dpswbab

I have the new OM-1 and really like it for the various upgrades over the EM-1 iii, especially because of its much faster processing speed for subject detect AF and the various computational modes. I suggest you look at this thread on mu-43.com: https://www.mu-43.com/threads/new-om-1-owners-what-has-impressed-you-the-most.115005/

MrBob Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama

Scene mode IS a consideration... Even though the purists will sniff; but this is also about having fun... E5 mark 3 might be the key right now after all things considered... Maybe OM cost will drift down in a year or so... Thanks so much for your input.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

I do NOT own one of the new OM-1...

However I'm recommending it for some things based upon a lot of reviews.

As a Micro 4/3 camera it really leverages telephoto cameras for all their worth. A 100-400mm on it is like a 200-800mm on a full frame or a 150-600mm on an APS-C camera. So it can make for a reasonably light and manageable kit for birders, other wildlife and sports. It may make for a good travel camera, too... when size and weight are a concern.

While the OM-1 itself isn't hefty, there are similar sized and lighter cameras even with larger sensor formats. The savings in size and weight will mostly be in the lenses, more than in the camera. For example, the Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 is far smaller and less than half the weight of any 24-70mm f/2.8 lens for full frame. There are two 100-400mm lenses for M4/3 (Oly and Panasonic/Leica). These are considerably smaller and 1/2 or even 1/3 the weight of the 150-600mm lenses available for use on various APS-C cameras (equiv. to 225-900mm on full frame).

One key reason the OM-1 is likely to be especially good at the types of photography mentioned above is its considerably improved AF system. OM claims it's 2X more accurate and 3X faster than any of the earlier Olympus AF systems. Other "pro" features include dual memory card slots, a weather resistant magnesium shell, 400,000 click rated shutter, 10 frames per second mechanical shutter, 20 fps/50fps/120fps electronic shutter (limitations on AF & metering?). It uses a BSI CMOS sensor, which should offer fast readout and resist rolling shutter effects, but this is something I haven't been able to confirm as yet.

The OM-1 might NOT be my first choice for some types of photography. In particular I'd choose a different type of camera for a lot of portraiture, or for serious architecture and scenic photography.

Unless they have an unlimited budget and a sherpa to help carry their gear, in the past I've steered people toward various APS-C cameras for birding, wildlife, sports and any other action photography where powerful telephotos are often used. While it was possible to shoot those subjects with previous M4/3 cameras, their AF systems really weren't fully up to the task. That appears to have been solved in the OM-1. This takes the size/weight savings to a whole new level versus APS-C format and full frame cameras! It also can be considerably more affordable, especially compared to full frame. So I've added the OM-1 to my list of recommendations for birders and other action photographers.

Besperus Loc: Oregon

I don’t think it is what he had in mind. I’ve done that too. In fact I have an “old” OM1 also. But, ha, ha! Move on.

pany

I ordered OM-1 on 2/15/22 and received it 2 weeks ago. I only tried 3 times on 2 weekend, I like it. I bought OM-1 with 12-40mm F2.8, and 100-400mm lenses. The first time, I tried portrait, and like the result. The second time I tried bird AI, get bird in fly that I could not get with my Olympus PEN-F (This is the reason that I bought OM-1). Yesterday, I tried animal AI to photograph my dog running, also good result. I use M4/3 for the light weight. OM-1 is not as light as PEN-F, but it has all functions of new cameras in the last 2 years. Financially, it is as good as you can get with those functions. It cost about $5000 for the camera and 2 good lenses.

mej49 Loc: California

I have an OM1 on order and I am impressed that you were able to get it in so short of time.
Mines going on 4 weeks now direct from Olympus ( or what ever it's called now).
But, like you I have owned several Olympus cameras including the OM1 film and my first lunge into Digital was about '95 and it was an Olympus as well. I have owned OMD MKl and a MKll. My sons have them now. I'm just waiting for my new OM1.
I have been happy with all of my Olympus cameras. It's amazing how the cameras get better and better.
After lugging around a Nikon and a Cannon for a while, the 4/3 camera format is a joy and great photos as well.

