E-M5ii vs E-M1ii to welcome me back to Olympus?

The only Olympus camera I've ever owned was the E-M5 Mark II. I ended up owning it longer than any other camera I've ever owned. I absolutely loved it. It was so perfect in so many ways, with only a couple of shortcomings that were easy to overlook.


Unfortunately, I was foolish enough to sell it, last year. Biggest mistake ever. I've missed that camera so much that I'm ready to purchase another. Especially with how affordable they are, now. However, before I spend any money, I'm wondering if the E-M1 Mark II has enough advantages that it would be worth buying, instead?

As good as the E-M1ii is, the E-M5ii is no slouch. The improved video quality doesn't really matter to me, but things like dual card slots, improved ergonomics, and potentially better IBIS (is it actually any better?) are all intriguing.

Right now, where I live, an E-M5ii can be purchased brand new for $500 and used for $400. An E-M1ii can be purchased new for $1000 and used for $800.

So, does anyone have experience with both? Is the E-M1ii worth twice the price? Or am I better off saving the money and getting another E-M5ii at half the price?

Skyler King said:

So, does anyone have experience with both? Is the E-M1ii worth twice the price? Or am I better off saving the money and getting another E-M5ii at half the price?

Click to expand...

Both great cameras, but the newer 20MP sensor does make a difference and the autofocus is better etc. Also, the EM1II is still pretty up to date with the latest excellent firmware just now out. So yes, I'd say it's more than worth the upgrade price since you need to consider buying one or the other.

Or wait for the EM5III later this year, but that probably means Christmas at best for delivery?

Oly

There are some other considerations beyond the technology differences.

1. What style of shooter are you? Street shooting probably favors the EM5ii
2. Do you routinely use longer telephotos? (favors the EM1ii for balance and maybe autofocus)
3. Do you like using a camera without a grip? (favors the EM5ii)
4. How important is size? (EM5ii feels much smaller and lighter, and depending on the lens it is more pocketable)

I had an EM5 (not the ii version) and currently have the EM1ii. I personally never felt comfortable with the EM5 until I added the grip. Then it became very usable. Your mileage may vary. The EM1ii feels much more like the E30 which I also had, and dearly loved.

Just my $.02.

MikePDX said:

There are some other considerations beyond the technology differences.

1. What style of shooter are you? Street shooting probably favors the EM5ii
2. Do you routinely use longer telephotos? (favors the EM1ii for balance and maybe autofocus)
3. Do you like using a camera without a grip? (favors the EM5ii)
4. How important is size? (EM5ii feels much smaller and lighter, and depending on the lens it is more pocketable)

I had an EM5 (not the ii version) and currently have the EM1ii. I personally never felt comfortable with the EM5 until I added the grip. Then it became very usable. Your mileage may vary. The EM1ii feels much more like the E30 which I also had, and dearly loved.

Just my $.02.

Click to expand...

Sums my feelings about the M1ii, with an echo of the notes re. the 20MP sensor and TruPic VIII, which combine for noticeably better images.

The latest firmware upgrade has some very compelling additions.

Cheers,

Rick

Skyler King said:

The only Olympus camera I've ever owned was the E-M5 Mark II. I ended up owning it longer than any other camera I've ever owned. I absolutely loved it. It was so perfect in so many ways, with only a couple of shortcomings that were easy to overlook.

Unfortunately, I was foolish enough to sell it, last year. Biggest mistake ever. I've missed that camera so much that I'm ready to purchase another. Especially with how affordable they are, now. However, before I spend any money, I'm wondering if the E-M1 Mark II has enough advantages that it would be worth buying, instead?

As good as the E-M1ii is, the E-M5ii is no slouch. The improved video quality doesn't really matter to me, but things like dual card slots, improved ergonomics, and potentially better IBIS (is it actually any better?) are all intriguing.

Right now, where I live, an E-M5ii can be purchased brand new for $500 and used for $400. An E-M1ii can be purchased new for $1000 and used for $800.

So, does anyone have experience with both? Is the E-M1ii worth twice the price? Or am I better off saving the money and getting another E-M5ii at half the price?

