The migration from Olympus to OM System started in 2020 and 2022 brought the first two cameras carrying the new brand. The flagship OM-1 micro four-thirds camera has been a strong performer underwater with good results in both imaging and video.
The second camera has been a rebadge of the former brand's OM-D E-M5 Mark III. OM System did upgrade the camera to a faster chip that promises handheld high resolution shots up to 50 megapixels. It does this by automatically combining several images from the camera's base 20 megapixel sensor. Like the E-M5 III, the camera also features in-body image stabilization which is a great feature on a compact body camera at this price point.
We were happy to find that - aside from the prominent name change on the front - OM Systems left the physical form of the camera along. This means that the OM-5 is a perfect drop-in fit with the existing 200DLM/A Underwater Housing for the Olympus OM-D E-M5 III camera (SKU # 6950.53).
While the OM-5 isn't our first choice in a compact mirrorless system, the camera body is a good choice for shooters who already own Olympus or Panasonic micro four-thirds lenses or those looking for retro camera styling that can be used underwater. The changes may not be upgrade-worthy for current E-M5 III shooters but good news for underwater shooters looking for a second camera body.
Additional Reading
First Reactions to OM System (Olympus) OM-1 Underwater [VIDEO]
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Underwater Photos
First Look Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Underwater Housing
The Secret to Underwater Photography with Olympus and Panasonic Cameras [VIDEO]
