The Olympus OM-D E-M5 is an Olympus Micro Four Thirds camera released in 2012, built around an 16.1MP Live MOS sensor. Key features include 5-stop IBIS and weather sealing. This model has been discontinued. It has been succeeded by the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II. At 425g, this is one of the lightest M43 bodies available, 113g below the M43 average of 538g. Step up to the Panasonic Lumix G97 if you want more controls at the cost of 94g extra.
Best for: Travel and outdoor photography
Pros
- 5-stop IBIS for handheld stability
- Weather sealed body
Cons
- Contrast-detect AF only, slower on unpredictably moving subjects
- No 4K video
- No headphone jack for audio monitoring
Travel photography
The original E-M5 was the camera that proved M43 could compete in serious photography. Weather sealed, compact, and with strong stabilisation for its era. At second-hand prices it is very affordable and still capable for travel and general photography. Full guide →
Street photography
Compact, sealed body with a small form factor. One of the bodies that proved a mirrorless camera could work as a serious street photography tool. Full guide →
Specifications
| Body | |
| Brand | Olympus |
| Status | discontinued |
| Released | 2012-03 |
| Weight | 425g |
| Dimensions | 121.6 × 82.9 × 41.9mm |
| Weather sealed | Yes |
| Screen | Tilting |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Sensor | |
| Description | 16.1MP Live MOS |
| Megapixels | 16.1MP |
| Resolution | 4608 × 3456 |
| Viewfinder | |
| EVF | Yes |
| EVF resolution | 1.44MP |
| EVF magnification | 0.74x |
| Stabilisation | |
| IBIS | Yes |
| IBIS stops | 5 stops |
| Dual IS | No |
| Autofocus | |
| Phase detect | No |
| 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 | No |
| WiFi | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Battery | BLS-50 |
| Pricing | |
| Price (approx.) | N/A |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Olympus OM-D E-M5 have IBIS?
Yes. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 has in-body image stabilisation rated at 5 stops.
Is the Olympus OM-D E-M5 weather sealed?
Yes. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 is weather sealed, which means it is protected against dust and splashing water.
Does the Olympus OM-D E-M5 shoot 4K video?
No. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 does not record 4K video.
Does the Olympus OM-D E-M5 have phase-detect autofocus?
No. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 uses contrast-detect autofocus. It is slower to lock on to moving subjects than phase-detect systems.
What card does the Olympus OM-D E-M5 use?
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 has 1 card slot and accepts SD UHS-I cards.
How much does the Olympus OM-D E-M5 weigh?
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 weighs 425g (body only, with battery and card).
Is the Olympus OM-D E-M5 still worth buying?
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 has been succeeded by the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II. The newer model improves on AF performance, sensor, and video specs. At a reduced second-hand price the Olympus OM-D E-M5 remains a capable body, but the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II is the better long-term buy if the budget allows.