E-M5 III vs. OM-5 II: Was the Switch Worth It?

A while back, I wrote a post asking a question many were wondering: Is the Olympus E-M5 Mark III still a good choice in 2025?

When the OM-5 II finally hit the shelves, I saw enough of an upgrade on paper to trade in my trusty E-M5 III. Now that I’ve had it in my bag for about five months, I’ve had plenty of time to move past the "honeymoon phase." I think I finally have a clear answer on whether this was actually a worthwhile upgrade or just a shiny new box.

Why You Might Want to Skip This Upgrade

Let’s start with the reasons to keep your trusty E-M5 III. If you’re looking for a revolution, you might be disappointed.

1. The Flash Situation
   One "hidden" change is that the OM-5 II can no longer fire the FL-LM3. That’s the tiny, clever flash that draws its power directly from the camera. The original OM-5 kept the hardware for it, but with the Mark II, OM SYSTEM decided to ditch it. If that specific flash is a staple in your kit, the OM-5 I might actually be the better choice—though you’d be trading away USB-C for it.
2. Identical Image Quality
   If you were hoping for a bump in megapixels or a brand-new sensor, I have bad news. The image quality is exactly the same. But, as I mentioned in last year’s post, 20 megapixels is still plenty. This sensor still delivers awesome images with that classic Olympus/OM look we love.
3. Same Old Auto Focus
   You’re probably seeing a pattern here. The AF system hasn't really changed. It’s reliable, but it’s not the massive leap forward some were dreaming of. If you'd like to do wildlife photography, grab and OM-1 or OM-3.
4. And last, but not least
   If you are completely satisfied with the E-M5 III, why are you even reading this blog post? Keep it and don't worry. Fight the GAS! ;)

Why the OM-5 II is Still a Winner

So, if the sensor and AF are the same, why bother? For me, it comes down to quality of life.

1. The Death of "Cable Salad"
   Some people might roll their eyes at this, but having USB-C is a total game-changer in my book. Being able to charge the camera with the same cable I use for my laptop and almost every other device and camera significantly reduces my "cable salad" when traveling or even at home. It’s one of those small things you appreciate every single day.
2. Computational Photography
   This is where the camera really punches above its weight. The built-in features make it incredibly capable without needing a tripod or extra gear:
   Live ND, handheld(!!!) High Res mode, HDR and more. The addition of the dedicated CP (Computational Photography) button is a master-stroke. It makes these features so much more accessible that I actually find myself using them instead of forgetting they exist.
3. Built for the "Great" German Weather
   Then there’s the IP53 weather sealing. Granted, the E-M5 III wasn't exactly "made out of sugar". It could handle a splash. But with the OM-5 II, you basically don't have to worry about anything anymore. Since I’m usually carrying my cameras out in the open, regardless of whatever "awesome" weather Germany throws at me, that peace of mind is worth a lot.
4. A Menu System That Actually Makes Sense
   Finally, we have the new menus. I never shared the intense "menu-hate" some people had for the old Olympus system, but there’s no denying the new ones are just better. They are faster to navigate, and the "My Menu" section is great for customization. Honestly, though, that CP button handles so much of the heavy lifting that I barely have to dive into the menus anymore anyway!

The Verdict

Navigating the camera market can be a headache if you aren't following every minor release. If you already have an E-M5 III and you're happy with your workflow, you aren't missing out on image quality.

But if you value weather resistance, modern charging, and smart features that make shooting easier, the OM-5 II is a fantastic companion. For me? I’m happy I made the switch.

Update: Sorry folks, I claimed that the OM-5 II has a Gradual ND filter. That's wrong. Only normal ND filter.