After showing off its flagship at photokina, Olympus has now officially released the OM-D E-M1 Mark II Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera. Internally, the two major improvements for this camera are the use of a new 20.4MP Live MOS sensor with improvements to dynamic range and sensitivity and the TruePic VIII Image Processor, which has a dual quad-core design that is 3.5x faster than the previous version. This setup enables photographers to capture raw photos at up to (figuratively) an insane 60 fps, as well as allow videographers to record DCI 4K video at 24 fps, a first for Olympus’s mirrorless lineup.
The 20.4MP Live MOS sensor brings with it a 121-point cross-type on-chip phase detection and contrast detection AF system. This Dual F.A.S.T. AF system will automatically select between contrast and phase-detection AF depending on a variety of different conditions. Also, it is fully available when shooting at up to 18 fps, and a revamped subject-tracking algorithm will add enhanced accuracy and speed to the system. Adding to the speed of the E-M1 Mark II is a Pro Capture Mode, which creates a buffer of full-resolution JPEG/raw images when you half-press the shutter button, and then, saves up to 14 frames when you fully press it. The camera uses a silent electronic shutter and high-speed shooting to make sure you capture the decisive moment.
For those looking for super-resolution images, the OM-D E-M1 Mark II offers a 50MP High Res Shot that blends 8 shots into a single image. Video shooters also benefit from increased resolution options with DCI 4K, which is available at a true 24.00 fps, and a more conventional UHD 4K packed into this camera. The E-M1 Mark II even supports bit rates of up to 237 Mbps for capturing crisp and clean video. In addition to all these features, a 5-axis sensor-shot image stabilization system can provide up to 5.5 stops of shutter-speed compensation.
Durability has always been important to Olympus, and this model sports metal construction with hermetic sealing to be splash proof, dustproof, and freeze proof to 14°F. For composing images, it features a 2.36m-dot EVF and a 3.0" 1.04m-dot vari-angle touchscreen LCD. The camera also features a new lithium-ion battery with a longer lifetime and dual SD card slots. Tethered shooting is available, as well, through a USB 3.0 Type C port.
Alongside the camera is a variety of new accessories to help photographers make the most of their equipment. Among these items is the STF-8 Twin Flash, the world’s first weatherproof macro flash. Constructed to be splash proof, dustproof, and freeze proof to 14°F, this flash will hold up in inclement weather just as well as the cameras. It also offers a twin flash design with adjustable ratios and a guide number of 27.9' at ISO 100. It also has coverage for 12mm lenses on Micro Four Thirds format and works with advanced functions, such as Focus Stacking and Focus Bracketing found on the OM-D E-M1 Mark II.
For adventurous photographers, Olympus has also revealed the PT-EP14 Underwater Housing, designed specifically for the OM-D E-M1 Mark II. This housing will keep your camera safe at depths of 196' and it provides access to all camera controls. Other underwater items announced with the camera include the PPO-EP03 Underwater Macro Lens Port for Olympus’s 30mm and 60mm macro lenses, an Underwater Diffuser Plate for the PPO-EP03 Port, an O-Ring for the housing, and an LCD Hood for the housing.
A new HLD-9 Power Battery Holder is available, which makes vertical-orientation shooting more ergonomic and can hold an extra BLH-1 Lithium-Ion Battery for effectively doubling battery life. The HLD-9 also works with the AC-5 AC Adapter for powering the camera with a constant AC source. A newly designed CBG-12 System Backpack is also available, able to hold two E-M1 Mark II cameras with battery grips attached, in addition to a 300mm f/4 PRO lens, three additional lenses, a notebook computer, and more. It also features a buckle and loop on each side for fitting a tripod and comes with two rain covers. Other items include the BCH-1 Battery Charger, CB-USB11 USB Cable, CC-1 USB Cable Holder, and an RM-CB2 Release Cable.
26 Comments
I have macro set-ups for both Canon T6 and Oly M5 and P5 bodies. The 24mp sensor of Canon (and similarly Sony a6000 series) records a noticeable step-up in resolution, more details in say insect head or leg, flower stamen and pistils, over the 14mp (in 2:3 aspect ratio) in Oly, but this resolution also reveals the slightest 'miss' in hitting the exact focus. I have far more throw-aways because of this with Canon. The Olympus, particularly the now discontinued P5 with its 'up-high' EVF, is easier to work with, the balance is with-in your hand instead of 'out front'; the smaller diameter lenses get into flowers, between branches, etc., with less disturbance to the subjects, and the 60mm macro can be preset to 1:1 and the camera moved to the focus distance, using either EVF or LCD, easily. For this level of macro both systems need off-camera speedlights operated by the remote radio frequency systems; in Olympus it is within the body and does not need a flash on the hot shoe— Oly's flashes are also half the bulk—, a great advantage over Canon's bulky flashes. Oly has recently added a 30mm Macro and combined with one of the mark 2 bodies can do focus stacking easier, or so they say. I have added a cheapy set of extension tubes for my 60mm and can get up to 3.5 times life size at the focus plane— however, because of lack of internal baffling the greatest extension suffers from internal flare.
hi,im new to photography and considering buying this for Macro photography. Apart from 60mm olympus what other sharp tele lenses do u recomend?(other brands) and plz mention the right convertor for that lens i.e. Canon macro to OMD
Thank you
Ps.
