I'm a long-time Olympus and OM system shooter, and I absolutely love the best Olympus cameras – or OM System cameras, as they're now known. A classically cool name dating back to the film era, Olympus was reborn, phoenix-like, as OM System, and now the brand includes some of the most stylish and unique digital cameras on the market,
Olympus and OM System cameras tend to feature stylish bodies that call back to their film heritage. The mirrorless models are part of the Micro Four Thirds standard – the most compact interchangeable lens system on the market, offering smaller and more portable body-and-lens combos than any of their APS-C and full-frame rivals.
This list mostly consists of the latest and greatest mirrorless models, though I have also found space for an OM System Tough compact, as these waterproof models are some of the best vacation cameras on the market. So, read on for the full list, based on my personal experience of testing and reviewing. And don't forget to take a look at the best Micro Four Thirds lenses, too.
I've been shooting with Olympus / OM as my primary system since 2014, and my love for Oly film cameras dates back to my beloved OM-10. I use this kit for my professional client work as well as personal projects, and I've tested all 32 mirrorless cameras the brand has made!
The quick list
This flagship powerhouse boasts incredible computational features, superb weather sealing, lightning-fast burst and pre-capture modes, along with twin memory card slots for failsafe shooting.
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At its current price, I think the OM System PEN offers some of the best value for money across the entire mirrorless camera market. A gorgeous retro-styled throwback, it's made for one-handed operation.
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Lightweight, well-balanced and bursting with features, the OM-5 II is a mid-range marvel that offers an ideal set of capabilities for enthusiasts, amateur photographers and those who travel.
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With its super-compact dimensions and intuitive UI, the E-M10 Mark IV is still one of the best choices for beginners – but it packs plenty of firepower to grow with you as your skills develop.
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This is the best camera OM System has made since the Olympus days, combining the flagship firepower of the OM-1 Mark II with the creative capabilities of the legendary Olympus PEN-F.
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The waterproof TG series have long been considered the best tough compacts you can buy – if you want a pocketable adventure camera that can withstand water, look no further.
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Specialized for astro with a modified sensor, brightened LCD screen and dedicated night-sky shooting modes, the OM-3 Astro is the ideal mirrorless choice for creating spectacular starscapes.
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Best OM System camera overall
✅ You want a pro-standard outdoor camera: With a weatherproof build, Live ND Grad filter and stunning sensor performance, it's a simply superb outdoor camera.
✅ You have a need for speed: A selection of ultra-fast burst rates (up to 120fps!) ensures you'll always be able to capture the moment.
❌ You're a video shooter first and foremost: The OM-1 Mark II shoots decent 4K, but this isn't the brand for video-first – Panasonic is a better bet.
❌ You're invested in CFexpress: The OM-1 Mark II only has SD slots, arguably a misstep for an otherwise pro-quality camera.
It seemed at first glance like a fairly minor update to the original OM-1 – some even heckled it as little more than a "firmware update". However, my in-depth time with the OM System OM-1 Mark II revealed it to be a very different beast. It's not just the best OM System camera – it's a camera that can do things its rivals can't.
The signature addition is the Live GND filter, a software-based version of an ND grad filter, enabling you to control bright skies to create balanced exposures of landscapes and vistas. Pair this with the IP53 weather-sealing and you have one of the most capable and attractive outdoor cameras on the market.
Then you've also got a hugely improved autofocus system, a deeper buffer to take advantage of 120fps shooting, and in-camera focus stacking and bracketing that makes macro shooting so much easier (and Micro Four Thirds cameras are ideal for macro, thanks to their inherently greater depth of field).
This camera delivered everything I asked of it, and then some. Our lab tests show that it more than holds its own against rivals with larger sensors. It's time to let go of pre-conceived biases against Micro Four Thirds, given that the system has now produced one of the best cameras you can buy.
Read my full OM System OM-1 Mark II review
Features |
A stunning camera that simply chopped its way through every task I gave it. |
★★★★★ |
Design |
IP53 weatherproofing meets excellent ergonomics – though cards are SD only. |
★★★★☆ |
Performance |
Superb image quality, with sensor performance comparable to full-frame rivals. |
★★★★★ |
Value |
It's the most expensive in OM System's stable, but is very competitive for what you get. |
★★★★☆ |
Best value OM System camera
✅ You want an agile body to use one-handed: The OM System PEN has repositioned controls to aid one-handed operation.
✅ You want to use stylish in-camera looks: The PEN is loaded with film-inspired picture profiles and Art Filters.
