Olympus OM-1 Review: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Micro Four Thirds Flagship

The Olympus OM-1 is the latest flagship camera from Olympus, and it represents a significant update over its predecessor, the OM-D E-M1 Mark III. The OM-1 features a new 20.4-megapixel sensor, a new image processor, and a new autofocus system, all of which promise to deliver improved image quality, performance, and usability.

In this review, we will take a close look at the Olympus OM-1 and see how it performs in a variety of real-world shooting situations. We will also compare it to its predecessor, the OM-D E-M1 Mark III, and see how it stacks up.

Key Features

• 20.4-megapixel Four Thirds sensor
• TruePic X image processor
• 121-point Quad Pixel AF system
• 50 fps continuous shooting
• 4K/60p video recording
• Weather-sealed body

Build and Handling

The Olympus OM-1 is a well-built camera that feels solid in the hand. It is made from a combination of magnesium alloy and polycarbonate, and it is weather-sealed against the elements. The camera has a comfortable grip, and all of the controls are well-placed and easy to reach.

One of the most noticeable changes to the OM-1 is the new top-plate LCD screen. This screen displays important shooting information, such as the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. It is also used to adjust the camera’s settings. The top-plate LCD screen is a welcome addition, and it makes it much easier to change the camera’s settings without having to take your eye away from the viewfinder.

Image Quality

The Olympus OM-1 produces excellent image quality. The new 20.4-megapixel sensor delivers sharp and detailed images, even at high ISO settings. The camera’s TruePic X image processor does a great job of reducing noise and preserving detail.

The OM-1’s color reproduction is also very good. The camera produces images with natural and accurate colors. The camera’s white balance system is also very reliable, and it does a good job of producing accurate white balance under a variety of lighting conditions.

Autofocus

The Olympus OM-1 features a new 121-point Quad Pixel AF system. This AF system is very fast and accurate, and it can track moving subjects with ease. The OM-1 also has a number of AF modes to choose from, so you can customize the camera’s AF performance to suit your needs.

In our tests, the OM-1’s AF system performed very well. The camera was able to quickly and accurately focus on subjects in a variety of lighting conditions. The camera’s subject tracking was also very good, and it was able to keep up with even fast-moving subjects.

Performance

The Olympus OM-1 is a very fast camera. The camera can shoot at up to 50 fps with the electronic shutter, and it can shoot at up to 15 fps with the mechanical shutter. The camera’s buffer is also very large, and it can shoot up to 75 RAW images or 225 JPEG images in a single burst.

The OM-1’s video performance is also very good. The camera can record 4K/60p video, and it can also record 1080p/120p slow-motion video. The camera’s video quality is excellent, and it produces sharp and detailed videos with natural and accurate colors.

Battery Life

The Olympus OM-1 has a battery life of approximately 520 shots per charge. This is a good battery life for a mirrorless camera, but it is not as good as the battery life of some DSLRs. If you plan on shooting a lot of video, you will need to purchase a spare battery or two.

Comparison to the OM-D E-M1 Mark III

The Olympus OM-1 is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the OM-D E-M1 Mark III. The OM-1 has a new sensor, a new image processor, and a new AF system, all of which deliver improved image quality, performance, and usability.

Here is a table that compares the key features of the Olympus OM-1 and the OM-D E-M1 Mark III:

Feature	Olympus OM-1	OM-D E-M1 Mark III
Sensor	20.4-megapixel Four Thirds	20-megapixel Four Thirds
Image processor	TruePic X	TruePic IX
AF system	121-point Quad Pixel AF	121-point Dual Pixel AF
Continuous shooting	50 fps	15 fps
Video recording	4K/60p	4K/30p
Weather-sealing	Yes	Yes

Conclusion

The Olympus OM-1 is a powerful and versatile mirrorless camera that is suitable for a wide range of photographers. The camera produces excellent image quality, performance, and usability. If you are looking for a high-quality mirrorless camera, the Olympus OM-1 is a great option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does the Olympus OM-1 compare to the OM-D E-M1 Mark III?

