The Only Olympus Cameras Worth Buying in 2026
If you're buying a Olympus camera in 2026, the best options are no longer new — they're refurbished. You can pick up cameras like the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III for under £900 that were used professionally for years. But not every Olympus is worth buying anymore.
Best For
Typical Refurb Price
Entry-Level
£200–£400
Mid-Range
£400–£800
Professional
£800+
Olympus pioneered the Micro Four Thirds system alongside Panasonic, producing some of the most compact yet capable camera systems available. Their IBIS technology is class-leading, and the smaller sensor size means the entire system — bodies and lenses — is significantly more compact than APS-C or full-frame alternatives. Refurbished Olympus cameras offer outstanding value, particularly for travel and outdoor photographers. The brand's legacy continues under the OM System name, but the Olympus-branded bodies remain widely available and fully supported.
Lens Ecosystem Note
Micro Four Thirds is a shared standard between Olympus and Panasonic, meaning lenses from both brands work on either system.
Key Strengths
- World-class in-body image stabilisation
- Compact, weather-sealed bodies
- Extensive Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem
- Excellent macro capabilities
Best For
Travel, macro, outdoor/adventure photography
Which Olympus is right for you?
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II
Best Value
Typical Refurb Price
£300 – £500
Olympus Mju II
Best Overall
Typical Refurb Price
£200 – £350
Popular Olympus cameras worth buying right now
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
Typical Refurb Price
£600 – £950
Shutter Life
400k actuations
Key Features
- 7.5-stop IBIS
- IP53 weather sealing
- Handheld high-res shot mode
- Pro capture mode
Watch Out For
- Check IBIS mechanism
- Verify Pro Capture mode functions
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
Typical Refurb Price
£450 – £700
Shutter Life
400k actuations
Key Features
- 5-axis IBIS
- IP67 weather sealing
- Dual SD card slots
- 4K video
Watch Out For
- Check IBIS mechanism
- Inspect weather seals around ports
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II
Typical Refurb Price
£200 – £350
Shutter Life
100k actuations
Key Features
- Compact weather-sealed body
- 3-axis IBIS
- 4K video
- Excellent value
Watch Out For
- Check IBIS mechanism
- Inspect weather seals
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II
Typical Refurb Price
£300 – £500
Shutter Life
150k actuations
Key Features
- Compact weather-sealed body
- 5-axis IBIS
- 4K video
- Excellent stabilisation
Watch Out For
- Check IBIS mechanism
- Inspect weather seals
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
Typical Refurb Price
£450 – £700
Shutter Life
200k actuations
Key Features
- Compact weather-sealed body
- 5-axis IBIS
- 4K video
- Tilting touchscreen
Watch Out For
- Single card slot
- Check tilting screen hinge
What most people get wrong about Olympus
Buying the newest model
The latest Olympus isn't always the best value. Older flagships often outperform newer entry-level bodies and cost significantly less on the used market.
Ignoring shutter count
A Olympus with 80,000 actuations is a better buy than one with 150,000, even if the price is similar. Always ask for shutter count before purchasing.
Overlooking ecosystem costs
Buying a Olympus body is just the start. Factor in the cost of lenses and accessories before committing to the system.
Quick specs comparison
| Model | Type | Sensor | Typical Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III | Mirrorless | Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | £600–£950 | 7.5-stop IBIS |
| Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II | Mirrorless | Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | £450–£700 | 5-axis IBIS |
| Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II | Mirrorless | Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | £200–£350 | Compact weather-sealed body |
| Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II | Mirrorless | Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | £300–£500 | Compact weather-sealed body |
| Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III | Mirrorless | Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | £450–£700 | Compact weather-sealed body |