Olympus OM-D E-M1 Compact System Camera Review

Released last September of this year, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Compact System Camera is the second model of Olympus’ OM-Series. It has a lot more features compared to its predecessor, the E-M5. It has a more enhanced auto-focus function and a highly convenient button that does most of the tasks making it very intuitive for the user. This camera is intended for professional and semi-professional photographers as well as photo enthusiasts. More information of this camera can be found in this Olympus OM-D E-M1 Compact System Camera Review. Read more.

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This model’s addition of on-sensor phase detection elements is a feature that makes it a head turner as it gives the camera two distinct focus modes. The phase-detection system can be used when lenses from the initial Four Thirds system are attached. With the original Micro Four Thirds lenses, the camera will mainly stick with the contrast detection system that has proved so fast and accurate with its previous model (E-M5). That said, the only way the camera uses phase-detection information with a Micro Four Thirds lens is when using tracking AF.

What are this camera’s key features?

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Compact System Camera has a robust look with a prominent and substantial hand grip. More to that, the body of the camera is dust-proof, splash-proof and freeze-proof (up to 14 deg Fahrenheit) along with a sealed lens compatible to it. This camera has also two new impressive buttons next to the lens mount that are designated controls to one-touch white balance and depth-of-field preview but can be reprogrammed to perform different camera tasks.

This camera is fast in execution and is ready to shoot in less than a second after starting the camera ans also quick from one shot to another. What is even more impressive is that Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds systems are brought together thus enabling the camera to perform phase-detection auto-focus with dedicated pixels on the imaging sensor itself.

PROS

• Amazingly small size for a PRO camera and it is also lightweight
• Great dynamic range
• Incomparable Auto White Balance
• Very Fast Auto Focus and 4/3 auto focus
• Gives great image quality with great image stabilization
• High ISO and 1.48x EVF
• Great lens system
• Build quality with a sturdy, weather-resistant body
• Has almost all of the functionality of a semi-pro DSLR in a compact body

CONS

• Has only one SD slot (not ideal for a semi-PRO camera)
• Not too impressive video codec

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Compact System Camera is a pretty small camera compared to most DSLRs. It seems this camera is Olympus’ decent effort at having the almost pro-level ‘DSLR’ as well as creating a lightweight, carry-it-all-day camera Micro Four Thirds features.

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Olympus OM-D E-M1 Compact System Camera with 16MP and 3-Inch LCD – Body Only