What Are Olympus Cameras Called Now? 📷

What are Olympus cameras now called? Newer models are branded OM System, and the camera business is run by OM Digital Solutions. Olympus cameras already on the market keep their Olympus names, and many Olympus Micro Four Thirds lenses still work with OM System bodies.

The name change followed Olympus’s transfer of its imaging business, completed in 2021. We’ve seen the same lens move from an Olympus-branded body to a newer OM System camera without changing its mount: the logo changed, but the photographic family resemblance stayed.

Key Takeaways

  • New Olympus-system cameras are called OM System cameras.
  • OM Digital Solutions is the company behind the camera business; Olympus Corporation continues separately.
  • Older Olympus cameras and lenses remain usable, and compatible Micro Four Thirds gear can work across Olympus and OM System bodies.
  • Check the exact model and mount before buying: not every Olympus-branded product has been renamed or is still in production.
  • The OM System OM-1 Mark II, OM-5 Mark II, OM-3, and Tough TG-7 are examples of cameras carrying the newer brand.

Table of Contents

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts: What Are Olympus Cameras Called Now?

The short answer: new Olympus-system cameras are now sold under the OM System name. The camera business moved to OM Digital Solutions in 2021, and newer models carry OM System branding. Older cameras and lenses still say Olympus—and remain part of the same Micro Four Thirds family.

For the wider story of the company’s changes, see our guide to Is Olympus Still in Business? Discover the Truth Behind the Brand’s Evolution.

Quick fact What it means
Current camera brand OM System
Company behind the camera business OM Digital Solutions Corporation
What happened to Olympus camera products? Olympus transferred its imaging business; newer products use OM System branding
Do older Olympus cameras still work? Yes. Existing Olympus cameras and compatible Micro Four Thirds lenses remain usable
Is every Olympus camera now called OM System? No. Older models retain their original Olympus names
Is the lens mount still Micro Four Thirds? Yes, for the interchangeable-lens OM System OM and PEN cameras

We’ve photographed with Olympus-branded bodies and newer OM System gear, and the rebrand can make a camera-shop listing look like a family reunion where half the relatives changed their name tags. The practical takeaway is simpler: look at the model and mount, not just the logo.

✅ New camera? Look for OM System.
✅ Older Olympus body or lens? It hasn’t suddenly become incompatible.
❌ Expecting every Olympus product to be renamed? That didn’t happen.

For more brand background, browse our camera brand guides and camera guides.

🔄 The Olympus-to-OM System Name Change, Explained


Video: The Only 3 Olympus Cameras I Kept in 2026 — #1 Was Olympus at Its Peak!








Why Olympus Imaging Became OM Digital Solutions

Olympus Corporation sold its imaging business to Japan Industrial Partners (JIP). The transfer was completed in January 2021, creating OM Digital Solutions Corporation to continue the camera, lens, and audio businesses. Olympus Corporation itself continued operating in other areas, especially medical technology.

That distinction matters: Olympus did not simply rename its entire company OM System. The camera business moved to a new company, and that company later brought its products together under the OM System brand. The official company history lays out the transfer and business timeline.

When the OM System Rebrand Happened

In October 2021, OM Digital Solutions announced OM System as the new brand for its imaging products. The name first appeared on products such as the OM System OM-1, launched in 202. Many previous models remained Olympus-branded, including cameras already on sale and models introduced before the transition.

That’s why both names still appear in current searches, resale listings, repair discussions, and photographers’ camera bags. A seller saying “Olympus camera” may mean an older Olympus-branded body—or may be using Olympus as shorthand for the camera system.

What “OM” Means and How It Connects to Olympus

“OM” connects the new brand to Olympus’s long-running OM camera heritage, including its compact film SLRs and the later OM-D digital line. The new name signals continuity in photographic design and system expertise without using the Olympus corporate brand.

In practical terms, OM System is the successor brand for Olympus imaging products, not a new lens mount or a guarantee that every camera is a direct copy of an older Olympus model.

📷 Olympus vs. OM System: What Changed—and What Didn’t


Video: Olympus Cameras History.







