The Olympus OM-D E-M1 is an Olympus Micro Four Thirds camera released in 2013, built around an 16.3MP Live MOS sensor. Key features include 5-stop IBIS, phase-detection AF, and weather sealing. This model has been discontinued. It has been succeeded by the Olympus OM-D E-M1 II. At 497g, this is 41g lighter than the M43 average of 538g. The OM System OM-3 is lighter still at 414g if size is the priority.
Best for: Travel and outdoor photography
Pros
- 5-stop IBIS for handheld stability
- Phase-detect AF for reliable subject tracking
- Weather sealed body
Cons
- No subject recognition AF
- No 4K video
- No headphone jack for audio monitoring
General-purpose outdoor photography
The first E-M1 brought phase-detect AF and weather sealing to Olympus M43. It was the professional-grade body of its era. At current second-hand prices it is a capable and affordable outdoor body, though the AF and burst speed are behind current generation cameras.
Travel photography
IP53 sealing and strong stabilisation make the E-M1 a practical travel body even years after release. The main limitations are the older sensor and contrast-heavy AF performance compared to phase-detect systems on current bodies. Full guide →
Specifications
| Body | |
| Brand | Olympus |
| Status | discontinued |
| Released | 2013-10 |
| Weight | 497g |
| Dimensions | 130.4 × 95.6 × 63.1mm |
| Weather sealed | Yes |
| Screen | Tilting |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Sensor | |
| Description | 16.3MP Live MOS |
| Megapixels | 16.3MP |
| Resolution | 4608 × 3456 |
| Viewfinder | |
| EVF | Yes |
| EVF resolution | 2.36MP |
| EVF magnification | 0.74x |
| Stabilisation | |
| IBIS | Yes |
| IBIS stops | 5 stops |
| Dual IS | No |
| Autofocus | |
| Phase detect | Yes |
| Subject recognition | No |
| Shooting | |
| Video | |
| 4K | No |
| 4K 60fps | No |
| Log | No |
| Ports & storage | |
| Card slots | 1 |
| Card type | SD UHS-I |
| HDMI | micro |
| Headphone jack | No |
| Mic port | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Battery | BLN-1 |
| Pricing | |
| Price (approx.) | N/A |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Olympus OM-D E-M1 have IBIS?
Yes. The Olympus OM-D E-M1 has in-body image stabilisation rated at 5 stops.
Is the Olympus OM-D E-M1 weather sealed?
Yes. The Olympus OM-D E-M1 is weather sealed, which means it is protected against dust and splashing water.
Does the Olympus OM-D E-M1 shoot 4K video?
No. The Olympus OM-D E-M1 does not record 4K video.
Does the Olympus OM-D E-M1 have phase-detect autofocus?
Yes. The Olympus OM-D E-M1 uses phase-detect autofocus.
What card does the Olympus OM-D E-M1 use?
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 has 1 card slot and accepts SD UHS-I cards.
How much does the Olympus OM-D E-M1 weigh?
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 weighs 497g (body only, with battery and card).
Is the Olympus OM-D E-M1 still worth buying?
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 has been succeeded by the Olympus OM-D E-M1 II. The newer model improves on AF performance, sensor, and video specs. At a reduced second-hand price the Olympus OM-D E-M1 remains a capable body, but the Olympus OM-D E-M1 II is the better long-term buy if the budget allows.