OM System
OM-1
First OM System flagship with cross-type AF and 50fps burst.
$2,199
Launch priceReleased Feb 2022
OM System
OM-D E-M1
Original pro MFT body that established Olympus as a serious wildlife and macro system.
$1,399
Launch priceReleased Sep 2013
OM-1 is 8.4 years newer.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Wins
OM-1
Wins
OM-D E-M1
6 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- AOM-1 has higher Burst (electronic) (120 fps vs 20 fps)
- AOM-1 has higher ISO max (native) (102,400 vs 25,600)
- BOM-D E-M1 has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
- AOM-1 has higher EVF resolution (5,760,000 vs 3,690,000)
- BOM-D E-M1 has lower Weight (443 g vs 599 g)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareOM-1
135 × 92 × 73 mm
599 g (1.32 lb / 21.13 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
OM-D E-M1
147 × 94 × 82 mm
443 g (0.98 lb / 15.63 oz)
OM-1 is 12mm narrower, 2mm shorter, and 9mm thinner than OM-D E-M1.
OM-1 is 156 g heavier than OM-D E-M1.
Depth (front-to-back): 73mm OM-1 · 82mm OM-D E-M1
Sensor size, to scale
OM-1
17.4 × 13 mm · Compact / large-type
226 mm² area
OM-D E-M1
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
OM-1
✓ more lensesMicro Four Thirds
130+
native lenses available
OM-D E-M1
✓ more lensesMicro Four Thirds
130+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
OM-1
AF low-light limit
-8 EV vs -7 EV — lower is better
Subject recognition
Adds People, Birds, Animals…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 134.8, 91.6, 72.7
Burst (electronic)
120 fps vs 20 fps — higher is better
ISO max (native)
102,400 vs 25,600 — higher is better
Card types
Adds SD UHS-I
EVF resolution
5,760,000 vs 3,690,000 — higher is better
Codecs
Adds MOV
Reasons to choose
OM-D E-M1
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal, Bird…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 146.8, 93.6, 82.1
AA filter
Only OM-D E-M1 supports it
Card slots
2 vs 1 — higher is better
Headphone jack (3.5mm)
Only OM-D E-M1 supports it
Weight
443 g vs 599 g — lower is better
Battery life (CIPA)
640 shots vs 520 shots — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓AF points / zones — Both 1053
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 100 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Pre-Capture / Pre-Release — Both support pre-capture / pre-release
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
OM-1
Pros
- ✓50fps burst
- ✓Great weather sealing
- ✓Computational modes
Cons
- –MFT sensor
- –Superseded by OM-1 II
- –Smaller than FF
OM-D E-M1
Pros
- ✓Pro build
- ✓Weather sealed
- ✓Fast AF for era
- ✓Compact pro system
Cons
- –16MP dated
- –Superseded
- –MFT limits
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the OM-1 and OM-D E-M1 at major authorized retailers.
OM System OM-1
OM System OM-D E-M1
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for wildlife, OM-1 or OM-D E-M1?
OM-D E-M1 scores 9.0/10 versus 6.5/10 for OM-1 — 20fps burst captures fleeting moments.
What's the resolution difference between the OM-1 and OM-D E-M1?
OM-1 is 20.4 MP and OM-D E-M1 is 16.3 MP, so the OM-1 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the OM-1 and OM-D E-M1 have in-body image stabilization?
OM-1 has 8-stop in-body image stabilization, while OM-D E-M1 has 7-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the OM-1 or the OM-D E-M1?
OM-1 reaches 120 fps electronic. OM-D E-M1 reaches 20 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the OM-1 and OM-D E-M1?
OM-1 weighs 599 g and OM-D E-M1 weighs 443 g, so the OM-D E-M1 is 156 g lighter.
Do the OM-1 and OM-D E-M1 record 4K video?
OM-1: 4K up to 60p. OM-D E-M1: 4K up to 60p.
Are the OM-1 and OM-D E-M1 weather sealed?
OM-1: Yes. OM-D E-M1: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 520 shots (CIPA) for the OM-1 and 640 shots for the OM-D E-M1, giving the OM-D E-M1 the edge.
How much does each cost?
OM-1 launched at $2,199 and OM-D E-M1 at $1,399. The OM-D E-M1 is $800 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way OM-1 vs OM-D E-M1 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.