OM System OM-5 Mark II Review | 108 Data compared

The DPReview in-depth review identifies the OM System OM-5 Mark II as a compact, IP53 weather-sealed, and adventure-ready camera featuring an updated USB-C port, improved grip, and a dedicated Computational Photography button. While praising its class-leading image stabilization, the review highlights that the 20-megapixel sensor is carried over from the previous model, resulting in minimal image quality upgrades. Key limitations include a 121-point autofocus system lacking advanced AI subject tracking and a smaller battery yielding around 300 shots per charge. Labeled by the reviewer as "the innovator showing its age," the OM-5 II is deemed an excellent, rugged choice for travelers rather than a necessary upgrade for current OM-5 users. YouTube

The Amateur Photographer review highlights the OM System OM-5 Mark II as a value-packed, lightweight, and rugged, IP53-rated travel camera ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Key pros include top-tier 5-axis IBIS, effective computational photography modes like LiveND, and access to a vast ecosystem of compact Micro Four Thirds lenses. Conversely, the camera is an incremental update, reusing the 20-megapixel sensor and processor from its predecessor, which may disappoint those seeking higher resolution. While offering improved handling with a deeper grip and USB-C charging, it lacks modern AI subject detection and high-end video features like 10-bit recording.

The OM System OM-5 Mark II is a lightweight mirrorless camera designed for advanced amateurs and travel photographers looking for full features without heavy gear. Weighing under one pound (418g with battery and card), the camera features a magnesium alloy frame with an IP53-certified weather sealing that resists dust, rain, snow, and freezing temperatures down to -10°C. It is equipped with a 20.4-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, 5-axis built-in image stabilization offering up to 7.5 EV steps of compensation, and an updated menu system inherited from the higher-end OM-1 Mark II. It also boasts a robust suite of computational photography tools, including 50MP handheld and 80MP tripod High-Res shot modes, Live ND (ND2 to ND16), in-camera Focus Stacking, Pro Capture, and a dedicated Starry Sky autofocus mode for astrophotography. The reviewer highlights several distinct pros and cons after testing the camera on hikes and travels. On the positive side, the camera delivers solid imaging quality, useful computational features, an improved grip, and highly capable sensor-shift high-resolution modes. However, it does have notable limitations, including a single SD card slot, an...

In his first impressions review, Keith Wee positions the OM-5 Mark II as a highly competent, entry-level mirrorless camera geared heavily toward outdoor enthusiasts and travel adventurers. A major pro highlighted is its exceptional balance of weight and size, weighing just 416 grams with the battery and SD card, making it an incredibly portable everyday carry system when paired with compact lenses. The reviewer also heavily praises its rugged IP53-rated dustproof, splashproof, and freeze-proof build, alongside an outstanding 5-axis image stabilization system that achieves up to 7.5 stops of compensation. Furthermore, the introduction of a new physical "CP" button provides instantaneous access to the brand's signature computational photography features, such as Starry Sky AF, Live ND, and Live Composite. However, the review outlines several key cons and structural limitations that stem from its positioning beneath flagship models like the OM-1 Mark II. Notably, the OM-5 Mark II does not utilize a modern stacked sensor, instead recycling the same 20-megapixel sensor found in the original OM-5. This hardware limitation results in a complete omission of advanced AI subject detection modes—offering only...

The OM System OM-5 II is a compact, lightweight Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera specifically engineered for outdoor, travel, wildlife, and sports photographers who value mobility over a full-frame setup. Building on the foundation of its predecessor, it retains a 20.4MP Live MOS sensor and TruePic IX processor but introduces key physical and software improvements driven by user feedback. Notable upgrades include an ergonomic, redesigned built-in front grip for enhanced handling, a highly requested USB-C port that allows for on-the-go charging from a power bank, and a dedicated Computational Photography (CP) button for easier access to advanced modes. The camera heavily leverages AI to power features like Focus Stacking, Live ND, Starry Sky AF, and an impressive High-Resolution Mode capable of producing 50MP handheld or 80MP tripod-based RAW files. For video creators, it brings down two 'OM Cinema' color profiles from the higher-end OM-3 and adds a functional red tally light on the body. The review highlights several prominent pros and cons regarding the camera's real-world performance. On the positive side, its class-leading IP53 weatherproofing and freeze protection down to...

The OM System OM-5 Mark II ($1,199.99, body only) is a lightweight, Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera defined by its exceptional IP53-rated weather sealing, 5-axis image stabilization, and an extensive suite of in-camera computational photography tools, which now features a dedicated physical button for easier access to features like Handheld High Res Shot, Live ND, and Focus Stacking. It updates its predecessor by integrating a modern USB-C port for in-camera charging and UVC/UAC webcam streaming, alongside a refreshed, color-coded menu system. While its ergonomic design benefits from a more pronounced handgrip that pairs well with compact lenses, the camera's shutter release feels notably mushy, and its BLS-50 battery life remains underwhelming, delivering a conservative 350 images per charge in practice. The camera lags behind entry-level competitors due to its aging 20MP sensor and underpowered, rudimentary autofocus system. Although the autofocus includes human face, eye, and starry sky detection, it entirely skips standard modern features like pet, wildlife, or vehicle tracking. Video performance is also underwhelming, maxing out at 4K30 with restrictive 8-bit color sampling that limits color correction flexibility, despite...

The OM System OM-5 Mark II is a highly capable, adventure-ready outdoor camera featuring flagship-level IP53 weather sealing, an improved menu system, and class-leading 5-axis image stabilization offering up to 6.5 stops of stabilization (7.5 stops with Sync-IS lenses). Stills shooters will appreciate the newly integrated computational photography (CP) button for instant focus stacking and Live ND access, a beefier ergonomic grip, and a High Res Shot mode capable of producing 50MP handheld or 80MP tripod images. Furthermore, its compact Micro Four Thirds sensor yields a 2x crop factor that effectively doubles lens reach, and lab data reveals it delivers excellent dynamic range at low-to-medium ISOs alongside remarkably clean high-ISO performance starting at ISO 3200. However, the camera suffers from minimal spec evolution, utilizing the same 20.4MP TruePic IX processor configuration found in the original OM-5 and the older Olympus E-M5 Mark III. This lack of core upgrades means existing owners of those predecessors have very little incentive to upgrade unless they explicitly require the newly added USB-C charging. Performance limitations include a total lack of intelligent subject detection autofocus...