OM SYSTEM OM-1 Quick Start Guide

Overview

This Quick Guide provides a quick introductory overview of the OM-1 camera. For detailed information and instructions on using your OM SYSTEM equipment, please refer to the respective user manuals available on the OM SYSTEM support pages.

OM SYSTEM offers several access points with a great mix of technical, community, and educational content to accompany your photography adventures:

The guide is structured with the following sections:

Overview (Page 3)
Super Control Panel (Page 6)
Modes: PASM, B (Page 8)
Custom Modes: C1, C2, C3, C4 (Page 10)
Autofocus (Page 12)

Camera Anatomy

Familiarize yourself with the key components of the OM-1:

Front Side

Shutter button ?
Mode dial ⚙️
Mode dial lock [lock]
Front dial [dial]
Self-timer lamp / AF illuminator ?
(One-touch white balance) button [WB]
(Preview) button [preview]
ON/OFF lever [ON/OFF]
(AF/metering mode) button & (Sequential shooting/self-timer/ flash) button [AF/meter & seq/flash]
External flash terminal ⚡
Lens release button [release]

Back Side

(AF/metering mode) button & (Sequential shooting/self-timer/ flash) button [AF/meter & seq/flash]
MENU button [MENU]
Live view button [LIVE VIEW]
Viewfinder ?️
Eye sensor [eye sensor]
Fn lever [FN]
Diopter adjustment dial [diopter]
Touch screen monitor ?
Mode dial ⚙️
D (Erase) button ❌
Rear dial [dial]
ISO / f (Rating) button [ISO/f]
AF-ON button [AF-ON]
AEL / 0 (Protect) button [AEL/protect]
Multi selector [selector]
Arrow pad / OK button [arrows/OK]
INFO button [INFO]
q (Playback) button ▶️
Battery Charge Lamp ?
Loud Speaker ?

Top Side

Stereo microphone ?
External flash terminal ⚡
(Sequential shooting /self-timer/flash) button [seq/flash]
(AF/metering mode) button [AF/meter]
ON/OFF lever [ON/OFF]
Front dial [dial]
Shutter button ?
R (Movie)/ h (High Res Shot)/H (selection) button [Movie/HiRes/Select]

Left Side

Hot shoe ⚡
Mode dial lock [lock]

Right Side

Mode dial ⚙️
Shutter button ?
ISO / f (Rating) button [ISO/f]
Rear dial [dial]
Microphone jack (3.5 mm stereo minijack for third-party microphones) ?
Headphone jack (3.5 mm stereo minijack for third-party headphones) ?
HDMI connector [HDMI]
USB connector [USB]
Remote cable terminal [remote]
UHS-II Card slot ?️
UHS-II Card slot ?️

Key Features

Portability

The OM-1, combined with M.Zuiko lenses, offers unrivaled portability. Its small and lightweight body produces the highest image quality. Compared to 35mm cameras, equivalent lenses are significantly smaller and lighter, allowing for agile handheld shooting even with long telephoto lenses. This mobility enhances shooting flexibility, energy, and creative expression.

Weathersealing

Designed for adventurers, the OM-1 features IP53 dustproof and splashproof performance. Sealed with cast rings, it provides confidence to shoot in the roughest conditions, ensuring reliability when nature is your environment.

Example: OM SYSTEM OM-1 + M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO

Control and Operation

Super Control Panel (SCP)

The Super Control Panel (SCP) provides quick access to all shooting options, offering an overview and easy adjustment of settings. Activate it as an overlay by pressing the OK button. If using the viewfinder, press the Live View Button to display the SCP. The touchscreen interface ensures easy, quick, and comfortable operation.

Photo Interface Example

The SCP displays various settings:

Shooting mode (e.g., P, S, M)
Exposure compensation
Aperture value
Shutter speed
ISO sensitivity
White balance (e.g., CWB, 5400K)
Picture mode (e.g., Natural)
AF mode (e.g., S-AF, C-AF)
AF Target
Drive mode
Storage options (Slot 1, Slot 2 image quality, storable pictures)
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
Button function assignment
Manual flash output
Image stabilizer (e.g., M-IS 1)
Image quality, Available recording time
Aspect ratio
Color temperature
Battery level
Name of the currently selected option

Video Interface Example

Video mode settings include:

Shooting mode (e.g., nP)
Image quality, Available recording time
Exposure compensation
Aperture value
Shutter speed
ISO sensitivity
White balance (e.g., CWB, 5400K)
AF mode (e.g., C-AF)
AF Target
Sound Recording Level
Headphone Volume
Recording level meter
Image stabilizer
Battery level
Number of storable still pictures

Viewfinder Interface Navigation

Key information displayed in the viewfinder includes:

Exposure compensation
Aperture value
Shutter speed
Shooting mode
ISO sensitivity
White balance
Battery level
Available recording time
Number of storable still pictures

Shooting Modes

The Mode Dial is the primary control for defining your shooting mode, allowing you to tailor how the camera supports your style, from fully automatic to completely manual.

