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16 Comments

  1. Freddy Van Erp
    April 12, 2022 @ 05:55

    I am also an avid Olympus camera user.
    Use the OM-E5 Mark III I cherish.
    Watch out with the hope that OM-System will one day integrate the improved menu of the OM-1 into my camera. Of course with only the possibilities of the E5 MIII
    Look forward to the OM-1 with interest but as a hobbyist I have trouble with the heavier device than the OM-E5 Mark III
    Greetings from Belgium
    Freddy

    Reply

    • Sam Thompson
      April 12, 2022 @ 16:05

      Thanks for taking the time to comment, Freddy.

      I’d like to see the capability of the OM-1 released in a rangefinder version; PEN-F Mark ll. I doubt that OMDS will roll out firmware to change the menus on previous models but it would be great to be proved wrong.

      Reply

  2. Robert Cudlipp
    April 12, 2022 @ 08:20

    Very interesting article and normal persons’ review.
    Clearly this is an excellent camera, the more so for those already invested in the excellent, and value for money Olympus/OMS lens line up.
    It should be noted that Sam is a master B and W shooter, in the past whilst out walking with his two canine companions.

    Reply

    • Sam Thompson
      April 12, 2022 @ 16:06

      Thanks for the vote of confidence, Robert!

      Reply

  3. Gerrit
    April 12, 2022 @ 10:04

    Good review. What I would be additionally interested in is a comparison between these examples and comparable pictures taken with the PEN-F.
    I doubt there would be visu difference. But I could be proven wrong.

    Reply

    • Chris Jordan
      April 12, 2022 @ 16:47

      I thought that was mentioned? 100% keepers vs 50% for the EM-1 Mk II and 10% for the PEN-F. Once the picture is nailed, in focus, then its down to the lens, especially when the pictures are then further reduced for display on the web. SO once they get to that point, little to no difference – except the picture has been nailed, rather than another “almost there”.

      Reply

  4. Sam
    April 12, 2022 @ 16:18

    Hi Gerrit,

    Thanks for taking the time to comment. I would agree that for most of the images that accompanied this article there would be little (if any) visual differences between them had they been taken with the PEN-F or OM-1. The difference is noticeable in the nighttime shots that I took at ISO1600. In the PEN-F, I need to use some denoise software (in my case, DxO DeepPrime) and for the OM-1 I don’t need it until higher ISO values are used.

    In addition, the noise from the OM-1 has a different quality to it, looking more like grain rather than noise – others may have a different view, of course.

    The other area where there is a huge improvement is with the autofocusing. I took my dogs out this week and used Procapture low with CAF + tracking and subject recognition selected for dogs. I ended up with dozens of images and not one was unusable. I would be lucky to get one in tack-sharp focus with a moving dog using the PEN-F. I honestly feel like I’m cheating!

    Reply

  5. William
    April 13, 2022 @ 04:12

    Great shots Sam ! I have been enjoying your photos on Facebook for quite a while now and really enjoy seeing the different area of Guernsey. You have a great eye for street photography.

    I started with an EM1 Mk II, then an EP-3, EM5 Mk III and recently received my OM-1 with the 12-40 F2.8 Pro II lens.

    I have been experimenting with different lenses and settings. It is really a remarkable camera.

    Reply

  6. David
    April 13, 2022 @ 08:12

    Thanks for this review and for your great photos (I also love shooting in black and white).
    I hope OMDS is thinking about a future rangefinder, the long awaited PEN FII (we street photographers would really appreciate a new version).
    One question: Where did you buy this bag in which you carry your camera and lenses? I think it’s perfect for travelling light and unobtrusive, is it on Amazon maybe? Thank you very much, Sam and I hope to read many more of your articles.
    Best regards from Barcelona!

    Reply

    • Sam Thompson
      April 22, 2022 @ 20:39

      Hi David,

      Sorry for the delay in responding.

      Yes, I bought it on Amazon. It is called Think Tank Mirrorless Mover 25i. They also do a slightly bigger one called the 30i but the 25 suits me really well.

      Many thanks for your generous feedback.

      Kind regards,

      Sam

      Reply

  7. Sam Thompson
    April 13, 2022 @ 16:17

    Thank you for the feedback, William. It’s greatly appreciated.

    Reply

  8. Roger Osborn-King
    April 21, 2022 @ 10:11

    Hi Sam – your review was fascinating, many grateful thanks – if a little frustrating as I’m still waiting for ‘my’ OM-1 ordered early in March. With hindsight I should have ordered one immediately rather than dithering! Now my trusty PEN-F looks as if it will be on duty for our Guernsey trip in two weeks’ time. No hardship certainly, but your piece has got me looking even more frequently at my email in the hope of news …

    Reply

    • Sam Thompson
      April 22, 2022 @ 20:47

      Thank you Roger,

      I hope that it arrives in time for your visit. I know that it’s a significant investment but should you be thinking of adding to your lens collection, remember that there is no GST or VAT in Guernsey so the prices from Amazon or Park Cameras delivered to Guernsey are 1/6th lower than in the UK.

      The PEN-F, as you are well aware, is no slouch in image quality, it just lacks a few refinements in AF and weather sealing.

      I’ve been on leave this week and we’ve enjoyed a great spell of weather which I hope will still be with us when you visit at the beginning of May.

      Best wishes,

      Sam

      Reply

      • Roger Osborn-King
        April 25, 2022 @ 09:53

        With OM-1 deliveries apparently at standstill, I fear it will have to be the PEN-F. Your lack of VAT will be tempting yet resisted: a recent 8-25mm cost a month’s pension (I’m 75). Fortunately, all lens look the same to my wife! I’m staying with my wife & her brother at the Duke of Richmond 9-14 May; if you can spare a few minutes, could I walk into town one morning and buy you a coffee? I can be reached on 07472 120 861 or roger@wwwords.co.uk.

        Reply

  9. Michael Atlas
    April 25, 2022 @ 15:44

    I can’t wait until OMDS puts this technology in a smaller body like the Pen-F or the E-M5. I like having one full size pro body with all of my most commonly used controls at my fingertips, and a smaller one for more deliberate but unobtrusive shooting with a prime lens. Right now I have an E-M1 II & E-M5 III which are the same sensor & processor in different form factors. My dad is more of a bird shooter. I have an OM-1 on back order for him and he’s going to swap me his E-M1 III + cash for it as he’s the one with the most to gain from the OM-1. For me, the E-M1 III’s AF joystick, auto ISO in manual video, handheld high res shot & better IBIS are plenty meaningful upgrades over my E-M1 II.

    Reply

  10. Bob Jenkin
    January 9, 2023 @ 16:17

    Some lovely shots here, and a lot of them at very different settings. Good to see that the OM1 performed so well across a wide range of ISO. I took delivery of my OM1 a month ago and still finding my feet. Initial results are encouraging though.

    Thanks for the great review.

    Reply

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