Olympus OM-D E-M5 II Review

4 years later for me.

But it will soon be time for an upgrade... :)

Jun 30, 2019permalink

whawha

Great review but there is one thing I find unclear. Richard says that the default autofocus setting should be disengaged to get the best continuous af performance. But what is the default setting? Should "RLS Priority C" be on or off to get the best performance?

Aug 7, 2017permalink

Richard Butler

Set RLS Priority C to off, that way the camera will wait until it's in focus before firing the shutter. The slight loss in shooting speed is more than made up for in the increased number of in-focus images, in our experience.

Aug 7, 2017permalink

whawha

Ok thanks Richard, I'll give it a try.

Aug 7, 2017permalink

NatureFirst

I received this camera for review but overtime I rotate the mode dial the camera switches off. Is this normal? Is there a setting to prevent this? OR is this an indication something is faulty?

Mar 18, 2017permalink

Ryan Risnandi

can you recommend me which is better cuz i'm confuse choosing the em10 mkii or the em5 mk ii, which is has the better image quality? cuz looking at the conclusion chart it definitely em10 has better jpeg and raw, please help me
thankyou

Nov 8, 2016permalink

Zeegee

I will keep my E-M5 as I use the VF4 in the accessory port for macro work, unfortunately the E-M5 II has eliminated this port.

Oct 24, 2016permalink

Tkat6

I got my EM5 Mark 11 last year and have loved it until yesterday. I picked it up and for some reason, every single photo I take, the entire lower portion maybe 1/8" is missing any information. I have done everything I can think of to trouble shoot what's wrong and come up with nothing. Could the sensor be failing or is it just Operator error? Any suggestions would be wonderful and so appreciated. Thank you so much!

Sep 13, 2016permalink

I'm not sure the meaning of "missing any information", but here is what you can do:

1. set the "Image ratio" to 4:3
2. Take a photo
3. Do you see any "missing portion" in the EVF/LCD before taking the photo, but not in the photo?

Sep 16, 2016permalink

David Mifsud

the image of the dolphins was shot with a 40-150 f/2.8, not a 12-40.

Aug 18, 2016permalink

dtravisphoto

When I use the M5-II in high res mode, I only find a jpeg on the memory card. I can't seem to get it to save a RAW file. What am I missing?

Jul 23, 2016permalink

Richard Butler

I seem to remember (and I could be wrong on this), that the E-M5 II keeps separate Raw/JPEG settings for single images and pixel shift images, so if you switch from one mode to the other, you'll need to re-check whether you have Raw engaged.

Aug 1, 2016permalink

brilliant sunsets

New 5Mkii user; who cannot determine how to set the metering mode while looking through the EVF. Metering can only set within the Gears menu, or from the SCP where it is necessary to click on one of the smaller areas, then a thumbwheel can be used to select metering. Either way, I have lost the composition and the shot I wanted. What am I missing or overlooking? Have been using an E-M1 for 6 months where a rocker button on left side brings up the metering so a change can be made without taking eye from the EVF. If Olympus would allow access to metering when assigning the Fn button that would accomplish what is needed. Am I the only one who frequently changes the light metering when shooting? My shooting techniques must be flawed. Suggestions please !

Jul 20, 2016permalink

Marcus Stormwind

I don't know if you're technique is flawed but I honestly can't think why you would need to change it so often. Can you give me an example of why you would need to change so much? To me, metering depends on lighting situation and also what kind of photos I'm taking (portraits/landscape etc.). These don't change very much in a single shoot.

Dec 17, 2016permalink

brilliant sunsets

Marcus, I change metering to determine which provides the preferred look. Once I like the overall image, I will shoot other images without changing metering, until encountering another scene with different lighting, then repeat the comparison. I might be experimenting more than necessary while shooting. Still trying to get my sea legs, so to speak.
Cheers

Jan 4, 2017permalink

Marcus Stormwind

Sorry for the late reply. Well that makes sense, if you're just experimenting to see what fits you. But once you have an idea, I'm sure you'll be changing a lot less. After all, you can get the exact same results with any of the metering modes, it just depends on which one gets you the result you want quicker and more accurately.

