Mirrorless cameras are gaining traction in recent times. Olympus is one the best and leading manufacturers of digital and optical equipment, especially in the mirrorless segment. We have created a list of the best Olympus cameras that might help you while buying one.
Olympus (now known as OM System) is one of the largest manufacturers of digital cameras and optical equipment. Olympus is generally known for its Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera. Micro Four Thirds cameras have a smaller sensor size than APS-C which makes the camera smaller and lightweight. The Micro Four Thirds system is a cooperation between Olympus and Panasonic. Hence, the camera and lens of both brands are interchangeable. Olympus has launched the majority of models in its main categories: OM-D, PEN, and Tough series. OM-D series consists of professional mirrorless cameras while the PEN series consists of compact cameras. Tough series consist of strong and weatherproof cameras for adventures.
We have composed a list of Olympus cameras that are best in the segment by comparing the picture quality, image sensor, product rating and product price that might help you decide while buying an Olympus camera.
1. OM System OM-1
OM-1 is the most advanced camera launched by Olympus. It features a 20 MP Stacked BSI Live MOS sensor along with the TruePic X engine delivering stunning details. It is packed with several features like a Quad Pixel AI AF, an extended range of ISO up to 1,02,400 and very fast shooting speed in a single camera. It also has 5-axis body stabilization and IP53 weather protection for outdoor uses.
Specifications:
Camera Sensor: 20 MP Stacked BSI Live MOS
Lens: Micro Four Thirds
Sensitivity Range: ISO 80 -1,02,400
Processor: TruePic X Dual Quad Core Processor
Viewfinder: Electronic viewfinder with 5.76M dots
Autofocus: 1053-point cross-type AI detect Quad Pixel AF
Maximum Shooting Rate: 120fps with fixed AF, 50fps with AF tracking
OMD-EM-1-Mark-III is one of the best professional cameras with a TruePic IX engine and a 20.4 MP Live MOS sensor delivering amazing results. It offers some of the best features like 50MP handheld high-res shot, 7.5-stop-stabilisation and Live ND which extends the exposure times.
Specifications:
Camera Sensor: 20.4 MP Live MOS
Lens: Micro Four Thirds
Sensitivity Range: ISO 64-25,600
Processor: TruePic IX
Viewfinder: Electronic viewfinder with 2.36M dots
Autofocus: 121-point cross-type Phase Detection AF
Maximum Shooting Rate: Mechanical shutter: 18fps with C-AF; Electronic shutter: 60fps with S-AF
Maximum Video Resolution: C4K at 24p, 4K at 30p, 25p, 24p
Storage Type: 2 slots (UHS-I and UHS-II) SD, SDHC, SDXC
Weight: 504 g
Pros
Cons
7.5-stop-stabilisation
The viewfinder can be upgraded
TruePic IX engine
50MP handheld high-res shot
Live ND
3. Olympus OM-D E-M1X
OM-D E-M1X is a game-changing camera by Olympus with a 20MP Live MOS sensor and two TruePic VIII engines for high speed and high image quality like never before. It also comes with a 7.5 stop stabilisation and other amazing features like handheld high-res shot, Live ND and a new AF system all in dust, splash and freeze-proof body.
Specifications:
Camera Sensor: 20.4 MP Live MOS
Lens: Micro Four Thirds
Sensitivity Range: ISO 64-25,600
Processor: 2x TruePic VIII
Viewfinder: Electronic viewfinder with 2.36M dots
Autofocus: 121-point cross-type Phase Detection AF
Maximum Shooting Rate: 60fps with fixed AF, 18fps with AF tracking
Maximum Video Resolution: 4K at 24p
Storage Type: SD, SDHC, SDXC
Weight: 997 g
Pros
Cons
2 TruePic VIII engine
Camera is heavy
7.5-stop-stabilisation
The viewfinder can be upgraded
Live ND
New Phase Detection AF
4. Olympus OMD-EM-5-Mark-III
OMD-EM-5-Mark-III is a small and lightweight yet powerful camera by Olympus. It features a 20 MP Live MOS sensor and a TruePic VIII engine. It has 6.5 stop stabilisation along with On-Chip Phase Detection AF for steady and smooth shots.
Specifications:
Camera Sensor: 20.4 MP Live MOS
Lens: Micro Four Thirds
Sensitivity Range: ISO 200-25,600
Processor: TruePic VIII
Viewfinder: Electronic viewfinder with 2.36M dots
Autofocus: 121-point cross-type Phase Detection AF
Maximum Shooting Rate: Mechanical Shutter:- 10fps with AF locked on the first frame, 6 fps with C-AF; Electronic Shutter: 30fps with fixed AF, 10fps with AF tracking
Maximum Video Resolution: C4K at 24p, 4K at 30p, 25p, 24p
Storage Type: SD, SDHC, SDXC
Weight: 414 g
Pros
Cons
20.4 MP Live MOS sensor
The sensor is smaller in size
TruePic VIII engine
Grips are not so good
6.5 stop stabilisation
121-point Phase Detection AF
5. Olympus OMD-EM-10-Mark-IV
OMD-EM-10-Mark-IV is a compact, lightweight and beginner-friendly camera from Olympus. It has a flip-down monitor for dedicated selfie mode. It is equipped with a 20 MP Live MOS sensor, a TruePic VIII engine, a contrast-detection AF system, and in-body 5-axis image stabilization.
