OM System OM-1
Announced February 15, 2022
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The OM System OM-1 is a highly capable, rugged hybrid camera that leverages a stacked sensor and advanced computational tools to deliver impressive performance in a compact frame. While it stands out for its class-leading stabilization and reliable autofocus, some photographers may find the 20-megapixel resolution and limited buffer depth restrictive for specific high-speed workflows.
Weighted from 21 reviewer scores
Pros
- Improved menu system and high-resolution electronic viewfinder
- Rugged, weather-sealed build quality with comfortable ergonomics
- Fast, responsive autofocus with effective subject detection
- Exceptional in-body image stabilization performance
- Advanced computational photography features and multi-shot modes
Cons
- Limited resolution for cropping compared to larger formats
- Inconsistent subject tracking in complex scenarios
- Underwhelming buffer capacity for high-speed burst shooting
- Lack of included battery charger and proprietary battery compatibility
- Difficult handling with thick gloves due to button size and placement
- Launch price $2,199.99 (USD)
- Sensor 20.4MP Micro Four Thirds Stacked BSI CMOS
- Video 4K 60p
- Stabilization In-body IS
What the Reviewers Say
All 21 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 9/10
It’s the best Micro Four Thirds camera ever made and one of the most capable cameras in any format.
- DPReview 87%
Lack of included charger The OM System OM-1 is probably the best all-round Micro Four Thirds camera yet, which is exactly what OM Digital Solutions needed to emphasize that it’s a system with a future.
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While shooting speeds are excellent, buffer depths are a bit underwhelming. The OM System OM-1 makes a great first impression for OM Digital Solutions.
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The OM-1 proves there’s not just life left in the Micro Four Thirds format, but also for a brand we thought would never grace a new camera body again.
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Without doubt, the OM System OM-1 is the best Micro Four Thirds camera currently available for stills photography.
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I encourage you, really take a look at it, because I think sometimes Micro Four Thirds really gets overshadowed by its big brothers.
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Beautifully made, the Olympus OM-1, the last OM System camera to bear that name, is compact, efficient and performs admirably; a suitably impressive way to say farewell to the Olympus name and to greet OM System.
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Well, wonder no more, as the new OM-1 is the best camera that OM Digital Solutions or indeed Olympus have ever produced, marrying the speed of the E-M1X with the proven handling of the E-M1 III.
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The OM System OM-1 is a very important camera for a number of reasons.
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The OM System OM-1 pushes Micro Four Thirds cameras forward with a Stacked CMOS sensor. It’s a strong upgrade for E-M1 Mark III owners, thanks to better-feeling controls, a refreshed interface, and a robust computational toolset.
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We hugely enjoyed using the OM System OM-1. It offers a rugged build, modern, reliable autofocus and a variety of useful image-making functions like High Res Shot and Live ND that really enhance the image-making experience.
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I personally think it is the best high-end hybrid Micro Four Thirds cameras for photographers to date.
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OM Digital Solutions has modernized their flagship camera and made a leap forward to stay on par with the rest of the industry.
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I think on this camera, features-wise it's packed, ports-wise it's packed, it's a really nice powerhouse bit of kit, really. 50 years after the original OM-1 was released, I think this is a pretty nice camera to honor that memory.
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Great hybrid camera OM-1 is one of the best hybrid cameras on the market. It can do excellent video and excellent photographs or you can do excellent video, excellent photographs with only one and one particular feature is really important.
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[T]his camera is going to be good enough for 95% maybe 99% of photographers.
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The OM SYSTEM OM-1 is the most feature-laden camera I've ever reviewed, and it's all super-easy to use.
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A modern reinvention of a legendary model, the OM System OM-1 is the best Micro Four Thirds camera ever made — and one of the best cameras, period.
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Honestly, the OM-1 really feels great. The processing power and the extra speed it offers throughout the camera really help with the experience and make it a much more productive tool and a true joy to use.
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Ultimately, the OM-1 is a camera with a relatively narrow appeal. It is built to excel at sports or wildlife photography—especially bird photography—while offering a genuinely small and lighter option than Canon, Nikon and Sony.
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[I]t is a camera that I would highly recommend to anyone who's starting out with analog photography and is interested in really getting a good understanding of how aperture, shutter speed, ISO and so forth all kind of relate to each other [...]