Apr 8, 2017permalink

mcflash

I dont know if this helps you, but i have assigned AEL to the record button on my E-M10. In the gears menu under point E - Exposure / Metering / ISO there is the option "AEL Metering". I could set it to every Metering mode, which I normally have set to spot metering. Maybe it works as well in the E-M5 II!?

Jun 17, 2017permalink

RobPH

I absolutely love my EM-5 II: it's a delightful combination of looks, feel, shooting experience, 5-axis stabilisation combined with sharpness of Olympus lenses, hi-res and live comp, compactness with its small primes. I know this is a personal view, but it's worth noting that it has an intangible quality that makes it a delight to own, despite several oddities. Your review is spot-on in most respects, other than the comment on control dial markings seems trivial and out of place, and the live comp feature is not for compositing light and dark image areas, but for recording changes on top of a base image, such as for light trails, astro photography and lightning. Dark areas of the image will not 'progressively get brighter'.

Jul 14, 2016permalink

PMPL

Has anyone else had a problem with the fn1 switch on this camera. The one on my camera failed after 9 months. It seems a bit of a flimsy switch and I am worried it might be a design fault.

Jul 6, 2016permalink

biglunchbox

When I use wifi activation on an iPad I notice that I am able change my focus points (from the touch screen of my iPad) when shooting stills. However, I find that i am not able to do this when shooting movies. Is focus pulling possible via the iPad touch screen? Also, is it possible to shoot stills while shooting a movie? If so, what are the settings to make this possible.

Jun 29, 2016permalink

alberta

Can't get wifi activated - everything according to instructions and just get an error message saying it can't find the camera. It's really a faux wifi feature anyway - it only (in theory) works to transfer images to your device (smartphone, tablet). If you want a full-featured wifi experience - transferring to computer for upload and backup, you'll need to purchase a Mobi or similar card. Very disappointing implementation.

May 22, 2016permalink

SKL123

Is it me or the M5 II studio image comparision looks softer against the M5. In JPEG a little softer then the old M5 and in RAW even more, look at the top game cards to see it more clearly.
Is it the diference in shutter speed or what ?

May 5, 2016permalink

Not the same lens used. The old FT 50mm f2 macro is sharper than the 45mm f1.8.

Jul 19, 2016permalink

Sirandar

I am curious about the 40mp mode......

If I were to take a shot of a lake with wind patterns or waves .... what would the 40MP image look like ..... a smeary mess I presume. That would really limit the use of this mode for landscapes.

I imagine clouds wouldn't be as much of and issue as they tend to be smeary already. I have this problem with shooting panoramas and even perfecting the drive mode quick pan doesn't completely fix waves that don't match up.

Seems to me the real advantages of the Mark II is the electronic shutter and perhaps the dual IBIS on the new 300mm prime (if it was actually priced reasonably). The EM5 does suffer badly from shutter shock if you are not careful. I would also like the articulating display, but mostly so I can turn the LCD side to face in when not using it. They get damaged really easily

Feb 11, 2016*permalink

Sirandar

If Oly could write a firmware patch to add electronic shutter to the EM5 MkI I would be very happy indeed. Little chance of that I think but there is also little chance I would upgrade my EM5 to another OMD either.

Feb 11, 2016permalink

Vlad S

It's not just smeary, it produces a weird checkerboard pattern. There are examples of it in this review when they discuss the mode.

Feb 22, 2016permalink

I received this EM5.M2. The Olympus menu system is still as bad as my EM5.M1, or worse.

So does the WiFi remote control functions which are as bad as you can get too.

When I got M1, I thought the bad menu system is caused by Oly's first attempt to build the OMD camera.

Now I know Oly is really do not know how a decent menu system works.

In terms of function, I still do not understand why Oly fixed HDR to ISO 200, also the HDR is the worst compare to other camera I own. Plus other issues. Too much to list.