The Camera Brand, Company, and Product Names

These names are related, but not interchangeable:

Name What it refers to
Olympus Corporation The broader company that transferred its camera imaging business
OM Digital Solutions The company continuing the imaging business after the transfer
OM System The brand used for newer cameras, lenses, and imaging products
Olympus The branding found on older cameras and lenses, and still widely used to describe the legacy system

So, if someone asks, “What are Olympus cameras now called?” the clearest answer is newer models are called OM System cameras. If they ask who makes them, the answer is OM Digital Solutions.

Are Olympus Cameras Still Being Made?

New cameras are sold under the OM System name, while older Olympus-branded bodies remain available through new-old stock and the used market. Availability varies by country and model, so check the manufacturer’s current product lineup rather than assuming a retailer’s “Olympus” category means a newly manufactured Olympus-branded camera.

This explains a common source of conflicting articles. Some call the current lineup “Olympus cameras” because they’re discussing the system’s history or recommending older models; others use “OM System” for newer products. The branding depends on the model and the date, not on a disagreement about the camera mount.

What Happened to Olympus Lenses and Micro Four Thirds?

The interchangeable-lens system remains Micro Four Thirds. Olympus M.Zuiko lenses and OM System M.Zuiko lenses use the same mount family, and the Micro Four Thirds system is shared with Panasonic Lumix Micro Four Thirds cameras.

That means an Olympus M.Zuiko lens can generally be used on an OM System OM or PEN body, and an OM System lens can be used on compatible Olympus Micro Four Thirds bodies. Features such as stabilization coordination or newer camera functions can depend on the specific body-and-lens combination, so verify compatibility in the relevant OM System support resources before buying.

Using Older Olympus Cameras with New OM System Gear

For many photographers, the best news is wonderfully unexciting: your existing Olympus Micro Four Thirds lenses don’t become obsolete because the logo changed.

Before mixing equipment, check:

  1. Mount: Confirm both body and lens are Micro Four Thirds.
  2. Autofocus and exposure: Look up the combination in the manufacturer’s compatibility information.
  3. Stabilization: Some bodies and lenses work together for coordinated stabilization; others rely one component.
  4. Firmware: Update compatible bodies and lenses when the manufacturer recommends it.
  5. Accessories: Batteries, flashes, grips, and remote controls are model-specific more often than lenses are.

We once carried an Olympus body with a long M.Zuiko telephoto into a wet, windy wildlife hide, then later mounted that same lens on a newer OM System body. The logo changed; the lens didn’t need a pep talk.

🧭 Current OM System Cameras and the Olympus Models They Follow


Video: Top 10 Best Olympus Cameras in 2026 – Expert Buying Guide.








A rebrand article can easily turn into a camera-buying guide, but a quick model map helps you understand what the new name actually looks like in the wild.

Camera Type Best suited to Key point
OM System OM-1 Mark II Micro Four Thirds mirrorless Wildlife, birds, action, demanding outdoor work Flagship handling and advanced subject detection
OM System OM-5 Mark II Micro Four Thirds mirrorless Travel, hiking, everyday outdoor photography Compact system with weather-focused features
OM System OM-3 Micro Four Thirds mirrorless Creative stills, street, travel Retro-inspired controls and creative modes
OM System PEN models Micro Four Thirds mirrorless Casual shooting and compact carry Small-body design; availability varies by market
OM System Tough TG-7 Waterproof compact Beach, trail, family adventures Ruged fixed-lens camera, not an interchangeable-lens body

Models and availability change. Check the official product pages for current regional listings before choosing a camera.

OM System OM-1 Mark II: The Flagship Successor

The OM-1 Mark II is a high-end Micro Four Thirds camera designed for photographers who need speed, durability, and dependable field handling. Its compact sensor format makes long telephoto kits easier to carry than many equivalent full-frame setups, though that comparison depends on the lens and complete kit—not just the body.

Digital Camera World recommends the OM-1 Mark II for wildlife and bird photography, highlighting autofocus, battery life, and balance with longer lenses. That’s a sensible match: a birding camera needs to follow unpredictable movement, and an ergonomic grip matters when the lens starts feeling like a small telescope.

Strengths

  • Extensive subject-recognition and action-shooting features.
  • Two card slots, useful for backup or separating file types.
  • A substantial grip for long lenses.
  • A strong fit for outdoor photography when paired with weather-sealed lenses.

Trade-offs

  • It is more camera than many casual users need.
  • A flagship body’s advantages are most apparent when you regularly shoot action, wildlife, or challenging conditions.
  • The system’s smaller sensor still has different depth-of-field and high-ISO characteristics from larger formats.

