Olympus OM-D series

The Olympus OM-D series is a series of Micro Four Thirds digital Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Cameras by Olympus Corporation.

Olympus OM-2, introduced in 1975.
Olympus OM-D E-M5, introduced in 2012.

It is the resuscitation of the legendary OM series from the 1970s and 1980s, implementing the same kind of design language, but equipped with technology that meets the standards of the 2010s, like a digital image sensor or video recording capabilities.

The OM-D series is placed above the PEN series in Olympus's camera segment.

Differences between a PEN and an OM-D camera (Micro Four Thirds)
  • The PEN series is smaller and lighter by average.
  • Every OM-D camera has a built-in electroic viewfinder, in the PEN range it's only optional.
  • Every OM-D camera has a flash hot shoe, whereas not all PEN cameras have one.
  • Every PEN camera has a 3 axis sensor stabilization system, whereas every OM-D has a 5 axis one, with one exception (E-M10).
  • The PEN series has a "rangefinder-style" body, whereas the OM-D series has an "SLR-style" body.
  • Usually the OM-D line is more expensive than the PEN line.

The difference between the OM-D models

There are three main categories in the OM-D series:

  • E-M10
    Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II
    • The lowest-end OM-D category.
    • Beginner-friendly design.
    • Built-in flash.
    • Least expensive.
    • In absolute terms, a mid-range line.
  • E-M5
    Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
    • Mid-tier in the OM-D family.
    • Made for enthusiasts.
    • Weather resistance.
    • Moderately expensive.
    • In absolute terms, a high mid-range line.
  • E-M1
    Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
    • The highest-end OM-D category.
    • Professional design and professional features.
    • Large grip.
    • Most expensive.
    • In absolute terms, a professional line.


The main difference between them is the ergonomics and the customizability. Most of the features are present all across the OM-D family, but the handling, the durability, and the accessibility of the features differ in favour of the more expensive categories.

Every OM-D series camera and their basic informations
Name Category Photo resolution Video resolution Release date
OM-D E-M5 Enthusiast 16 megapixels 1080p 30 fps February 2012
OM-D E-M1 Pro 16 megapixels 1080p 30 fps September 2013
OM-D E-M10 Entry-level 16 megapixels 1080p 30 fps January 2014
OM-D E-M5 Mark II Enthusiast 16 megapixels 1080p 60 fps February 2015
OM-D E-M10 Mark II Entry-level 16 megapixels 1080p 60 fps August 2015
OM-D E-M1 Mark II Pro 20 megapixels 2160p 30 fps October 2016
OM-D E-M10 Mark III Entry-level 16 megapixels 2160p 30 fps August 2017
OM-D E-M1X Pro 20 megapixels 2160p 30 fps January 2019
OM-D E-M5 Mark III Enthusiast 20 megapixels 2160p 30 fps October 2019
OM-D E-M1 Mark III Pro 20 megapixels 2160p 30 fps February 2020
OM-D E-M10 Mark IV Entry-level 20 megapixels 2160p 30 fps August 2020
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