OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II vs OM System OM-5 Mark II
The bottom line
Same line, different generation: the OM System OM-5 Mark II (2025) moves ahead on burst speed (30fps vs 18fps) and 4K frame rate (60p vs 30p). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II gives you most of the experience for less.
Choose the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II if…
- ✓You need backup-while-you-shoot reliability — dual card slots (the other has one) matter for paid work like weddings and events.
Choose the OM System OM-5 Mark II if…
- ✓You shoot action, sports or wildlife — 30fps burst and 1,053 phase-detect points keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 18fps would drop frames.
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 60p 4K vs 30p.
- ✓You're budget-conscious — it launched at $1,199, about $800 less, freeing money for lenses.
- ✓You vlog or shoot handheld solo — the fully-articulating screen flips to face you and there's a mic input for clean audio.
Where they differ
- ›Video: the OM System OM-5 Mark II is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 60p, 10-bit internal and Log.
- ›Price: the OM System OM-5 Mark II launched at $1,199, $800 under the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Card slots: the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II has dual slots for instant backup — the reliability paid work depends on.
- ›Burst: the OM System OM-5 Mark II shoots 30fps to the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II's 18fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
- ›Weight: the OM System OM-5 Mark II is 418g (14.7 oz) vs 574g (1.27 lb) — 156g you'll feel on a long day out.
Frequently asked
Is the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II or the OM System OM-5 Mark II better?
Same line, different generation: the OM System OM-5 Mark II (2025) moves ahead on burst speed (30fps vs 18fps) and 4K frame rate (60p vs 30p). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II gives you most of the experience for less.
Who should choose the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II?
Choose the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II if you need backup-while-you-shoot reliability — dual card slots (the other has one) matter for paid work like weddings and events.
Who should choose the OM System OM-5 Mark II?
Choose the OM System OM-5 Mark II if you shoot action, sports or wildlife — 30fps burst and 1,053 phase-detect points keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 18fps would drop frames. Choose it if you shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 60p 4K vs 30p. Choose it if you're budget-conscious — it launched at $1,199, about $800 less, freeing money for lenses. Choose it if you vlog or shoot handheld solo — the fully-articulating screen flips to face you and there's a mic input for clean audio.
What is the main difference between the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II and the OM System OM-5 Mark II?
Video: the OM System OM-5 Mark II is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 60p, 10-bit internal and Log.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | Live MOS | BSI Stacked Live MOS |
| Sensor Size | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Image Processor | TruePic VIII | TruePic IX |
| Effective Resolution | 20.4 MP | 20.4 MP |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 200 – 25600 | 200 – 25600 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | 64 – 102400 | 80 – 102400 |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/32000 | 1/32000 |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 | 1/250 |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 18 fps | 30 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| 8K Recording | − | − |
| 4K Recording | Up to 30p | Up to 60p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 60p | Up to 240p |
| 10-bit Internal | Yes | Yes |
| Recording Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Log Profiles | OM-Log400 | OM-Log400 / HLG |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | Stereo |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Mic Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Micro (Type D) | Micro (Type D) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | 121 | 1,053 |
| Contrast Detect Points | − | − |
| Low Light AF | -2 EV | -7.5 EV |
| Eye AF | Yes | Yes |
| Animal AF | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | No | No |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 2.36M dots | 2.36M dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.74x | 0.83x |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3" | 3" |
| LCD Resolution | 1.04M dots | 1.04M dots |
| LCD Type | Tilting | Vari-Angle |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | v4.2 | v4.2 |
| USB | Micro USB 3.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Memory Card Slots | 2x SD (1x UHS-II) | 1x SD UHS-II |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,999 | $1,199 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | Magnesium Alloy |
| Dimensions | 134.1×91.9×66.9 mm | 125.3×85.2×52 mm |
| Weight | 574g (1.27 lb) | 418g (14.7 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 440 shots | 520 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 440 shots | 520 shots |
| Battery Type | BLH-1 | BLX-1 |
