Olympus OM System OM-1 vs Olympus E-M1: A Deep Dive into Two Micro Four Thirds Powerhouses

Choosing your next camera can feel overwhelming with all the technical jargon and marketing claims. But as seasoned professionals who have tested cameras extensively, we’re here to cut through the noise. Today, we compare two flagship Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras from Olympus - the groundbreaking OM System OM-1 (2022) and the venerable Olympus E-M1 (2013). Both are pro-level bodies but offer very different technology and performance levels.

Whether you’re a seasoned photographer, a content creator, or an enthusiast looking to upgrade, this side-by-side analysis will help you understand the real-world implications of these cameras’ specs, strengths, and limitations - so you can pick the one that best fits your creative vision and budget.

First Impressions: Handling, Design, and Usability

Both cameras share Olympus’s signature SLR-style mirrorless form factor, but the OM System OM-1 pushes ergonomics and interface design significantly further.

OM System OM-1

• Slightly larger and heavier (135x92x73mm, 599g)
• More robust grip and weather-sealing - fully magnesium alloy with freezeproof and dustproof ratings
• Fully articulated 3-inch touchscreen with 1620k dot resolution - great for vlogging and shooting at unconventional angles
• 5760k dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 0.83x magnification, covering 100% frame - one of the industry’s sharpest EVFs
• Dual SD card slots with UHS-II support for professional workflows and redundancy
• USB 3.1 Gen 1 connection for fast tethering and charging
• Bluetooth built-in for seamless wireless image transfer

Olympus E-M1

• More compact and lightweight (130x94x63mm, 497g), better suited to street and travel photography where size matters
• Weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, but not freezeproof rated
• Tilting 3-inch touchscreen with 1037k dots resolution - functional but less versatile articulation
• 2360k dot EVF with 0.74x magnification at 100% coverage
• Single SD card slot, UHS-I compatible only
• USB 2.0 connection, slower tethering and file transfer
• No Bluetooth connectivity; wireless transfers rely on Wi-Fi alone

Both bodies feel solid in the hand, but you’ll appreciate the OM-1’s refined button layout and customizable controls for quicker access. The E-M1 is more minimalist but suits lighter carrying and spontaneous shooting styles.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

The critical difference lies in sensor technology and resolution.

The OM System OM-1’s stacked BSI (backside illuminated) sensor brings dramatic improvements in readout speed, noise performance, and dynamic range. The removal of the anti-aliasing filter means sharper fine detail capture at base ISO. This is a substantial step up from the original E-M1’s aging CMOS sensor, which was already solid in its day but now shows its age in noise and dynamic range.

Real-World Imaging Insights

• The OM-1 produces crisper images with beautiful microcontrast and very low noise up to ISO 6400.
• Its boosted ISO 102,400 mode is serviceable for emergency low-light conditions, an area where the E-M1 struggles significantly.
• Color depth and dynamic range are also noticeably improved, easily revealing more shadow and highlight detail when shooting landscapes or high-contrast scenes.

Important to mention: Despite the same Four Thirds sensor size, the technological leap in the newer sensor elevates image quality closer to APS-C class rival cameras.

Autofocus and Speed: Tracking the Moment

For fast-moving subjects - sports, wildlife, kids playing - autofocus (AF) and burst rates are crucial.

The OM System OM-1 AF system is a major upgrade, with over 13x the focus points compared to the E-M1, plus animal eye AF for bird and pet portraiture that’s highly effective. This means you get:

• Precise autofocus across almost the entire frame, ideal for unpredictable wildlife and sports action.
• Stronger, faster tracking in continuous mode. Tests consistently show OM-1’s AF tracks moving subjects with higher keeper rates.
• Silent shooting up to insanely fast 1/32,000s shutter speed, greatly easing shooting in quiet, fast-action environments.

The E-M1’s autofocus, while solid for its time, shows limitations in low contrast, fast-moving scenes, and has fewer customization options. The lack of silent shutter might limit street photography stealth.

Build Quality & Weather Resistance

Both cameras excel in durability but with differences:

• OM System OM-1: Weather sealed to professional standards including freeze resistance to -10°C. This means you can confidently shoot in rain, cold, snow, and dusty environments.
• E-M1: Also weather sealed but without freezeproof certification, still excellent but more limited for extreme conditions.