A: The Olympus OM-1 is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the OM-D E-M1 Mark III. The OM-1 has a new sensor, a new image processor, and a new AF system, all of which deliver improved image quality, performance, and usability.

Q: What is the battery life of the Olympus OM-1?

A: The Olympus OM-1 has a battery life of approximately 520 shots per charge. This is a good battery life for a mirrorless camera, but it is not as good as the battery life of some DSLRs.

Q: Is the Olympus OM-1 weather-sealed?

A: Yes, the Olympus OM-1 is weather-sealed against the elements. This means that it can be used in rain, snow, and other adverse weather conditions.

Olympus OM-1 Review: The Ultimate Micro Four Thirds Flagship

Olympus OM-1 vs OM-5

Sensor: OM-1: 20.4MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds sensor | OM-5: 20.3MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds sensor

Autofocus: OM-1: Phase-detection and contrast-detection hybrid autofocus system with 121 cross-type points | OM-5: Phase-detection and contrast-detection hybrid autofocus system with 121 cross-type points

Continuous Shooting: OM-1: Up to 10 fps with mechanical shutter, 50 fps with electronic shutter | OM-5: Up to 10 fps with mechanical shutter, 30 fps with electronic shutter

Viewfinder: OM-1: 5.76m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder with 120fps refresh rate | OM-5: 5.76m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder with 120fps refresh rate

Body and Ergonomics: OM-1: Weather-sealed magnesium alloy body | OM-5: Weather-sealed polycarbonate body

Key Features: OM-1: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, USB-C charging | OM-5: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C charging

Pros:

• OM-1: Faster continuous shooting, more advanced autofocus, weather-sealed magnesium alloy body
• OM-5: More affordable, weather-sealed polycarbonate body

Cons:

• OM-1: More expensive
• OM-5: Slower continuous shooting, less advanced autofocus

Olympus OM-1 vs Fujifilm X-T4

Sensor:

• Olympus OM-1: 20.4MP Live MOS with Quad Pixel Autofocus
• Fujifilm X-T4: 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4

Image Stabilization:

• Olympus OM-1: 7.5-stop in-body stabilization
• Fujifilm X-T4: 6.5-stop in-body stabilization

Autofocus:

• Olympus OM-1: Phase-detection with 121-point cross-type sensors
• Fujifilm X-T4: Phase-detection with 425-point hybrid sensors

Burst Shooting:

• Olympus OM-1: 120 fps with electronic shutter, 10 fps with mechanical shutter
• Fujifilm X-T4: 15 fps with electronic shutter, 8 fps with mechanical shutter

Video:

• Olympus OM-1: 4K/30p, 1080p/120p, Log shooting
• Fujifilm X-T4: 4K/60p, 1080p/240p, F-Log shooting

Other Features:

• Olympus OM-1: Weatherproof, built-in ND filter
• Fujifilm X-T4: Weather-resistant, tiltable LCD screen, EVF with 0.8x magnification

Conclusion:
The Olympus OM-1 offers superior autofocus and image stabilization, while the Fujifilm X-T4 provides higher resolution, faster burst shooting, and more advanced video capabilities. Both cameras are excellent choices for professionals and enthusiasts alike, depending on individual shooting needs and preferences.

Olympus OM-1 for Wildlife Photography

The Olympus OM-1 is a great choice for wildlife photography due to its:

• Fast and accurate autofocus: With 121 focus points and a high-speed autofocus system, the OM-1 can quickly and accurately lock onto subjects, even in challenging lighting conditions.
• Weather sealing: The OM-1 is weather-sealed to protect against dust, moisture, and cold, making it ideal for outdoor wildlife photography.
• Compact and lightweight: The OM-1 is a compact and lightweight camera, which makes it easy to carry and maneuver in the field.
• High-quality images: The OM-1 features a 20.4MP sensor and a powerful image processor that produce high-quality images with excellent detail and resolution.
• Versatile lens system: The OM-1 is compatible with a wide range of Micro Four Thirds lenses, including telephoto lenses that are ideal for wildlife photography.

