Olympus OM-D E-M1 (2013)

A 16-megapixel mirrorless body from 2013 that still earns 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 marked Olympus’s entry into the high-end segment of its OM-D line, positioned as a professional-grade tool with robust build and deep customization. At its core is a Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) CMOS sensor, CMOS) capable of capturing images at a maximum resolution of 4608 x 3456 pixels, equating to 16.0 effective megapixels. The image processor, the TruePIC VII, handles data from the sensor and supports the camera’s responsiveness, particularly in live view and menu navigation.

One of the defining traits of the E-M1 is its interface philosophy—engineered for speed and direct access. The 3-inch LCD screen supports touch input, allowing quick focusing and menu interaction, while the electronic viewfinder (EVF)) provides an eye-level preview. A proximity sensor automatically switches the display output between the EVF and the LCD when the user raises the camera to their eye—a feature that can be disabled if desired. This seamless transition enhances shooting fluidity, especially in dynamic environments.

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 camera intelligently toggles the live preview between the EVF and the rear LCD based on the proximity sensor’s detection of the user’s eye. This behavior mimics the optical finder experience of DSLRs and reduces the need for manual display selection.

Super Control Panel Access

Pressing the OK button brings up the Super Control Panel, a comprehensive overlay that provides quick access to key shooting settings into a single, navigable screen. According to user feedback, this design drastically reduces menu diving, allowing adjustments without interrupting 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 features multiple physical controls that can be reassigned to suit individual workflows. These include 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 positioned as the flagship of Olympus’s OM-D series, representing the highest-end category with professional design and features. It followed the consumer-oriented E-M5 and improved upon its electronics, particularly the EVF, which reviewers noted was a step up from the earlier model found in the E-M5). Its launch in 2013 placed it during a critical 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, reflecting its prosumer positioning. As of current market data, used units are available from $174 to $489, with nine listings reported on MPB. No documented common failures or maintenance concerns are present in the available documentation.