If you shoot adventure, landscape, or outdoors in variable weather, the OM-1 offers a ruggedness advantage that cannot be overstated.

LCD Screen and Viewfinder Technology

The OM-1’s improvements extend to the user interface.

The OM-1’s higher-resolution EVF is one of the sharpest available, providing a bright, crisp view emphasizing detail critical for manual focusing and critical exposure decisions. The fully articulated screen caters to creative angles and selfie or vlogging shooting, broadened functionality missing in the E-M1’s simpler tilting screen.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Both cameras use the Micro Four Thirds mount, which allows an expansive and mature lens lineup:

• Over 118 lenses for OM-1’s launch, slightly increasing availability from E-M1’s 107 compatible lenses.
• Both bodies support Olympus’s highly regarded in-body 5-axis image stabilization (IBIS), key for handheld shooting with non-stabilized lenses.

Thanks to the 2.1x crop factor, you can access great telephoto reach with compact lenses, especially prized for wildlife and sports.

Battery Life and Storage

The OM-1’s longer battery life and dual card slots are significant for professionals on assignment, giving peace of mind for extended shooting and automatic backups. The E-M1 is respectable but less suitable for long days without battery swaps.

Video Capabilities

Video specs highlight clear generational progression:

The OM-1’s 4K UHD video support with advanced HEVC compression, headphone monitoring, and microphone input upgrades make it a far more capable hybrid tool for video creators and vloggers. The E-M1’s video feels outdated by comparison, limited to Full HD and fewer audio options.

Real World Use Cases and Photography Genres

Let’s see how these cameras stack up across popular photography disciplines.

OM System OM 1 front OM System OM 1 screen back Olympus E M1 front Olympus E M1 screen back

Price-to-Performance and Value Analysis

If budget is your primary concern, the E-M1 remains a viable entry into the Olympus pro series, especially for those who value size and weight over absolute performance. But if you demand the best imaging, autofocus, and video tech for professional use, the OM System OM-1 is well worth the investment.

Who Should Choose Which?

Get the OM System OM-1 if you:

• Want the absolute best Micro Four Thirds camera currently available
• Shoot fast action, wildlife, or sports needing superior autofocus and burst speeds
• Require 4K video capabilities with professional audio input
• Shoot outdoors in challenging weather and need extreme build quality
• Value dual card slots, longer battery life, and faster connectivity

Consider the Olympus E-M1 if you:

• Are on a tighter budget and want a solid pro-style Micro Four Thirds camera
• Prefer a lighter, smaller body for street or travel photography
• Primarily shoot stills in good light conditions
• Do not require advanced video features or latest autofocus tech
• Are entering Micro Four Thirds and looking for an affordable, capable system

Final Thoughts: An Expert’s Perspective

The OM System OM-1 exemplifies how far camera technology has advanced in less than a decade. Its sensor, autofocus, build, and video features bring Micro Four Thirds well into the professional realm, rivaling larger sensor formats in many scenarios.

The Olympus E-M1, despite its age, deserves respect as a trailblazer that made high-quality mirrorless photography affordable and versatile. For beginners stepping into MFT or those valuing compactness, it still offers excellent image quality.

In short, your choice boils down to budget, needs, and future-proofing. If you want to invest in a camera that will grow with your ambitions and deliver across all disciplines, the OM System OM-1 is a powerhouse. If you want a reliable, compact, and accessible introduction to Olympus’s pro mirrorless line, the E-M1 remains a trusted companion.

We recommend visiting a camera store to hold both models and, if possible, try shooting with them in your preferred style. Getting a feel for ergonomics and UI can be as critical as specs on paper.

Getting Started with Olympus Micro Four Thirds

Whatever your choice, you enter a system with a vast lens lineup and accessories. Consider pairing your body with proven classics like the Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO for versatility or the 300mm f/4 IS PRO for wildlife.

Explore compatible flashes, remote triggers, and software workflows optimized for Olympus RAW files to extract the best from your shots.

Happy shooting - your next creative journey awaits!

If this comparison helped clarify your decision, check out our full hands-on reviews of each camera and tutorials to unlock their full potential.