The OM System OM-5 is the next camera expected from OM Digital Solutions – the new owner of the Olympus camera division. And we already know quite a few leaked details about the new body, including its when it's coming, what sensor it has and even some of the AF tricks it'll have.
While the OM System OM-5 would technically be the third post-Olympus camera from the new ownership, following the new flagship OM System OM-1 and Olympus PEN E-P7, it will be the first one to eschew the iconic brand name (as the manufacturer confirmed that the OM-1 was the last camera to feature "Olympus" on the pentaprism, in commemorating of the 50th anniversary of the original Olympus OM-1 film camera).
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As you might expect, the OM System OM-5 would be set to succeed the brilliant Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III, just as the OM-1 replaced the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III and Olympus OM-D E-M1X as the new flagship.
So, what do we know about the OM-5 so far?
OM System OM-5 specs
Rumor site 43 Rumors, which has an uncanny track record when it comes to specs leaking, has reported the first drips of info about the OM System OM-5.
The outlet notes that the new camera will feature the same 20.4MP stacked image sensor as the OM-1. However, where the flagship is capable of up to 120fps shooting, the site claims that the OM-5 will shoot at 15fps – a carryover of the top speed of the E-M5 Mark III (when not shooting in Pro Capture, where it hits 30fps).
This would certainly help prevent cannibalism between the two lines, as Olympus previously struggled to differentiate the midrange E-M5 and professional E-M1 lines. However, with the Panasonic GH6 offering higher 25.2MP resolution, it does risk the OM-5 losing a little ground to its rival.
That said, the site reports that the OM-5 will have AI subject tracking – a technology that had previously been exclusive to the flagship E-M1 / OM-1 line. Still, with the rumor that the OM-5 will have a single card slot, the OM-1 will remain the obvious choice for professionals.
Also being reported by 43 Rumors is that the OM-5 will use the same BLX-1 battery as the OM-1 – ideal for unifying production, but less ideal for any upgrading E-M5 users (who already had to change battery types from the Mark II to the Mark III).
OM System OM-5 release date
The OM System OM-5 is said to be due for an announcement in September 2022, with shipping due to begin in October.
This would continue the shift away from the E-M5's traditional February window (which saw the launch of the original camera and the Mark II), following the November launch of the E-M5 Mark III in 2019.
Read more:
OM System OM-1 review
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III review
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III review
Olympus OM-D E-M1X review
Olympus PEN E-P7 review
Best Olympus lenses (OM System)
Best Micro Four Thirds lenses
Best Micro Four Thirds cameras