Specifications:
Camera Sensor: 20.3 MP Live MOS
Lens: Micro Four Thirds
Sensitivity Range: ISO 80-25,600
Processor: TruePic VIII
Viewfinder: Electronic viewfinder with 2.36M dots
Autofocus: 121 Contrast-detection AF
Maximum Shooting Rate: High: 15fps, Low: 6.3fps
Maximum Video Resolution: 4K at 30p
Storage Type: SD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS-I/UHS-II)
Weight: 499 g
Pros
Cons
20 MP Live MOS sensor
No mic port provided
TruePic VIII engine
The flip screen doesn't work with a tripod
5-axis image stabilisation
Contrast-detection AF system
6. Olympus PEN E-PL10
PEN E-PL10 is a small entry-level camera by Olympus. It is easy to control along with a touch-based interface and flip-down screen. Though beginner friendly, it also includes advanced features like in-camera RAW editing, in-body image stabilisation and 4K at 30p.
Specifications:
Camera Sensor: 16.1 MP Live MOS
Lens: Micro Four Thirds
Sensitivity Range: ISO 200-25,600
Processor: TruePic VIII
Viewfinder: Not Available
Autofocus: 121-point contrast AF
Maximum Shooting Rate: High: 14.1fps, Low: 4.8fps
Maximum Video Resolution: 4K at 30p
Storage Type: SDHC, SDXC (UHS-I compatible)
Weight: 454 g
Pros
Cons
16.1 MP Live MOS sensor
No viewfinder provided
TruePic VIII engine
In-body image stabilisation
Silent shooting mode
7. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
OM-D E-M10 Mark III, even though a little older model, contains great features to be counted in. It boasts a 16 MP Live MOS sensor along with a TruePic VIII engine for accurate and noiseless results. It also has in-body 5-axis image stabilisation for blue-free images.
Olympus Tough TG – 6 is a totally different breed on this list. It is specially made for adventures with a body waterproof up to 15m, dustproof, crushproof up to 100kgf, freezeproof to -10℃ and shockproof to 2.1m. Moreover, it has a 12 MP CMOS sensor and TruePic VIII engine.
Specifications:
Camera Sensor: 12 MP BSI CMOS
Sensitivity Range: ISO 100-12,800
Processor: TruePic VIII
Viewfinder: Not Available
Autofocus: 25 point CMOS contrast detection
Maximum Shooting Rate: High: 20fps, Low: 5fps
Maximum Video Resolution: 4K at 30p
Storage Type: SD, SDHC, SDXC
Weight: 250 g
Pros
Cons
12 CMOS sensor
Small sensor size
TruePic VIII engine
Waterproof up to 15m
Macro mode
Best 3 features of Olympus cameras
Product
Feature 1
Feature 2
Feature 3
OM System OM-1
20 MP Stacked BSI Live MOS sensor
TruePic X engine
Quad Pixel AI AF
Olympus OMD-EM-1-Mark-III
TruePic IX engine
7.5-stop-stabilisation
Live ND
Olympus OM-D E-M1X
2 TruePic VIII engine
7.5-stop-stabilisation
Live ND
Olympus OMD-EM-5-Mark-III
20.4 MP Live MOS sensor
121-point Phase Detection AF
6.5 stop stabilisation
Olympus OMD-EM-10-Mark-IV
5-axis Image Stabilisation
Contrast-detection AF system
TruePic VIII engine
Olympus PEN E-PL10
16.1 MP Live MOS sensor
In-body image stabilisation
Silent shooting mode
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
TruePic VIII engine
In-body 5-axis image stabilisation
121-point contrast AF
Olympus Tough TG – 6
Waterproof up to 15m
TruePic VIII engine
Macro mode
Best value-for-money product
Olympus OMD-EM-1-Mark-III is the best value-for-money product on this list. It has a TruePic IX engine and a 20 MP Live MOS sensor along with 7.5-stop-stabilisation for clear, detailed, and blur-free results. It has features like 50MP handheld high-res shot and Live ND along with a dustproof, splashproof and freezeproof body giving it the best value at this price.
Best overall product
Olympus OM-1 is the best product on this list because of the features that no camera has. It has an advanced 20 M Stacked BSI Live MOS sensor and TruePic X engine along with a Quad Pixel AI AF for clear, noiseless and accurate images. It also has 5-axis body stabilisation for blur-free results. It has several other features like an extended range of ISO up to 1,02,400, very fast shooting speed and IP53 weather protection,making it the best.
How to find the perfect camera?
Here are a few points to check while choosing the best camera:
Does the product have a good image sensor?
Does the product have an in-built image stabilisation system?
Does the product have a good autofocus system?
Does the product have good image processing capability?
These points may vary with the price range and person-to-person, but make sure to check out a few different products in the same price range before buying.
Price list
S.no
Product
Price
1.
OM System OM-1
₹1,73,990
2.
Olympus OMD-EM-1-Mark-III
₹1,67,191
3.
Olympus OM-D E-M1X
₹1,89,990
4.
Olympus OMD-EM-5-Mark-III
₹99,799
5.
Olympus OMD-EM-10-Mark-IV
₹76,228
6.
Olympus PEN E-PL10
₹85,227
7.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
₹56,999
8.
Olympus Tough TG – 6
₹39,990
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Best Olympus camera you can buy in 2022
A mirrorless camera is a type of camera which do not require a reflex mirror and instead uses a simple mechanism of lens and sensor. The light falls on the sensor after passing through the lens and the electronic viewfinder shows the live image as light falling on the sensor after which a button can be clicked to capture the image.
ISO can be defined as the sensitivity of your camera lens. The lower the ISO, the more light is required by a camera to display a well-exposed image, and the higher the ISO lesser light is needed to display a well-exposed image.
An Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) is a part of a camera that displays the image taken by the lens of the camera on a small screen so that the photographer can adjust the camera accordingly.
Micro Four Thirds system is a standard launched by Olympus and Panasonic which provides advanced shooting functions in compact equipment.
RAW is a file format where unprocessed or minimally processed data is stored as the name suggests. This is very helpful for professional photographers who want to edit the image later.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so ... we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority. Read more
