The OM Digital Solutions OM System OM-1 camera is kind of the end of an era (as well as the beginning of a new one) as it will be the last to feature the Olympus logo after the sale of Olympus’s camera business back in 2020.
The Micro Four-Thirds OM-1 is being launched as the new flagship camera for OM Digital and serves as the natural successor to previous high-end Olympus cameras such as the O-MD E-M1 Mark III.
Sensor/Processor
The OM-1 features a new 20.4-megapixel stacked CMOS sensor and upgraded TruePic X processor that OM Digital says is up to 3 times faster than previous models.
Thanks to the updated processor, the OM-1 is able to shoot stills at 50fps (blackout free) with both autofocus and auto exposure or a blisteringly fast 120fps with exposure and focus set at the first frame.
The faster processor also improves the high-resolution (50-megapixel hand-held, 80-megapixel with tripod) mode by speeding up the time it takes to combine the images (in-camera) to less than 5 seconds and offering 2 stops of improved noise performance.
View OM SYSTEM OM-1 Camera Pricing and Availability at Vistek
Autofocus System
A new quad-pixel autofocus system (a first for any camera) uses a quad-division photo diode configuration offering 1,053 all cross-type phase-detection focus points that can be focused virtually anywhere on the sensor.
This Cross Quad Pixel AF system allows the camera to focus on various patterns and subjects across all pixels and the entire shooting range.
The OM-1 also brings improved ISO sensitivity up to 25,600 (expandable up to 102,400) as well as improved dynamic range.
Image Stabilization, Neutral Density Mode and Focus Stacking
The body features 5-axis Image stabilization offering up to 7 stops of compensation and up to 8 stops of Sync IS compensation when paired with a compatible lens.
There is also a new Hand-held Assist feature that OM Digital says will make it easier to capture slow shutter speed effects that previously would have required the use of a tripod.
Live Neutral Density mode has also been given a boost and can be extended up to ND 64 (6 stops) and the Live Composite feature offers a Lighten Composite mode that targets specific areas of a composite image helping to prevent a common issue with long exposure photography where the overall image becomes too bright.
For those who employ focus-stacking (especially when shooting macro photography) will be pleased to hear that the OM-1’s focus-stacking system can stack 15 photos together in less than 5 seconds.
There is also a new high-speed AI Detection AF mode which uses deep learning technology to quickly identify non-human subjects such as high speed vehicles (race cars, aircraft etc.), birds as well as cats and dogs.
Video Capabilities
The OM-1 can capture 4K footage, either in UHD or DCI ratio, at up to 60p or Full HD footage at up to 240 fps.
It supports 8-bit H.264, H.265 10-bit as well as Multi-Frame Rate for recording video footage over 30 minutes in length.
Note: Recording in 10-bit switches the camera across to either OM-Log mode (for colour grading in post) or Hybrid Log Gamma mode (for viewing footage directly on a HDR display).
12-bit 4:4:4: RAW output to an external device such as the Atomos Ninja V/Ninja V+ (enabled in an upcoming firmware update from Atomos) via the micro-HMDI connecter is also supported.
Moving to 10-bit switches the camera across to either OM-Log mode (for if you plan to color grade your footage in ‘post), or Hybrid Log Gamma mode (if you plan to view your footage directly on an HDR display).
OM Design says that the OM-1 will shoot for up to 90 minutes on a single battery charge, and for over 2 hours when using an external power source without any overheating concerns.
Other Features
- Reliable SSWF (Supersonic Wave Filter) dust reduction system that vibrates at a speed of more than 30,000 times per second to instantly remove dirt and dust from the image sensor
- Highly durable shutter unit that clears 400,000 shutter actuations (according to in-house testing conditions)
- Staggered layout UHS-II compatible dual SD card slots make it easier to remove recording media
- Five rating categories in the on-camera rating system
- Night view mode makes it possible to view subjects even in dark environments
- Starry Sky AF makes focusing on stars easier than ever
- Record shooting location information with minimal power drain (smartphone connection)
- Equipped with an independent AEL button and AF-ON button