P Mode (Program Auto): The camera selects aperture and exposure time, but you can override these settings.
S Mode (Shutter Priority): Control shutter speed for capturing fast-moving objects; the camera selects the appropriate aperture.
M Mode (Manual): Provides total control. You select both shutter speed and aperture. The camera displays a preview of the exposure in the viewfinder or monitor.
B Mode (Bulb/Live Modes): Offers quick access to Live Modes:
- Live Composite: Composites sections with brightness changes.
- Live Bulb: Keeps the shutter open while the shutter release button is pressed.
- Live Time: Opens the shutter on the first press and closes it on the second.

Custom Modes (C1-C4)

Custom Modes (C1-C4) serve as memory slots for quick access to your personalized settings, customizable to your specific needs.

C1 // Birds in Flight: Optimized settings for capturing challenging bird flight shots.
- Shooting mode: S
- Image Quality Mode: LSF + RAW
- AF Mode: C-AF + TR ALL
- AF Target: On2
- AF Area Pointer: SH2 with 25 fps
- Drive Mode: High
- Frame Rate: Three-way split composition
- EVF Grid Settings: White
- Grid color: White
C2 // Pro Capture: Starts shooting when the shutter button is pressed halfway, buffering up to 70 frames in full resolution to capture the exact moment without lag.
- Shooting mode: P
- Image Quality Mode: LSF + RAW
- AF Mode: S-AF
- AF Target: Cross
- AF Area Pointer: On1
- Drive Mode: ProCapSH1
- Frame Rate: 35 pre-frames / 120 fps
- EVF Grid Settings: High
- Grid Color: Flexible
C3 // Macro: Tailored functionalities for macro photography challenges.
- Shooting Mode: M
- Image Quality: LSF+RAW
- AF Mode: S-AF + MF
- AF Target: Single
- AF Area Pointer: On1
- Drive Mode: Single
- Grid Settings: Three-way split composition
- Grid color: White
C4 // Landscape: Saved settings for landscape photography, allowing concentration on composition.
- Shooting Mode: A
- Image Quality Mode: RAW
- White Balance: Sunny
- AF Mode: S-AF
- AF Target: Single
- AF Area Pointer: On1
- Drive Mode: Single
- Grid Settings: Flexible
- Grid Color: White

Autofocus

The OM-1 features an advanced autofocus system for precise and rapid focusing.

1,053-point all Cross Quad Pixel AF: Offers high-precision focusing across 100% of the image area. Every point is cross-type, detecting vertical and horizontal lines for unmatched accuracy and freedom in focus placement.
Full Customizable AF: Allows individual setting of AF target and AF area position for vertical and horizontal shooting. AF areas can be defined and placed anywhere to adapt to subject movement. AF areas can be quickly shifted using the multi selector while viewing through the viewfinder, even during sequential shooting or video recording. (Refer to AF menu > 5. AF Target Settings & Operations > AF Target Mode Settings).
AI Detection AF: Utilizes a deep learning algorithm to detect specific subjects and focus on optimal points. The TruePic X Image Processors enable real-time processing during sequential shooting, allowing the camera to quickly track unpredictable subject movements. Available in C-AF+TR, C-AF, or S-AF modes. (Refer to AF menu > 2. AF > Subject Detection).

M.Zuiko Lens Lineup

M.Zuiko lenses are designed for professional photographers and enthusiasts, born from a commitment to image quality and precision. Their compact, lightweight construction ensures superior results while enhancing the photography experience.

Find more information about OM SYSTEM lenses and accessories on their websites:

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	OM SYSTEM OM-5 Digital Camera Instruction Manual A comprehensive guide to operating the OM SYSTEM OM-5 digital camera, covering setup, shooting modes, features, and maintenance for optimal photography.