Best Spare Battery for OM SYSTEM OM-5
The OM SYSTEM OM-5 is a marvel of miniaturization, but its compact form factor necessitates the relatively small BLS-50 battery. While the camera is incredibly efficient, a single charge rarely survives a full day of adventurous hiking or heavy 4K video recording. I’ve found that having at least two spares is the “sweet spot” for stress-free shooting. While the official OM SYSTEM BLS-50 remains the gold standard for reliability, several third-party alternatives offer incredible value without sacrificing your camera’s safety.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Spare Battery for OM SYSTEM OM-5: Detailed Reviews
OM SYSTEM BLS-50 View on Amazon View on B&H
If you are heading into the backcountry or shooting a once-in-a-lifetime trip, the official OM SYSTEM BLS-50 (formerly Olympus) is the only choice I fully trust. This 1210mAh battery is engineered specifically for the OM-5’s power draw patterns. You won’t encounter “incompatible battery” warnings or sudden percentage drops that can plague cheaper clones. In my testing, the OEM cells maintain their health significantly longer than third-party options, surviving hundreds of charge cycles before showing capacity loss. The main drawback is, of course, the premium price tag. However, considering the OM-5 is a weather-sealed precision instrument, using an official battery ensures the internal circuitry is protected by the exact voltage regulators the engineers intended. It’s an investment in your camera’s longevity and your own peace of mind when the perfect light finally hits.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Wasabi Power BLS-50 (2-Pack) View on Amazon View on B&H
Wasabi Power has been a staple in the photography community for years, and their BLS-50 kit is arguably the best deal for OM-5 owners. For less than the price of one OEM battery, you get two cells and a compact dual USB charger. This is a game-changer for travel, as the OM-5’s in-camera charging can be slow and ties up the camera. The cells are rated at 1250mAh, and while real-world performance is roughly 90-95% of the original Olympus battery, having two of them more than makes up for the slight difference. I’ve used these extensively and found the fitment to be perfect in the battery tray. The only minor limitation is that they may discharge slightly faster in extreme cold compared to the OEM version. For the average enthusiast, this kit provides the best “bang for your buck” and ensures you’ll never miss a shot because of a dead battery.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
BM Premium BLS-50 View on Amazon View on B&H
If you just spent your entire budget on a new M.Zuiko Pro lens and need a cheap way to keep the OM-5 running, BM Premium is the way to go. These batteries are incredibly affordable and surprisingly decent. They feature a built-in safety circuit to prevent overheating and overcharging, which is essential for any lithium-ion cell. In practice, you’ll likely get about 250-280 shots per charge, which is a bit less than the CIPA-rated 310 of the original, but at this price point, it’s hard to complain. I recommend these as “tertiary” backups—keep them in the bottom of your bag for those days when your primary and secondary batteries both run dry. They do charge slightly slower than the OEM cells, but they serve as a reliable safety net for anyone who wants to avoid the “Low Battery” flashing icon without breaking the bank.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Watson NP-BLS5 Lithium-Ion Battery View on Amazon View on B&H
Watson has built a strong reputation by offering third-party batteries that rival the quality of OEM manufacturers. Their NP-BLS5 (compatible with the BLS-50 standard) is a premium alternative that offers better quality control than the bargain brands. If you’re using the OM-5 for professional work—perhaps as a lightweight B-cam or for event photography—the Watson battery offers a nice middle ground. It features a stable 7.4V output and 1100mAh capacity that feels very consistent. You won’t see the “percentage jumping” that occurs with lower-quality cells. I personally find that Watson batteries hold their charge better when sitting in a camera bag for a few weeks, making them ideal for photographers who don’t shoot every single day but want their gear ready to go at a moment’s notice. It’s a sophisticated choice for those who want quality without the full “OM SYSTEM” tax.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Patona Platinum BLS-50 View on Amazon View on B&H
The Patona Platinum series is highly regarded, especially in Europe, for its use of high-quality internal cells and advanced safety features. What makes the Platinum version stand out is the inclusion of an NTC thermistor, which monitors the battery’s temperature during use and charging. Since the OM-5 can get quite warm during extended 4K video recording, having a battery that won’t overheat internally is a significant advantage. The capacity is excellent, matching the OEM performance nearly shot-for-shot. I’ve found these to be particularly robust in hotter climates where cheaper batteries might swell or degrade quickly. While they can be a bit harder to find in some North American retailers, they are worth seeking out if you prioritize safety and thermal management. They are an “overbuilt” third-party option that truly respects the hardware it’s powering.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Spare Battery for OM-5
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| OM SYSTEM BLS-50 | Ultimate Reliability | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Wasabi Power 2-Pack | Travel Value | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| BM Premium | Emergency Backup | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Watson NP-BLS5 | Pro Hybrid Use | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Patona Platinum | Hot Climates | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I charge these batteries inside the OM SYSTEM OM-5?
Yes, the OM SYSTEM OM-5 supports internal battery charging via its Micro-USB port. However, it only charges when the camera is powered off. Most third-party batteries like Wasabi and Watson will charge just fine internally, but for the fastest and safest results, I recommend using an external wall or USB charger, especially when managing multiple batteries during a busy trip.
Is the BLS-50 backwards compatible with older Olympus cameras?
Absolutely. The BLS-50 is the successor to the BLS-5 and BLS-1. It has the same physical dimensions but offers a slightly higher capacity. This means you can use your OM-5 batteries in an older OM-D E-M10 or PEN camera, and vice versa. However, using very old BLS-1 batteries in an OM-5 might result in shorter runtimes due to their lower mAh rating.
Will using a third-party battery void my OM-5 warranty?
Legally, in many regions like the US (under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act), using a third-party battery cannot automatically void your warranty. However, if a faulty third-party battery leaks or swells and causes direct damage to the camera, that specific repair may not be covered. This is why I emphasize choosing reputable brands like Wasabi or Watson over unbranded “no-name” cells.
How many shots can I really expect from a single battery?
The CIPA rating is 310 shots, but this is a conservative estimate. In my experience, if you are shooting bursts of action, you can easily get 500-700 shots. Conversely, if you are using power-hungry features like Wi-Fi transfer, Live ND, or shooting 4K video, you might see that number drop to under 200. Always carry at least one spare if you plan to shoot for more than 3 hours.
Why does the OM-5 battery drain even when the camera is off?
All modern cameras have a small “parasitic drain” to maintain the internal clock and settings. Additionally, if you have Bluetooth or Wi-Fi “Always On” enabled for smartphone connection, the camera will keep its radio active, leading to faster drain. If you’re storing the camera for more than a week, it’s a good practice to remove the battery entirely to preserve its charge.
Final Verdict
For the majority of OM SYSTEM OM-5 users, I highly recommend the **Wasabi Power 2-Pack**; the included dual charger is invaluable for travel. If you are a professional photographer or shooting in extreme conditions, stick with the **OM SYSTEM BLS-50** for its superior weather resistance and voltage stability. Casual users can safely rely on **BM Premium** for occasional extra power. Regardless of your choice, never leave home with just one battery—the OM-5 is too much fun to stop shooting early!