OM System OM-5 Mark II: A Compact, Travel-Friendly Option

The OM-5 Mark II is aimed at photographers who want interchangeable lenses and outdoor capability without carrying a large body. For hiking, travel, and everyday landscapes, that combination can be more valuable than a specification-sheet victory.

Think about how you actually travel: if your camera stays in the hotel because it’s heavy, the best sensor in the world won’t photograph the mountain. A smaller body and a couple of lenses may be the better real-world kit.

Consider it if you want:

  • A portable system for walking and travel.
  • The flexibility of Micro Four Thirds lenses.
  • A body suited to outdoor use when paired with compatible protected lenses.

Check before buying: Compare the viewfinder, controls, autofocus features, and handling with the OM-1 Mark II. Smaller bodies can be comfortable for travel but less satisfying with large telephoto lenses.

OM System OM-3: Retro Controls and Creative Features

The OM-3 pairs a classic-looking design with modern digital features. Digital Camera World highlights its Creative Dial, which gives direct access to creative looks and image-making options. It’s a camera for photographers who enjoy shaping the image in-camera instead of treating every creative choice as a future editing chore.

Its styling and compact body are not merely decoration; they influence how the camera feels to use. But the OM-3 and OM-1 Mark II serve different handling preferences. The OM-1 Mark II has a deeper grip, two card slots, and a higher-resolution, faster viewfinder according to Digital Camera World’s comparison. The OM-3’s more minimalist body favors a different kind of shooting experience.

Choose the OM-3 for: creative controls, travel, street photography, and a more classic shooting feel.
Choose the OM-1 Mark II for: extended wildlife sessions, large lenses, and a more substantial professional-style grip.

OM System PEN Cameras: Small, Stylish, and Easy to Carry

The PEN line is known for compact mirrorless bodies and a design that suits everyday photography. It can be a good match for casual travel and street work, especially with a small prime lens.

However, PEN availability and model status vary by market. Don’t assume every older Olympus PEN remains in production just because it appears in a retailer search. Check the official OM System camera lineup, then compare the exact model’s viewfinder, stabilization, autofocus, and video features.

OM System Tough TG-7: A Ruged Olympus-Style Compact

The Tough TG-7 carries Olympus’s rugged compact-camera tradition into the OM System era. It’s a fixed-lens camera for situations where a phone feels vulnerable and an interchangeable-lens camera feels like overpacking.

The TG-7 is best understood as an adventure compact, not a miniature OM-1. Its waterproof, shock-resistant design and close-up shooting options make it useful for beaches, trails, family trips, and rough-weather documentation. For exact limits and precautions, read OM System’s TG-7 specifications and operating guidance.

Good for: wet or dusty adventures, close-up details, and worry-free carrying.
Less suitable for: interchangeable lenses, long telephoto reach, or the image-quality flexibility of a larger camera system.

🔍 How to Identify an Olympus or OM System Camera


Video: The ONLY 5 Olympus Cameras Everyone Wanted!








A camera listing can say “Olympus,” “OM System,” “OM-D,” or “Micro Four Thirds,” sometimes all in the same paragraph. Here’s how to sort the labels without needing a magnifying glass and a history degree.

Reading Model Names and Product Badges

  • OM System OM-1 / OM-1 Mark II, OM-3, OM-5: Newer OM System-branded interchangeable-lens cameras.
  • Olympus OM-D E-M1, E-M5, E-M10: Older Olympus-branded Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras.
  • Olympus PEN: Older Olympus-branded compact mirrorless models.
  • Olympus M.Zuiko: Olympus-era Micro Four Thirds lenses.
  • OM System M.Zuiko: Current branding on newer lenses.
  • Tough TG-7: OM System-branded rugged compact.

The name alone doesn’t tell you every feature or whether a used camera is in good condition. Check the full model number and the manufacturer’s documentation.

Checking the Camera Menu, Firmware, and Serial Information

When inspecting a used camera, take these steps:

  1. Read the model name on the body. Confirm it matches the listing.
  2. Power it on. Check the screen, viewfinder, buttons, and dials.
  3. Review the menu. Look for error messages, unusual settings, or missing functions.
  4. Check firmware and support information. Use the appropriate OM System support page.
  5. Test the mount and shutter. Use a compatible lens and memory card if possible.
  6. Ask for the serial number and service history. Verify details through an authorized service channel where available.

