The black Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera is a compact, ergonomically designed camera featuring a 16.3 megapixel Live MOS sensor and TruePic VII image processor to produce high-resolution still imagery and full HD 1080p video with notable low-light quality and high-speed performance. The combination of these two technologies enables a high sensitivity range from ISO 100-25600 and also contributes to a top 1/8000 sec. shutter speed and continuous shooting up to 10 fps. The sensor also lends itself to an enhanced FAST autofocus system that utilizes dual contrast- and on-chip phase-detection focusing methods to quickly and accurately acquire focus with selectable focus areas for even greater precision.

Also benefitting image sharpness is in-body 5-axis image stabilization that compensates for vertical, horizontal, and rolling camera shake. IS-Auto mode can also be employed, which intelligently detect both vertical and horizontal panning and disengages image stabilization along the detected axes to provide stabilization when photographing moving subjects.

Both a high-resolution electronic viewfinder and tilting touchscreen monitor are available for live view monitoring, image playback, and menu navigation. The interactive EVF features a 2,360k-dot resolution and 1.48x magnification for comfortable eye-level viewing with the ability to preview image effects in real-time. Alternatively, the 3.0" 1,037k-dot tilting touchscreen LCD monitor can tilt upward 80° or downward 50° to suit working from high and low angles and its touchscreen design provides an intuitive means for controlling settings and navigating through the menu system. Both of these viewing mechanisms are housed within the ruggedly-designed dust-, splash-, and freezeproof magnesium alloy body. A large grip is integrated into the construction to provide a comfortable means for handling the camera and also facilitates more efficient control over a wide range of camera settings. Additionally, the incorporation of an X-sync socket, HDMI port, external microphone jack, and hot shoe also add to the E-M1's overall functionality.

For refined off-board control and image sharing, built-in wireless connectivity is available and, when paired with the Olympus O.I. Share app for iOS and Android mobile devices, remote sharing and control over the camera is possible. QR Code Connect provides a simple, seamless way of linking mobile devices to the camera and the option of utilizing a smartphone to embed locational data into the image files for geotagging is also supported.