❌ You want the best weather sealing: The PEN is IPX1 rated, which is pretty good, but the IP53 rating of other OM System cameras is superior.
❌ You want to shoot a lot of video: Even by Olympus/OM System standards, the PEN isn't the best choice for video, with 8-bit 4K at a max frame rate of 30p.
I was unbelievably happy to see the arrival of the OM System PEN – a glorious resurrection of the storied Olympus PEN line of agile, street-friendly cameras. While I was initially disappointed that it wasn't a named successor to the legendary Olympus PEN-F, once I spent time with the camera, I realised that the OM System PEN is, in every way that matters, a much better camera than the PEN-F. And at its $999 / £849 price point, it offers what I think is the best value for money in the Olympus stable.
This slim mirrorless camera resembles both current OM System cameras and the vintage PEN cameras in its retro looks – however, its controls have been rejigged a little in comparison to the OM-5 II (featured below) in a way that facilitates one-handed shooting. This makes the PEN a brilliant choice for street shoots and day-to-day photography – honestly, I think it's one of the best 'daily carry' cameras on the market right now.
There's a feeling of immediacy to this camera, bolstered by its accessible Creative Dial which provides access to a selection of film-style looks at Art Filters, producing gorgeous, dynamic JPEGs straight out of camera. While the PEN can shoot in RAW, I suspect that a lot of people who use it are going to use it this way. You can even dive into the Color Creator to tinker with looks and create your own recipes.
The PEN also boasts many of the computational photography touches that have become a hallmark of OM System cameras, such as the simulated ND filters (Live ND) and 80MP High Res Shot. You've also got 30fps Pro Capture and a sophisticated algorithmic autofocus system to play with.
Granted, the weather sealing on the PEN isn't as comprehensive as it is on other OM System cameras – IPX1 rather than IP53. I also think the video mode on this camera, even by OM System standards, is firmly relegated to a nice-to-have extra rather than something you'd use in earnest – those who are primarily interested in video should look elsewhere. But for street and travel photographers, I honestly think this is some of the best value for money on the entire camera market right now.
Read my full OM System PEN review
Features |
A brilliantly fully featured camera for its price point. |
★★★★★ |
Design |
Fabulous one-handed ergonomics, albeit with a lesser tier of weather sealing. |
★★★★☆ |
Performance |
Fantastic image quality benefiting from a range of customisable film-style looks. |
★★★★★ |
Value |
For what you get, this is some of the best value on the market, period. |
★★★★★ |
Best OM System camera for enthusiasts
✅ You want a lightweight, outdoorsy travel camera: The OM-5 II features OM System's customary weatherproofing, but it's also lightweight and travel-friendly.
✅ You want a chunky physical handgrip: The OM-5 II has an overhauled handgrip that makes for better purchase than previous cameras in this series.
❌ You want subject-detection AF: While the OM-5 II has solid tracking autofocus, it doesn't benefit from AI-powered subject-recognition.
❌ You already own the first OM-5, or an E-M5: This camera is a pretty minor upgrade on what has come previously.
There's an elephant in the room with the OM-5 Mark II: it's very similar to the OM-5 that preceded it. Which was very similar to the E-M5 Mark III that preceded that.
Familiarity shouldn't breed contempt, though; if you already own one of these 5-series cameras, then OM-3 is the choice you should be making. For anyone new to this product line, though, what you need to know is that the OM-5 Mark II is built for adventure.
Combining IP53 weather sealing, which enables it to withstand inclement conditions, with a suite of computational features (and a dedicated computational photography button!) that enable you to leave your filters and tripod at home, this is the camera to take with you for hiking, rambling, exploring and outdoor creation.
The incredible 6.5 stops of in-body image stabilization (which ramps up to 7.5 stops when used with Sync-IS lenses) means you can get crisp sharp shots without a tripod. And features such as Live ND (which gives you up to 4 stops of software-driven neutral density filters) mean you can get those silky waterfall shots even without your physical lens filters.
Other clever computational tricks make a welcome return – such as 50MP and 80MP High Res Shot for ultra-resolution, along with Starry Sky Autofocus for astrophotography – along with a refined physical body that now boasts a slightly beefier grip for better purchase.
The only real downside with this camera is that video is limited to 8-bit, so the footage you capture in the field isn't going to be premium quality – though really this is primarily a stills camera, and video is a luxury for things like occasional Reels and Stories.
I've used this camera line ever since the original Olympus OM-D E-M5, and it continues to be an incredibly compelling camera for enthusiast photographers.
