OM System OM-D E-M5 Mark II → OM System OM-5
Is the upgrade worth it? Every change on the spec sheet, and an honest read on who should bother.
The bottom line
The OM System OM-5 is 2 generations newer to your OM System OM-D E-M5 Mark II, released 7 years later. Across the full spec sheet it improves 15 items. The changes that matter most: burst jumps from 10fps to 30fps; resolution rises from 16.1MP to 20.4MP; 4K video arrives. The OM System OM-5 lists at $1,199 (the OM System OM-D E-M5 Mark II launched at $1,299, and older bodies typically sell for well under launch price on the used market). If several of the gains below map to how you shoot, this is a substantial step up; if none do, your current body keeps doing everything it does today.
Upgrade to the OM System OM-5 if…
- ✓You shoot action, sports or wildlife — 30fps burst plus dedicated subject-tracking AF keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 10fps would drop frames.
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings 10-bit internal colour, Log for gradable footage and both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio.
- ✓You shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -7.5 EV gives it the edge after dark.
- ✓You shoot long days on one charge — rated 520 shots per battery vs 310.
Stick with the OM System OM-D E-M5 Mark II if…
- •None of the headline changes map to what you actually shoot — the camera you own doesn't get worse when a successor launches.
What changed (25 items)
↑ 15 improved · → changed without a clear better/worse
| Spec | OM System OM-D E-M5 Mark II | OM System OM-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| →Sensor Type | Live MOS | BSI Stacked Live MOS |
| →Image Processor | TruePic VII | TruePic IX |
| ↑Effective Resolution | 16.1 MP | 20.4 MP |
| Exposure Control | ||
| →ISO Range (Extended) | 100 – 25600 | 80 – 102400 |
| →Electronic Shutter | 1/16000 | 1/32000 |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| ↑Continuous Shooting | 10 fps | 30 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| →Max Resolution | 1080p | 4K |
| ↑1080p Recording | Up to 60p | Up to 240p |
| ↑10-bit Internal | No | Yes |
| ↑Headphone Jack | No | Yes |
| Focus | ||
| ↑Phase Detect Points | 81 | 1,053 |
| ↑Low Light AF | -1 EV | -7.5 EV |
| ↑Eye AF | No | Yes |
| ↑Animal AF | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | ||
| ↑EVF Magnification | 0.74x | 0.83x |
| Monitor | ||
| ↑Touch Screen | No | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| →Bluetooth | v4.0 | v4.2 |
| →USB | Micro USB 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| →Memory Card Slots | 1x SD UHS-I | 1x SD UHS-II |
| General | ||
| ↑Price (MSRP) | $1,299 | $1,199 |
| →Dimensions | 123.7×85.5×44.5 mm | 125×85×49.5 mm |
| ↑Weight | 469g (1.03 lb) | 414g (14.6 oz) |
| ↑Battery Life (EVF) | 310 shots | 520 shots |
| ↑Battery Life (LCD) | 310 shots | 520 shots |
| →Battery Type | BLN-1 | BLX-1 |
What stayed the same (21 items)
Everything below is identical on both bodies — if these are what you buy a camera for, the OM System OM-D E-M5 Mark II already has them.
Ready to buy?
OM System OM-D E-M5 Mark II (keep or buy used)
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OM System OM-5
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Frequently asked
Is it worth upgrading from the OM System OM-D E-M5 Mark II to the OM System OM-5?
The OM System OM-5 is 2 generations newer to your OM System OM-D E-M5 Mark II, released 7 years later. Across the full spec sheet it improves 15 items. The changes that matter most: burst jumps from 10fps to 30fps; resolution rises from 16.1MP to 20.4MP; 4K video arrives. The OM System OM-5 lists at $1,199 (the OM System OM-D E-M5 Mark II launched at $1,299, and older bodies typically sell for well under launch price on the used market). If several of the gains below map to how you shoot, this is a substantial step up; if none do, your current body keeps doing everything it does today.
What are the biggest improvements of the OM System OM-5 over the OM System OM-D E-M5 Mark II?
Across the spec sheet the OM System OM-5 improves 15 items. The most significant: 30fps burst plus dedicated subject-tracking AF keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 10fps would drop frames. it brings 10-bit internal colour, Log for gradable footage and both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio. AF that focuses down to -7.5 EV gives it the edge after dark. rated 520 shots per battery vs 310.
What does the OM System OM-D E-M5 Mark II still do just as well as the OM System OM-5?
21 spec items are identical between the two, including sensor size (Micro Four Thirds), lens mount (Micro Four Thirds), iso range (native) (200 – 25600), mechanical shutter (1/8000), flash sync speed (1/250), built-in flash (No). If those cover your needs, the older body remains fully capable.