Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mirrorless Camera
The Olympus E-M5 is a 16MP Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera — with 1080p video and in-body stabilization. Used copies start from $285.6 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mirrorless Camera
Used Olympus E-M5 Listings on GearFocus
Camera Overview — Olympus E-M5
Key Features — Olympus E-M5
16MP MFT CMOS Sensor: Micro Four Thirds format with a 2x crop factor pairs with the TruePic VI processor for responsive image handling and color rendering.
5-Axis In-Body Stabilization: Mechanical stabilization across five axes compensates for camera shake without relying on digital IS, benefiting any compatible lens attached.
Weather-Sealed Magnesium Body: Dust and splash-resistant construction in a 425g magnesium alloy frame makes this a durable option for outdoor and travel photography.
9 fps Burst Shooting: Captures up to 9 frames per second, making it practical for sports, wildlife, and other fast-moving subjects.
35-Point Contrast AF: Contrast detection autofocus with subject tracking helps maintain focus on moving subjects across the frame.
1,440,000-Dot EVF: High-resolution electronic viewfinder delivers detailed framing in varied shooting conditions.
Camera Specifications — Olympus E-M5
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Travel |
| Type | Mirrorless |
| Sensor | Micro Four Thirds (MFT) |
| Resolution | 16MP |
| Processor | TruePic VI |
| ISO Range | 200 – 25600 |
| AF System | Contrast Detection |
| AF Points | 35 points |
| Max Photo Resolution | 4608x3456 |
| Burst Rate | 9 fps |
| Max Video Resolution | 1080p |
| Max Frame Rate | 30fps |
Description — Olympus E-M5
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 is a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera featuring a 16MP sensor processed by the TruePic VI image processor. The camera's 5-axis in-body image stabilization works mechanically, delivering stabilization without the use of digital IS. Still images reach a maximum resolution of 4608x3456 pixels, and the camera supports continuous shooting at up to 9 fps.
The ISO range runs from 200 to 25600, and seven color profiles — including Standard, Vivid, Natural, Muted, Portrait, Monotone, and Art Filters — are available for both stills and video. Autofocus uses a contrast detection system across 35 points with subject tracking enabled. For video, the E-M5 records up to 1080p at frame rates of 30p, 25p, 24p, and 60i in 8-bit color.
The 3.0-inch tilting OLED touchscreen resolves 610,000 dots, complemented by an EVF with 1,440,000 dots and a 120Hz refresh rate. The weather-sealed magnesium alloy body weighs 425g and measures 122 x 89 x 43 mm. The camera uses a BLN-1 battery rated for 360 shots per charge and stores images to SD, SDHC, or SDXC cards.
Pros — Olympus E-M5
- ✓5-axis in-body image stabilization provides mechanical stabilization without relying on digital IS
- ✓Weather-sealed magnesium alloy body at just 425g offers durability in a compact, lightweight package
- ✓Electronic viewfinder delivers 1,440,000 dots resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth, detailed framing
Cons — Olympus E-M5
- ✗Video is capped at 1080p with 8-bit color depth, lacking 4K recording capability
- ✗ISO minimum of 200 is higher than some competitors, limiting flexibility in very bright conditions
- ✗No built-in flash; external flash or the Olympus wireless RC system is required for flash photography
Reviews — Olympus E-M5
- Olympus OM-D E-M5 Review
DPReview · 2012-03-01 - these budget tiny cameras could teach new cameras a lot
Micro Four Nerds - Truly A WOW Camera - Olympus E-M5 Original
Robin Wong - Olympus OM-D E-M5, the camera that kickstarted the mirrorless evolution - RED35 Restrospective
Jimmy Cheng (RED35) - EP1B: The Original Olympus E-M5 in 2024 (Review & POV Photography)
CBGP (Cheap But Good Photography)
Videos — Olympus E-M5
Olympus OM-D EM-5 Review — Jon Rettinger







