Reviewers HATED This Camera… Were They Right? (1-Year REVIEW)

Are you wondering if the OM SYSTEM OM-5 is actually worth buying in 2025? In this video, I share my 1-Year Review of the OM SYSTEM OM-5, breaking down my experience after a full year of use. I address the complaints from reviewers, explain why they HATED this camera, and highlight the surprising strengths that might make it the right camera for you.

Despite criticism about lacking some things, the OM SYSTEM OM-5 has its own charm for photographers who value portability, Micro Four Thirds lenses, and weather sealing. Whether you're a landscape photographer, street shooter, or just curious about the world of MFT cameras, this video is for you.

"Sometimes, capturing the perfect shot isn't about what's in front of you, but how you see it."

◦ GEAR I USE

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[innercityunit]

At the end of the day, Jimmy, it really doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks about your gear, editing style, or the photos you take. If you enjoy using your camera and love the images you create, that’s what truly matters. This sentiment applies to all photographers. Sure, it’s nice when others appreciate your work, but so much of the hype around the latest 'must-have' gear feels like noise, people chasing trends to seem relevant. A lot of it lacks substance. Stick with what you love, and keep creating. I watch your content because you come across as genuine, and I enjoy your photography. Simple as that. It’s great to connect with others who truly love photography.

[jpsteiner]

Bought my OM-5 about 18 months ago. Loved it then. Still love it. Frankly, I don't understand the haters. Like you, I've used it in horrible weather, and it excels! The IBIS is wonderful. The colors are great, and you can tweak color settings and highlights/shadows settings to create wonderful out of camera jpegs.

Would I like USB-C? Yes. Do I lose sleep over it? No.

It's great for street photos, taking on hikes and walks, photographing family and everyday life.

And it's fun to use.

The OM-1 menu wouldn't work. That would require the Truepic X processor, which consumes a lot more power. This would mean a new or bigger battery... and a bigger body.

OM Systems made the right choice. Great camera at a good price.

[rogerprism]

Here's what the "haters" don't seem to understand. OM Systems took all of the AWESOME features of the E-M1 III and shoehorned them into a camera with E-M5 III size and price. This alone is an accomplishment worth celebrating!

[edwin_ac]

I'm an OM5 user since August 2023. I use it with the Olympus 12-45mm f4. I love this combination for vesatility. That lens is sharp. I think this is a better option than buying a Fuji X100 VI.

[elderton]

Great to see a review from a normal person not just one of their ambassadors using ridiculously long and expensive lenses. A bit more real world. Well done mate.

[Wessexphotography]

Hello Jimmy. I got this camera last September 2024, after selling all my Nikon gear, I was well aware of the reviews but there's only one person I listen to, and that's me. You are right that the 12-45 f4 is a perfect lens for it but I resently got the Panasonic 14mm F2.5 which is always on my camera now, except when I do wildlife with it ( which In fact it's very capable of doing). Like you I use a separate dongle to download my images to my ipad and the only time I use the micro USB in when I'm hiking to recharge the camera after a days shooting, I have no issues with the camera, I fact since I've got it I've dropped it from waist height 3 times with lens attached and it bounced and still works. I'm in a place with my photography now that suits me just fine, whenever I go out, even if it's to do the grocery shop the om5 is in my jacket pocket with the 14mm F2.5, it literally goes everywhere with me. I couldn't do that with my big Nikon gear.
Great Channel Jimmy, keep up the good work and positive voice for the om5.
Joe.

[I-s-a-b-e-l-l-e--S]

I'd like to add, also, that anyone coming from an older camera, like me coming from the 2016 Pen-F, will find the OM-5 features really amazing, especially the computational functions. The OM-5 introduced me into HH High Res, Pro-capture, Live ND, and I can't wait to test the Starry sky AF... all specs I couldn't imagine not to have from now on !! 😃

[YannickKhong]

On the USBC thing: My BLS batteries have usb-c sockets

On more hating:
- Camera is plastic: I don't mind, they are staying true to Yoshihisa Maitani's vision to shaving weight off the camera without affecting its build quality/performance (except for people who die by the capture clip attached to the tripod mount)
- Tripod mount is weak: an L-Plate attachment completely fixes this issue.
- Rehashed EM5iii body: OM5 runs the EM1iii C-AF system which is still the latest AF system under the OM1.
- One of the rare cameras with an IP53 certification which means it's certified to live in rain for longer than even pro cameras like the Nikon Z9.

On the 14mm, just get the Leica/DJI 15 :)

In the end, "fans" are often too stuck reading spec sheets and getting "influenced" by media without understanding the design compromises that still make the OM5 a superior "small camera" to competitors. Best to silence them with good content.

[tedphillips]

I have never understood the put downs of the Olympus (OM System) cameras. I have used them for years & love it for all types of photography & for travel it is the best hands down!

[craigwarman]

I like the accurate colors. Pics are so close to what i remember, I seldom have mess with adjustments. Pics of Canyonlands and Arches sandstones were accurate and natural, while Albuquerque Balloon festival had punchy but not oversaturated colors. Seems like youtubers of other brands have to fuss with that stuff more.
I have larger hands, so I got a cheap L bracket / grip off Ali that was unexpectedly made very well. It makes it bigger, but i like that the convenience of an always there tripod mount and a sturdier hand feel.
Perhaps some jealousy of the bird tracking in the Om-1, but I not an extra $1200 jealous.
Nice video, Jimmy

[JohnCourt-jm]

I brought mine late last year. I have the kit 14-150mm kit lens and love it. Got a second hand 50mm f1.8 . The IBIS is mind-blowing and I hardly use my tripod anymore..

[tn]

I would suggest waiting on the lens purchases because OM are about to launch a bunch of small weather sealed primes, which i'm hoping will be a perfect marriage with the OM5. They're also releasing a new camera soon as well. Exciting times ahead.

[johnstephen]

I totally agree Jimmy, I read the bad reviews and went out and bought an OM-5 18 months ago. I’ve also got a prime 45 f.1.8, a 12-45 f4 pro and a 45-150 f4 pro. That’s all I need because I absolutely love them. I’ve never had photographs soo sharp with so beautiful colours. I think there’s gonna be weather sealed primes coming out this year too, so very exciting.

[Isabelle-]

Hello I subscribed because I greatly appreciate that the OM-5 is your main camera ! (as it is for me) All other pro photographers have the OM-1 as the main cam. and some have the OM-5 as a second one. The only specs I regret with the OM-5 are the lack of bird mode for AF and the Live ND limited to 64. Other wise BEST CAM IN THE WORLD !!! 😆🤩🤩

[gordon]

The 15 mm 1.7 Leica is a nice add, albeit not too wide. Nice for video too. Even if you get rich you would enjoy!

[ChrisWalton-ywjh]

Nice, I'm thinking about buying one. Fits my needs.

[npdf]

This is a brilliant camera Jimmy.. my advice to anyone is don’t listen to the media.. especially about camera equipment.. I used to use Sony FF and switched to OM and never looked back brilliant system ❤❤ Pete

[villegas]

Great photos Jimmy. Never used Olympus but it looks like a great camera especially in your hands

[I-s-a-b-e-l-l-e--S]

I was thinking about having a 2nd camera body along with my main one, the OM-5. After a few weeks of reflection I came to the conclusion : yes I'm going to have a second body, and it will be a second OM-5 !! 🤣😂 this camera is so awsome !!! 🥇🥇🥇 So I just ordered a silver one because my 1st one is black 😁📷📷 Thank you for the videos.

[qphase]

I have a pair and use them frequently. My main camera is an om1 II but, i'm just as likely to grab the om-5's for eclectic tasks.