OM System Pen Carry Guide: 393g Body Contents
This guide explains what you get with a 393 g OM System camera body (such as the OM-5), covering the physical contents of the box, the built-in features that contribute to that weight, and what you still need to buy separately. The short answer: the 393 g figure refers to the camera body alone with battery and memory card, and the retail box typically includes the body, a rechargeable battery, a USB cable, a shoulder strap, and documentation—but no lens or external charger.
What the 393 g Body Includes
When a spec sheet lists a 393 g camera body, it usually means the weight of the camera with a battery and a memory card inserted, but without a lens. For OM System cameras like the OM-5, that weight includes the following built-in components:
- 20.4-megapixel Live MOS sensor with in-body 5-axis image stabilization (rated up to 6.5 EV steps)
- TruePic IX image processor
- 2.36-million-dot electronic viewfinder
- 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen LCD (1.04 million dots)
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Weather-sealed magnesium alloy body (IP53-rated)
- BLS-50 lithium-ion battery (approx. 310 shots per CIPA rating)
- Single UHS-II SD memory card slot
- USB-C port (charging and data transfer)
- Micro HDMI port
- 3.5 mm microphone jack
- Built-in pop-up flash (GN 5.4 at ISO 100)
What you do not get in the box: a lens, an external battery charger, a memory card, or a camera bag. The battery is installed in the camera, and the USB cable lets you charge it via a computer or a USB power adapter (not included).
Why the Weight Matters
The 393 g figure is a key selling point for travel and street photographers. It is lighter than most full-frame mirrorless bodies (which typically weigh 600–800 g) and even lighter than many APS-C models. The weight reduction comes from the smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor and the use of a compact, weather-sealed body. For comparison:
- OM System OM-5: 393 g (body with battery and card)
- OM System OM-1: 599 g (body with battery and card)
- Panasonic Lumix G9 II: 658 g (body with battery and card)
- Canon EOS R6 Mark II: 670 g (body with battery and card)
That 200 g difference may not sound like much, but when you carry the camera all day on a neck strap or in a small bag, it becomes noticeable. The lighter body also allows for smaller lenses, which further reduces overall kit weight.
What You Need to Buy Separately
To actually take photos, you need a lens. OM System uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, so any MFT lens works, including those from Panasonic and third-party makers like Sigma and Samyang. Common starter lenses include the 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 kit zoom (approx. 150 g) or the 12-45mm f/4 PRO (approx. 254 g). If you plan to use the camera for video, you may also want an external microphone, since the built-in mic is basic.
You also need a memory card. The camera accepts UHS-II SD cards, which are faster for burst shooting and 4K video. A 64 GB or 128 GB card is a reasonable starting point. For charging, you can use the included USB cable with any USB-C power adapter (like the one for your phone). If you prefer to charge batteries without the camera, buy an external charger—but that is not included.
How to Carry the 393 g Body Safely
Because the body is light and weather-sealed, you have several carrying options:
- Neck strap: The included strap is fine for casual use, but a wider strap distributes weight better for long walks.
- Wrist strap: A good choice if you shoot one-handed and want quick access.
- Peak Design Capture clip: Attaches to a backpack strap, keeping the camera at chest level.
- Small messenger bag: Use a padded insert to protect the body and lens.
When using a tripod, always attach the plate to the camera’s metal tripod socket (not the battery door). The socket is located on the bottom center. For video, a small gimbal or monopod helps stabilize footage, though the in-body stabilization already reduces shake significantly.
Common Misconceptions
One frequent misunderstanding is that the 393 g weight includes a lens. It does not. Another is that the camera can charge via USB while shooting—it cannot; USB charging only works when the camera is off. Also, the weather sealing is not a guarantee against submersion; it protects against rain and splashes, but you should not intentionally dunk the camera. The IP53 rating means dust-tight and protected against water jets, not full immersion.
Some users expect the camera to come with a charger because the battery is removable. In recent years, many brands (including OM System) ship only a USB cable to reduce packaging and cost. If you buy a spare battery, you will need a separate charger for it, since the camera can only charge one battery at a time via USB.
Comparing to Heavier Bodies
If you are deciding between the 393 g OM-5 and a heavier full-frame body, consider what you gain and lose. The lighter body gives you portability and excellent image stabilization, but the smaller sensor means lower resolution (20 MP vs. 24–61 MP on full-frame) and less shallow depth of field for portraits. In low light, the full-frame sensor will generally produce less noisy images at high ISO. However, the OM-5’s computational features—like handheld high-resolution shot (50 MP) and live ND filter—partially compensate.
For travel, the weight advantage is significant. A full-frame kit (body + 24-70mm f/2.8 lens) can weigh over 1.5 kg, while an OM-5 with a 12-45mm f/4 lens weighs about 650 g total. That difference allows you to carry the camera in a small bag or even a large coat pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 393 g weight include the battery and memory card?
Yes, for OM System cameras, the weight is measured with the battery and an SD card inserted, but without a lens. The battery alone weighs about 60 g, so the bare body is roughly 333 g.
Can I use the included USB cable to charge the camera?
Yes, the USB-C port supports charging. Use a standard USB-C power adapter (5V/1A or higher). Charging takes about 2 hours for a fully drained battery. The camera must be turned off to charge.
Is the camera weather-sealed?
The OM-5 has an IP53 rating, meaning it is dust-tight and protected against water jets from any direction. It can handle rain and splashes, but it is not waterproof. Do not submerge it.
What lens should I buy with a 393 g body?
For a compact travel setup, the 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ pancake zoom (approx. 90 g) keeps the kit under 500 g. For better image quality, the 12-45mm f/4 PRO (254 g) is a popular choice. Prime lenses like the 20mm f/1.4 or 45mm f/1.8 are also lightweight.
Does the camera have a built-in flash?
Yes, there is a small pop-up flash with a guide number of 5.4 at ISO 100. It is useful for fill light, but it is not powerful enough for large rooms or night scenes.
Can I use Panasonic lenses on this body?
Yes, all Micro Four Thirds lenses are interchangeable between OM System and Panasonic bodies. Some Panasonic lenses may not fully support all autofocus features, but basic autofocus and aperture control work.
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