3 OM System Cameras That Excel in Bird Photography

Many bird photographers prefer the OM System for its design, durability, features, and extra reach. The company makes some of the strongest cameras, with features such as computational photography adding to its appeal. If you are someone who wants to buy a Four Thirds camera for bird photography, then this post will help you choose the next companion for your adventures. These cameras have been reviewed by us in the real world, so every pro (and con) should be taken seriously when you decide to buy.

OM System OM1

The OM1 is a professional camera for bird photography, featuring a 20MP MOS sensor, TruePic X processor, and IP63 weather sealing. The camera can shoot up to 120fps in s-AF, has ISO up to 25,600, and a 5.76MP EVF. As for autofocus, it has 1053 cross-type AF points, and it can detect humans, birds, animals, trains, and vehicles. The AF sensitivity is also at -8 EVF at f1.2. The camera locks easily onto birds and animals, the image quality in low light is great, and the ergonomics will please you, too. “In most situations, the OM System OM1 did an excellent job finding a bird, locking onto it, and getting the photos I wanted,” we said in our review.

Why didn’t we recommend the second version of this camera? Well, we thought it was mostly a firmware update. So there’s no need to go for it.

OM System OMD EM1 III

The OMD EM1 III is another 20MP camera, which features TruePic IX, weather sealing, and 5-axis image stabilization. Ideal for bird photography, it features 10fps burst shooting with tracking and a 121-point phase-detection system. It also includes 2.34M dot EVF, 12-bit RAW, and a 3-inch 1037 m-dot LCD screen. The camera performed well when it came to continuous autofocus,  processor, and handheld high-res. The weather sealing is incredible, having survived sand and saltwater. “Wildlife photographers that need durability and are holding out for some new firmware updates will love the Olympus OMD EM1 III,” we said in the review.

OM System OMD EM1X

The OMD EM1X is an expensive offering from OM System. It features a 21MP MOS sensor, a Dual TruePic VIII processor, and 5-axis image stabilization. It comes with 121 AF points, 5, 9, or 25 area focusing options, and face detection with eye detection. The ISO goes up to 6400, and there is also a 3-inch LCD. As for shooting speed, it can capture 60fps in silent mode with AF/AE lock and 18fps with continuous AF/AE tracking. “One of the best weather-sealed mirrorless cameras I’ve ever tested,” we said in our review. It has a very quick focus, light weight, and easy to carry around. The camera is ideal for anyone who wants to capture birds in their habitats, rather than in flight.

We do hope these three cameras are able to help you choose and pick the best for your budget and needs. There are also exceptional lenses from the company that can grow your arsenal for bird photography.