The original Olympus OM-D E-M5 (2012) does not reliably embed its shutter count in ORF RAW files. Read on to learn the correct method — via camera menu or ExifTool — and what counts to expect on a used body.
Check Another Camera →The Olympus OM-D E-M5 (2012) was a landmark camera: the first serious Micro Four Thirds body to challenge enthusiast DSLRs in autofocus speed, weather sealing, and image stabilisation. Its retro rangefinder styling, IPX1 splash/dust-proofing, and 5-axis IBIS set the template for Olympus cameras for years to come. It remains popular on the second-hand market as a compact, capable system camera with access to the full M.Zuiko lens lineup.
| Model | Release | Sensor | Rated Shutter Life | RAW Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympus OM-D E-M5 | 2012 | 16.1 MP MFT LiveMOS | ~150,000 actuations | ORF |
| Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II | 2015 | 16.1 MP MFT LiveMOS | ~150,000 actuations | ORF |
| Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III | 2019 | 20.4 MP MFT LiveMOS | ~150,000 actuations | ORF |
There are two methods to retrieve the shutter count on the original E-M5:
exiftool -ShutterCount yourfile.orfThe original E-M5 is over 12 years old. With a rated life of approximately 150,000 actuations, used copies span a wide spectrum. The camera was a favourite of travel and street photographers who often used it heavily.
| Actuations | Assessment |
|---|---|
| 0 – 10,000 | Barely used — excellent for its age |
| 10,000 – 30,000 | Low use — good condition |
| 30,000 – 70,000 | Typical hobbyist use — plenty of life remaining |
| 70,000 – 110,000 | Moderate to high use — fair price expected |
| 110,000 – 150,000 | Approaching rated life — budget for possible shutter service |
| 150,000 + | Beyond rated life — shutter service likely overdue |
Many E-M5 bodies have outlasted their rated counts considerably. That said, on a 12-year-old camera it is worth combining the count check with a full sensor inspection, EVF test, and shutter-sound assessment.
Olympus stores the shutter counter in an undocumented and partially encrypted MakerNote section within ORF files. The tag structure changed between firmware versions and camera generations, meaning automated extraction tools can silently return zero or skip the tag entirely.
Later Olympus bodies (E-M1, E-M5 Mark II onward) have the same limitation. The camera menu remains the definitive source for all Olympus and OM System cameras.
Not reliably. The shutter count is not confirmed to be consistently stored in ORF files on the original E-M5. Use the camera's Setup menu (Setup › Total Shot Count) or ExifTool as a secondary check.
Olympus rates the original E-M5 at approximately 150,000 mechanical actuations. This is consistent with the E-M5 Mark II and is a mid-range figure for a professional-grade Micro Four Thirds body.
Yes, at its current second-hand price it offers a weather-sealed MFT body with 5-axis IBIS and access to the full M.Zuiko / Lumix MFT lens ecosystem. The 16 MP sensor holds up for web and moderate-size prints. Confirm the shutter count and sensor condition before purchasing.
The E-M5 Mark II (2015) added a fully articulating LCD (vs the E-M5's fixed tilt screen), improved 5-axis IBIS, enhanced weather sealing, and a 40 MP High Resolution Shot mode (tripod). Both share the same 16.1 MP sensor and ORF format with identical shutter count retrieval behaviour.
ShutterCount supports the full Olympus and OM System lineup. See related guides: