The Olympus E-M1 builds upon the legacy of the outstanding OM-D E-M5, adding not only a ton of features geared for pros and advanced enthusiasts, but also an on-chip, phase-detect autofocusing system that delivers the responsiveness that Olympus Four Thirds DSLR owners have long been waiting for.

Exceptional rugged, weather-proof, professional build; Lightning fast contrast-detect AF, and phase-detect AF that makes Four Thirds lenses far more responsive; Tons of useful physical controls with immense customizability; Arguably the best image quality of any Micro Four Thirds camera we've tested...

Bigger and heavier than many other compact system cameras; Most expensive Micro Four Thirds camera on the market to date; Menu system and customization options have a steep learning curve; No optical low-pass filter means greater risk of moire; No built-in flash, Larger and heavier than most compact...

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 was one of the most popular cameras of last year, owing to the combination of an impressive specification, attractive retro looks and excellent image quality. The E-M1 looks to pick up where the E-M5 left off.

Superb electronic viewfinder; Responsive AF system; Good image quality; Sturdy build

JPEG files somewhat over-processed

Back in 2012, when we reviewed the Olympus OM-D E-M5 we called it the "best Olympus compact system camera to date, and also a strong contender for best compact system camera full stop.

, this means this camera should be, and thankfully is capable of the highest quality photos of any Micro Four Thirds camera, and when used with high quality prime lenses, the difference can be seen, although is quite subtle at times, with the previous model, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 already providing...

Best ever image quality from Micro Four Thirds; Support for both Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds lenses; In camera HDR preview and creation; Wi-Fi remote shooting improved; Improved handling and DSLR styling; 10fps continuous shooting; with good number before slowing down; Impressive 5-axis image...

Focus peaking not available in video mode; Video options better on other cameras (GH3; High price when bought with kit lenses; Lacks automatic panoramic creation mode

This review supplements the detailed 'First Look' at the OM-D E-M1 , which we published in September and focuses upon the new camera's performance in our standard suite of tests with the new M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro lens , which is reviewed separately.

Lack of time and sleep during the past 6 months due to my hectic schedule have resulted in severe delays of publishing reviews on this website. On one hand, I wish I wrote this review much earlier when I first got the Olympus OM-D E-M1.

The OM-D E-M1 represents the best that Olympus has to offer in the compact system camera (CSC) market. It's a Micro Four Thirds-based, interchangeable lens camera that balances the needs of pros and enthusiast photographers in one neat, and solid package.

Strong build quality; Excellent controls; Excellent image quality; Fast performance

Shutter button too squishy for our liking; Some noticeable LCD and EVF flickering under fluro lights

The second of the bigger mirror-less cameras from Olympus, the E-M1 reinvents the an SLR from the 70s with bits of today, making it a standout camera for tomorrow.

Great design and weight; Two megapixel viewfinder is very clear; Supports WiFi and wireless shooting with smartphone app; Smartphone camera application can show images building in real time; Lock button for keeping shooting mode selected; Lots of buttons; Comes with small external flash

While we like the amount of buttons; this number may confuse people; Screen only pops out at various angles; as per normal with other Olympus cameras; No built-in flash; Colour filtration modes only officially apply to JPEG; and while can be used with movies; can't be shut off in these modes

Long battery life; Weatherproofing; Cinema 4K; High resolution viewfinder; Excellent tracking focus ;

Very expensive; Strange menu setup; Only one UHS-II memory card slot ;

I've said it before and I'll say it again: the Olympus OMD EM1 is a triumph, a highly satisfying camera that I can highly recommend to anyone who wants semi-pro performance and handling without the heft of a traditional DSLR.

Excellent image quality with very usable OOC JPEGs; Weather-proof body; Built-in stabilisation works with any lens you attach; Superb ergonomics; controls & customization; Large & detailed electronic viewfinder.

Image quality no better than EM5 or GX7; Continuous AF isn't as confident as a DSLR using v/f; Phase Detect AF not used for movies or MFT lenses; Movies only available at 30fps; Focus peaking only for stills; not movies; Timelapse & miniature movies encoded at low frame rate; Only one memory card...