Oh, the Grip is larger than M1, but I do not feel any better.

Olympus really need to hire some one who knows usability.

I wish Oly will soon release a new firmware: to fix its menu system, direct control, WiFi, as well as other functions.

Other than that M2 is better than M1.

Dec 3, 2015*permalink

Oli4D

Agree with you on the grip. I got used to it, but I think the grip of the Mark I was better than the grip of the Mark II.
But that's about it, everything else is better than the Mark I, so no big deal.
I also agree that the menu is not great, but it's really not that bad either.
In the end, you don't need the menu much anyway. The awesome super control panel and the physical give you pretty much all the control you need without ever going into the menues.
So, the whole "Oly menus are bad" complains are way too exaggerated in my eyes.
And not the most important thing for sure.

What counts is performance, image quality, image stabilization, control, lenses to choose, etc and that's all excellent.
No camera is perfect. But I love my OM-D E-M5 (Mark II), it's a very good camera.

Dec 17, 2015permalink

As I said "Other than that M2 is better than M1", better IBIS and shutter.

SCP is not an answer for usability, but make direct control/access more usable such as:

- Oly should make dual dial more usable, I assign Flash to one of the 4 way button, after I press this button, I can use real dial to select Flash mode, but why NOT lets us to use front dial to change the Flash intensity?

- Why we only can assign functions to two of the 4-way dial?

- We can not do too much for the 2x2 switch too b/c they are more less per-defind by Oly already.

- I still do not understand why fix the ISO to 200 for HDR

- It has HDR1 and HDR2, why can not let the HDR button to select the HDRs such as HDR1 -> HDR2 -> OFF?

- ...

Dec 17, 2015permalink

One more thing, the M2 is not very stable, I need to take the battery out and re-insert to get some function back such as:

- Selecting Flash in SCP has no response as it is greyed out

- Can not select RAW any more as it is greyed out

- Can not release shutter by touch.

I do not think my copy is a bad one.

I also have to cold restart to make the camera work again on my other Oly cam, but my other Oly only stuck two times so far while using HDR in years with more than 5K shots.

Anyway, I'm looking for the add-on grip.

Dec 17, 2015permalink

JGoodhart

Did you ever solve the problem with RAW being greyed out??? I can't seem to select raw only anymore either

Jan 24, 2016permalink

JGoodhart;

I'm not sure the root cause of your "can't seem to select raw only anymore either".

But speaking in general, all the functions will be functional again by resting the camera.

Mar 12, 2016permalink

Pixelzoomer

"Fully-articulated screen great for video"

I would love it if this mythology would be laid to rest forever. Yes, perhaps that is the majority use, but it steers manufacturers into stereotyping camera users. I often use the viewfinder for video, it is easier to track birds in flight, butterflies, etc., than looking back and forth from subject to LCD, and is steadier in hand held telephoto mode. I use the articulated LCD all the time for stills to extent my range of perspective, as well as for close ups.

I also fold the LCD side in when hiking, climbing or walking, exposing only a rugged metal surface to zippers and gear, as opposed to the delicate surface coatings on fixed LCD screens.

Nov 24, 2015permalink

AngelicBeaver

What happened to the noise reduction comparison section of the review?

Nov 17, 2015permalink

James Aung

Be careful, they have flip screen problem. Just after a month, flip screen took off from the body. My friends also have same problem. I would like to post pictures if possible. But I don't know how in here.

Nov 4, 2015permalink

You can post pictures in DPReview's Forum, and post a link here.

Nov 10, 2015permalink

SeeRoy

Having owned the original version since its release, all I can say is that I hope that there's been some massive revision of the truly abominable ergonomics of this camera. Mine seems to be in some different and unwanted mode every time I deploy it on account of its handling characteristics. The track buttons are all but impossible to use - even moving the cursor around is a trial. I've lost count of the number of shots I've lost because of this terrible design. Horrible minute, numb buttons. And then the's the masterpiece of mal-designed fimware. "Extensively customisable" is a good way of obscuring this muddle.

