Olympus OM-D E-M1 Specs and Scores
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General
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Olympus OM-D E-M1
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Price | |
Brand | Olympus |
Model | OM-D E-M1 |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2013 |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | September 10, 2013 |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless |
Camera Size | |
Camera Weight |
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 earns a score of 59/100 in our evaluation. Launched in 2013 with a price tag of $1399, this mirrorless camera has dimensions of 130 x 94 x 63mm and weighs 497g, or 1.10lbs. Despite being an older model, the E-M1 still holds its own in today’s market, offering solid specifications for photography enthusiasts. The camera’s dimensions and weight make it a compact and portable option, perfect for capturing life’s moments.
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Overview and Optics
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 receives a score of 58/100 for its optics. This camera features a 16.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, with a shooting speed of 10 frames per second. Its processor is the TruePic VII, and it has a DXOMARK score of 73 for its sensor performance. The camera uses a Micro Four Thirds sensor size, with a Micro 4/3 lens mount. It also includes image stabilization and has an aspect ratio of 4:3.
These specifications place the E-M1 in a competitive position within today’s market. The 16.3-megapixel resolution is on par with many other cameras, while the 10 fps shooting speed is suitable for capturing fast-paced action. The TruePic VII processor ensures efficient image processing, and the DXOMARK score of 73 confirms the sensor’s solid performance. The Micro Four Thirds sensor size and lens mount provide compatibility with a wide range of lenses, while the image stabilization helps in capturing sharp images.
The Olympus OM-D E-M1’s optics provide a reliable and versatile performance for various photography needs. Its specifications make it a strong contender in the current camera market, offering photographers a capable tool for capturing quality images.
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Optics
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Olympus OM-D E-M1
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 16.3 MP |
Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 4608 x 3456 px |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 13 x 17.3 mm |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Micro Four Thirds |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 10 fps |
Lens Mount The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Micro 4/3 |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | TruePic VII |
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  4:3 |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 200 |
Maximum ISO (Native) Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 25,600 |
Minimum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 100 |
Maximum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 25600 |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 60 s |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 1/ 8000 s |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 800 |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   |
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Electronic |
Viewfinder Resolution | 2,360,000 dots |
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Video Performance
The Olympus OM-D E-M1’s video capabilities receive a score of 57 out of 100. The camera features a maximum video resolution of Full HD (1920 x 1080) and can record at a maximum frame rate of 30fps. This resolution and frame rate is a standard feature in the market, but it falls short when compared to the 4K video capabilities of many contemporary cameras.
Additionally, the E-M1 includes built-in time-lapse functionality, which is a useful feature for creating dynamic videos. However, considering the rapid advancements in video technology, the E-M1’s video capabilities may not meet the expectations of users looking for cutting-edge performance in this area.
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 delivers solid video performance but may not be the top choice for those prioritizing video capabilities in their camera selection.
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Video
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Olympus OM-D E-M1
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  |
Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  Full HD |
Max Video Dimensions Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 1920 x 1080 px |
Max Video Frame Rate How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 30 p |
Time-Lapse Built In A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  |
Video File Format Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | Motion JPEG |
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Features and Benefits
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 receives a feature score of 70 out of 100. With a 3-inch touchscreen and a resolution of 1,037,000 dots, the camera provides a clear and responsive user interface. The flip screen adds versatility, allowing users to capture images from various angles. However, the camera lacks GPS and Bluetooth capabilities, but compensates with built-in Wi-Fi for easy sharing and remote control.
Comparing the E-M1’s features to other cameras in today’s market, it holds a strong position with its touchscreen, flip screen, and Wi-Fi functions. However, the absence of GPS and Bluetooth might be considered a drawback for some users. Despite these minor shortcomings, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 remains a reliable and user-friendly option for photography enthusiasts.
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Features
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Olympus OM-D E-M1
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |   |
External Flash External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  |
Screen Type | LCD |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  |
Screen Size |  3" |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 1,037,000 dots |
Flip Screen A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  |
Wi-Fi |  |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  |
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Storage and Battery
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 receives a storage and battery score of 21/100. This camera has a single memory card slot that accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. In today’s market, having only one memory card slot might not be sufficient for professionals who require backup storage options.
Regarding battery life, the E-M1 provides 350 shots per charge with its BLN-1 battery. This battery life is considered low compared to competitors in the market. Moreover, the camera lacks USB charging capabilities, which can be a drawback for users who need on-the-go charging options.
Taking into account the storage and battery specifications, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 falls short in meeting the demands of today’s photographers.
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Storage and Battery
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Olympus OM-D E-M1
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
Dual Memory Card Slots |  |
Battery Type | BLN-1 |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 350 shots |
USB Charging |  |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Olympus OM-D E-M1
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |
Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 23 bits |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 12.7 EVs |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 757 |
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Scores
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User Scores
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B&H photo video |