OM System OM-1 Mark II review: A tough, capable mirrorless

Mirrorless cameras have come far sufficient that it is now tougher to discover a unhealthy digital camera than it’s to discover a good one. Photographers are spoiled for selection with few our bodies providing poor picture high quality. One of many greatest methods mirrorless cameras differ from the competitors is in functionality. The OM System OM-1 Mark II takes this to the intense.

The Micro 4 Thirds physique provides an extended record of options which can be exhausting to seek out elsewhere. The digital camera can autofocus on stars, then take handheld lengthy exposures by mixing top-tier stabilization with built-in neutral-density filters. Processes like focus stacking and dwell composites are all finished in digital camera, with out Photoshop.

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When you’re searching for a digital camera that’s each gentle and highly effective, mirrorless is the way in which to go.

Are there higher sensors than the 20.4 megapixel Micro 4 Thirds one contained in the OM-1 Mark II? Completely, however you can be exhausting pressed to seek out one other digital camera physique that may accomplish what OM System’s newest flagship can with out equipment or Photoshop. In fact, that Micro 4 Thirds sensor additionally makes it attainable to discover a 1200mm equal lens that does not value or weigh a ton.

OM System OM-1 Mark II

Advisable

The OM System OM-1 Mark II delivers highly effective capabilities with its wonderful stabilization and computational images choices. Whereas its a wonderful digital camera for journey and wildlife images, photos aren’t nearly as good as a full-frame digital camera on the identical worth level.

Professionals

• 8.5 stops of stabilization
• Constructed-in NDs and GNDs
• Strong autofocus with topic detectijon and astrophotography
• Quick burst speeds
• Sturdy, compact development

Cons

• Full body provides higher picture high quality
• Dear
• Lacks ProRes video

Worth, specs, and availability

OM System introduced the OM-1 Mark II in January 2024. The digital camera is now delivery with a retail worth of $2,400 body-only. I examined the physique with the M. Zuiko 9-18mm f4-5.6 and 150-600mm f5-6.3 lenses.

Design

Powerful however comfy

There may be such a factor as a digital camera that is too small, however the OM-1 Mark II provides the best mix between heft and ergonomics. The physique options a big grip that is as comfy as a DSLR. The digital camera weighs in at about 21 ounces (599g) with battery and microSD included.

The compact design retains controls inside simple attain. On the high of the OM-1 Mark II, there is a mode dial, in addition to shortcuts for the burst mode, autofocus, and publicity compensation. Two management dials sit at the back and front of the grip, with an ISO button permitting for fast publicity changes.

The again of the digital camera contains a suite of menu controls, however the spotlight right here is the big LCD that tilts out to the facet. The hinge-style display screen makes it simple to shoot from awkward angles, or tuck the display screen away for cover. It is also touch-enabled with tap-to-focus and the short menu, although the total menu requires use of the bodily buttons.

The digital camera homes loads of ports as nicely. It has two UHS-II SD card slots, a USB-C port, mic jack, micro HDMI and synchro socket. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity make it simple to hook up with the OM System app. One minor annoyance that is beginning to change into the norm with most cameras is that OM-1 Mark II would not ship with a charger included within the field. It’s worthwhile to purchase an adapter individually.

The Mark II is designed for outside adventures. The physique is rated IP53-certified towards mud and splashes and capturing all the way down to 14-degrees Fahrenheit (-10 levels Celsius). A sonic wave filter sits inside and vibrates each time the digital camera is powered on to maintain mud off the sensor.

Photograph and video efficiency

Ditch the filters, and perhaps even the tripod

The OM-1 Mark II’s heavy give attention to options makes it attainable to do extra with out Photoshop and plenty of equipment. It has options that can simplify issues for novices and hobbyists, but is superior sufficient most photographers aren’t going to develop out of this digital camera.

For instance, the physique provides an unbelievable 8.5 stops of stabilization. That is sufficient stablization to take handheld lengthy exposures, even at 5 seconds with a wide-angle lens.

The inclusion of built-in impartial density filters make it even attainable to take handheld lengthy exposures through the day. Whereas Mark II’s predecessor had this function, the brand new digital camera goes one step additional with the addition of graduated impartial density filters. GNDs slip over the lens with a purpose to darken the sky to keep away from overexposure. The OM-1 Mark II makes use of computational images to do this internally — no bodily filters required. You may alter the depth and see the impact earlier than you shoot. The digital camera’s controls let you alter the place the filter falls in order that it covers the sky even when the horizon is at an angle.

