New Olympus and Panasonic cameras in September… including OM System OM-5?

OM System OM-5 mockup

UPDATE: It appears that the rumored OM System OM-5 will, in fact, use the same image sensor as seen in the OM-1. 

We had previously speculated whether the OM System OM-5, which is expected to replace the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III (opens in new tab), would feature a different sensor – possibly a higher resolution affair, leaving the stacked sensor in the OM System OM-1 (opens in new tab) to focus on speed.

However, according to a new report from 43 Rumors, it will possess the same 20.4MP image sensor. 

"Via trusted sources I can now confirm the new OM-5 will feature the same OM-1 sensor," says the site (opens in new tab), reiterating that an announcement is due in September with shipping in October.

ORIGINAL STORY (30 Jun 2022): The OM System OM-5 is one of two new cameras coming from Olympus and Panasonic in September, according to new reports, as the giants of Micro Four Thirds prepare their latest launches.

As you might imagine, the OM System OM-5 will likely be the successor to the brilliant Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III (which is so good that both I and my fellow DCW staffer Rod both bought one), in the same way that the recent OM System OM-1 succeeded the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III (opens in new tab)

• Looking for the best Olympus cameras (OM System)? (opens in new tab)

This would be the next stage in the change of nomenclature, following the rebranding from Olympus to the new OM System moniker. So, just as the OM-D E-M1 series became the OM-1, and the E-M5 looks set to become the OM-5, we can predict that the follow-up to the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV (opens in new tab) will be called the OM-10 – which, like the OM-1, would pay homage to one of the best film cameras (opens in new tab)

"I am now 99.9% sure OM Digital will announce the new OM-5 in late September," reported (opens in new tab) the ever-reliable 43 Rumors. "I have been told the camera shipment will start in October already!"

While specs have yet to be teased, the manufacturer finds itself in an interesting position. Will the OM-1, with its 20.4MP / 120fps stacked sensor, remain a speed-focused professional flagship, with the OM-5 opting for less speed but more resolution – perhaps like the 25.2MP pixel count in the Panasonic GH6 (opens in new tab)?

Speaking of the traditional Olympus partner-come-rival, 43 Rumors also reports that Panasonic will have an announcement of its own in the same September-October period – though whether it will be for a Micro Four Thirds or full-frame camera isn't yet clear.

"I have been told there will be a new 'Lumix' camera announcement in September/October," says the report (opens in new tab). "But I am not sure if this will be an announcement for a new MFT camera or L-mount camera or both."

Either way, it looks like September is shaping up to be an exciting month!

Read more: 

Best Micro Four Thirds cameras
(opens in new tab)Best Micro Four Thirds lenses
(opens in new tab)Best Panasonic cameras
(opens in new tab)Best Olympus lenses (OM System)
(opens in new tab)Best L-mount lenses (opens in new tab)

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James Artaius
Editor

The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera Magazine (opens in new tab)PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine (opens in new tab)N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine (opens in new tab)Digital Photographer (opens in new tab) and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show (opens in new tab). He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.