Olympus OM-1 for Street Photography

The Olympus OM-1 is an excellent camera for street photography due to its compact size, quiet shutter, and sharp lenses. Its small size allows it to be easily carried and concealed, while its quiet shutter helps to avoid drawing unwanted attention. The OM-1 also has a wide range of lenses available, including fast primes and zoom lenses, which provide versatility for capturing different subjects and perspectives. Additionally, the camera’s manual controls and customizable settings give photographers the flexibility to adjust the camera to their specific shooting style and preferences.

Olympus OM-1 for Landscape Photography

The Olympus OM-1 is a mirrorless camera known for its compact size and image quality. It offers several advantages for landscape photography:

• Compact and Lightweight: Its small size and light weight make it easy to carry and maneuver in challenging terrain.
• Exceptional Image Quality: The 20MP Live MOS sensor captures sharp and detailed images with wide dynamic range, enabling breathtaking landscapes.
• Weather Resistance: The OM-1 is weather-sealed, protecting it from rain, dust, and other outdoor elements. This ensures reliable performance even in adverse conditions.
• High-Resolution Mode: The camera’s High-Res Shot mode captures multiple images and merges them into a single detailed 50MP image, ideal for capturing vast landscapes with intricate textures.
• Live ND Filter: The built-in Live ND filter provides up to 6 stops of neutral density, allowing you to extend exposure times without using external filters, which is particularly useful for creating smooth water effects or capturing star trails.

Olympus OM-1 Weather Sealing

The Olympus OM-1 features exceptional weather sealing to protect it against harsh weather conditions. Its rugged construction and extensive sealing throughout the body, lens mount, and buttons keep moisture and dust out, making it ideal for outdoor photography in demanding environments. The OM-1 can withstand rain, snow, and dust, allowing photographers to capture images in challenging conditions with confidence.

Olympus OM-1 Autofocus System

The Olympus OM-1 autofocus system was a revolutionary development in the world of photography. It was the first autofocus system to be released on a commercial camera, and it paved the way for the advanced AF systems we use today. The OM-1’s AF system was contrast-based, meaning that it used a sensor to detect the contrast between light and dark areas in the image. When the contrast was highest, the camera knew that the subject was in focus.

The OM-1’s AF system was not as fast as modern AF systems, but it was still a significant improvement over manual focusing. It also made it possible to take sharp photos in low-light conditions, which was previously impossible.

The Olympus OM-1 autofocus system was a huge success, and it helped to make Olympus one of the leading camera manufacturers in the world. The OM-1’s AF system is still used in some cameras today, and it remains an important part of the history of photography.

Olympus OM-1 High ISO Performance

The Olympus OM-1 delivers exceptional high ISO performance, allowing photographers to capture sharp and detailed images even in challenging low-light situations. With its powerful image processor and advanced noise reduction algorithms, the OM-1 produces images with remarkably low noise levels, making it ideal for handheld shooting and photographing fast-moving subjects. The camera’s native ISO range extends up to 25600, and it can be expanded to 102400 for even greater light sensitivity, providing photographers with the versatility to adapt to a wide range of lighting conditions.

Olympus OM System Lenses

Olympus OM System lenses are a high-performance range of interchangeable lenses designed for use with Olympus OM System cameras. These lenses are renowned for their exceptional optical quality, durability, and versatility, and they cover a wide range of focal lengths and apertures to suit various photographic genres.

Key features of Olympus OM System lenses include:

• Exceptional optical performance: Lenses feature advanced optical designs, including aspherical elements, to minimize distortions and deliver sharp, high-resolution images.
• Durable construction: Lenses are constructed with rugged metal barrels and weather-resistant seals to withstand harsh conditions and ensure longevity.
• Advanced autofocus: Lenses utilize fast and accurate autofocus systems, enabling precise subject tracking and sharp focus in all lighting conditions.
• Versatile range: Olympus offers a comprehensive range of lenses, from wide-angle to telephoto and macro, providing photographers with a tool for every situation.
• Compatibility: Lenses are designed to be compatible with both Olympus OM System and other Micro Four Thirds cameras.

