Olympus E-M1 Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mirrorless Digital Camera with Review

If you're hunting for a solid, older-generation mirrorless camera that's built like a tank, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 is a classic that still pops up on the used market. This is a 16.3MP Four Thirds camera, and while that sensor size is smaller than full-frame, it makes for a really compact and portable system. People often search for 'weather-sealed Olympus camera' or 'good camera for product photography,' and this one hits those notes, though it's not officially weather-sealed. For around $1099, you're getting a lot of camera tech from a few years back, but you need to know where it shines and where it's starting to show its age.

Performance is a mixed bag, which is typical for a camera of this vintage. Its 10fps burst shooting is in the 83rd percentile, which is still plenty fast for sports or action if you pair it with the right lens. The 5-axis in-body stabilization is its superstar feature, sitting in the 91st percentile. That means you can handhold shots at much slower shutter speeds without a tripod. The autofocus, however, is in the lower 45th percentile. It uses a contrast-detect and phase-detect hybrid system, but it can struggle with fast-moving subjects, which is why its score for wedding and events is so low. For static scenes or controlled environments, it's perfectly fine.

At $1099, the value proposition is tricky. You're paying for a premium build and fantastic stabilization in a package that's several years old. The core question is whether you prioritize portability and IBIS over cutting-edge autofocus and video. For that price, you could look at newer APS-C cameras like the Fujifilm X-S20 or the Canon EOS R7, which will blow it away in AF and video performance. But if you find a great used deal and mainly shoot stills in good light, the E-M1's unique strengths might win you over.

Let's name some names. Compared to the Sony a6400, the Olympus has much better stabilization but the Sony's autofocus is in another league entirely. The Fujifilm X-S20 is a more modern all-rounder with great video and a larger APS-C sensor. The Canon EOS R7 is a speed demon with incredible autofocus for wildlife and sports, making the E-M1's 10fps look a bit pedestrian. The Pentax K-3 Mark III is a DSLR, so it's a different beast altogether, but it highlights the E-M1's main trade-off: you're choosing stabilization and compact size over the latest sensor and focusing tech.

So, should you buy the Olympus OM-D E-M1? Only with clear eyes about its place in 2024. If you're a photographer who values a compact kit, shoots a lot of handheld still life or landscapes, and doesn't need the latest autofocus or any video features beyond basic 1080p, this could be a fun, characterful camera. It's especially good for product photography, as the scores show. But if you shoot moving subjects, want to dabble in video, or just prefer having the latest tech, you'll be happier with a newer APS-C mirrorless camera. This isn't a primary camera for most people anymore, but it's a capable and enjoyable secondary tool for the right shooter.