Click to expand...

I like the electronic shutter on the EM1mk2. Not sure if the others you are considering have that. You might find some good used buys on the EM1mk2's if people have been upgrading to the Em1x. If the prior users were only using the electronic shutters, they'll be like new.

Olyinaz said:

Skyler King said:

So, does anyone have experience with both? Is the E-M1ii worth twice the price? Or am I better off saving the money and getting another E-M5ii at half the price?

Click to expand...

Both great cameras, but the newer 20MP sensor does make a difference and the autofocus is better etc. Also, the EM1II is still pretty up to date with the latest excellent firmware just now out. So yes, I'd say it's more than worth the upgrade price since you need to consider buying one or the other.

Or wait for the EM5III later this year, but that probably means Christmas at best for delivery?

Oly

Click to expand...

It's a bit funny, when I initially sold my E-m5ii I was convinced that the Mark iii would be out soon enough and I would just get that. It's now been 18 months and still no sign of it. It's also a little strange, to me, that there seem to be so few rumors or discussion about it. I am sure it will come out at some point (I don't think they will suddenly end that line), but without having an idea of when it will come out, how it will compare to the rest of the lineup, how much it will cost, etc, I am not sure that I want to wait. if it comes out and it's seemingly perfect, I could always buy one, then. I am a bit worried that they might cripple it a bit, though. Sometimes I think that they made the E-M5ii a little "too good" and they know it...

Skyler King said:

Olyinaz said:

Skyler King said:

So, does anyone have experience with both? Is the E-M1ii worth twice the price? Or am I better off saving the money and getting another E-M5ii at half the price?

Click to expand...

Both great cameras, but the newer 20MP sensor does make a difference and the autofocus is better etc. Also, the EM1II is still pretty up to date with the latest excellent firmware just now out. So yes, I'd say it's more than worth the upgrade price since you need to consider buying one or the other.

Or wait for the EM5III later this year, but that probably means Christmas at best for delivery?

Oly

Click to expand...

It's a bit funny, when I initially sold my E-m5ii I was convinced that the Mark iii would be out soon enough and I would just get that. It's now been 18 months and still no sign of it. It's also a little strange, to me, that there seem to be so few rumors or discussion about it. I am sure it will come out at some point (I don't think they will suddenly end that line), but without having an idea of when it will come out, how it will compare to the rest of the lineup, how much it will cost, etc, I am not sure that I want to wait. if it comes out and it's seemingly perfect, I could always buy one, then. I am a bit worried that they might cripple it a bit, though. Sometimes I think that they made the E-M5ii a little "too good" and they know it...

Click to expand...

Yeah it's crazy. And it's going to be expensive when it debuts! They have said in interviews that it's due this fall however, so at least we now have a time frame... The EM1II is simply fantastic - best camera I've ever owned in 40+ years of running around with cameras.

Oly

MikePDX said:

There are some other considerations beyond the technology differences.

1. What style of shooter are you? Street shooting probably favors the EM5ii
2. Do you routinely use longer telephotos? (favors the EM1ii for balance and maybe autofocus)
3. Do you like using a camera without a grip? (favors the EM5ii)
4. How important is size? (EM5ii feels much smaller and lighter, and depending on the lens it is more pocketable)

I had an EM5 (not the ii version) and currently have the EM1ii. I personally never felt comfortable with the EM5 until I added the grip. Then it became very usable. Your mileage may vary. The EM1ii feels much more like the E30 which I also had, and dearly loved.

Just my $.02.

Click to expand...

I am very much a photojournalist/documentary type of shooter. I don't work in studios, ever. I very rarely use a flash. I never set up a scene or manipulate anything. I like to get immerse myself in an environment, then just watch. When I see something present itself, something that I find authentic and representative of that place/time, I take the photo. When I am not doing that type of shooting, specifically, I end up doing a little bit of street photography. I quite literally do not leave my house without a camera. Some of the best shots that I have ever caught (or missed) were due to having or not having a camera on me at that right moment.

