If speculation about the new OM SYSTEM OM-5 is accurate, we might see a new version of one of the best travel cameras hit the streets this year.
Few camera manufacturers are creating as much excitement as OMDS in 2022. Much has been expected from the company formerly known as Olympus. So far, they have delivered excellent cameras like the OM-1 (read our review) and new lenses like the 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro II, the 20mm f/1.4 Pro (read our review) and the 40-150mm f/4 Pro (read our review). Now, attention has turned to another new camera — the OM SYSTEM OM-5.
There has been a lot of speculation surrounding the OM-5 for months. The OM-5 will be OM SYSTEM’s take on the super popular, travel-friendly Olympus E-M5 series. These small cameras have always packed a punch, and in many ways, they are pretty similar to the larger — and more expensive — pro-oriented cameras like the older Olympus E-M1 series. So it would be safe to assume that the new OM-5 might have more in common with the OM-1 than you might believe. A recent post over at 43 Rumors suggests there might not be too much difference at all.
OM-5: Possible tech specs
According to the post on 43 Rumors, the OM-5 will feature the same 20-megapixel sensor found in the larger OM-1. You can see our OM-1 image samples here and here. Using this sensor is not a bad thing. Compared to older Micro Four Thirds sensors, we found the new stacked sensor provided significant gains in dynamic range and a not insignificant boost when shooting at high ISOs.
Of course, being a model beneath the OM-1, there will be some downgrades. While the OM-1 features a gorgeous 5.76-million dot EVF, expect the OM-5 to drop to a 3.6-million dot EVF. But, again, this is still an improvement over the older 2.36-million dot EVF that Olympus previously used in its cameras.
You should expect burst rates of up to 15 frames per second. There should also be a single card slot instead of dual card slots. Apparently, the OM-5 will use the new BLX-1 battery, which delivers excellent battery life in the OM-1. There should also be weather sealing, a fully articulating screen and IBIS. There’s even talk of the OM-5 featuring some AI autofocus tricks found in the OM-1. In all, the OM-5 — if the speculated specs are accurate — should be a potent travel camera.
Potential announcement and release dates
According to the reports, we could hear more about the OMDS OM SYSTEM OM-5 in September. The camera could then be launched in October, just in time for the holiday season. October would closely match the release time frame of the Olympus E-M5 III, which launched in November of 2019.
Regarding pricing, I think the OM-5 will hit shelves for $1,499. This price point would be $700 less than the OM-1. This price would also account for the upgrades made over the older E-M5 III, which launched with an initial cost of $1,199.
The OM-5 will be a welcome addition to the lineup. The OM-5 will also be the first camera to use nothing but the new OM SYSTEM branding. If you remember correctly, the OM-1 featured the Olympus name front and center on the camera. This was done as a homage to the original OM-1, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. So, the OM-5 will be the first camera to use the new name exclusively. So, what do you want to see in the OM SYSTEM OM-5? Let us know in the comment section below.
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