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.