Because of this, though, I am very rough on my cameras. I do not use them as hammers or anything, but I absolutely do not baby them at all. They get rained on, drug through the mud, placed in very hot and humid environments, and used in freezing temperatures. So, to me, the amount of special accessories that a camera has doesn't really matter. What matters to me is ruggedness and outright functionality, especially in compromising situations.

Also, my Dad invested heavily in Olympus back in the early 2000's, when digital was just starting to come into popularity. He has had just about every Olympus camera from pre-2010 that there is. To this day, he STILL shoots weddings and does event photography with his Olympus E-3, E-30, E-5, etc.

--
Instagram @skylerorking
https://www.youtube.com/c/SkylerKing
https://www.flickr.com/gp/126435840@N03/AHm9LW

Olyinaz said:

Skyler King said:

Olyinaz said:

Skyler King said:

So, does anyone have experience with both? Is the E-M1ii worth twice the price? Or am I better off saving the money and getting another E-M5ii at half the price?

Click to expand...

Both great cameras, but the newer 20MP sensor does make a difference and the autofocus is better etc. Also, the EM1II is still pretty up to date with the latest excellent firmware just now out. So yes, I'd say it's more than worth the upgrade price since you need to consider buying one or the other.

Or wait for the EM5III later this year, but that probably means Christmas at best for delivery?

Oly

Click to expand...

It's a bit funny, when I initially sold my E-m5ii I was convinced that the Mark iii would be out soon enough and I would just get that. It's now been 18 months and still no sign of it. It's also a little strange, to me, that there seem to be so few rumors or discussion about it. I am sure it will come out at some point (I don't think they will suddenly end that line), but without having an idea of when it will come out, how it will compare to the rest of the lineup, how much it will cost, etc, I am not sure that I want to wait. if it comes out and it's seemingly perfect, I could always buy one, then. I am a bit worried that they might cripple it a bit, though. Sometimes I think that they made the E-M5ii a little "too good" and they know it...

Click to expand...

Yeah it's crazy. And it's going to be expensive when it debuts! They have said in interviews that it's due this fall however, so at least we now have a time frame... The EM1II is simply fantastic - best camera I've ever owned in 40+ years of running around with cameras.

Oly

Click to expand...

When the E-M1ii initially debuted, I didn't see it as enough of an upgrade from the E-M5ii to warrant spending $2,000 on it. However, as time has passed and I am now in a situation where I don't have either camera and I need to choose one (both at dramatically reduced prices), I am starting to notice how nice the E-M1ii is. It helps that everyone who owns one seems to absolutely love it. I am just trying to be sure that the upgrades and benefits are things that would actually make a difference, to me. Better IBIS and a better grip, alone, are very alluring. Dual card slots is not a "must have" but it is a great bonus. I am assuming the weather sealing it improved, as well. I don't think I have ever owned a camera that was more rugged or well built than an Olympus (well, my old Pentax K-5 is a contender, I guess).

Skyler King said:

The only Olympus camera I've ever owned was the E-M5 Mark II. I ended up owning it longer than any other camera I've ever owned. I absolutely loved it. It was so perfect in so many ways, with only a couple of shortcomings that were easy to overlook.

Unfortunately, I was foolish enough to sell it, last year. Biggest mistake ever. I've missed that camera so much that I'm ready to purchase another. Especially with how affordable they are, now. However, before I spend any money, I'm wondering if the E-M1 Mark II has enough advantages that it would be worth buying, instead?

As good as the E-M1ii is, the E-M5ii is no slouch. The improved video quality doesn't really matter to me, but things like dual card slots, improved ergonomics, and potentially better IBIS (is it actually any better?) are all intriguing.

Right now, where I live, an E-M5ii can be purchased brand new for $500 and used for $400. An E-M1ii can be purchased new for $1000 and used for $800.

So, does anyone have experience with both? Is the E-M1ii worth twice the price? Or am I better off saving the money and getting another E-M5ii at half the price?

Click to expand...

Either wait for E-M5 Mark III which should be close or just go for the E-M1 Mark II which is worth it, specially after firmware 3.0

I had an E-M5 Mark II for 3 years and got the E-M1 Mark II just a few months ago... it is night and day. Yes the EM5.2 is good, but the EM1.2 is superb!