Oct 3, 2015permalink

Joe

I have the original EM5, two EM1s, and bought one of the first EM5-2s my dealer received. I use them mostly with 4/3 lenses and MMF3 adapters, relatively big and heavy, but incredible performance. They shoot everything from handheld concerts in dim light, to the Oregon Food Bank's Waterfront Blues Festival, to highly critical microphotography of subjects blown up from their 1-mm size to 20"x30". They have been wonderful in most aspects, the EM5-5 excelling in work where I can use the high resolution setting in particular.
Things I would like to change: The front dial, around the shutter button, turns much too easily, like the original Canon AE-1s' shutter dial did. (I've been at this a while.) Shooting photojournalistically with multiple cameras, if I let one camera hang while using another body/lens, just contacting my shirt is enough to change the settings on that front dial, with or without the "motor drive" attachment. And the menu is Byzantine. Otherwise, they're better than you.

Sep 23, 2015permalink

showmeyourpics

I am an experienced part-time pro. For the last month, I have been testing my new E-M5II outdoors and in my home studio photographing landscapes, architecture, nature and small products. I agree with the enthusiastic findings of the most trusted on-line reviewers. With the 60mm macro, 12-40mm, and 40-150mm f/2.8 weatherized lenses, the 1.4x teleconveter and the two-piece grip, the E-M5II can handle a lot of professional work while offering a very enjoyable shooting experience. Even cropping down to 12Mp, I can make impeccable prints up to 24x36" up to ISO1600 (Raw developed in DxO Optics Pro, processed in Photoshop and upsized with Perfect Resize). I find that criticizing this camera without hands-on experience is meaningless and that one needs to be an advanced photographer to master its more sophisticated features. Otherwise, one would do better considering an E-M10, possibly with the slower, smaller M4/3 lenses (such as the very good Pana 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 and 35-100mm f/4-5.6).

Sep 10, 2015permalink

tnb123

So OK I rented an EM5 II, no manual, so forgive me if this is posted somewhere. Having problems with live view in one case. Here goes:

Using shutter priority, auto-iso. When exposed properly live view seems to accurately represent what the resultant image should look like. But when I crank the SS up or down past the "rails" into an area which the camera can't expose the image properly, the f-stop display blinks accordingly telling me the exposure is either over or under exposed as it should. Problem is, the live-view display still looks great which is really misleading. Histogram looks fine as well. I can crank an indoor exposure to set my ss at an 8000th of a second and the live view looks wonderful. Of course, when I take the picture and look at the resultant image, it's way too dark as you might expect. Seems the live view is "stuck" at good exposure regardless of what the ss is set at. Other cameras I use don't do this. What am I doing wrong?
Thanks.

Sep 6, 2015permalink

Oli4D

simply change the live view mode.
You can download the camera PDF manual at Olympus website ;)

Dec 17, 2015permalink

slecker

Can you be more specific on how exactly to change the live view mode? What do you mean by that? I often have the same problem with it not accurately displaying what my final image shows.

Jul 8, 2016permalink

VonBeardly

I just picked up the M5 Markii and my question is this. Shooting in manual using live view whenever I change settings the image displayed remains the same regardless of changing iso aperture or shutter speed. However, the image I capture certainly changes as I change settings. I just want the image displayed through live view to change as I change settings manually. Does this make any sense at all? I come from shooting with canon using live view and zoom in to focus 100% manual everything. I'm sure there has got to be a fix for this and I simply haven't figured it out yet.

Someone anyone? Thanks in advance!

Best,

VonBeardly

Sep 5, 2015permalink

dkov70

All 7 (SEVEN) E-M5IIs i held im my hands in different camera stores in Germany and in Switzerland had the same issue - wobbly and misalinged (it is not parallel to the top of the camera) program mode dial on the left camera shoulder. You can see the problem if you hold the camera at your eyes level and press with your finger on the dial - it is moving up and down. Has somebody else seen this? Is it just a bad camera batch delivered to Germany and Switzerland? The same dial on E-M5 is rock solid...