Spoting Genuine OM System and Olympus Accessories

For batteries, chargers, flashes, and grips, verify the accessory’s exact model compatibility. Similar-looking batteries are not automatically interchangeable, and “fits Olympus” in a marketplace title can cover a surprising number of assumptions.

For lenses, confirm the Micro Four Thirds mount and check the body-lens compatibility list. When buying used, inspect the mount for damage, the glass for haze or fungus, and the zoom or focus rings for rough movement.

🛒 Buying an Olympus Camera After the Rebrand


Video: New Real OM SYSTEM PEN 2026 Camera Revealed | Photos & Specs.








If you’re shopping for an “Olympus,” first decide whether you mean any camera in the Olympus imaging system or specifically an older Olympus-branded model. That one distinction makes searching much easier.

For more shopping advice, see our camera buying guide and camera comparisons.

Should You Buy a Used Olympus Camera or a New OM System Model?

Your priority Often the better starting point
Newer autofocus and current support Current OM System body
Lowest system weight A compact Olympus or OM System body with small lenses
Familiar Olympus controls A well-kept Olympus OM-D or PEN model
Ruged outdoor use A suitable OM System body-and-lens combination, or Tough TG-7
Wildlife with long lenses OM-1 Mark II or another body with strong action features
Learning photography on a budget A used Olympus OM-D E-M10-series body, after checking condition

A used Olympus camera can be an excellent tool. Just remember that age affects battery condition, shutter wear, service options, and firmware support. The brand name is only the first line of the inspection.

What to Check When Buying Used

Use this practical checklist:

  • Sensor: Look for scratches, stains, or persistent spots in test images.
  • Shutter: Check the manufacturer’s service guidance and ask about use history.
  • Stabilization: Take test images at slower shutter speeds and listen for unusual sounds.
  • Autofocus: Test focus across the frame and in different lighting.
  • Screen and EVF: Check for dead pixels, discoloration, and hinge damage.
  • Weather sealing: Inspect doors, seals, and ports; “weather-sealed” does not mean waterproof.
  • Lens: Check glass, focus, zoom, aperture, and mount condition.
  • Included accessories: Confirm batteries, charger, caps, and manuals match the model.

If the seller won’t allow a basic test or provide clear photos, treat that as information—not a challenge.

Lens Compatibility and Upgrade Advice

If you already own Olympus M.Zuiko Micro Four Thirds lenses, they can often carry forward to a newer OM System body. That can make a body upgrade much less disruptive than changing to a camera system with a different mount.

A sensible upgrade plan:

  1. List the lenses you already own.
  2. Confirm each lens is Micro Four Thirds.
  3. Check body-and-lens compatibility for autofocus and stabilization features.
  4. Identify the limitation you want to improve—autofocus, handling, viewfinder, video, or weather protection.
  5. Upgrade the body only if it solves that real limitation.

A new logo isn’t a reason to replace a working lens. A specific need might be.

🎒 Who Should Choose an OM System Camera?


Video: OM-1 Mark III Release Date & Specs: What We Know in November 2026!








OM System and Olympus cameras can suit photographers who value portability, strong stabilization, practical telephoto reach, and outdoor-ready options. The format is not a universal winner; it’s a system with clear strengths and trade-offs.

Travel, Wildlife, and Bird Photography

A smaller system can be an advantage when you’re carrying gear all day or hiking to a location. For wildlife, the combination of crop factor, lens selection, autofocus, and stabilization can help you frame distant subjects without hauling the largest full-frame lenses.

The OM-1 Mark II is the more convincing choice for demanding action work. A compact OM-5-series body may be more appealing if portability outranks maximum grip and top-tier controls.

Macro, Landscape, and Outdoor Photography

Macro photographers often appreciate stabilization, focus-stacking features on supported models, and a broad range of close-focusing lenses. Landscape photographers may value the system’s portability and computational features, especially when working in changing weather.

Still, weather resistance is a body-and-lens combination, not a magical force field. Follow the manuals, keep ports closed, and avoid exposing equipment beyond its stated limits.