The E-M5 Mark II and the E-M1 Mark II are quite different in the hand. It might be worth renting an E-M1.2 kit for a week before deciding between them.

Skyler King said:

The only Olympus camera I've ever owned was the E-M5 Mark II. I ended up owning it longer than any other camera I've ever owned. I absolutely loved it. It was so perfect in so many ways, with only a couple of shortcomings that were easy to overlook.

Unfortunately, I was foolish enough to sell it, last year. Biggest mistake ever. I've missed that camera so much that I'm ready to purchase another. Especially with how affordable they are, now. However, before I spend any money, I'm wondering if the E-M1 Mark II has enough advantages that it would be worth buying, instead?

As good as the E-M1ii is, the E-M5ii is no slouch. The improved video quality doesn't really matter to me, but things like dual card slots, improved ergonomics, and potentially better IBIS (is it actually any better?) are all intriguing.

Right now, where I live, an E-M5ii can be purchased brand new for $500 and used for $400. An E-M1ii can be purchased new for $1000 and used for $800.

So, does anyone have experience with both? Is the E-M1ii worth twice the price? Or am I better off saving the money and getting another E-M5ii at half the price?

Click to expand...

If you can get an E-M1ii for those prices, then I would jump on it. It is much better in every respect except size.

Skyler King said:

The only Olympus camera I've ever owned was the E-M5 Mark II. I ended up owning it longer than any other camera I've ever owned. I absolutely loved it. It was so perfect in so many ways, with only a couple of shortcomings that were easy to overlook.

Unfortunately, I was foolish enough to sell it, last year. Biggest mistake ever. I've missed that camera so much that I'm ready to purchase another. Especially with how affordable they are, now. However, before I spend any money, I'm wondering if the E-M1 Mark II has enough advantages that it would be worth buying, instead?

Click to expand...

The EM1 II is a really outstanding camera. It has lots of advantages over the EM5 II, and will probably be a better choice than the upcoming EM5 III. I'm sure the new EM5 III will have a few tricks up it's sleeve, but it is hard to beat the ergonomics, controls, speed, power, and deep feature set of the EM1 II.

Skyler King said:

As good as the E-M1ii is, the E-M5ii is no slouch. The improved video quality doesn't really matter to me, but things like dual card slots, improved ergonomics, and potentially better IBIS (is it actually any better?) are all intriguing.

Click to expand...

Yep. All true.

Skyler King said:

Right now, where I live, an E-M5ii can be purchased brand new for $500 and used for $400. An E-M1ii can be purchased new for $1000 and used for $800.

So, does anyone have experience with both? Is the E-M1ii worth twice the price? Or am I better off saving the money and getting another E-M5ii at half the price?

Click to expand...

Here are your options, and your choice should depend on your own preferences, needs, and budget:

• Replace your EM5 II with another EM5 II. This is the cheapest route to take, and if you loved your EM5 II, then you will surely love another one. There will be zero learning curve.

• Wait for the EM5 III. The EM5 III will be everything the EM5 II was, but slightly better. But there is one big downside. If you wait for it to appear, you will be paying the "early adopter price" which will probably be around $1,200. This is a pretty high price for a "nice camera." You might be able to do better getting something else.

• Buy an EM1 II right now. If you can get one brand new for $1,000, then order it immediately. In fact, order one for me too. I will send you a check. That price is unbelievable for this camera. Where I live, I would have to pay around $400 more than that. No matter how good the EM5 III is it will still not be as good as the EM1 II, and it will cost more. This is pretty much a no brainer.