Whereas the OM-1 Mark II’s predecessor supplied topic detection autofocus, OM System has improved accuracy on the brand new mannequin. Chook eye AF is a significant enhance for newbie wildlife photographers. The function works nicely more often than not, however struggles if branches or leaves cowl a part of the animal. It additionally has some issue in backlighting. In my expertise, Canon’s high-end cameras do a greater job of choosing a hen out of a large number of branches.

On the whole, autofocus efficiency is strong — if not the best possible. With the quickest topics heading straight in direction of the digital camera, anticipate a couple of dropped frames. For instance, photographing my canine with animal eye AF at 10 fps, round 20 p.c of the ensuing photographs had been mushy. The digital camera does higher if the topic is not heading straight in direction of it. The OM-1 Mark II snaps photos as quick as 50 fps (120 fps in case you do not want autofocus). Your exhausting drive will cry dealing with that many photos although, and slower speeds additionally profit from a blackout-free viewfinder. The OM-1 Mark II additionally consists of extra RAM than earlier than, so the digital camera can maintain these quickest burst speeds for twice as lengthy.

These options work to assist the digital camera do extra, each with out utilizing equipment and within the arms of extra novices. Prefer it predecessor, the OM-1 Mark II may also merge a number of photos for sharper photographs and star trails, or begin taking photographs early to appropriate unhealthy timing. In scenes with out motion, handheld high-res mode can merge a number of photos right into a 50-megapixel shot, or 80-megapixels with a tripod.

The digital camera captures video at as much as 4K 60p, with the wonderful eye AF boosting efficiency. Video is not a significant promoting level although, with competing choices just like the Panasonic G9 ii and GH6 providing 5.7K seize and ProRes assist.

OM System OM-1 Mark II pattern picture

Picture high quality

Good, however not one of the best for a digital camera this expensive

The OM-1 Mark II produces good photos, although you possibly can anticipate higher outcomes from a full-frame digital camera. That is unsurprising, because the 20.4-megapixel Micro 4 Thirds sensor and TruePic X processor is identical {hardware} that is tucked inside the sooner mannequin. I do not really feel the identical awe viewing photos from the OM-1 Mark II at 100% decision as I do with full body opponents on the identical worth level. Images are sharp and colourful, however do not function as a lot element as these produced by a higher-resolution digital camera. Picture grain is tolerable at ISO 3,200. I would use the digital camera as much as ISO 12,800 if push involves shove.

OM System OM-1 Mark II pattern picture

Nonetheless, the 2X crop issue brings advantages when working with telephoto lenses. You may get nearer to topics with the OM-1 Mark II as a result of a 600mm lens is equal to a 1200mm on a full body physique — and is extra reasonably priced and light-weight.

Verdict

The OM System OM-1 Mark II is among the most succesful cameras I’ve used, however I’ve seen different $2,400 cameras produce higher pictures. The OM-1 Mark II’s options make it top-of-the-line Micro 4 Thirds our bodies accessible. If you need carry lighter lenses and fewer equipment in your subsequent journey, the digital camera is a superb selection. It will probably handle some lengthy exposures with out filters and generally even with out a tripod. It will probably additionally full focus stacking and dwell composites with out Photoshop. These options are wonderful for journey, together with making troublesome images simpler for hobbyists.

By comparability, the Panasonic G9 II provides extra decision and wonderful coloration profiles. Nonetheless, I believe the OM-1 II options higher eye AF, together with extras like built-in ND and GNDs, in addition to a no-blackout viewfinder. OM System’s newest flagship additionally provides longer battery life at 520 photographs.

The OM-1 Mark II is among the finest cameras for journey and a high choice for the Micro 4 Thirds format. Nonetheless, if pure picture efficiency are essential to you, the OM-1 Mark II cannot compete with equally priced full-frame cameras. For vacationers, newbies who need greater than a plasticky novice mannequin and genres the place the 2x crop issue is a professional relatively than a con, the OM-1 Mark II is nicely value contemplating.

OM System OM-1 Mark II

Editor’s Selection

Professionals

• 8.5 stops of stabilization
• Constructed-in NDs and GNDs
• Strong autofocus with topic detectijon and astrophotography
• Quick burst speeds
• Sturdy, compact development

Cons

• Full body provides higher picture high quality
• Dear
• Lacks ProRes video