The OM System OM-1 is a classic camera that has stood the test of time. First introduced in 1972, the OM-1 was a game-changer in the world of photography. It was small, lightweight, and packed with features that made it a favorite among professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Today, the OM-1 is still highly regarded by photographers around the world. Its compact size and excellent build quality make it a great choice for those who want a camera that is easy to carry and use. The OM-1 is also known for its exceptional image quality, thanks to its high-quality lenses and advanced metering system.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the OM System OM-1 and explore its features, performance, and overall value. We will also examine how the OM-1 stacks up against other cameras in its class and provide our verdict on whether it is still a viable option for photographers in the digital age.
Overview of OM System and OM-1
What is OM System?
OM System is a brand of cameras and lenses that was originally developed by Olympus
in the 1970s. The OM System is known for its compact size and lightweight design, which made it popular among photographers who needed a portable camera system. The OM System was also the first camera system to use the innovative TTL (Through The Lens) metering system, which allowed photographers to accurately measure the light that was entering the camera.
What is OM-1?
The OM-1 is a high-end Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera from OM Digital Solutions, the company that bought the Olympus camera business. The OM-1 is a rugged, image-stabilized 20MP camera capable of high-speed shooting and offering a range of computational photography modes. The OM-1 has an improved electronic viewfinder and vari-angle LCD screen combination. The new OM-1 carries over the 1.65x magnification of the E-M1X but significantly increases the resolution to an impressive 5,760K-dots. It also uses OLED rather than LCD technology.
History of OM Digital Solutions
OM Digital Solutions is a Japanese company that was established in January 2021 after the sale of the Olympus camera business to Japan Industrial Partners. OM Digital Solutions is responsible for the development and production of the OM System cameras and lenses. The company has a strong focus on innovation and is committed to producing high-quality products that meet the needs of professional photographers and enthusiasts alike.
In summary, the OM System is a brand of cameras and lenses that was originally developed by Olympus in the 1970s. The OM-1 is a high-end Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera from OM Digital Solutions, the company that bought the Olympus camera business. OM Digital Solutions is a Japanese company that was established in January 2021 after the sale of the Olympus camera business to Japan Industrial Partners.
Key Features of OM-1
The OM System OM-1 is a Micro Four Thirds camera that sets a new standard for the system. It comes packed with a range of key features that make it a reliable and powerful camera. Here are some of the most notable features of the OM-1:
Sensor and Image Quality
The OM-1 features a new stacked backside-illuminated 20.4MP CMOS image sensor and a TruePic X processor with 3x the processing power. This combination enables the camera to produce high-quality images with excellent noise performance at high ISOs. The camera produces noise-free images at ISO 100 to 1600, with limited noise starting to appear at ISO 3200. ISO 6400 and 12800 exhibit quite visible noise and loss of fine detail, while the fastest setting of 25600 looks much better on paper than in reality.
Image Stabilization
The OM-1 features in-body stabilization for up to eight stops, making it ideal for handheld shooting in low light conditions. The camera also features an ND filter that can be used to reduce the amount of light entering the camera, allowing for slower shutter speeds and wider apertures in bright conditions.
Focus and AF System
The OM-1 features a subject-tracking system that can track people, birds, animals, and vehicles. The camera also features a quad pixel AF system that can detect and track subjects with high accuracy. The camera has a cross-type AF point that can detect both vertical and horizontal lines, making it ideal for tracking moving subjects. The camera also features face and eye detection, making it easy to take portraits with sharp focus on the subject’s face.
Video and Recording
The OM-1 can shoot up to 4K video at 60fps with H.265 compression. The camera also supports ProRes RAW recording when connected to an Atomos Ninja V external recorder. The camera features a micro HDMI port for outputting video to an external monitor or recorder. The camera also features a vari-angle touchscreen LCD that can be used to frame shots from different angles.
Battery Life and Charging
The OM-1 is powered by a BLX-1 battery that can shoot up to 420 shots per charge. The camera also supports USB charging, making it easy to charge the battery on the go. The camera also features an IP53 rating, making it resistant to dust and water.
Design and Build Quality
The OM System OM-1 camera has a classic, retro design that is both stylish and functional. The camera’s body is made of high-quality materials and has a solid, sturdy feel to it. The camera is also weather-sealed with an IP53 rating, which means it is resistant to dust and splashes of water. This makes the camera ideal for outdoor photography in harsh weather conditions.
IP53 Rating
The OM-1 has an IP53 rating, which means it is protected from dust and water splashes. This rating makes the camera ideal for outdoor photography in harsh weather conditions. However, it is important to note that the camera is not waterproof or dustproof, and should not be used in extreme conditions.
Control Layout
The control layout of the OM-1 is simple and intuitive, making it easy to use for both beginners and advanced photographers. The camera has a new AF-ON button on the back of the camera, a smaller function lever that switches between AF and MF, as well as redesigned command dials at the front and back. The individual control points are pretty small, but they are all big enough to operate. Some people with larger fingers may find that the balance between the size and the number of controls on such a small body doesn’t work for them.