And yes.... the EM1 II is worth twice the price of the EM5 II. Especially when that price difference is only $500. Look at all you get for that extra $500. This list is embarrassingly long:

1. Higher resolution sensor (20MP vs 16MP)
2. More AF points (121 vs.81)
3. Faster shooting rate (15 fps vs 10 fps)
4. Better battery life (350 vs 310 shots)
5. Has better build quality and weather sealing
6. Has much better ergonomics and grip
7. Has much better direct controls
8. Has better IBIS
9. Has a headphone port (the EM5 II doesn't)
10. Has better color depth (23.7 vs 23.0) DxOmark tested
11. Has better dynamic range (12.8 vs 12.0) DxOmark tested
12. Has better low light ISO (1312 vs 896) DxOmark tested
13. Has better video resolution (4K vs 2K)
14. Has a flash synch port (EM5 II doesn't)
15. Has a focus stacking (EM5 II doesn't)
16. Has dual memory card slots (EM5 II doesn't)
17. Supports UHS memory cards (EM5 II doesn't)
18. When they reviewed it, DPR gave the EM1 II 85% and a Gold Award
19. When they reviewed it, DPR gave the EM5 II 81% and a Silver Award

No doubt, the EM5 III will come much closer to the EM1 II when it finally appears. But it will cost more, and it still won't be as good.

When the price difference was $1,000, then it might have been a tough decision. At a $500 price difference, it gets much easier to justify the extra money.

This should be a very easy decision. Buy one now. You won't regret it.

Marty4650 said:

Skyler King said:

The only Olympus camera I've ever owned was the E-M5 Mark II. I ended up owning it longer than any other camera I've ever owned. I absolutely loved it. It was so perfect in so many ways, with only a couple of shortcomings that were easy to overlook.

Unfortunately, I was foolish enough to sell it, last year. Biggest mistake ever. I've missed that camera so much that I'm ready to purchase another. Especially with how affordable they are, now. However, before I spend any money, I'm wondering if the E-M1 Mark II has enough advantages that it would be worth buying, instead?

Click to expand...

The EM1 II is a really outstanding camera. It has lots of advantages over the EM5 II, and will probably be a better choice than the upcoming EM5 III. I'm sure the new EM5 III will have a few tricks up it's sleeve, but it is hard to beat the ergonomics, controls, speed, power, and deep feature set of the EM1 II.

Marty4650 said:

As good as the E-M1ii is, the E-M5ii is no slouch. The improved video quality doesn't really matter to me, but things like dual card slots, improved ergonomics, and potentially better IBIS (is it actually any better?) are all intriguing.

Click to expand...

Yep. All true.

Marty4650 said:

Right now, where I live, an E-M5ii can be purchased brand new for $500 and used for $400. An E-M1ii can be purchased new for $1000 and used for $800.

So, does anyone have experience with both? Is the E-M1ii worth twice the price? Or am I better off saving the money and getting another E-M5ii at half the price?

Click to expand...

Here are your options, and your choice should depend on your own preferences, needs, and budget:

• Replace your EM5 II with another EM5 II. This is the cheapest route to take, and if you loved your EM5 II, then you will surely love another one. There will be zero learning curve.

• Wait for the EM5 III. The EM5 III will be everything the EM5 II was, but slightly better. But there is one big downside. If you wait for it to appear, you will be paying the "early adopter price" which will probably be around $1,200. This is a pretty high price for a "nice camera." You might be able to do better getting something else.

• Buy an EM1 II right now. If you can get one brand new for $1,000, then order it immediately. In fact, order one for me too. I will send you a check. That price is unbelievable for this camera. Where I live, I would have to pay around $400 more than that. No matter how good the EM5 III is it will still not be as good as the EM1 II, and it will cost more. This is pretty much a no brainer.

And yes.... the EM1 II is worth twice the price of the EM5 II. Especially when that price difference is only $500. Look at all you get for that extra $500. This list is embarrassingly long:

1. Higher resolution sensor (20MP vs 16MP)
2. More AF points (121 vs.81)
3. Faster shooting rate (15 fps vs 10 fps)
4. Better battery life (350 vs 310 shots)
5. Has better build quality and weather sealing
6. Has much better ergonomics and grip
7. Has much better direct controls
8. Has better IBIS
9. Has a headphone port (the EM5 II doesn't)
10. Has better color depth (23.7 vs 23.0) DxOmark tested
11. Has better dynamic range (12.8 vs 12.0) DxOmark tested
12. Has better low light ISO (1312 vs 896) DxOmark tested
13. Has better video resolution (4K vs 2K)
14. Has a flash synch port (EM5 II doesn't)
15. Has a focus stacking (EM5 II doesn't)
16. Has dual memory card slots (EM5 II doesn't)
17. Supports UHS memory cards (EM5 II doesn't)
18. When they reviewed it, DPR gave the EM1 II 85% and a Gold Award
19. When they reviewed it, DPR gave the EM5 II 81% and a Silver Award

No doubt, the EM5 III will come much closer to the EM1 II when it finally appears. But it will cost more, and it still won't be as good.

