OM1 Mk 2 - My First Impressions

[PeterSimpson]

I picked up an OM1 Mk 2 from Park Cameras this morning and here are my initial subjective impressions from using it with the Panasonic 100-400 and Oly 150-400 for a couple of hours.

1. Rubberised dials - These seem to have the same rotational stiffness as the Mk 1 but the rubberised coating gives your finger better grip so you don't have to apply so much force into the dial notches in order to turn the dials. I had hoped the dials would have a lower rotational stiffness as well, like those on the EM1X, but this is not the case. The click sound is just like the Mk1.
2. Human AI autofocus - Seems more effective than the Mk1, and being able to select it from the AI subject menu makes the experience of changing modes clearer and easier. I need some time with my 2.5 year old granddaughter to find out whether the Mk 2 now does the job well!
3. Bird AI Autofocus - The mk1 is already good but the Mk 2 seems more consistently accurate when the subject is clear of foreground objects. It also felt more effective when the bird was behind twigs, although it still sometimes chose to focus on foreground objects. The autofocus changes have made a good first impression and make it feel more sure footed, Hopefully specific improvements will become more apparent with use.
4. Autofocus with Half-press and AF ON button - I liked being able to make one of these use AI subject detection while the other used the selected AF area. This enabled me to use subject detection on half-press and to switch instantly to AF area mode (I used single point) if the subject detection failed to lock on. It was very convenient that I was back in subject AI mode when I released the AF ON button i.e. that I didn't need to do anything to revert to subject detection.
5. Drive Mode and AF Mode Buttons - These are slightly more proud on my Mk2 than on my Mk 1, making them somewhat easier to select. This may be a real change or could just be down to sample variation.
6. CAF/TR - Feels a lot sticker. I found that the CAF/TR option is only visible when subject detection is disabled! I think this option should always be visible but should be greyed out when it can't be selected.

For me the larger buffer is welcome but I only occasionally found that I needed more capacity on the Mk1. I'm not a landscape photographer so I haven't tried out the live graduated filter.

I hope this helps prospective buyers and starts to build a more realistic view of the impact of the changes.

Best wishes, Peter

 

[BrianWadie]

Thanks Peter, l'm waiting for mine and it's good to read other people's experiences

 

[Dan]

Thanks Peter for your time and thoughts.

Dan

 

[Duncan Phillips]

Much appreciated Peter. Fingers are itchy waiting to get mine.

 

[Regor250]

Tx. I don't quite understand you 4th observation. On the OM-1 AI Subject detection does not require pressing a button, it is ON when enabled independent from AF. Can you explain further the difference?

 

[PeterSimpson]

I thought it was going too well! I just noticed that there is no charger in the box despite the camera coming with a UK mains cable and received the reply below from Park Cameras.

Apparently OM are not going to provide UK/EU customers with a charger, but there is no mention of this anywhere except that Park Cameras have omitted the charger from the "in the box" list on their web site.

This isn't really about Park Cameras its an OM System decision that, whatever the reason and rights and wrongs, doesn't seem to have been communicated at all.

The manual says there is a charger in the box so I expect a charger to be in the box!

Email from Park Cameras

Thank you for your enquiry.

I can confirm OM systems are not providing a USB adapter for European and UK stock of the OM-1 mkII. As such, an adapter has not been included in our 'whats in the box' listing for this product. see below:

WHAT’S IN THE BOX
OM System OM-1 Mark II Digital Camera Body
CB-USB13 USB cable
BLX-1 Li-ion battery
Shoulder strap
Instruction manual
Warranty card

https://www.parkcameras.com/shop/om-system-om-1-mark-ii-digital-camera-body_4010986k

The figure of 8 mains lead was included in error, and is being removed from the remaining stock now, as it is clearly redundant. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Kind regards

 

[drj3]

I thought it was going too well! I just noticed that there is no charger in the box despite the camera coming with a UK mains cable and received the reply below from Park Cameras.

Apparently OM are not going to provide UK/EU customers with a charger, but there is no mention of this anywhere except that Park Cameras have omitted the charger from the "in the box" list on their web site.

Is this part of the EU charger requirement effective in 2024?

This means that in 2024, a USB-C port will become mandatory for a whole range of electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and headphones. It will no longer be necessary to buy a different charger every time you purchase a new mobile phone or similar device: all of them can be recharged using the same charger.

Unfortunately, the charger still appears to be included in the USA OM1.2. The last thing I need is another USB charger.

 

[Duncan Phillips]

{Snip}

Is this part of the EU charger requirement effective in 2024?

This means that in 2024, a USB-C port will become mandatory for a whole range of electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and headphones. It will no longer be necessary to buy a different charger every time you purchase a new mobile phone or similar device: all of them can be recharged using the same charger.

Unfortunately, the charger still appears to be included in the USA OM1.2. The last thing I need is another USB charger.

{snip}

If the AC adapter is like the one I received with my OM-1i, then I am ok with having a second. It is a nice strong power supply (3A at 5 or 9 Vdc) and as noted it is USB C so allows me to reduce the number of USB chargers I take for all the other gear when travelling.

-d-

 

[PeterSimpson]

Unfortunately I need the charger for when I travel. I get the point about charger proliferation but it should be my choice whether I take one, when the default is not to supply one.

The bigger issue for me is that OM did not openly say that they weren't supplying the charger in the UK and EU, so that I knew up front.

 

[drj3]

{Snip}

Is this part of the EU charger requirement effective in 2024?

This means that in 2024, a USB-C port will become mandatory for a whole range of electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and headphones. It will no longer be necessary to buy a different charger every time you purchase a new mobile phone or similar device: all of them can be recharged using the same charger.