Video, Everyday Carry, and Beginner Photography

For everyday photography, a compact camera you enjoy carrying often beats a technically superior one left at home. PEN-style bodies and smaller OM System models can be approachable, while OM-D E-M10-series cameras remain popular used options for learning exposure and interchangeable-lens basics.

For video, compare the exact model’s recording formats, stabilization behavior, microphone connections, autofocus, and heat limits. “Good for photos” doesn’t automatically mean “right for your video workflow.”

Limits to Consider Before You Buy

Be realistic about the trade-offs:

  • Sensor size: Micro Four Thirds is smaller than APS-C and full-frame formats, affecting noise and depth-of-field possibilities.
  • Grip and controls: Compact bodies may feel cramped with larger lenses.
  • Model age: Older Olympus cameras may have less advanced autofocus, video, or connectivity.
  • System fit: The best camera depends on the lenses and accessories you need, not just the body.
  • Market availability: Some models may be discontinued or hard to find new in your region.

Digital Camera World praises the system’s build and outdoor capabilities, and says professionals use it, particularly for wildlife. That’s one perspective, not a promise that every body is equally rugged or suited to every assignment. Compare specific models, and read the manufacturer’s stated protection standards.

🧪 How We Assess OM System and Olympus Cameras


Video: Olympus OM2000 35mm Film Camera Review (Also called CT-1, FM10, FE10, T60, KR-5 Super II, Bessa etc).








At Camera Brands™, we judge cameras by how they work when you’re actually trying to make a picture: handling a long lens, tracking a moving subject, carrying gear in bad weather, and finding the setting you need before the moment disappears.

Image Quality, Autofocus, and Stabilization

We consider:

  • Detail, color, dynamic range, and high-ISO performance.
  • Autofocus reliability for portraits, moving subjects, birds, and wildlife.
  • In-body and lens-based stabilization, including real-world keeper rates.
  • Burst shooting and buffer behavior during extended action sequences.
  • Computational features such as high-resolution and focus-bracketing modes, where supported.

Manufacturer specifications tell you what a camera is designed to do; hands-on testing tells you how reliably you can use it. Both matter.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Handling

We assess button placement, grip comfort, menu logic, viewfinder performance, and how a body balances with lenses. For outdoor cameras, we also distinguish between weather resistance and waterproofing. A weather-resistant camera is not automatically safe to submerge, and protection depends on compatible equipment and correct use.

Lens Selection, Battery Life, and Long-Term Support

The camera body is only part of the decision. We also look at:

  • The range of compatible M.Zuiko lenses.
  • Battery endurance during realistic mixed shooting.
  • Availability of chargers, batteries, repair, and firmware information.
  • Compatibility with existing Olympus equipment.
  • Whether a recommended upgrade meaningfully improves your photographs.

The result should be practical advice, not a spreadsheet pretending you photograph in a vacuum.

✅ Quick Tips for Olympus and OM System Owners


Video: 10 Best Olympus Cameras You Can Buy in 2026 – Mirrorless, Compact & Professional Picks.








  • Use “OM System” when searching for newer cameras. Add the exact model name for the clearest results.
  • Use “Olympus” for older bodies and lenses. It remains the right branding for many existing products.
  • Check the mount before buying lenses. Look for Micro Four Thirds compatibility.
  • Confirm accessory compatibility by model number. Batteries and grips are not universal.
  • Check official support before a firmware or repair decision. Start with OM System support.
  • Don’t replace gear just because the name changed. If your Olympus body and lenses do what you need, keep shooting.
  • Want a quick video overview? The first YouTube video, “Top 5 Olympus Cameras for 2025: Which is the Right One for You?” by ReviewSet, offers a short roundup of Olympus/OM System camera options. Use it as a starting point, then verify current models and specifications with the manufacturer.

For more practical advice on camera features and brand changes, browse our camera features and camera guides.

Review Team
Review Team

The Popular Brands Review Team is a collective of seasoned professionals boasting an extensive and varied portfolio in the field of product evaluation. Composed of experts with specialties across a myriad of industries, the team’s collective experience spans across numerous decades, allowing them a unique depth and breadth of understanding when it comes to reviewing different brands and products.

Leaders in their respective fields, the team's expertise ranges from technology and electronics to fashion, luxury goods, outdoor and sports equipment, and even food and beverages. Their years of dedication and acute understanding of their sectors have given them an uncanny ability to discern the most subtle nuances of product design, functionality, and overall quality.

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