New OM-5 combines compactness with pro-level feature set

Overnight, OM Digital Solutions announced the new OM SYSTEM OM-5 camera. Featuring a lightweight, compact footprint, the OM-5 features up to 7.5 steps of image stabilization, vertical video recording and IP53 weather resistance, along with several computational photography features that OM cameras have become known for.

5-axis image stabilization packed into a compact, lightweight body

The OM-5 packs 5-axis image stabilization into a compact body that measures 125.3 x 85.2 x 49.7mm and weighs just 12.91 ounces. It delivers up to 6.5 shutter speed steps of image stabilization, which, when combined with a compatible lens, expands up to 7.5 steps.

Powerful image stabilization enables shooting with slow shutter speed effects in areas where a tripod can’t be used, making it the perfect companion for photo opportunities while traveling.

Thanks to a 20-megapixel sensor (the same as the OM-D E-M1 Mark III) and the TruePic IX image processing engine, the OM-5 delivers natural gradations in images with minimal noise and high image quality, even at high-sensitivity settings.

121-point autofocus system

The OM-5 is also equipped with a 121-point all cross-type On-chip Phase Detection AF sensor for focusing on various locations across the frame for greater freedom over framing and high-precision focusing.

Additionally, the OM-5 is equipped with AF Target mode, which offers freedom over AF areas depending on subject movement and position, with selection of any odd number of points from 11 vertical and 11 horizontal points. Select from three levels of vertical and horizontal AF area movement steps.

Versatile computational photography features

Computational photography features allow users to easily capture photos that generally require special equipment or image editing software. The OM-5 is packed with convenient, versatile computational photography features that provide further inspiration for creative shooting, such as High Res Shot and Live ND.

Handheld High-Res Shot

The OM-5 supports Handheld High-Res Shot, which merges multiple images to create approximately 50-megapixel high-resolution images. With this feature, users can enjoy hand-held shooting from nearly any angle while capturing high-resolution images. Merging multiple images not only improves resolution, but also minimizes noise. The popular Tripod High-Res Shot feature is also included on this model, offering up to 80-megapixel images.

Live ND

Achieve slow shutter speed effects like those using ND filter up to ND16 (4 shutter speed steps). This feature delivers slow shutter speed effects even on ultra-wide-angle lenses that cannot accommodate an ND filter, and the effects can be viewed before capturing the photo using the viewfinder or on the LCD monitor when LV Simulation is activated.

Starry Sky AF

The OM-5 features Starry Sky AF, which delivers high precision auto focusing for easy astrophotography, something previously considered difficult.

Pro Capture

Pro Capture begins recording once the shutter button is pressed halfway and records previous frames beginning with the moment when the shutter button is pressed fully, ensuring users never miss moments due to human reaction and camera operation time lag. With high-speed sequential shooting up to 30 fps (AF/AE locked), up to 14 previous frames can be captured.

Focus Stacking

Focus Stacking captures eight shots at different focal positions and automatically generates a single image so users can incorporate background defocusing effects without excessively stopping down the aperture for control over the depth of field that matches the subject. This feature is useful for macro shooting.

Live Composite

With this feature, users can easily capture beautiful, varied shots while watching the image build on the Live View screen, even in situations where exposure control is difficult, such as when shooting a city against a starry sky.

Keystone Compensation

Just as if shooting with a shift lens, users can view effects in the Live View screen, while using vertical/horizontal simultaneous trapezoidal compensation and perspective enhancement.

Other features include Live Bulb, Interval Shooting/Time Lapse Movie, Focus Bracketing, HDR, Color Creator, Art Filter and Fisheye Compensation.

High-quality 4K handheld video recording and vertical video

The in-body 5-axis image stabilization on the OM-5 is also compatible with video recording. When combined with the dedicated video electronic stabilization, it enables stable, handheld 4K recording with no time limits.

The camera utilizes On-chip Phase Detection AF sensor information for video focusing control to deliver smooth focusing that matches the characteristics of videos. OM-Log is supported for a greater level of freedom over editing thanks to color grading, which allows users to capture highlights and shadows without overexposing or underexposing shots.

Vertical video is also supported on this model; videos recorded in vertical orientation on the camera are saved as vertical files, making them easy to post on social media without the need for special editing software.

Users can also connect the high-res LS-P5 linear PCM recorder to capture high-quality audio while recording videos and the Slate Tone feature is available for easy audio data synchronization while editing videos.

IP53 protection class weather sealing

The OM-5 is equipped with sealing throughout, delivering IP53 protection class dustproof and splashproof performance, with freezeproof protection to 14° F. This is the same level of weather resistance as the OM-1 flagship camera.

Thanks to this design, users can focus on photo opportunities even in punishing conditions without worrying about ruining their equipment due to sudden rain showers, snow or water droplets.

The camera is also equipped with the SSWF (Supersonic Wave Filter), which significantly reduces issues with dust and dirt on the image sensor when changing lenses, making this an excellent model for active shooting and peace of mind for those who need to change lenses outdoors.

Other notes

The compact BLS-50 battery is used in this model, and the bundled USB-AC adapter can be used to charge the battery in the camera.

The OM-5 also supports UVC (USB Video Class) / UAC (USB Audio Class) for use as a high-quality web camera simply by connecting it to a computer via USB.

Finally, the camera is equipped with exposure equalization processing, for coping with sudden changes in exposure between frames during interval shooting.

Pricing and availability

The OM-5 will be available in silver and black in late November 2022 for $1199.99. A kit with the 12-45mm f/4 PRO lens will also be available for $1599.99.