OM SYSTEM OM-1

I've had my Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III almost since launch, and I'm pleased to say that the OM System OM-1 brings improvements in every important area. It's the best that Micro Four Thirds has to offer and I'm incredibly happy to have upgraded. Key points follow: <br /> <br />- Build quality is outstanding. As if the E-M1 Mark III wasn't good enough, the OM-1 is built like a tank, and even the little things are made to last. The drive and focus mode buttons, which had shallow travel on the older model, now have much more feedback, and the power switch is rock-solid. The grip is substantial, and it truly feels like you're working with a serious professional tool. <br />- Image quality has improved a bit over the previous model. While it's not going to match larger sensors, high-ISO grain is finer and there's a bit more dynamic range. This makes it easier to get fine details from the shadows when working with RAWs in post. <br />- Autofocus performance is paramount in a camera designed for action photography, especially birds in flight, and the OM-1 is a massive leap forward. The new sensor uses a quad-Bayer-like design in which every pixel is divided into four photosites for cross-type phase detection AF across the entire frame. This works in tandem with a new AI subject-recognition system, an enhanced version of the system in the E-M1X, which can detect and lock onto certain types of subjects. In my limited experience thus far with bird photography on the OM-1, the performance difference is substantial, and I've gotten shots that were impossible with the E-M1 Mark III. And while it's not perfect, it's been stated that the full processing power of the TruePic X engine has yet to be utilized, so it will only get better with firmware updates. <br />- 50 fps continuous shooting with focus and exposure tracking... hoo boy. While the buffer is a bit shallower than I'd like at 90 shots, to have this kind of speed on tap is a revelation. This speed does come at a cost: you'll need to be prepared to pick through hundreds, even thousands of images in post. And if you don't need tracking, you can do up to 120 fps. <br />- The control layout is very similar to that of the E-M1 Mark III, but the user interface and menus have seen a significant redesign. Olympus has had a reputation for very complex menu systems in their cameras, and while there's still a significant learning curve, the new setup is more intuitive than before. <br />- Little improvements here and there round out the experience. The OM-1 can charge and run simultaneously when using a 27W or higher USB Power Delivery charger or power bank; the E-M1 Mark III could do either, but not both at once. Handheld High Res Shot now requires only 12 shots rather than 16, and the faster sensor and processing engine dramatically reduce the time needed to get a 50-megapixel image. Both SDXC memory card slots now support UHS-II speeds, the OLED EVF provides a crisper view, and a larger battery means longer runtimes between charges. <br /> <br />All told, the OM-1 is a very compelling camera, not just for bird or action photography, but for pretty much any application. Sensor size isn't everything, and having a camera you can actually take with you for long journeys can outweigh the image-quality disadvantages of a smaller sensor. <br /> <br />OM Digital Solutions has proven a worthy heir to the Olympus legacy in the OM System OM-1.

Toward the end of 2021 and earlier this year, OM Systems began leaking and promoting a new camera. Some YouTubers and others scoffed at the thought of great improvement. Most believed that the M4/3 system had reached its ceiling. Just a few years back I had owned an Olympus OMD-EM5. It had its limitations, however, the portability increased the use and spontaneity. The full-frame bodies started out light and relatively small, but the lenses quickly became boat anchors. <br /> <br />I AM HAPPY. The images from the new OM 1 are outstanding. The newly revamped sensor HAS made a difference. The camera is snappy, the body is really easy to hold with a very nice grip. The revised menu system is more intuitive makes sense and is easy to navigate. <br /> <br />But back to the images. This is the WOW. I was always a bit underwhelmed when transferring images from camera to iMac. (27”) But no more. The images are really rivaling those from the Nikon and Canon. Really competing. OM Systems has brought the fun back! <br />

Just traded in my Mark II for the OM-1 and love it so far. The change in menu configuration provides a easier flow. I love the image quality so far although I haven’t had a lot of time to get into the field with it. My biggest issue with it is the back thumb wheel to adjust the shutter speed has been moved slightly to the right which creates and awkward feel when using it. I have seen other users that have stated the same issue. If you have smaller hands it will probably fit you fine.