OM System OM-5 vs OM System OM-5 Mark II
OM System OM-5 has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. the OM-5 Mark II is better for beginners.
Choose the OM-5 for
- more resolution (20.4MP vs 20MP)
- a lighter body (414g vs 418g)
- a lower price (from £554)
Choose the OM-5 Mark II for
- better low-light performance
- a newer design (2025)
Specs side by side
| Spec | OM-5 | OM-5 Mark II |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Micro Four Thirds, 20.4MP | Micro Four Thirds, 20MP |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Released | 2022 | 2025 |
| Burst | 30 fps | 30 fps |
| Readout | — | — |
| Max ISO | 25,600 | 25,600 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | In-body |
| Video | 4K 30p | 4K 30p |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| Weight | 414 g | 418 g |
| Battery | OM System BLS-50 | OM System BLS-50 |
| Card slots | SD (UHS-I) | SD (UHS-I) |
| New price | No longer sold new | £1,099 |
| Used at MPB | £554–599 | £779–824 |
| Native lenses in our database | 22 (8 third-party) | 22 (8 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | OM-5 Mark II |
| Everyday & travel | About equal |
| Portraits | About equal |
| Landscape | About equal |
| Wildlife & animals | About equal |
| Sports & action | About equal |
| Astrophotography | About equal |
| Vlogging & video | About equal |
| 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. They share the same battery (OM System BLS-50).
OM-5 compatible lenses → · OM-5 Mark II compatible lenses → ·
Frequently asked questions
Is the OM System OM-5 better than the OM System OM-5 Mark II?
It depends on your priorities. The OM-5 offers more resolution (20.4MP vs 20MP), a lighter body (414g vs 418g), a lower price (from £554); the OM-5 Mark II offers better low-light performance, a newer design (2025).
Which is better for video, the OM-5 or the OM-5 Mark II?
They are closely matched for video (4K 30p vs 4K 30p); stabilisation and lens choice will decide it.
Which is cheaper, the OM-5 or the OM-5 Mark II?
The OM-5 costs No longer sold new new and from £554 used at MPB; the OM-5 Mark II costs £1,099 new and from £779 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use OM System OM-5 lenses on the OM-5 Mark II?
Yes. Both use the Micro Four Thirds mount.