Olympus OM System Roadmap

Olympus has announced its roadmap for the OM System, which includes the development of new cameras, lenses, and accessories. Here are the key highlights:

• Cameras:

  • OM-5: A high-performance APS-C mirrorless camera with a 20MP sensor and 4K/60p video recording.
  • OM-1 Mark III: A flagship Micro Four Thirds camera with a new sensor, improved autofocus, and 8K video recording.

• Lenses:

  • M.Zuiko 90mm f/3.5 Macro IS PRO: A high-quality macro lens with a magnification ratio of 1:1.
  • M.Zuiko 8-25mm f/4.0 PRO: A wide-angle zoom lens with a constant aperture of f/4.0.

• Accessories:

  • OM System OM-D Webcam Frame: A frame that allows OM-D cameras to be used as webcams.
  • OM System OM-D Utility: A software suite for managing and editing OM System cameras and lenses.

The new products are expected to be released throughout 2023 and 2024.

Olympus OM System vs Micro Four Thirds

The Olympus OM System and Micro Four Thirds (MFT) are two interchangeable lens camera systems that share many similarities. Both systems use the same lens mount, and both offer a wide range of lenses to choose from. However, there are also some key differences between the two systems.

Size and Weight

The Olympus OM System is a smaller and lighter system than Micro Four Thirds. This makes it a good choice for photographers who want a camera that is easy to carry around. However, the smaller size of the OM System also means that it has a smaller sensor, which can result in lower image quality in some situations.

Sensor Size

The Olympus OM System uses a smaller sensor than Micro Four Thirds. This means that the OM System has a lower resolution than Micro Four Thirds, and it is also less sensitive to light. As a result, the OM System is not as well-suited for low-light photography as Micro Four Thirds.

Lens Selection

The Olympus OM System and Micro Four Thirds both offer a wide range of lenses to choose from. However, the OM System has a smaller selection of lenses than Micro Four Thirds. This is because the OM System is a newer system, and it has not had as much time to develop its lens lineup.

Price

The Olympus OM System is generally more expensive than Micro Four Thirds. This is because the OM System is a newer system, and it uses more advanced technology. However, the OM System also offers some features that are not available on Micro Four Thirds cameras, such as weather sealing and a built-in flash.

Olympus OM System vs APS-C

Sensor and Image Quality:

• OM System sensors are micro four-thirds (MFT), while APS-C sensors are larger, yielding better image quality, especially in low light.
• APS-C produces larger files with higher resolution, resulting in more detail and dynamic range.

Size and Weight:

• OM System cameras and lenses are significantly smaller and lighter than APS-C counterparts, making them ideal for travel and street photography.
• APS-C cameras offer more grip and button space, providing a more comfortable handling experience.

Lenses:

• Both systems offer a wide range of lenses, but OM System has a more compact line-up due to its smaller sensor.
• APS-C lenses generally provide better optical quality with wider apertures and faster focusing.

Autofocus Performance:

• OM System cameras use contrast-detect autofocus, which is fast and accurate in most situations.
• APS-C cameras often utilize phase-detect autofocus, which is faster and more reliable, especially for tracking moving subjects.

Video Capabilities:

• OM System cameras generally offer high-quality video recording, but APS-C cameras tend to provide better dynamic range and improved low-light performance.
• APS-C sensors allow for shallower depth of field, creating more cinematic-looking footage.

Price and Accessibility:

• OM System cameras and lenses are generally more affordable than their APS-C counterparts.
• APS-C cameras are widely available from various manufacturers, while OM System cameras are primarily produced by Olympus and a few other companies.