Read my full OM System OM-5 Mark II review
Features |
A brilliant feature-set for outdoor shooting, though similar to the previous model. |
★★★★☆ |
Design |
An upgraded grip further improves the already excellent handling. |
★★★★★ |
Performance |
Excellent image quality meets super-fast focusing, though there's no subject-recognition AF. |
★★★★☆ |
Value |
Impressive value for money, as long as you don't own an OM-5. |
★★★★☆ |
Best Olympus camera for beginners
✅ You want an affordable, beginner-friendly camera: By far the cheapest mirrorless camera in the current OM lineup, the E-M10 IV is also very user-friendly.
✅ You like viewfinder shooting: Cameras at this price point often leave off the electronic viewfinder, but the E-M10 IV has one!
❌ You want the latest advanced features: This is an older camera, and as such it lacks recent advancements like subject-recognition autofocus.
❌ You're a vlogger first, photographer second: 4K video performance is solid, but the lack of a mic port is limiting. Vloggers can get better value elsewhere.
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV's predecessor, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III, was a great camera with plenty to offer. However, its aging 16MP sensor and contrast AF left room for improvement. Luckily the Mark IV is a great update, with the same 20.3MP sensor as the PEN-F and improved Continuous Autofocus.
While some improvements are incremental, the Mark IV brings some interesting new offerings to the table including a zippy 15fps continuous burst mode. I'm also a big fan of the extra-tiltable screen, which is capable of flipping 180° down to create the perfect selfie screen. And Olympus has thankfully returned silent shooting to manual mode!
One of the best cameras for beginners, and a great travel camera too, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV still impresses, years after it was first launched. It's getting a bit harder to find these days, with stock disappearing in the wake of the release of the OM System PEN. However, even if you have to look on the second-hand market, the E-M10 Mark IV remains a brilliant buy for beginner photographers.
Read our full Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV review
Features |
Built-in stabilisation, Face Priority AF, 15fps burst – there's a lot here! |
★★★★☆ |
Design |
Small, tidy and attractive, though there's no mic port. |
★★★★☆ |
Performance |
Lovely image quality and reliable autofocus. |
★★★★☆ |
Value |
It was good value at launch – now, it's outstanding. Still one of the best beginner cameras. |
★★★★★ |
Best OM System camera for creativity
✅ You want a good-looking camera with an SLR feel: The OM-3 is indisputably the looker of the lineup, echoing Olympus' classic film SLRs.
✅ You want to use film-style presets: The brilliant 'Creative Dial' unlocks a wealth of analog-style options to imbue your images with stylish looks.
❌ You like the reassurance of dual card slots: The OM-3 only packs a single card slot, making it less attractive for events and wedding photography.
❌ You want high resolution: The OM-3 has a fairly low native resolution of 20.1MP (though to be fair, there is the pixel-shift High Res Shot mode).
We waited nine years for a follow-up to the legendary Olympus PEN-F, and finally we have it – the OM System OM-3 is the PEN-F's spiritual successor.
Receiving universal praise from the industry, the OM-3 first catches your attention with its iconic good looks – modelled after the original Olympus OM-3 film camera. This beautiful body isn't just good to look at, though, as its metal construction and IP53 weather-sealing make it as tough as it is pretty.
Beneath its sexy exterior, the OM-3 combines all the same flagship technology as the OM-1 Mark II – the 20.4MP sensor with 80MP pixel-shift shooting, 120fps burst mode with pre-capture, 4K 60p ProRes and clever computation features – with the Creative Dial of the PEN-F.
This dial enables you to flick between dozens of film simulations and filters, and also grants access to a color creator that tailors the hues in your image to whatever you're shooting.
The OM-3 is my favorite camera in the lineup. Not only is it gorgeous to look at, it's simply glorious to take photographs with – it truly inspires you to pick it up, get outside and create something.
Read my full OM System OM-3 review
Features |
Absolutely packed with all the latest tech, including the lovely Creative Dial. |
★★★★★
|
Design |
Utterly gorgeous, SLR-style looks – but only one card slot. |
★★★★☆
|
Performance |
Practically identical to the OM-1 II, which is no bad thing. |
★★★★★
|
Value |
Pretty much at a level with APS-C competitors. |
★★★★☆
|
Best OM System compact camera
✅ You want a completely waterproof camera that can handle anything: When OM System says 'Tough', they are not kidding. This camera is a tank.
✅ You want a camera with GPS: GPS is a popular feature that is sadly quite rare on modern cameras, so it's nice to see it here.