Sep 1, 2015permalink

Steved60

Mine is level and firm, no problems. Might have been a bad batch, I'm in Australia.

Oct 3, 2015permalink

Jan Hemels

Janneman
I bought this camera early spring and was shocked to find out a feature not even one single professional reviewer seemed to have noticed.
From standby it takes 2 to 3 seconds to activate the camera for a new shot.This makes it in my opnion totally unfit for a lot of photographers.
So far nobody has come up with a solution. The only way to get around this problem is keeping it atcivated. This can be done by 1. using live view 2. pressing the button half constantly. Another option is turning it off because then the start is much quicker. I do use the extra handgrip!
Another problem I met is that the Main Control Panel does not work as expected. If you want to change an item it seems very regularly changing the focus field alone.
I hope Olympus will soon come up with a solution or else I am forced to buy another camera for this really does not work with me !

Aug 26, 2015*permalink

Maybe you should have researched the issue a little further.

The camera has a quick sleep mode, I think it's on by default, and it tries to conserve power since mirrorless cameras go through batteries fairly quickly. But it makes the camera, as you observed, slower to wake up.

It can be deactivated. Menu - Custom menu (gears icon) - K utility - Quick Sleep Mode - OFF

So save your money and enjoy the camera again.

Not sure what you mean by focus field so can't help you out with that.

Aug 26, 2015permalink

Jan Hemels

Thank you Bluevellet, I will try when the camera is back from repair. Strange that nobody came up with this suggestion. The slow activation however remains but will occur less frequently and I will have to take along extra batteries.

About the Control Panel I meant the field with which you can change the focus area by moving a pointer, it is positioned below WB Auto. I assume the main dial is dedicated to this field and has to changed in the menu.............

Aug 27, 2015permalink

Jan Hemels

Blue Velvet the quick sleep mode is standard OFF so that is no solution for the slow activation, I changed the release lag time from normal to short but the problem still remains.
The question has been brought to the attention of Olympus Holland many times but no reaction......
My advice to future buyers would be THINK TWICE

Sep 24, 2015permalink

I've owned this camera for a month, and while the silver award is disappointing, I mostly agree with the rest of the review.

Except for 3 con/pros:

- C-AF is actually not that good, even with DPR's recommended settings. The camera can track but it doesn't mean it has the subject in focus when it's time to take the photo. I get much less than the 75% hit rate. S-AF is fine though and I mostly rely on it instead of C-AF.

- Buffer is too small. It's a shame because the frame rate can be really fast. It just fills up so quickly. Less than a second with JPEG+RAW.

- I think unless you're a professional videographer, the video here is excellent. 1080P at 60fps is great to begin with, but the spooky stable IBIS takes it to another level.

Aug 17, 2015permalink

ChevyPowerTogo

improved C-AF / YES

easily Trumps EM1 Video focusing Broken by Design,

E-M1 has worst C-AF which is really non existent,
Olympus should be Vary embarrassed,

on top of that
2015 Olympus still stuck in 30fps Video is hard to believe,

but then this cool little E-M5 MK II came along with much welcome 10.80P at 60Fps,

and as far as stills go..
i'm hearing people on DP wondering where quality I.Q Samples are?

i say to those People

Do yourself a favor go look on flickr,
i'v seen some pretty wicked E-M5 Mark II shots there,

sure some doctored in light room ..& others Not not at ALL,

Many vary nice right out of the E-M5 MK II Jpeg's as well,

in fact there's a shot with a little boy standing on a small bridge & that shot is Beyond Beautiful,

colors really pop & razor sharp even with aperture wide open at f/1.2

having the Nocticron 42.5 f/1.2 didn't hurt either :-

& Talk about Macro with the Olympus 60mm f/2.8 WOW,

This is really a Vary capable Nice looking little Camera Silver,

Aug 13, 2015*permalink

ticketyboonz

I'm really enjoying this one, using only the PRO lenses as recommended by some other enthusiast friends. The lovely wee 60mm mentioneed above is not "PRO", however, it is an incredibly sweet lens, that I bought on the spot once looking at it. It is certainly a huge WOW - beats my Nikon 90mm (recently gave up my Nikon for weight and bulk).

