OM System OM-D E-M5 Mark III → 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 the direct successor to your OM System OM-D E-M5 Mark III, released 3 years later. Across the full spec sheet it improves 9 items and steps back on 1. The changes that matter most: burst jumps from 15fps to 30fps; 4K goes from 30p to 60p. The OM System OM-5 lists at $1,199 (the OM System OM-D E-M5 Mark III 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 and 1,053 phase-detect points keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 15fps would drop frames.
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 60p 4K vs 30p 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 III 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 (17 items)
↑ 9 improved · ↓ 1 stepped back · → changed without a clear better/worse
| Spec | OM System OM-D E-M5 Mark III | OM System OM-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| →Sensor Type | Live MOS | BSI Stacked Live MOS |
| →Image Processor | TruePic VIII | TruePic IX |
| Exposure Control | ||
| →ISO Range (Extended) | 64 – 102400 | 80 – 102400 |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| ↑Continuous Shooting | 15 fps | 30 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| ↑4K Recording | Up to 30p | Up to 60p |
| ↑1080p Recording | Up to 120p | Up to 240p |
| →Log Profiles | OM-Log400 | OM-Log400 / HLG |
| ↑Headphone Jack | No | Yes |
| Focus | ||
| ↑Phase Detect Points | 121 | 1,053 |
| ↑Low Light AF | -2 EV | -7.5 EV |
| Interface | ||
| →USB | USB-C 3.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| General | ||
| ↑Price (MSRP) | $1,299 | $1,199 |
| →Dimensions | 125.3×85.2×49.7 mm | 125×85×49.5 mm |
| ↓Weight | 366g (12.9 oz) | 414g (14.6 oz) |
| ↑Battery Life (EVF) | 310 shots | 520 shots |
| ↑Battery Life (LCD) | 310 shots | 520 shots |
| →Battery Type | BLS-50 | BLX-1 |
What stayed the same (31 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 III already has them.
Ready to buy?
OM System OM-D E-M5 Mark III (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 III to the OM System OM-5?
The OM System OM-5 is the direct successor to your OM System OM-D E-M5 Mark III, released 3 years later. Across the full spec sheet it improves 9 items and steps back on 1. The changes that matter most: burst jumps from 15fps to 30fps; 4K goes from 30p to 60p. The OM System OM-5 lists at $1,199 (the OM System OM-D E-M5 Mark III 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 III?
Across the spec sheet the OM System OM-5 improves 9 items. The most significant: 30fps burst and 1,053 phase-detect points keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 15fps would drop frames. it brings smoother 60p 4K vs 30p 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 III still do just as well as the OM System OM-5?
31 spec items are identical between the two, including sensor size (Micro Four Thirds), effective resolution (20.4 MP), lens mount (Micro Four Thirds), iso range (native) (200 – 25600), mechanical shutter (1/8000), electronic shutter (1/32000). If those cover your needs, the older body remains fully capable.
Does the OM System OM-5 give anything up compared to the OM System OM-D E-M5 Mark III?
Yes — 1 item on the spec sheet moves the other way: weight (366g (12.9 oz) → 414g (14.6 oz)).