The new OM-System OM-5 camera with USB streaming & star autofocus

Today is the day! The OM System OM 5 camera is presented and we summarize for you what's inside this little wonder. Since the OM-1 was introduced at the beginning of the year, everyone has been talking about the OM System again. Former Olympus fans have taken the change very well. The OM-1 is more of a model that is aimed at professionals in terms of price and functions, which is why the OM-5 is a slimmed-down model that still has it all. Find out now in our video or text. Have fun!

Is the body convincing?

The body is similar to the Olympus (OM System) OM-D E-M5 series in terms of the light weight and robustness. It is equipped with the new IP53 rating, which ensures that it is no longer a problem if an unexpected downpour occurs. So you can always take the body with you without worrying about the weather conditions. The body is very compact, which still ensures that the camera is easy to use. There are many setting options and buttons for quick operation. However, the connections on the body have suffered as a result. Important connections such as the microphone and headphone jack. There is a micro HDMI and micro USB port, but no USB-C, which will be of great importance today and in the future.

Is the photo quality promising?

The camera can not only look classically retro, because there is also something inside. The OM 5 has a 20 MP MFT sensor, which in our opinion is completely sufficient for classic applications. In the end, it is also possible to print larger formats without any problems. If this is not enough, the camera can be set to Res mode. This mode creates several images in succession and combines them in such a way that a resolution of up to 80 MP can be achieved. However, care should be taken to ensure that there is no movement in the image, otherwise distortion will occur.

Familiar features from the past are of course also included, such as the integrated ND filter (in this case up to ND 16), Live Composite and Bulb, as well as Pro Capture. In addition to the ND filter, which works in the photo area, we also particularly like the Pro Capture, because this function shoots pictures before and after the actual shutter release, so that you always have the perfect moment in the lens.

OM-Systems has given the OM 5 a new autofocus, which ensures that all images are even sharper and clearer. The autofocus works very reliably and also features face detection, among other things. If several people have been recognized by the autofocus, you can switch back and forth between the individual persons.

The video quality

The current standards in the OM-5 offer 4K video recording at 30 fps and Full HD at 120 fps, which guarantee very solid work. The new improved image stabilizer ensures smooth video recording without major blurring in the image.

One highlight is actually the portrait video. It may sound like an unimportant function, but if you produce a lot of content for social media, it makes a lot of sense.

It pays to be quick!

As with the OM 1, there is a great promotion again this time. If you order the camera by 30.11.2022, you will receive a warranty extension from 2 to 5 years!

All the special features at a glance

The OM 5 also comes with a handful of small special features that we find very charming and would like to summarize briefly.

• USB streaming. The OM 5 can now also be used directly as a webcam. As soon as you connect the camera to the PC, it is immediately recognized in programs such as Zoom, Skype or Teams and can be used. A feature that people unfortunately overlook or ignore again and again, but which has become very important (especially in the last few years) to give a professional image in online meetings.
• Star AF. It may sound really unnecessary, but many people who have used this feature swear by it. Since there are super wide-angle lenses with a large aperture for MFT (for example the Olympus 17mm with f/1.2 aperture), we find the camera very good for astrophotography. The mode also does exactly what it sounds like. It focuses correctly on the stars. It is often difficult for normal AF systems to work accurately here and working with manual focus and Liveview is simply tedious. Try it out for yourself.
• Focus stacking. Small cameras are often also very suitable for small photo subjects. Thanks to the wide range of MFT lenses, there are also many macro solutions. If you combine this with the focus stacking feature, the camera takes several images at different focus distances and creates an image with a greater depth of field.

Our conclusion

To summarize, it feels like an Olympus OM-D E-M1 III in an improved E-M5 III body, with most of the advantages of the technology of the time + a little extra like USB streaming and portrait video. So if you are looking for a robust, fast, yet small companion for your travels and stories, you will definitely get your money's worth here.

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