Three years is a long time in the world of digital cameras, especially the mirrorless market, so what exactly has changed since 2022 with the release of the new OM-5 Mark II, and is the older model still worth considering?

We're bringing you this in-depth head-to-head comparison between the new OM System OM-5 Mark II and its predecessor the OM System OM-5 to find out what changes and improvements have been made to the 2025 version.

You can also read our detailed OM System OM-5 Mark II review and OM System OM-5 review to find out exactly what we think of each camera.

Sensor

Both cameras share the same 20.4 megapixel Micro Four Thirds Live MOS sensor, so the new OM-5 Mark II doesn't offer any increase in resolution, which may not please some.

They also both have the same TruePic IX processor, so we'd expect the image quality from the new model to be exactly the same as the previous one.

ISO Speed

The native sensitivity range of the OM System OM-5 Mark II and the OM-5 is identical - ISO 200-25600 - which can be expanded down to ISO 64 and ISO 100.

High Res Shot

Both cameras have a special multi-shot high resolution shooting mode which creates a 25 or 50 megapixel JPEG or an 80 megapixel JPEG or RAW file. This is achieved by shifting the sensor in half-pixel steps and capturing eight images over a period of one second.

Both models support the Handheld High Res Shot mode which creates a 25 megapixel JPEG or a 50 megapixel JPEG or RAW file.

As its name suggests, this mode allows you to hand-hold the camera whilst it's taking the sequence of 8 shots and still get sharp results, although it's still best suited to stationary subjects.

Computational Photography

The original OM-5 offered lots of AI-driven features including Focus Stacking, HDR, Multiple Exposure. Live ND, Starry Sky AF and Handheld High Res Shot modes.

The new model introduces a dedicated CP (Computational Photography) button, as previously seen on the more expensive OM-3 step-up model, making it much easier to access the various modes.

Video

The Olympus OM-5 offers Cine 4K recording at 24p and 4K 30p/25p/24p recording for up to 29 minutes, plus Full HD 120p slow-motion, with a dedicated 3.5mm Mic jack for better sound recording.

The OM-5 Mark II offers exactly the same core video capabilities, but now additionally supports the OM-Cinema 1 and 2 profiles for video from the OM-3. It also adds a red frame and tally lamp during recording.

You can use both models as a webcam straight out of the box simply by connecting them to a computer via USB, with no additional software required.

Autofocus

Both cameras feature the same dual phase- and contrast-based auto-focus system, with 121 Phase Detection AF points for both.

There are no subject-detect AI modes on either model, just the latest version of Face/Eye AF, which features better detection of smaller faces in the frame and if the face is turned sideways away from the camera.

You can also quickly switch between multiple detected faces in the frame and you can toggle face detection on and offer via the push of a button.

Burst Shooting

Both models are capable of 10 frames per second burst shooting with full AF/AE tracking or 30fps without.

They also offer the Pro Capture mode where the camera takes a 30fps burst with 15 of those frames saved before you actually pressed the shutter, helping to ensure that you don't miss that vital moment.

Body and Design

The OM System OM-5 Mark II is virtually identical to its predecessor - "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" seems to have been the design team's mantra.

It has a redesigned grip that is slightly bigger at the front, although there's no longer an optional handgrip accessory available from OM System.

The new USB-C port allows the camera to be charged from a power bank, but it doesn't support power delivery.

Thankfully the OM-5 II now uses the newest menu system that debuted on the O-M1 model for more intuitive control.

The OM-5's dimensions are 125.3 x 85.2 x 49.7mm with a body-only weight of 366g.

The new Mark II version measures 125.3 x 85.2mm x 52.0mm and weighs in at 370g body-only.

Weather Proofing

Both cameras are IP-53 rated, which makes them best in class for this specific feature at the time of writing. Olympus say that they can safely be used in a heavy rain storm with no adverse effects. They also offer freezeproof protection down to -10°C.

IBIS

Both models provide 6.5EV steps of in-body image stabilization and up to 7.5 EV steps when using Sync-IS lenses in the center of the frame, thanks to its in-body 5-axis image stabilizer.

Viewfinder

Both cameras use the same OLED viewfinder with 2.36-million-dot resolution, 1.37x magnification and a 27mm eyepoint. 

LCD Screen

There's also exactly the same 3-inch vari-angle rear LCD screen as seen on the original OM-5, with a resolution of 1037K dots and capacitive touchscreen technology.

Memory Cards

Both cameras have a single memory card slot which supports the faster UHS-II SD card standard.

Battery Life

The BLS-50 rechargeable lithium-ion battery supplied with the OM-5 Mark II is good for around 310 shots or 60mins of video recording, which is the same as on the OM-5.

Price

In the UK the new OM System OM-5 Mark II is priced at £1199 body only or £1499 in two different kit lens configurations.

The OM-5 had an RRP of £1199 / $1199 body-only when it was launched back in 2022, so commendably there hasn't been any price increase.

The Mark II version is available in three colours - silver, black and new limited-edition sand beige - whereas the original was only available silver or black.

Conclusion

The new OM-5 Mark II retains most of the same core technologies as its predecessor, whilst making the grip bigger, adding a Computation Photography button, adding new OM-Cinema 1 and 2 profiles and a tally lamp, incorporating the latest menu system and upgrading to a USB-C port to comply with EU regulations.

It's very much an evolution of the previous model, rather than a revolution, so much so that the three-year-old OM-5 is still well worth considering if you can find one at a good price.

So what do you think? Would you choose the new OM System OM-5 Mark II or its still very capable predecessor? Leave a comment below!

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