❌ You want significantly better image quality than a smartphone: The small sensor of the TG-7 has an inevitable impact on image quality.
❌ You own a previous TG camera: This is a pretty minor upgrade on the TG-6, which was a pretty minor upgrade on the TG-5.
While the TG-7 is the best waterproof camera you can buy, its tough capabilities overshadow the fact that it's also one of the best compact cameras on the market.
Its 25-100mm lens gives you a great all-purpose zoom range that's perfect for everyday shooting and travel photography. The camera is simple and easy to use, with helpful menus and plenty of automatic options (I'm not too proud to admit that I mainly leave it in P mode!).
Of course, its headline features are its impressive waterproof, drop-proof, crushproof and freeze-proof capabilities. But it has plenty of other neat tricks, like incredible macro and microscope modes along with field sensors that the GPS location and even the ambient temperature of your photos and videos.
It shoots crisp 4K 30p video, and you can get slow-motion with FullHD 120p – or, if you don't mind sacrificing resolution, super slow-mo HD 240p or SD 480p – so it's great for picking up on-the-go and underwater footage.
I recently went on vacation where, for the first time ever, I left my "proper camera" at home and only took the TG-7 – and I took some of my favorite photos ever!
Read my full OM System Tough TG-7 review
Features |
An impressive feature-set, with a zoom lens and fun macro modes. |
★★★★☆ |
Design |
Virtually indestructible body is great for holidays and adventures. |
★★★★★ |
Performance |
Image quality isn't bad, but isn't great either. |
★★★☆☆ |
Value |
The best tough camera on the market – and the most expensive. |
★★★★☆ |
Best OM System camera for astro
✅ You want a camera optimized for night-sky shooting: An infrared-cut filter and other optimizations make this camera an astro specialist.
✅ You like the sound of the OM-3: This camera is based on the excellent OM System OM-3, with a few astro-friendly modifications.
❌ You don't want to shoot astrophotography images: This is a camera tailored towards a specific purpose.
❌ You're on a tight budget: The Astro version is priced higher than the standard OM-3.
OM System cameras are already pretty well suited to astrophotography, with many of them sporting night-sky-friendly features such as the legendary Starry Sky AF, which applies a special algorithm to focus on stars. As such, it makes sense for the manufacturer to bring out an astro specialist, and it did so in the form of a customized version of the excellent OM-3.
The OM System OM-3 Astro uses the same sensor as the OM-3, but adds an modified Infrared Cut Filter which bolsters Hα light. This allows the camera to capture the vivid reds visible in nebulae, rather than having them come out pink as they tend to on regular cameras.
Other astro-focused improvements include a reworking of the handheld High Res mode to focus on aligning stars, and placing of night sky modes onto the camera’s three custom spots on the mode dial. Now, C1 is a stacking mode for astrophotography, C2 is a mode optimized for starry landscapes, and C3 accesses the aforementioned High Res mode. The LCD screen has also been brightened and optimized for use at night.
We handed the OM-3 Astro to an astrophotography expert Josh Dury, and he felt it to be a great option for potentially getting new photographers excited about shooting the stars. Its night-sky results are a cut above those of similarly priced mirrorless cameras.
Read our OM System OM-3 Astro field test
Features |
A raft of astro-specific features for shooting the night sky. |
★★★★☆ |
Design |
Almost identical to the OM-3, but with a brighter rear screen. |
★★★★☆ |
Performance |
Excellent night-sky performance that you can't get from a conventional camera. |
★★★★★ |
Value |
Pricier than the OM-3, and highly specialized |
★★★☆☆ |
How to choose an Olympus / OM System camera
Olympus and OM system cameras come in three broad categories:
- The flagship OM / OM-D bodies (harking back to the OM film cameras, aimed at professionals and enthusiasts)
- The PEN line (super stylish, and ideal for street shooting, social media and travel)
- The Tough TG cameras (fixed lens compacts that are near-indestructible, for use in any environment)
The range of Olympus and OM System cameras isn't as confusing as it looks at first glance. After the Olympus imaging division was sold to OM Digital Solutions, the brand name changed to OM System, meaning all new cameras and lenses now bear the OM logo.
There was no change to the lens mount or sensor standard, so the best Olympus / OM System cameras and best Olympus / OM System lenses still work exactly the same as they always did, and can all be used completely interchangeably.