Unfortunately, the charger still appears to be included in the USA OM1.2. The last thing I need is another USB charger.

{snip}

If the AC adapter is like the one I received with my OM-1i, then I am ok with having a second. It is a nice strong power supply (3A at 5 or 9 Vdc) and as noted it is USB C so allows me to reduce the number of USB chargers I take for all the other gear when travelling.

-d-

You do need a strong power supply if you plan on running your camera via the charger or need fast charging. However, any charger, power pack or usb port will charge the batteries in camera or via the OM1 charger.

 

[DLBlack]

Great initial review. Have some fun with the camera and post a few photos.

I have this camera on preorder and should get it around February 26.

 

[drj3]

Unfortunately I need the charger for when I travel. I get the point about charger proliferation but it should be my choice whether I take one, when the default is not to supply one.

I assume you mean the AC adapter which can charge the battery in camera or run the camera via AC, the charger was not included in the USA OM1.1 and is not included in the OM1.2.

I think retail providers should indicate this with new products since historically manufacturers included AC adaptors/chargers with everything and I suspect they will not be included in most EU products in the future.

Now I rarely need one, my PC desktop has a fast charging usb C port and wireless charging on the top, and my car has multiple usb ports and wireless charging.

I did buy the charger for the OM1 since it will charge two batteries simultaneously via any usb port and when traveling I take my 65W power pack which can charge/run the camera as well as charge my phone.

The bigger issue for me is that OM did not openly say that they weren't supplying the charger in the UK and EU, so that I knew up front.

 

[NJDan]

I received an AC adapter and a usb-c cable with my OM1.1

 

[drj3]

I received an AC adapter and a usb-c cable with my OM1.1

B&H indicates the same are included with the Om1.2 in the USA. However, they don't have the cameras yet, so that listing of "what's in the box" may change.

Maybe to change is limited to the EU/UK.

 

[Nikko aus London]

I would love to hear how useful the GND feature is in real life. Sounds too good to be true and, if it works, a really cool addition to landscape photography. Although I'm guessing it can only be used with single shot captures and is incompatible with high rez modes?

 

[Peter Budd]

When the OM1-1 came without a charger I bought one. Primarily so I can charge 2 batteries at once. However, I did not buy the OM systems one. The battery charges pretty fast in the Camera with the provided cable. I also bought a car 12v to USB charger so I can charge the battery while travelling along in the car. That works well also.

 

[gary0319]

I thought it was going too well! I just noticed that there is no charger in the box despite the camera coming with a UK mains cable and received the reply below from Park Cameras.

Apparently OM are not going to provide UK/EU customers with a charger, but there is no mention of this anywhere except that Park Cameras have omitted the charger from the "in the box" list on their web site.

This isn't really about Park Cameras its an OM System decision that, whatever the reason and rights and wrongs, doesn't seem to have been communicated at all.

The manual says there is a charger in the box so I expect a charger to be in the box!

Email from Park Cameras

Thank you for your enquiry.

I can confirm OM systems are not providing a USB adapter for European and UK stock of the OM-1 mkII. As such, an adapter has not been included in our 'whats in the box' listing for this product. see below:

WHAT’S IN THE BOX
OM System OM-1 Mark II Digital Camera Body
CB-USB13 USB cable
BLX-1 Li-ion battery
Shoulder strap
Instruction manual
Warranty card

https://www.parkcameras.com/shop/om-system-om-1-mark-ii-digital-camera-body_4010986k

The figure of 8 mains lead was included in error, and is being removed from the remaining stock now, as it is clearly redundant. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Kind regards

Not sure what manual you are looking at, but the PDF OM1 II I downloaded does not include any charger in the "Unpacking the box contents" diagram. There is a picture of the BLX-1 battery, and F-7AC AC adapter............ no charger. This is the same as what was included with my OM-1. Maybe the UK manual is different?

 

[PeterSimpson]

Not sure what manual you are looking at, but the PDF OM1 II I downloaded does not include any charger in the "Unpacking the box contents" diagram. There is a picture of the BLX-1 battery, and F-7AC AC adapter............ no charger. This is the same as what was included with my OM-1. Maybe the UK manual is different?

I was referring to the F-7AC because I use it to charge the battery while it is in the OM1.

Best wishes, Peter

 

[PeterSimpson]

Tx. I don't quite understand you 4th observation. On the OM-1 AI Subject detection does not require pressing a button, it is ON when enabled independent from AF. Can you explain further the difference?

As you say, subject detection is enabled independently through the menu or an assigned function button. When it is enabled and auto-focus is activated with the shutter button half-press, the camera will autofocus on the area identified by the subject detection algorithm.

The new feature is that the AF ON button can be configured to temporarily disable subject detection so that the camera reverts to focusing on whatever AF area has been selected, point, small square, cross etc. When the AF ON button is released subject detection resumes.

I found this useful when subject detection focussed on some foreground object rather than the target bird because I could use the single point AF Area to hit precisely the place that I wanted.

You don't have to use it the way round I have described, you can also make shutter half-press disable subject tracking and use the AF ON button to enable it temporarily if that better suits your way of working.

Best wishes, Peter

 

[gary0319]

Not sure what manual you are looking at, but the PDF OM1 II I downloaded does not include any charger in the "Unpacking the box contents" diagram. There is a picture of the BLX-1 battery, and F-7AC AC adapter............ no charger. This is the same as what was included with my OM-1. Maybe the UK manual is different?

I was referring to the F-7AC because I use it to charge the battery while it is in the OM1.

Best wishes, Peter

So the OM1 II does not include the AC adapter?