Sep 6, 2015permalink

Pacifynorthwest

This little small and compact OMD EM5 Mark II doesn't live up to it hypes. I have it in about one month and half, and die. The camera turn on with fully charge battery and no power is on. At first I switch the lever between Fn1 and Fn2 to change my setting, it makes a clunking sound while pressing on the shutter. It allows you to take a picture but with LCD screen and viewfinder black out. I take out the battery and recharge again, put the battery back in and no power. I have only one battery so I sure if the battery cause the problem or the camera itself. Now, I have ship the camera back to Olympus for repair and have not hear back. I am very disappointed and might be my last Olympus camera

Aug 7, 2015*permalink

SSantana75

You just have a dud, get it changed.

Aug 13, 2015permalink

ChevyPowerTogo

Yea what he SAID
SSantana is Right,

Aug 22, 2015permalink

safaryan

I moved to Olympus OMD EM5ii from shooting Nikon (both full frame and cropped bodies) for a couple of years. I also purchased the Sony A6000 at the same time to try, which instantly became my everyday camera. I loved Sony so much that researched and bought the new Sony A7ii with some nice native lenses. My dilemma is that although I love the Olympus OMD EM5ii and think that's one of the best cameras I have ever used in terms of performance, I have never been able to achieve the same IQ and sharpness I get from Sony A6000 with a cheap 50mm 1.8 lens (I have Olympus 12mm, 25mm, 45mm, 60mm Macro, 75mm, 12-40mm PRO). Is it due to the mere sensor size, user error, or am I missing something here? I'm considering on selling my Olympus setup to offset the Sony A7Rii purchase, which I tried and loved. Does anyone have EM5ii image samples that showcases its "legendary" IQ?

Jul 3, 2015permalink

stevenleemedia

i'm guessing when you say olympus cameras don't achieve the same IQ and sharpness as Sony, you really mean you don't get the same sharpness as Sony.

I dislike sony colors almost as much as i do panasonic's. i'll be moving to olympus by the end of the year. i'd be obliged to showcase some once i make the switch

Jul 16, 2015permalink

Possibly setting related. I know Sony cameras boost saturation levels by default compares to Olympus' warm but more neutral colors.

Post samples to compare.

Jul 18, 2015permalink

brendon1000

Its probably just the case of more megapixels to work with.

Jul 22, 2015permalink

ticketyboonz

I was advised only to buy the PRO lenses by other local users, there is a large price difference in NZ, however, there is a huge difference in the glass. Haven't yet found out if it is the body or lens activating the difference, would be keen to know more

Sep 6, 2015*permalink

CNY_AP

This was done years ago on 1 or 2 cameras but it did not work well: "Equally it would have been nice to gain a four-shot, 16MP mode that offered Foveon-like full color resolution images, but I'm not going to criticize a pretty cool new feature for not offering something that I hadn't even thought about until I played with this camera."

Jun 28, 2015permalink

RandallDunphy

I have been a loyal Olympus e-series user for years. E-500, E-510, E-30, E-3, and now E-5. I am now going to finally upgrade. I like the MK II, eagerly awaiting E-M1 MK II… question, I have a $10,000 budget, I need something that does not weigh 2 tons, has the f/2.8 trinity, would love to go FF, travels well, any of you folks have suggestions? Muchly (technical term) appreciated. Does not have to be FF, any thoughts on Sony AR7II

Jun 19, 2015*permalink

Augustus Urbex

The obvious choice is E-M1 + all the f/2.8 PRO zooms, then the E-M1 II when it comes out.