All the Olympus and OM System cameras that use interchangeable lenses (which is most of them) are part of the Micro Four Thirds standard. This system, developed by Olympus in conjunction with Panasonic, is still going strong, with the best Micro Four Thirds lenses offering arguably the richest and most diverse range of any lens ecosystem.
And since Micro Four Thirds sensors are a even smaller than APS-C sensors, this means that the whole system is lighter, more compact and generally more affordable than rival camera set-ups (where even though APS-C bodies might be small, the lenses are still pretty big).
How we test cameras
We test cameras both in real-world shooting scenarios and in carefully controlled lab conditions. Our lab tests measure resolution, dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio. Resolution is measured using ISO resolution charts, dynamic range is measured using DxO Analyzer test equipment and DxO Analyzer is also used for noise analysis across the camera's ISO range.
We use both real-world testing and lab results to inform our comments in buying guides, and continue testing these cameras over the long term to gauge their ongoing performance.
Lab Test results
Signal-to-noise ratio, Dynamic Range, and Resolution results for the OM and Olympus cameras that have been lab tested so far
| Timestamp (ISO) | OM system OM-1 II () | Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV () | OM System OM-3 () |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 41.11 | 38.81 | 42.31 |
| 2 | 37.7 | 37.68 | 38.62 |
| 3 | 35.64 | 36.25 | 36.14 |
| 4 | 32.84 | 34.98 | 33.02 |
| 5 | 29.35 | 31.89 | 29.61 |
| 6 | 26.47 | 29.67 | 26.64 |
| 7 | 24.38 | 27.78 | 24.2 |
| 8 | 21.24 | 24.5 | 21.14 |
| 9 | 18.2 | 22.97 | 18.11 |
| Timestamp (ISO) | OM system OM-1 II () | Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV () | OM System OM-3 () |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12.31 | 12.34 | 12.19 |
| 2 | 12.52 | 12.76 | 12.35 |
| 3 | 12.27 | 12.7 | 12.29 |
| 4 | 11.84 | 12.29 | 11.77 |
| 5 | 11.25 | 11.34 | 11.28 |
| 6 | 10.48 | 10.08 | 10.72 |
| 7 | 9.84 | 9.76 | 10.12 |
| 8 | 9.01 | 8.85 | 9.31 |
| 9 | 8.18 | 7.69 | 8.53 |
| Timestamp (ISO) | OM system OM-1 II () | Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV () | OM System OM-3 () |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 26 | 26 | 26 |
| 2 | 26 | 26 | 26 |
| 3 | 26 | 26 | 26 |
| 4 | 26 | 26 | 26 |
| 5 | 26 | 26 | 26 |
| 6 | 26 | 22 | 26 |
| 7 | 24 | 20 | 24 |
| 8 | 22 | 16 | 22 |
| 9 | 20 | 14 | 20 |
FAQs
Do professional photographers use Olympus cameras?
Yes, many professional photographers use Olympus / OM System cameras. They are particularly popular among pro wildlife shooters, where the dramatically reduced size and weight compared to DSLRs or other mirrorless cameras means they can go further with less kit – or carry more kit than would be possible with a larger camera system.
What is the best Olympus camera?
For birding and wildlife, the OM System OM-1 Mark II is the best choice thanks to its superior autofocus, battery life and balancing with larger telephoto lenses. For creative shooting, it has to be the OM System OM-3 thanks to the Creative Dial that puts film simulations, art filters and custom shooting controls at your fingertips. For beginners it's the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV, with its compact size and user-friendly guided menus.
What is the difference between OM System OM-3 and OM System OM-1?
In terms of specifications the two cameras are identical, possessing the same technical capabilities. The difference between them is the style and handling; the OM-3 is one of the best retro cameras, designed to mimic the classic Olympus film cameras with its beautiful lines and minimalist grip-free chassis.
The OM-1 Mark boasts a bigger body with chunkier grip, for superior handholding and balance when using larger and longer professional lenses. It also boasts a second memory card slot, giving you piece of mind in case of card failure. The EVF is also faster and higher resolution, at 5.76 million dots with a refresh rate of up to 120fps (compared to the 2.36 million dots and 60fps of the OM-3).
Are OM System cameras good quality?
Not only do they produce great image quality, Olympus / OM System cameras also feature perhaps the best build quality in the industry. Their weather sealing, for example, is regarded as the best in the business, with IP53-rated cameras and lenses alike – the highest you'll find in this category.
You might also be interested in the best Olympus lenses (OM System), as well as the best Micro Four Thirds cameras and the best Micro Four Thirds lenses made by partner companies like Panasonic.
