Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II Review

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is a mirrorless camera that has been making waves in the photography world since its release. It boasts a number of impressive features that set it apart from other high-end cameras, including its dual quad-core processors that allow for 60 fps burst shooting and fast image playback. Additionally, the E-M1 Mark II has a fully customizable interface and solid video features, making it one of Olympus’ most impressive and feature-complete cameras.

One of the most notable features of the E-M1 Mark II is its 60fps burst mode, which is a spectacular leap forward in high-speed shooting. Even though users have to step down to 18fps to get focus tracking with moving subjects, it is still an impressive feat for a camera of this caliber. Moreover, the E-M1 Mark II has in-body 5-axis image stabilization which reduces shake by up to 5.5 stops, making it a great option for photographers who are always on the go.

Key Specifications of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is a high-end digital camera with a Micro Four Thirds sensor that was released in September 2016. It is the successor to the popular OM-D E-M1 and boasts a number of impressive features and specifications that make it a top choice for professional photographers.

The following are some of the key specifications of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II:

  • 20.4-megapixel Live MOS sensor
  • 5-axis in-body image stabilization
  • 121-point all cross-type on-chip Phase Detection autofocus system
  • TruePic VIII dual quad-core image processor
  • ISO range of 200-25600 (expandable to 64-25600)
  • 15fps sequential shooting with AF/AE tracking
  • 4K video capture at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps
  • Weather-sealed magnesium alloy body
  • 3-inch vari-angle LCD touchscreen
  • Dual SD card slots (UHS-II compatible)
  • Battery life of up to 440 shots per charge

The 20.4-megapixel Live MOS sensor is the same one that was first introduced in the Pen-F camera, but Olympus has tweaked it for better performance in the OM-D E-M1 Mark II. The 5-axis in-body image stabilization system is also a significant improvement over the previous model, offering up to 5.5 stops of compensation.

The autofocus system is another area where the OM-D E-M1 Mark II excels. With 121 points, all of which are cross-type, it is one of the most advanced systems on the market. The TruePic VIII image processor is also a major upgrade, allowing for faster processing speeds and improved image quality.

The camera’s 15fps sequential shooting with AF/AE tracking is also impressive, making it a great choice for capturing fast-moving subjects. And with 4K video capture at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps, the OM-D E-M1 Mark II is a versatile tool for both still photography and videography.

The weather-sealed magnesium alloy body and vari-angle LCD touchscreen are also noteworthy features that make the OM-D E-M1 Mark II a durable and user-friendly camera. And with dual SD card slots that are UHS-II compatible, photographers can easily store and transfer large amounts of data.

An Overview of the Features

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is a high-end mirrorless camera that boasts a wide range of features and capabilities. Here are some of the key features that make this camera stand out:

  • 20.4MP MOS sensor and TruePic VIII engine
  • Burst rates of 60 fps in Single AF and 18 fps with C-AF
  • Dual FAST autofocus system with 121 on-chip phase-detect points
  • 5-axis image stabilization with up to 5.5 stops of compensation
  • 4K video recording with Cinema 4K at 24fps and 237Mbps bit-rate
  • Dust, splash, and freeze-proof construction

The camera’s 20.4MP MOS sensor and TruePic VIII engine deliver excellent image quality, while its fast burst rates and autofocus system make it well-suited for capturing fast-moving subjects. The 5-axis image stabilization system helps to keep shots steady, even in low light or when using longer lenses.

In addition to its still photography capabilities, the OM-D E-M1 Mark II also offers impressive video recording capabilities. It can record 4K video at 24fps with a high bit-rate of 237Mbps, as well as a range of FullHD options up to 60p and 52Mbps.

The camera’s construction is also noteworthy, with dust, splash, and freeze-proof features that make it well-suited for use in a variety of environments and weather conditions.