Olympus OM System for Professionals

The Olympus OM system is a line of professional interchangeable lens cameras and accessories designed for photographers who demand the highest image quality, speed, and reliability. The OM system is built around a compact and lightweight mirrorless camera body that provides exceptional image quality and autofocus performance. The system offers a wide range of professional-grade lenses, including prime lenses, zoom lenses, and telephoto lenses, that provide photographers with the versatility and flexibility they need to capture any subject or scene.

The Olympus OM system also features a number of advanced features that make it ideal for professional photographers, such as a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, a fast and accurate autofocus system, and a weather-sealed body that can withstand the rigors of professional use. The OM system is also compatible with a wide range of accessories, such as external flash units, microphones, and remote triggers, that allow photographers to customize their system to meet their specific needs.

Whether you’re a professional photographer who demands the highest image quality and performance, or a hobbyist who wants to capture your memories with the best possible equipment, the Olympus OM system is the perfect choice.

Olympus OM System for Enthusiasts

Olympus’s OM System is specifically designed for photography enthusiasts seeking advanced capabilities and customizable control. This system features interchangeable lenses, compatible with a wide range of Olympus and third-party optics. It incorporates cutting-edge technologies such as sensor-shift image stabilization, high-resolution sensors, and advanced autofocus algorithms.

The OM System cameras offer a user-friendly interface, customizable buttons and dials, and a compact and durable design. They provide enthusiasts with the flexibility to capture stunning images in various photographic genres, including wildlife, sports, landscape, and portraits.

With its versatile and adaptable offerings, the Olympus OM System empowers photography enthusiasts to elevate their skills and achieve their creative vision.

Olympus OM System for Beginners

The Olympus OM system is a mirrorless camera system that is known for its compact size, lightweight design, and high-quality image quality. It is a great choice for beginner photographers who are looking for a system that is easy to use and portable.

Key Features of the Olympus OM System:

• Compact and lightweight design
• Weather-resistant construction
• In-body image stabilization
• 4K video recording
• Interchangeable lens system

Benefits of the Olympus OM System for Beginners:

• Easy to use: The Olympus OM system is designed to be easy to use, even for those who are new to photography. The cameras have a simple and intuitive menu system, and the lenses are easy to mount and remove.
• Portable: The Olympus OM system is one of the most compact and lightweight mirrorless camera systems available. This makes it a great choice for photographers who want to travel light or who need a camera that is easy to carry around all day.
• High-quality image quality: The Olympus OM system cameras are capable of producing high-quality images, even in low-light conditions. The cameras have a powerful sensor and a range of lenses that can capture a variety of subjects.
• Versatile: The Olympus OM system is a versatile camera system that can be used for a variety of photography genres. The cameras can be used to shoot everything from landscapes to portraits to sports.

Olympus OM-1 Battery Life

The Olympus OM-1 utilizes a built-in lithium-ion battery that delivers approximately:

• 520 shots (with LCD monitor)
• 490 shots (with electronic viewfinder)

When using the optional BLX-1 LH battery grip, the shots capacity increases to approximately:

• 1,240 shots (with LCD monitor)
• 980 shots (with electronic viewfinder)

Note that battery life can vary based on factors such as ambient temperature, frequency of use, and the features being utilized.

Olympus OM-1 Ergonomics

The Olympus OM-1 was renowned for its exceptional ergonomics, designed to enhance the user experience and facilitate intuitive operation. It featured:

• Compact and Lightweight: The compact body and lightweight construction (500g) allowed for easy handling and portability.
• Comfortable Grip: The ergonomic handgrip provided a secure and comfortable hold, reducing fatigue during extended use.
• Intuitive Controls: Frequently used controls, such as the shutter release and aperture ring, were conveniently positioned for quick and effortless access.
• Clear Viewfinder: The large and bright viewfinder offered a wide field of view and accurate subject framing, ensuring precise composition.
• Detachable Film Back: The ability to detach the film back allowed for quick reloading in the field, enhancing shooting efficiency.