becomes dramatically apparent when long telephotos are attached to a APS-C and especially to a MFT mirrorless camera. Hence, the continued popularity of the APS-C and MFT mirrorless cameras among pro photographers who prize an overall compact and lightweight system.
The high resolution 5.76M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 0.83x (equiv.) magnification means the OM-1 viewfinder is one of the brightest and biggest EVFs in the industry.Its refresh rate is high enough to display Live View blackout free continuous shooting at 50 fps RAW AF/AE in C-Af and 120 fps RAW in S-AF.
Or, you can use the 3.0-inch 1.62M-dot Vari-angle Touchscreen LCD on the back of the camera. Vari-angle means that it folds out to the side and can be turned to face up, down, back or forward, allowing high-angle, low-angle, and selfies shots. The LCD is also touch-screen so you can tap a point on the screen to lock focus, and use touch gestures to zoom or swipe right and left when reviewing images.
The Hybrid AF (Auto Focus) system uses a total of 1,053 cross-type phase detection AF points to quickly and precisely lock focus on your subject down to an almost-dark -6.0 EV. Besides the now obligatory Face detection AF / Eye detection AF, the OM-1 also features AI detection AF for formula cars, rally cars, motorcycles; aircrafts, helicopters; bullet trains, standard trains, steam locomotives; birds; and dogs, cats.
The mechanical shutter shoots from 1/8000 – 60 sec, plus Live Bulb, LiveTime, and Live Composite. The electronic first curtain shutter shoots from 1/320 – 60 sec. You can also shoot the electronic shutter in Silent mode from 1/32000 – 60 sec. Flash synch is at 1/250 sec. (1/125-1/8000 sec. when using Super FP mode). Continuous shooting is at 10 fps RAW (139 frames) with the mechanical shutter and 20 fps RAW (108 frames) with the electronic shutter. Slow motion can be shot at 120 fps RAW (92 frames). Using the silent electronic shutter, you can also shoot 50 fps RAW (SH2) with AF/AE Tracking in C-AF or 120 fps RAW (SH1) in S-AF, both blackout free.
Video is C4K (4096 x 2160) at 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p. You can shoot 4K 3840 x 2160 Time Lapse Movie at 5fps, 10fps, 15fps, 30fps, and High speed 1920 × 1080 movie at 240, 200, 120, or 100fps. Image Stabilization is available for video recording: M-IS1 (multi motion IS by Image sensor shift and electronic image stabilizer) or M-IS2 (Multi motion IS by Image sensor shift).
Other practical features which will mean less photo editing are:
- HAND HELD HIGH RES allows you to shoot at 50MP handheld at the push of a button. The OM-1 automatically takes 12 shots and instantly merges them into one high resolution photo.
- SILENT SHOOTING shuts off all shutter and electronic sounds — perfect for when you need to shoot quietly in discrete settings.
- LIVE ND Mode covers up to ND64 allows you to preview slow shutter speed effects in the viewfinder before shooting.
- EXPRESSIVE HDR allows you to capture wider dynamic range with darker shadows and brighter highlights.
- FOCUS STACKING takes a series of shots at different focusing distances, then stitches them together into one rendered composite image. Perfect for macro photography.
- LIVE COMP mode makes capturing long exposures handheld easier using the in-body image stabilization system. The camera takes a series of continuous photos with the same exposure time then combines them all into one shot.
- STARRY SKY AF mode features two settings to take brilliant astro photography. Speed Priority setting works in tandem with the OM-1’s powerful built-in image stabilization system to shoot night skies and not worry about focus. Accuracy Priority setting lets you use a tripod and a telephoto lens to pinpoint specific stars with incredible precision.
- ANTI-FLICKER mode compensates for artificial light by automatically activating the shutter at peak brightness to smooth exposure and color difference between frames.
- 120FPS PRO CAPTURE allows you to capture the exact right moment by buffering a running series of photos at 120fps as soon as you press the shutter button down halfway. When you fully depress the shutter button, the camera saves that moment plus the buffered shots.
The OM-1 comes with a new high capacity BLX-1 Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery that gives 510 shots. You can also keep using the camera while the batteries are being recharged so the work doesn’t have to stop. The battery charger is sold separately and can charge two batteries at once.
Connectivity is built-in with the free OI.SHARE smart device app that uses Wi-Fi to seamlessly connect to your camera to instantly transfer photos and video, upload images to social sites and operate the camera remotely. Tethered photography is possible using OM Capture to connect the OM-1 to a laptop or monitor for instant viewing and adjustments of your images on the fly. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) helps conserve the camera’s battery power by remaining in sleep or low energy mode until it’s needed. An upgraded OM WORKSPACE photo management and editing software makes post-production easier and more efficient.
Finally, the OM-1, now broken free of Olympus’s cumbersome and impractical hierarchical menu system, offers an updated menu interface that is more intuitive.
The OM-1 is supported by a system of high quality lenses, external battery holders, teleconverters, Dot Sight, electronic flash units, commander, receiver, cable release, cable clip, compact gun microphone, Linear PCM Recorder, shock mount adaptor, bags, straps, and software that further expand the shooting system.
If you are tired of lugging large, bulky and heavy cameras and equipment around, and prefer a compact and lightweight system, look no further than the OM SYSTEM OM-1. It gives excellent images and videos, have a host of useful and practical shooting features, and is backed by a professional system of lenses and accessories. The OM-1 is weathersealed, which, when paired with a weathersealed lens, means you can shoot in almost any adverse weather condition without worrying about damaging your camera.
If the OM SYSTEM OM-1 is the camera that is best for you, please support this site by ordering it as well as accessories from our Trusted Sponsor B&H Photo-Video, the Professional’s Source, satisfying millions of customers for over 35 years (prices are in USD):
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