Pros

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is a highly capable camera that offers a number of advantages to photographers looking for a high-end mirrorless camera. Some of the key pros of this camera include:

  • Impressive speed: The Mark II is one of the fastest mirrorless cameras on the market, with a shooting rate of up to 60 frames per second with the electronic shutter. This makes it a great choice for sports and action photography.
  • Excellent image quality: The 20.4-megapixel Four Thirds sensor produces sharp, detailed images with good color accuracy and low noise levels, even at high ISO settings.
  • Advanced autofocus system: The Mark II’s autofocus system is highly customizable and offers 121 cross-type phase detection autofocus points, making it easy to track moving subjects and achieve sharp focus in a variety of shooting situations.
  • Robust build quality: The Mark II features a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body that is dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof down to 14°F (-10°C), making it a great choice for outdoor and adventure photography.
  • Good video capabilities: The Mark II can shoot 4K video at up to 30 frames per second and offers a variety of advanced video features, including high-speed video, time-lapse, and focus peaking.

Overall, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is a highly capable camera that offers a range of advanced features and excellent performance in a compact, lightweight package. While it may not be the best choice for every photographer, it is certainly worth considering for those looking for a high-end mirrorless camera with top-notch speed, image quality, and autofocus capabilities.

Cons

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is a fantastic camera, but it’s not without its drawbacks. Here are some cons to consider before making a purchase:

1. Price: The E-M1 Mark II is a high-end camera, and with that comes a high price tag. It may not be the best option for those on a tight budget.

2. Battery life: While the battery life has been improved from the previous model, it still may not be enough for some users. Heavy usage can drain the battery quickly, and it may be necessary to carry a spare battery.

3. Autofocus: While the autofocus system is generally very good, it can struggle in low light conditions. This may be a problem for those who frequently shoot in dimly lit environments.

4. Menu system: The menu system can be overwhelming, especially for those new to Olympus cameras. It may take some time to learn how to navigate and customize the settings to your liking.

5. Limited lens selection: While Olympus has a good selection of lenses, it may not be as extensive as other camera brands. This may be a problem for those who need a specific lens for their shooting needs.

How to Make the Best Out of Your Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is a powerful camera that offers a lot of features and customization options. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your camera:

  • Learn the menus: The camera has a lot of menus and submenus that can be overwhelming at first. Take the time to go through the menus and familiarize yourself with the different options.
  • Customize the buttons: The camera has a lot of customizable buttons that can be set to different functions. Think about the functions that you use the most and assign them to the buttons that are most convenient for you.
  • Use the dual card slots: The camera has two card slots that can be set to different functions. Consider using one slot for JPEGs and the other for RAW files, or use one slot as a backup.
  • Experiment with the autofocus: The camera has a lot of autofocus options that can be used in different situations. Experiment with the different options and find the ones that work best for you.
  • Shoot in RAW: The camera can shoot in RAW format, which gives you more flexibility in post-processing. Consider shooting in RAW and learning how to process the files to get the most out of your images.
  • Use the built-in image stabilization: The camera has a built-in image stabilization system that can help you get sharper images in low light or when using longer shutter speeds. Consider using the image stabilization system and experimenting with different settings.

By taking the time to learn the menus, customize the buttons, and experiment with the different features of the camera, you can make the most out of your Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II and get the best possible results.

Alternatives to the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

While the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is a highly capable camera, there are several other options available in the market that can be considered as alternatives. Here are a few:

CameraPriceFeatures
Sony Alpha A9 II$4,49824.2MP Full-frame sensor, 20fps burst shooting, 693-point AF system
Fujifilm X-T4$1,69926.1MP APS-C sensor, 15fps burst shooting, 425-point AF system, 5-axis in-body stabilization
Nikon Z7 II$2,99945.7MP Full-frame sensor, 10fps burst shooting, 493-point AF system, 5-axis in-body stabilization

The Sony Alpha A9 II is a high-end mirrorless camera that offers a full-frame sensor and a 20fps burst shooting mode. It also features a highly capable 693-point autofocus system, making it an ideal choice for sports and action photography.

The Fujifilm X-T4 is another great alternative to the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II. It features a 26.1MP APS-C sensor, 15fps burst shooting, and a 425-point autofocus system. It also comes with 5-axis in-body stabilization, which is highly useful for video shooting.

The Nikon Z7 II is a full-frame mirrorless camera that offers a 45.7MP sensor, 10fps burst shooting, and a 493-point autofocus system. It also comes with 5-axis in-body stabilization, making it a great choice for both photography and videography.

John Kilmerstone

I'm an Aussie living in Japan who enjoys traveling and photography. Please visit this website and explore the wonderful world of Micro Four Thirds photography. Discover the advantages of carrying a small yet powerful camera system.

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