The Olympus E-M1 is the most recent addition to the line-up of small system cameras (CSC) that Olympus offers. It is designed to meet the needs of both experienced photographers and amateurs. It is intended to be used in addition to the Olympus OM-D E-M5 rather than in instead of it. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 has been referred to in most contexts as the Olympus OM-D up to this point, but we will have to get used to referring to it as the Olympus E-M5.
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Features
The 16-megapixel Live MOS sensor included in the OM-D E-M1 does not have a low-pass filter on top of it. Again, this is a first for Olympus. Because of this, it should be able to record more detail than the first Olympus OM-D camera, the OM-D E-M5.
In addition, we have been informed that the new TruPic VII image processor has been adjusted in such a way as to place a focus on the visibility of finer details at the price of an increased level of noise.
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Build Quality
According to Olympus, the E-M1 is not designed to be the most miniature camera on the market but is intended to have a size suitable for usage in professional settings. It is comparable in size to the OM-D E-M5. However, the front and rear grips have been redesigned for a different appearance.
The thumb grip on the rear of the E-M1 is not as pronounced as on the E-M5, but the grip on the front of the camera is more significant, providing a better and more comfortable grasp. In addition, when you hold it, it gives you a sense of complete safety.
It’s easy to assume that because something is significant, it must be robust, yet the E-M1 is surprisingly hardy despite its size. It has a solid, well-built feel and features seals that prevent dust and moisture from getting inside. Additionally, functionality is ensured down to a temperature of -10 degrees Celsius. Knowing that none of Olympus’s latest lenses are susceptible to freezing is a relief.
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Performance
Even while a 16-megapixel sensor isn’t something to get excited about these days (unless it’s in a full-frame retro-style Nikon SLR), the E-M1 makes the most out of the gadget it’s built inside.
The images have astonishing detail in addition to their rich, natural colors and seamless gradations. However, the results of our resolution testing show that, except for the E-most M1’s sensitive settings, the E-M5 can resolve a more significant amount of information than the E-M1.
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Image Quality
Throughout the test, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 generated exceptionally high-standard photographs. The dynamic range in the Natural image setting is excellent, and the colors are vivid without being gaudy or oversaturated. The noise is extremely well managed from ISO 100 up to ISO 1600. It does not typically become a problem until ISO 3200, an exceptional Micro Four Thirds camera performance. The two quickest settings, ISO 12800 and 25600 are the only ones truly struggling, whereas ISO 3200 and 6400 are still perfectly useable.
The image stabilization technology performs exceptionally well even when the camera is being held manually at slow shutter rates or when a hand-held video is shot. Unfortunately, it is pretty rare for a high-end prosumer camera to have Art Filters. Still, these filters offer distinctive effects that, if you were to achieve them manually, would need a significant amount of time spent in the digital darkroom.
The camera is exceptionally well adapted to infrared photography since the Live View Boost option allows you to frame your images via an R72 filter. In addition, the autofocus mechanism continues functioning even when the camera is used in infrared mode.
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Specs
| Body type | SLR-style mirrorless |
|---|---|
| Body material | Magnesium alloy |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 4608 x 3456 |
| Image ratio w h | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 16 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 17 megapixels |
| Sensor size | Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | TruePic VII |
| Color space | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | 100-25600 in 1/3EV or 1EV increments |
| Boosted ISO (minimum) | 100 |
| White balance presets | 7 |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
| Image stabilization | Sensor-shift |
| Image stabilization notes | ‘5-axis’ IS |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Super Fine, Fine, Normal, Basic |
| File format | JPEG (DCF/Exif)Raw (ORF)MPO |
| Image parameters | Sharpness, contrast, saturation |
| Optics & Focus | |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive view |
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Digital zoom | Yes (2X) |
| Manual focus | Yes (with focus peaking) |
| Number of focus points | 81 |
| Lens mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| Focal length multiplier | 2× |
| Screen/viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Tilting |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 1,037,000 |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Electronic |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.74× (0.37× 35mm equiv.) |
| Viewfinder resolution | 2,360,000 |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 60 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/8000 sec |
| Exposure modes | auto program AEAperture PriorityShutter PriorityManualBulbTimeScene SelectArt Filter |
| Scene modes | Portrait, e-Portrait, Landscape, Landscape + Portrait, Sport, Night, Night + Portrait, Children, High Key, Low Key, DIS mode, Macro, Nature Macro, Candle, Sunset, Documents, Panorama, Fireworks, Beach & Snow, Fisheye conversion lens, Wide conversion lens, Macro Conv., 3D |
| Built-in flash | No (compact external flash included) |
| External flash | Yes (hot-shoe, wireless) |
| Flash modes | Flash Auto, Redeye, Fill-in, Flash Off, Redeye Slow sync (1st curtain), Slow sync (1st curtain), Slow sync (2nd curtain), Manual |
| Flash X sync speed | 1/320 sec |
| Drive modes | Single, sequential H, sequential L, self-timer (2 or 12 secs, custom) |
| Continuous drive | 10.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 12 secs, custom) |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weighted spot |
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±2 (2, 3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | Yes (3 frames in 2, 4, and 6 steps selectable in each A-B/G-M axis) |
| Videography features | |
| Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
| Format | H.264, Motion JPEG |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes (micro HDMI) |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n with smartphone connectivity |
| Remote control | Yes (optional RM-UC1 wired remote) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | Yes (Dust, splash, freeze resistant) |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | BLN-1 lithium-ion battery pack |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 350 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 497 g (1.10 lb / 17.53 oz) |
| Dimensions | 130 x 94 x 63 mm (5.13 x 3.68 x 2.48″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | Yes |
| GPS | None |
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Verdict
Images captured with this camera include a high resolution, accurate exposure, a wealth of detail, rich color, and a level of noise that is well under control. Additionally, the feature set is outstanding, and the touchscreen is very nicely executed.
