GEAR TESTS: OM Systems OM-1 UNDERWATER CAMERA REVIEW

Jim Decker CEO: Backscatter Underwater Video & Photo

It's been a year since I last shot the OM-1 and now I had the opportunity to shoot it with the all-new OM 90mm macro lens. This lens is what I call a game changer.

First off, 90mm on a Micro 4/3 system leads to a much longer working distance which is great for skittish critters and a much needed solution as the Olympus 60mm macro lens has a very close working distance.

Second, this thing will do 2:1 macro without a wet macro lens! But of course I took a +5 and +12.5 with me just because. With a good working distance even a 2:1, I still had the ability to easily use a +12.5 wet lens and have plenty of room for lighting.

The images from this lens are crazy sharp. This is a lens from their pro line but even still it surprised me how much optical detail it rendered. 

This lens is an absolute must for any macro junkie with a Micro 4/3 camera.

James Emery Producer

For macro enthusiasts, the combination of the OM-1 camera and the new OM 90mm macro lens is an absolute dream setup. This micro 4/3 camera offers a narrower field of view compared to full-frame counterparts, allowing macro subjects to fill the frame while maintaining a comfortable working distance that doesn't startle shy critters. The standout feature of the OM 90mm lens is its impressive 2:1 reproduction ratio, a rare capability that eliminates the need for additional diopters found in most other macro lenses. This means you can achieve extraordinary levels of magnification straight from the lens itself. To put the OM-1 and its 90mm lens to the test, I focused my dive on capturing the notoriously fast-moving Fairy Basslets. Utilizing the OM-1 autofocus tracking feature and shooting in High-Speed Sync (HSS) with the Backscatter MF2, I was able to use an open aperture of F5 to create a shallow depth of field. The OM-1's autofocus performance was notably impressive, enabling me to accurately focus on just the head of the Basslet, showcasing the intricate details of these beautiful creatures.

SEVAG MEHTERIAN Service Specialist

My favorite topside camera truly packs a punch when used underwater with the new 90mm macro lens. With three autofocus ranges to select from on the macro lens, the OM-1's autofocus quickly and easily locks onto your tiniest subject and tracks them easily while in frame while also allowing for stunning fish portraits of larger creators at arms distance away. The OM 1's bright viewfinder and focus peaking features make fine tuning focus on a razor thin focal plane simple and hassle free.

Thomas Anderson Sales

The OM-1 represents OM System's first flagship camera, with plenty of features to interest underwater shooters. The OM-1 has excellent autofocus capabilities that can keep up with some of the big boys in the full frame segment. In addition to this, the 20 megapixel sensor produces excellent images. The overall smaller size of the camera and accessories makes this system attractive for still shooters looking for a more travel friendly rig as well. I shot the OM-1 with the Nauticam housing and the powerful 90mm F3.5 Macro IS PRO. The 90mm is a unique lens, allowing you to switch between 1:1 and 2:1 reproduction ratios, while maintaining a generous working distance. This translates to being able to shoot fish portraits, macro, and super macro with a flip of a switch. Since you do not need an external diopter, the focus speeds are generally much faster than traditional macro lens configurations. To me, the OM-1 with the 90mm is a serious macro machine and should be a top consideration for macro junkies.

Hergen Spalink Nauticam Ambassador

TODD WINNER Nauticam Ambassador

View our images shot with the OM-1 Camera.