Curious Crow

The first SLR I bought was an OM1. I still have it and use it. It has been a reliable and wonderful camera. I have won many awards with it. It is light and if your battery goes out you can still use the shutter. They are not expensive now so go for it!

MrBob Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama

Maybe I should have been more informative.... I was referring to the New OM just announced recently which is going for over 2000 now... I think I have come down to earth now after checking my credit card balances... Thanks you for responding...

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

It sounds like you can only afford the E-M5 now. Maybe consider saving and waiting. None of us need to know your finances. But if the OM-1 seems to have what you need / want, it may be better to save and wait rather than buy something lesser now. That is unfortunately where I am now.

MrBob Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama

Yeah, Champagne appetite and root beer pocketbook... Waiting and saving is the better plan. EM-5 will give me a second body with viewfinder and get me into 20 mp and a few more perks... Thanks for your input.

gwcole

Lotsa irrelephants in the circus.

-Chico Marx

Dave Sr Loc: Nazareth, Pennsylvania

[quote=mej49]I have an OM1 on order and I am impressed that you were able to get it in so short of time.

Actually, I ordered mine in late February and picked it up the second week in April. :-)

jcboy3

I recently got an OM-1. I also currently have an E-M1 ii, E-M1 iii, and E-M1X. Deciding which of those three will be going, but it's likely the E-M1 ii and E-M1 X. Improvements have gone way beyond the E-M1 ii. The E-M1X is too big and it doesn't look like they will be updating firmware to bring it in line with the E-M1 iii.

Unless you want the top of the line Olympus, I think the E-M1 iii would be a great choice. The key reasons I got the OM-1 were:

1. Faster sensor readout (1/120s vs 1/60s in E-M1 ii+). Makes it possible to do nearly all shooting with electronic shutter.
2. Faster and better AF. They added lots more PDAF locations, the sensor readout is faster, the processer is faster.
3. Faster hand held high resolution. Drops processing time from 12 sec to 5 sec; this is really significant
4. Improved bracketing. Automatically engages high speed sequential when turning bracketing on.
5. Better EVF. Probably the biggest complaint about E-M1 family.
6. Blackout free sequential. For this feature, you have to be shooting in SH1 or SH2 modes. The lowest frame rate for these is 25fps. It's blackout free, but you get a lot of pictures to sort through. Olympus Workspace can sort images by sharpness, which makes it easy to dump any that are not going to pass your minimum sharpness criteria, but still...

They rearranged the menu system, which looks like it is an improvement but it's a big learning curve to deal with it.

As for computational modes, there isn't much difference between the E-M1 iii, E-M1 X, and OM-1 (except for HHHR processing time).

My favorite computational mode is Live ND. I can do many long exposure shots that would have required an ND filter without having to add an ND filter. This simplifies post processing because I don't have to color correct the images. If I want to use longer exposure times, I add an ND filter. Many of the shots I take that used to require a tripod can be done hand held. But care must be taken; I often take a shot without ND filter to get the sharpest image without motion, and any body motion will cause parallax and make image registration difficult. I still prefer using a tripod or monopod with stand to avoid these issues. If I'm shooting ND8 or less, no problem. For longer, I take several shots to see if I get a good match in post.

Live Time is a feature in even older Olympus cameras, which I primarily use for night shots (fireworks, city lights, astro). For astro, it's best to be using a star tracker. Also, E-M1iii and OM-1 have Starry Sky AF. Absolutely great if you shoot astro.

The main thing is that you can get an E-M1 iii, or E-M1X if so inclined, for half the price of the OM-1. And you can get it now. It took over a month to get mine (so it's not as bad as the Nikon Z9 wait, but still long). If you really want what the OM-1 offers, then go for it. If you need glass to go with your camera, you will get more out of the E-M1 iii and a good lens. That depends on what you have, and what you want to shoot.

One other thing; the E-M1 iii, E-M1X and OM-1 all do USB charging, which makes it convenient to travel.