Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II Review | 108 Data compared

The DPReview evaluation of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II identifies it as a high-speed, 20.4MP Micro Four Thirds camera featuring extensive 5-axis, 5.5-stop in-body stabilization, a durable weather-sealed body, and 4K video capabilities. Performance highlights include up to 60 fps shooting with locked focus, improved battery life, and excellent handling, making it a powerful tool for action and professional use. Conversely, the review notes the high initial cost, a complex menu system, and inconsistent subject tracking at top speeds. Other drawbacks include only one of the two SD slots supporting UHS-II, aggressive JPEG noise reduction at high ISOs, and a non-OLED viewfinder.

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is a premium Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera housed in a robust, fully weather-sealed aluminum and magnesium body. It is highly praised for underwater photography due to its extensive lens selection, exceptional 5-axis in-body image stabilization (up to 5.5 stops), and a 20-megapixel Live MOS sensor that lacks an anti-aliasing filter for sharper images. The camera excels in speed, boasting a 121-point dual fast autofocus system and rapid continuous burst shooting of 15 frames per second with a mechanical shutter, which jumps up to 60 frames per second using the electronic shutter. Its innovative Pro Capture mode also helps photographers snap action shots by pre-recording up to 35 frames right before the shutter is fully pressed. Additionally, it features an improved battery life yielding 440 shots per charge and includes 4K cinema video recording. Despite its high performance, the camera has notable limitations for video creators and specific shooting environments. A major downside for serious videographers is the complete lack of custom white balance control while in video mode, requiring users to rely on...

Overview and Key Features The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is an exceptional, lightweight Micro Four Thirds camera designed for high performance in challenging environments, such as the harsh and unpredictable weather of Iceland. Built around a 20.4-megapixel Live MOS sensor paired with a TruePic VIII image processor, the camera operates up to 3.5 times faster than its predecessor. It features an advanced autofocus system boasting 121 cross-type phase and contrast-detection points, which enables blistering continuous shooting speeds of up to 60 frames per second with a silent electronic shutter, or 18 fps with continuous tracking. The reviewer heavily praised its highly effective 5-axis In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS), providing up to 6.5 stops of stabilization when paired with stabilized lenses, making sharp handheld exposures possible even at slow shutter speeds like 0.02 seconds. Other highlight features include an improved 120 fps high-speed electronic viewfinder (EVF), an innovative "Pro Capture" mode that saves 14 pre-shutter frames, a 50-megapixel High-Res Shot mode, an intuitive touch-sensitive swing-out screen, dual SD card slots, a helpful "Live Bulb" long-exposure monitoring mode, and 4K video recording...

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II mirrorless camera introduces a newly designed 20-megapixel Live MOS sensor paired with a TruePic VIII processor, delivering exceptional image quality with anti-reflective coating to reduce flare. It is heavily tailored for underwater and action photography, highlighted by an advanced 121-point dual cross-type autofocus system and a "Subject Tracking Cluster Display" that locks onto moving targets. Speed is a standout strength; the electronic shutter achieves an unprecedented 60 frames per second burst rate in Single AF (18 fps in Continuous AF), while a new Pro Capture Mode buffers 14 frames prior to fully depressing the shutter to prevent missed action. Video capabilities are also massively upgraded, supporting standard 4K shooting at up to 102 Mbps and Cinema 4K at a dense 237 Mbps (24p), alongside customizable frame rates for slow motion and improved 5-axis image stabilization for smooth, handheld underwater capture. Despite its extensive upgrades, the camera brings one notable disappointment for underwater photographers: the maximum flash sync speed has dropped to 1/250th of a second, down from the original model's 1/320th, which restricts an...

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, featured in this DPReview samples gallery, is a durable, weather-sealed, 20MP flagship camera offering exceptional 5-axis image stabilization and high-speed shooting capabilities up to 60 fps. It also features useful shooting tools like Pro Capture mode, a fully articulating touchscreen, and high-resolution imaging options, all in a compact Micro Four Thirds package. However, the, camera carries a high $2,000 launch price, and its smaller sensor results in lower image quality at high ISOs compared to full-frame alternatives. Additional drawbacks include disorganized menu systems and surprisingly soft 1080p video, despite its strong 4K capabilities.

The ePHOTOzine review highlights the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II as a durable, weather-sealed Micro Four Thirds camera featuring exceptionally fast 60fps continuous shooting and 5-axis image stabilization. Key strengths noted include a 121-point autofocus system, improved ergonomics, dual SD card slots, 4K video capability, and a 50MP High-Res shot mode. Conversely, the review mentions that the heavily weather-sealed buttons have a "spongy" feel and notes potential interference between the side-flipping touchscreen and cable management. Additionally, the camera's extensive menu system is described as complex, which may present a learning curve for some users.

The Amateur Photographer review of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II highlights a flagship camera designed for exceptional speed, featuring robust weather-sealed build quality and a 121-point autofocus system. Key strengths include, extraordinary 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) for sharp handheld shooting at slow speeds and top-tier continuous shooting performance. However, the review notes significant drawbacks, particularly regarding the overly complicated menu system and a steep, unintuitive customization learning curve. While capable, the Four Thirds sensor limits its low-light performance compared to larger APS-C competitors, all while carrying a high launch price. Ming Thein |

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is an overdeveloped Micro Four Thirds flagship camera that excels in physical design, speed, and stabilization but is hindered by its user interface. On the positive side, it features a rugged, weather-sealed magnesium frame with highly accessible physical controls and an excellent "Pro Capture" mode that pre-buffers images before the shutter is fully pressed. Its 5-axis in-body image stabilization is state-of-the-art—offering up to 6.5 stops of compensation with compatible lenses—allowing sharp handheld shots at low shutter speeds, while its 121-point cross-type phase-detect autofocus delivers incredibly fast and reliable single-servo performance. Furthermore, its base ISO image quality is exceptional, and the high-resolution pixel-shift mode produces landscape images that punch well above its native 20MP sensor class when shot on a tripod. However, the camera has notable drawbacks in user experience, tracking performance, and low-light capability. The menu system is heavily criticized as a confusing jumble of cryptic icons, "Japlish" phrasing, and poorly designed software architecture that makes initial customization a frustrating chore. In terms of performance, continuous autofocus (+TR tracking) lacks consistency and struggles to...

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is a highly capable Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera that successfully challenges flagship DSLRs in wildlife and bird photography. In terms of performance and pros, the camera features an entirely new autofocus system with 121 on-sensor phase-detection points and a dedicated AF processor, delivering fast, reliable continuous tracking that easily locks onto birds in flight. It boasts an impressive 18-fps burst rate with continuous AF (though dialing it down to 10-fps using the mechanical shutter yields the best tracking results). The 20-megapixel sensor lacks an anti-aliasing filter, allowing for stunning image detail and contrast that easily supports large 30×40-inch prints. Furthermore, its robust weather-sealing holds up in freezing sub-zero conditions, while the exceptional battery life easily matches standard DSLR performance. The combined in-body and lens stabilization is so effective that it significantly minimizes the need for a tripod in the field. Despite its high praise, the reviewer notes several distinct limitations and minor annoyances. On the downside, the camera is quite expensive for a Micro Four Thirds body, which may alienate budget-conscious photographers. The...