OM System OM-D E-M5 vs OM System PEN
The bottom line
Same line, different generation: the OM System PEN (2026) moves ahead on burst speed (30fps vs 9fps), resolution (20.4MP vs 16.1MP) and subject-detection AF. If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the OM System OM-D E-M5 gives you most of the experience for less.
Choose the OM System PEN if…
- ✓You shoot action, sports or wildlife — 30fps burst plus dedicated subject-tracking AF keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 9fps would drop frames.
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings Log for gradable footage and no per-clip recording limit (vs a 29-min cap).
- ✓You vlog or shoot handheld solo — the fully-articulating screen flips to face you and there's a mic input for clean audio.
- ✓You shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -3.5 EV gives it the edge after dark.
Where they differ
- ›Burst: the OM System PEN shoots 30fps to the OM System OM-D E-M5's 9fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
- ›Video: the OM System PEN is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 30p, Log and no clip limit.
- ›Resolution: 20.4MP on the OM System PEN vs 16.1MP — more detail and crop room, at the cost of larger files.
Frequently asked
Is the OM System OM-D E-M5 or the OM System PEN better?
Same line, different generation: the OM System PEN (2026) moves ahead on burst speed (30fps vs 9fps), resolution (20.4MP vs 16.1MP) and subject-detection AF. If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the OM System OM-D E-M5 gives you most of the experience for less.
Who should choose the OM System PEN?
Choose the OM System PEN if you shoot action, sports or wildlife — 30fps burst plus dedicated subject-tracking AF keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 9fps would drop frames. Choose it if you shoot video seriously — it brings Log for gradable footage and no per-clip recording limit (vs a 29-min cap). 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. Choose it if you shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -3.5 EV gives it the edge after dark.
What is the main difference between the OM System OM-D E-M5 and the OM System PEN?
Burst: the OM System PEN shoots 30fps to the OM System OM-D E-M5's 9fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | Live MOS | Live MOS |
| Sensor Size | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Image Processor | TruePic VI | TruePic IX |
| Effective Resolution | 16.1 MP | 20.4 MP |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 200 – 25600 | 100 – 25600 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | 100 – 25600 | − |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/4000 | − |
| Electronic Shutter | − | − |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 | 1/250 |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 9 fps | 30 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 1080p | 4K |
| 8K Recording | − | − |
| 4K Recording | − | Up to 30p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 60p | Up to 60p |
| 10-bit Internal | No | No |
| Recording Limit | 29 min | No limit |
| Log Profiles | − | OM-Log400 |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | − |
| Headphone Jack | No | No |
| Mic Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Micro (Type D) | Micro (Type D) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | 0 | 121 |
| Contrast Detect Points | 35 | − |
| Low Light AF | -2 EV | -3.5 EV |
| Eye AF | No | Yes |
| Animal AF | No | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | No | No |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 1.44M dots | 2.36M dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.74x | − |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3" | 3" |
| LCD Resolution | 0.61M dots | 1.04M dots |
| LCD Type | Tilting | Vari-Angle |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | − | − |
| Bluetooth | − | v5.2 |
| USB | Micro USB 2.0 | USB-C |
| Memory Card Slots | 1x SD UHS-I | 1x SD UHS-I |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $999 | $999 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | − |
| Dimensions | 121.1×89.6×43.6 mm | 125.8×74.5×43.3 mm |
| Weight | 425g (15.0 oz) | 393g (13.9 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 360 shots | 410 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 360 shots | 410 shots |
| Battery Type | BLN-1 | BLS-7 |