Menu System
The OM-1 has a menu system that is easy to navigate and understand. The camera’s menu is organized into different categories, making it easy to find the settings you need. The menu system is also customizable, allowing you to set up the camera to your specific needs.
Battery Grip
The OM-1 has a new battery grip that can be attached to the bottom of the camera. The battery grip provides extra power to the camera, allowing you to shoot for longer periods of time. The battery grip also makes the camera more comfortable to hold, especially for those with larger hands.
Performance and User Experience
Dynamic Range and Noise Levels
The OM System OM-1 features a 20MP quad-pixel AF stacked CMOS sensor that delivers excellent dynamic range and low noise levels. The camera’s sensor is capable of producing images with rich detail and color accuracy, even in challenging lighting conditions.
HDR and Live Composite
The OM-1’s HDR and Live Composite modes allow users to capture stunning images with a wide dynamic range. HDR mode takes multiple shots at different exposures and combines them to create a single image with balanced exposure. Live Composite mode is ideal for capturing long exposures of night scenes or fireworks, as it combines multiple images in real-time to create a final image with the desired exposure.
Focus Stacking and Live ND
The OM-1’s focus stacking feature allows users to capture images with a greater depth of field by taking multiple shots at different focus points and then combining them into a single image with sharp focus throughout. The camera’s Live ND mode also allows users to capture long exposures without the need for a physical ND filter, making it ideal for landscape and architecture photography.
Pro Capture
The OM-1’s Pro Capture mode allows users to capture images with split-second timing. The camera starts buffering images as soon as the shutter button is half-pressed, and when the button is fully pressed, it captures up to 50 frames with full-time autofocus and autoexposure. This feature is ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects, such as sports or wildlife.
High-Res Shot Mode
The OM-1’s High-Res Shot mode allows users to capture incredibly detailed images with a resolution of up to 80 megapixels. The camera takes multiple shots and combines them into a single high-resolution image with incredible detail and clarity. This feature is ideal for capturing still life, landscapes, and architectural photography.
Comparison with Other Mirrorless Cameras
Nikon Z9
The Nikon Z9 is a full-frame mirrorless camera that is aimed at professional photographers. It has a 45.7-megapixel sensor and a fast autofocus system. The camera is capable of shooting 8K video and has a high-resolution electronic viewfinder. However, the Nikon Z9 is heavier and bulkier than the OM System OM-1, making it less portable.
Canon EOS R6
The Canon EOS R6 is a full-frame mirrorless camera that is designed for enthusiasts and professionals. It has a 20.1-megapixel sensor and a fast autofocus system. The camera is capable of shooting 4K video and has a high-resolution electronic viewfinder. However, the Canon EOS R6 does not have as many physical controls as the OM System OM-1, making it less customizable.
Panasonic Lumix GH6
The Panasonic Lumix GH6 is a micro four-thirds mirrorless camera that is designed for videographers. It has a 20.3-megapixel sensor and a fast autofocus system. The camera is capable of shooting 6K video and has a high-resolution electronic viewfinder. However, the Panasonic Lumix GH6 does not have as many physical controls as the OM System OM-1, making it less customizable.
Sony A7 IV
The Sony A7 IV is a full-frame mirrorless camera that is designed for enthusiasts and professionals. It has a 33-megapixel sensor and a fast autofocus system. The camera is capable of shooting 4K video and has a high-resolution electronic viewfinder. However, the Sony A7 IV is heavier and bulkier than the OM System OM-1, making it less portable.
Fujifilm X-T4
The Fujifilm X-T4 is an APS-C mirrorless camera that is designed for enthusiasts and professionals. It has a 26.1-megapixel sensor and a fast autofocus system. The camera is capable of shooting 4K video and has a high-resolution electronic viewfinder. However, the Fujifilm X-T4 does not have as many physical controls as the OM System OM-1, making it less customizable.
In comparison to these other mirrorless cameras, the OM System OM-1 has a smaller body and is more portable. It also has a weatherproof design, making it suitable for outdoor photography. Additionally, the OM System OM-1 has a high-resolution electronic viewfinder and many physical controls, making it customizable for the user’s needs.
Conclusion
The OM System OM-1 is a high-end Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera that offers a range of computational photography modes and is capable of high-speed shooting. It’s a rugged, image-stabilized 20MP camera that is a solid choice for photographers who are looking for a versatile camera that can handle a variety of shooting situations.
The camera’s improved electronic viewfinder and vari-angle LCD screen combination make it easy to compose shots in a variety of lighting conditions. The OM-1’s sensor features 2×2 OCL (On-Chip Lens) technology, which helps to improve image quality and reduce noise. Additionally, the camera’s weatherproof design makes it a great choice for photographers who need a camera that can withstand tough shooting conditions.
The OM-1’s compact size and excellent handling make it a great choice for photographers who need a camera that is easy to carry around. The camera’s image stabilization system is also a standout feature, as it helps to ensure that shots are sharp and free of blur, even in low-light conditions.
Overall, the OM System OM-1 is an excellent choice for photographers who are looking for a high-end mirrorless camera that is versatile, rugged, and easy to use. With its range of computational photography modes, weatherproof design, and excellent handling, it’s a camera that is sure to impress photographers of all skill levels.