Olympus put a great deal of effort into producing a flagship mirrorless camera that can match up against all but the most powerful DSLRs. While the EM-1 is slightly more expensive than comparable DSLRs, its weatherproofed body means enthusiast shooters need not fear adverse weather.

Great image quality; 10 fps burst shooting mode; Sharp; informative electronic viewfinder; Fast autofocus; Large number of customizable controls; Weatherproof magnesium alloy body

Steep learning curve; Mediocre video; Short battery life

The most advanced technological improvement on the E-M1 is the on-sensor phase detection element, which gives the camera two distinct focus modes. The OM-D E-M1 can connect wirelessly to Android and iOS devices to transfer images, and with an app, your smartphone can act as a remote control.

Excellent stills quality; Lighter than DSLR cameras; Superb electronic viewfinder

"Kludgy" interface; Disappointing video

? Updated: Firmware 2.0 page added The Olympus E-M1 is the latest addition to the Olympus compact system camera (CSC) line-up and it's aimed at professional and enthusiast photographers. It doesn't replace the Olympus OM-D E-M5, but sits above it.

It was only a year and a half ago when Olympus showed that a small, stylish camera with no mirror and a little sensor could hang in the big leagues. Many photographers instantly fell in love with the OM-D E-M5 .

The 16 megapixel E-M1 is the company's top micro four thirds camera. It has a 2.36 megapixel electronic viewfinder, dual contrast and phase detection auto focus, five axis sensor-shift stabilisation and built-in Wi-Fi with remote control from a smartphone. The LCD swivels on the vertical plane.

On the other side of the bodyshell – which comprises magnesium alloy covers and is both fully sealed and insulated – is a dedicated compartment for the memory card which is just so much more convenient than having it share the battery's compartment in the base.

Retro is in. Or at least, most camera-makers seem to be saying so. Though I\'ve never found anything wrong in that approach, it does seem like the legendary OM series from Olympus has taken a step in the wrong direction and seems to have lost itself in the design wilderness.

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 surpasses everything that we have seen so far from an ILC. Providing amazing performance and image quality that rivals a lower level pro mode dSLR, this much smaller camera is ready to go anywhere and perform in all situations. Read more in our Full Conclusion .

iAuto shooting mode is accurate and easy in all situations; Dedicated Video Capture Button is always ready to record Full 1080p movies; Sealed Body and Magnesium Alloy frame provide a tough; go anywhere camera; Excellent overall image quality; Great Low-Light performance; Manual Mode offers complete...

No built-in flash - possible to forget or not bring the included attachable flash unit; Highest ISO settings are unacceptable due to image noise; Very high price tag for an ILC

The OM-D E-M1 is the best mirrorless camera ever from Olympus, and it's attracting interest from serious photographers who had, up until now, ignored Olympus and Micro Four Thirds technology. But the E-M1 deserves all the attention--it's the new champ in the "lightweight heavyweight" class.

The OM-D E-M1 is the best mirrorless camera ever from Olympus, and it's attracting interest from serious photographers who had, up until now, ignored Olympus and Micro Four Thirds technology. But the E-M1 deserves all the attention--it's the new champ in the "lightweight heavyweight" class.