Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II Launched

2016.11.10

Back in September, Olympus revealed some details of their new flagship mirrorless camera, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II. Clearly based externally on its predecessor, the excellent OM-D E-M1 reviewed here, the internals have completely been revised. The Photokina information described a 20 MP sensor with 18 FPS drive and 5-axis stabilization system plus built-in Phase-Detect AF.

Olympus officially announced the E-M1 Mark II last week with full specifications. Sorry for the delay but I was busy enjoying Machu Picchu for the second time, after 10 years. It's a wonderful and spectacular place everyone should see at least once in their lives and, so this time, I took my young daughter. The complex is enourmous and even more impressive considering its location where building it must have been one of the toughest endeavor of its time.

Now back to our regularly scheduled program. The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II features a completely new 20 MP sensor without anti-alias filtering which promises to render unmatched detail from a Four-Thirds sensor. Its high-speed read-out allows it shoot full-resolution images continuously at 60 FPS. At that speed AF cannot keep up but going down to a still very impressive 18 FPS, the E-M1 Mark II can keep up continuous autofocus thanks a 121 Cross-Type Phase-Detect points built right into the sensor. The sensor itself is paired with a new Quad-Core processor which can processes images and video extremely fast. The E-M1 Mark II becomes the second mirrorless to capture Cinema 4K which is 4096x2160 at 24 FPS. Of course, there is also Ultra HD at 30 FPS and Full HD at 60 FPS.

The 20 MP sensor is mounted on a state-of-the-art 5-axis stabilization system which is effective to 5.5 stops according to the CIPA standard which is the highest level of stabilization claimed from a single system. It can also combine to offer Dual IS with select lenses for up to 6.5 stops of shake reduction. In front of the sensor there is a Hybrid shutter which delivers a 1/32000s - 60s shutter-speed range, plus Bulb exposures up to 30 minutes. There is buffer for 48 RAW files or JPEG images when shooting at maximum speed. At 18 FPS, the fast memory bus lets the E-M1 Mark II buffer 105 JPEG images or 77 RAW files.

Like the original E-M1, the new Mark II version is a professional mirrorless. It offers a huge 0.74X magnification EVF with 100% coverage and an Eye-Start sensor. Its body is fully weatherproof and freezeproof down to -10C. There are a large number of controls all-over the camera, including dual control-dials, a traditional mode-dial, DOF-Preview button and several customizable ones. The newly added professional feature is Dual SDXC memory card slots to provide instant backups.

This mirrorless is one of the most feature-rich on the market with built-in HDR, Time-Lapse Video up to 4K at 5 FPS, Focus Stacking and bracketing for Exposure, ISO, WB, Focus and Flash. There is also built-in WiFi, a USB 3.0 Type-C connector, 4K HDMI output, stereo mini-jacks input and output, plus a wired remote trigger port, a hot-shoe and Sync-Port for external lighting.

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is expected to ship early next month for a sugggest price of $2000 USD or $2500 CDN. For pre-orders, use one of the folllwing links: Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. Remember that the price is the same while using these links but it helps support Neocamera.

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