Olympus OM-D E-M1 (2013)
A 16-megapixel mirrorless body from 2013 that still gets praise for its tactile controls and responsive interface
Overview
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 is a compact mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera introduced on September 10, 2013. It was the high-end body in the OM-D line, built as a professional tool with a sturdy body and deep customization. The sensor is a Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) CMOS sensor, CMOS) with a maximum resolution of 4608 x 3456 pixels, or 16.0 effective megapixels. The TruePIC VII image processor handles the sensor data and keeps live view and menu navigation responsive.
The E-M1 is built around speed and direct access. The 3-inch LCD takes touch input for quick focusing and menu work, and the electronic viewfinder (EVF)) gives an eye-level preview. A proximity sensor switches the display between the EVF and the LCD when the user raises the camera to their eye. You can turn that off if you don't like it.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Olympus |
| Model | OM-D E-M1 |
| Product Type | compact mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera |
| Introduction Date | September 10, 2013 |
| Sensor Size | Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) |
| Sensor Type | CMOS |
| Effective Megapixels | 16.0 |
| Maximum Resolution | 4608 x 3456 |
| Image Processor | TruePIC VII |
| Viewfinder | electronic viewfinder (EVF) |
| LCD Screen | 3-Inch LCD |
| Touch Screen | Yes |
| Display Switching | Automatic (proximity sensor) |
| Proximity Sensor Control | Can be turned off |
| Control Panel | Super Control Panel (accessible via OK button) |
| Customizable Controls | Programmable buttons and dials |
| Menu System | Custom Menu |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| Native Lenses Available | 132 |
| Battery | Requires charging |
Key Features
Proximity-Sensitive Display Switching
The proximity sensor detects the user's eye and moves the live preview between the EVF and the rear LCD. This mimics the optical finder experience of a DSLR and removes the need to pick a display by hand.
Super Control Panel Access
Pressing the OK button brings up the Super Control Panel, an overlay that puts the key shooting settings on a single screen. According to user feedback, this cuts down on menu diving and lets you make adjustments without breaking composition. One user noted, “The Live Super Control Panel is much better and puts all the crucial controls right at your fingertips (literally).”
Programmable Buttons and Dials
The E-M1 has several physical controls that can be reassigned to fit different workflows, including programmable buttons and dials. As one user put it, “With the EM1 you'll quickly realize there are enough programmable buttons in strategic places that you'll rarely have to dig into the camera’s menu.”
Historical Context
The OM-D E-M1 was the flagship of the Olympus OM-D series, the highest-end category, with professional design and features. It followed the consumer-oriented E-M5 and improved the electronics. The EVF in particular, which reviewers noted was a step up from the earlier model found in the E-M5). Its 2013 launch came during a transition period when mirrorless systems began challenging DSLRs in performance and ergonomics.
Collectibility & Value
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 launched at a body-only price of US$1,400, which reflects its prosumer positioning. Current market data shows used units from $174 to $489, with nine listings reported on MPB. No common failures or maintenance concerns are documented in the available documentation.
Market Value
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 Nov 2026 │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ High $868 Latest $606 │ │ Median $526 Trend — │ │ Low $292 Volume ~32/mo │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ $900 ┤ │ │ │ . . .. .... . . .. ... . .. │ │ │ ... ....... . .. .... │ │ $600 ┤ . .... ...... ....... .. .│ │ │ . .. ......... . .............. │ │ │.. . .......................... │ │ │ . .. .... .. ........ .. ... │ │ $200 ┤ .. . . . ... . │ │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ vol │▁▁ ▁▁ ▁▁ ▁ ▁▃▃▅▃▂▅▄▄▇▆▄▂▄▃▅█▅▄▃▅▅▅▄▂▅▃▄▂▁│ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ 2025-11 2026-04 2026-08│ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
eBay completed sales. Excludes accessories, parts, and non-working units. Hover points for details.
eBay Listings
Recently sold on eBay: $339–$804 (median $526, based on 254 completed sales, past 12 months)
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