When the price difference was $1,000, then it might have been a tough decision. At a $500 price difference, it gets much easier to justify the extra money.

This should be a very easy decision. Buy one now. You won't regret it.

Click to expand...

Thank you for the very thorough and well thought out response. I am currently in the middle of testing a camera and a few lenses, so I will give a better response to what you wrote, later. However, one thing that caught my attention that I wanted to address (because it has recently come up with two friends of mine back in the US, in fact) is the price.

I live in Taiwan, where camera prices are much different. They are not always cheaper than in other countries. It kind of depends on the model, oddly enough. Buying a GFX, for example, will cost more in Taiwan than it would in the US. But, buying an X-T3, or an E-M1 Mark II, a D850, and a lot of other cameras are all cheaper, here. How much cheaper just depends on the camera.

To give you an idea, though;
Nikon D850 - $2,100
Canon 5D IV - $1,900
Sony A7iii - $1,650
Sony A99ii - $2,150
Panasonic G9 - $1,100
Olympus E-M1 Mark II - $1,000

Those are all the prices for me actually walking into a high-end camera shop in downtown Taichung and purchasing the camera, new, complete with all the proper paperwork, warranty, etc.
Honestly, I don't know how good those prices are compared to everywhere else. The only reference I have for "western" prices is to look at B&H Photo. I don't know how many people actually order cameras from them, though.

Anyway, back to testing!

--
Instagram @skylerorking

Marty4650 said:

Marty4650 wrote:

Click to expand...

Marty4650 said:

1. Has better build quality and weather sealing

Click to expand...

What about the build quality and weather sealing is better? I'm still on the EM5 mk1, so interested to know.

Menno said:

Marty4650 said:

1. Has better build quality and weather sealing

Click to expand...

What about the build quality and weather sealing is better? I'm still on the EM5 mk1, so interested to know.

Click to expand...

Notably improved from the E-M5. Also improved over the E-M5's tiny, squishy feeling buttons. I have both.

Cheers,

Rick

Menno said:

Marty4650 said:

1. Has better build quality and weather sealing

Click to expand...

What about the build quality and weather sealing is better? I'm still on the EM5 mk1, so interested to know.

Click to expand...

Olympus doesn't have that much control over their sensors, due to using a smaller sensor and the limited number of sensor suppliers, but they sure do have control over their build quality and weather sealing. And they seem to be building their flagship models a LOT better as time moves forward.

• 2012 EM5 - Very good weather sealing and build quality
• 2013 EM1 - Excellent weather sealing and build quality
• 2016 EM1 II - Outstanding weather sealing and build quality
• 2019 EM1 X - Absolute finest weather sealing and build quality

The first two I know from personal experience. The last two are what professional review sites tell me. And I have no reason not to believe them, since they all agree on this.

Olympus is really good at weather sealing. Your EM5 I actually has better weather sealing than a brand new Sony A7R III does.

https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/20...y-a7riii-in-search-of-better-weather-sealing/

https://www.imaging-resource.com/ar...d850-vs-sony-a7riii-canon-5div-olympus-e-m1II

I bought the E-M1ii first and use it for birds in flight, etc. I got a 2nd hand 5ii to back up the M1ii and was very disappointed by the slow and inaccurate AF when using the 300mm and 40 - 150mm lenses. Otherwise the 5ii is a great little camera with the 60mm macro and 14-42 zoom. The M1ii is just like a top-class DSLR in miniature, and I was surprised that the next camera down in the series was so far behind.