OM System Olympus E-M1 Mark III vs OM System OM-1
OM System OM-1 has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. the OM-1 is better for wildlife, sports, vlogging.
Choose the Olympus E-M1 Mark III for
- a lighter body (580g vs 599g)
Choose the OM-1 for
- faster bursts (120fps vs 60fps)
- a lower price (from £304)
- stronger video (4K 60p)
- a newer design (2022)
Specs side by side
| Spec | Olympus E-M1 Mark III | OM-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Micro Four Thirds, 20MP | Micro Four Thirds, 20MP |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Released | 2020 | 2022 |
| Burst | 60 fps | 120 fps |
| Readout | — | ≈4 ms |
| Max ISO | 25,600 | 25,600 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | In-body |
| Video | 4K 30p | 4K 60p |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| Weight | 580 g | 599 g |
| Battery | OM System BLH-1 | OM System BLX-1 |
| Card slots | 2× SD (UHS-II) | 2× SD (UHS-II) |
| New price | No longer sold new | No longer sold new |
| Used at MPB | £504–554 | £304–939 |
| Native lenses in our database | 22 (8 third-party) | 22 (8 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | About equal |
| Everyday & travel | About equal |
| Portraits | About equal |
| Landscape | About equal |
| Wildlife & animals | OM-1 |
| Sports & action | OM-1 |
| Astrophotography | About equal |
| Vlogging & video | OM-1 |
| Vintage / film look | About equal |
Based on the specs that matter most for each type of photography: burst and readout for action, resolution for landscapes, sensor size and low light for portraits and astro, video and weight for vlogging.
Lenses and running costs
Both cameras use the Micro Four Thirds mount, so lenses move between them. Batteries: OM System BLH-1 (about £79) vs OM System BLX-1 (about £79).
Olympus E-M1 Mark III compatible lenses → · OM-1 compatible lenses → ·
Frequently asked questions
Is the OM System Olympus E-M1 Mark III better than the OM System OM-1?
It depends on your priorities. The Olympus E-M1 Mark III offers a lighter body (580g vs 599g); the OM-1 offers faster bursts (120fps vs 60fps), a lower price (from £304), stronger video (4K 60p).
Which is better for video, the Olympus E-M1 Mark III or the OM-1?
The OM-1 is stronger for video: Olympus E-M1 Mark III records 4K 30p, OM-1 records 4K 60p.
Which is cheaper, the Olympus E-M1 Mark III or the OM-1?
The Olympus E-M1 Mark III costs No longer sold new new and from £504 used at MPB; the OM-1 costs No longer sold new new and from £304 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use OM System Olympus E-M1 Mark III lenses on the OM-1?
Yes. Both use the Micro Four Thirds mount.