I was thinking of G85 with kit lens and 60mm macro which is half price of this but does the high speed and build/picture quality is that much better?
Ive seen some bad review of IBIS G85 and the issue it has so now im thinking of OMD
Not to mention the omd's IBIS blew me away in some reviews
Hi Moe,
If your focus is Macro, you likely won't benefit from the added speed of the E-M1 Mark II. That would be much better for action whereas macro is usually a much slower process. In terms of lenses I am going to stick with native lenses, but you could also pick up the Panasonic Leica 45mm f/2.8 Macro or the Rokinon 100mm f/2.8 Macro. Both will be plenty sharp, so it really comes down to the perspective you want.
Hope this helps.
Wow...$2000 for M4/3rds no way...I'll wait a couple of years ...Just like the EM1...Originally it was $1399.00... Now I seen them listed at $899.00...Olympus has priced me out. I look at other alternatives.
I too was a little dismayed at the price, but when one considers the R&D and the new technology that has gone into this camera, I will be purchasing this about next May when the bugs are out because of so many new features that I really WANT! (remember that WANT and NEED are two very different things), although, Olympus has the great reputation of amazing firmware updates, look what they did with my EM-1 MK I, they made it a new camera a couple of times. I was shooting the November super moon when I met a Olympus Rep who had the MK II and battery grip. He let me touch, feel, and use it for a bit and I am sold. I loved my big E-5, felt great in the hands, could be used as a weapon if need be, and the MK II with grip came pretty close to that "feel" without being as big and heavy as the E-5 with grip. Stick a fork in me as I am done! I'm sold. As of right now the MK II has the #! Best Seller for B&H, that's pretty amazing even though it has not even shipped.
Yes, the price is really high, and me too, is hit by that.
But then again, when you consider what this camera can do, it's somewhat ( or certain ) expeting . m43 these days is getting real benefits from smaller sensor, and smaller lens.
As extensively shooter, I must say, micro four third is just a real measure for almost everything. I have much less expensive Pentax K3 body, and this is huge, when you compare it with my other camera ( PEN E-P5 ) .
This Omd- Em II, have much much more to consume from your photography, and it really blows away competitors in action shoots.
Holy Sensor...! This price is insane for a M4/3 camera body only, I will rather go with the GH5 (when it released) or the Sony α6500 over this toy.
I wonder if this camera will be able to competently do birds in flight.
Hi Bruce,
Olympus has indicated in their documentation that this camera should be able to handle fast moving subjects.
I'm using OM-D E-M1 camera with 75-300mm lens and stopping fling birds using ISO 800 no worries so i suspect the Mk 11 will to, however took quite a lot to setup the camera to do that. I rejected the firmware version four that recently was released as the firmware didn't suit me...the version four firmware was (i understand) released for MK 11 camera and newer Zuiko Lens. I purchased new camera rather than use version four firmware. Got no meaningfull support from Olympus to otherwise resolve the issues i was having.
OM-D E-M1 suits my needs
Olympus, are you kidding??
$2000 US for a M4/3 camera body? I love my EM1 vI but $2500 CDN for the VII in Canada is insane. No need for you to import more than one or two of these into Canada at these prices!!!
Have you become a subsidiary of Apple Corp? Only Apple Zombies will pay those kinds of prices.
Calm down, Wally -- this camera body is nothing like an Apple offering. It has a headphone jack.
LOL!
Hi, does this camera support wireless tethering for video and stills?
Hi Robert,
From the information available there is definitely wireless tethering of some sort available for stills. For video it is less likely.
Can anyone specifically confirm that his camera will fully suport legacy 4/3 DSLRSuper High Grade lenses and if so, will it use the same adapter as the original OM-D E-M1?
Hi James,
The E-M1 Mark II has the same exact lens support (and adapter support) as the original E-M1. Olympus also makes an adapter that allows for full electornic communication between older Four Thirds lenses and Micro Four Thirds cameras.
What kind of telephoto glass will be available for the Mark II? Any yet to be announced lenses?
Hi Mark,
Plenty of telephoto glass is available already, you can find it all right here. Though the most highly anticipated is likely Olympus' new 300mm PRO lens. In regards to any unannounced lenses, only Olympus knows that I'm afraid.
Does the vodeo overcome the 20-30 minuite limitation by seamlessley starting new files similar to the Lumix GX-8?
Hi Jim,
The 30 minute limitation present in many of these cameras, including the E-M1 Mark II, is put in place by companies so that cameras aren't classified as video camera which can dramatically increase taxes and costs of the devices. It usually has little to do with needing to break up the files.
I believe my MK I will resume another video recording when the first one reaches the 30 min 4gb limit. Also, I don't believe the camera could dissipate enought sensor heat after a couple of hours recording. I would rather have many 4gb files that one huge unweildly file.
Is there a date on when this will be available yet?
Hi Tammy,
The camera is still in development, I would assume this means a release sometime in 2017, hopefully the first half, but as always this is subject to change.
its been released in December 2016, i received email from Olympus yesterday advising that
w.olympus.com.au/Products/Interchangeable-Lens-Cameras/Olympus-OM-D/E-M1-Mark-II/Features/High-speed-Performance