Jun 20, 2015permalink

RandallDunphy

Thank you, just touched the EM-1 with battery grip and I love it! The size is perfect and can't wait to order up my new system. Question: FL600R or FL50R?

Jun 20, 2015*permalink

As far as holy f2.8 trinity, m43 is the only game in mirrorless town. Samsung and Fuji come close but they're lacking the fast wide-angle zooms I think. Sony is stuck at F4.

Jun 24, 2015permalink

Augustus Urbex

Depends on how bright you need the flash to be.

The FL600R is newer and seems to have a faster recycle time, but the FL50R is brighter, while also being larger.

Jun 24, 2015permalink

wcprice

I was wondering if any other M-5 Mk II owners have noted a pronounced flaring in their M-5 Mk II viewfinder when shooting in a room with bright light coming in through a window or door. I can't tell if this is a normal EVF manifestation or something strange about my particular camera.

Jun 18, 2015permalink

Steve oliphant

Gimp will open the Olympus high rez raw files and convert to psd/tiff/jpeg and more.
This program is free works great...

Jun 7, 2015*permalink

tchwojko

I rented the OMD5 II for a trip to Chicago, along with the Panasonic 8mm f/3.5 fisheye and a Voigtlander 42.5mm f/0.95 (manual focus and aperture).

(I own the OMD10, Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8, 20mm f/1.7, and the Olympus 9mm f/8 body cap lens.)

The results of the experiment are here: http://photos.chwojkofrank.com/Travel/Chicago/Chicago-2015/

Better IS, Silent mode, more buttons, 40MP mode, all great improvements. The camera was a lot of fun to use. I ended up buying the Voigtlander, but I'm going to wait on upgrading the body until next year if not longer. A great iteration, but not enough to justify spending the money, yet.

I was very happy with the Voigtlander, but that's a different thread...

May 29, 2015permalink

RikMaxSpeed

Could anybody please share some photos shot using the in-camera HDR, modes 1 & 2 would be helpful to compare. I'm still wondering whether there's anything really compelling to upgrade from the Mk I, especially as the sensor appears to be the same. Thank you!

May 23, 2015permalink

joe86

What's everyone's opinion on this compared to the mark I? I'm looking to get into M 4/3. The mark II seems to be around twice the price of the mark Is it worth it?

May 22, 2015permalink

EFMAX

I currently have both models. Had the Mk1 for over a year now and the Mk2 for about a month. Like the Mk2 over the Mk1 by many factors.. still working a few things out but love it.. with an appropriate grip, it just sits in the hand better and there is more you can customise to your own taste. Cost wise, in the UK they are on eBay for around the £625GBP which is good.. that is body only. I would say if you have a choice, go for the Mk2 because it is a good investment.

May 25, 2015permalink

Gregm61

The new commend dial positioning is definitely a better arrangement for me.

My hands are not all that big. I like to use the upper part of the grip for handling reasons with the original EM-5, which makes getting at the back dial with my right thumb less comfortable. The shifting of the back dial further to the right, more like the E-M1, is very much a positive change for me.

That said Joe, if price is a big factor I would go for one of the E-M5 Elite sets B&H still has, for $499. Nicer body covering and slightly larger command dials. If I were in the market for a second E-M5, I'd jump all over that.

Sep 2, 2015*permalink

gmdewulf

"The Micro Four Thirds System standard maintains the Four Thirds System concept of "High-picture quality digital-dedicated design," but focuses on reducing overall system thickness and size by aiming for a highly portable compact system. (Copyright 2015 OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. All Rights Reserved.) "This is according to http://www.four-thirds.org/en/microft/

So how exactly does not including an on-board flash meet this criteria of a "highly portable compact system"?

Now, with the OM-D E-M5 II, if a fill flash is needed, one also has to carry along the included swivel, bounce flash.

May 18, 2015permalink

An included swivel, bounce flash? Fantastic!

May 22, 2015permalink

RikMaxSpeed

I'm disappointed that Olympus have not included in-camera Panorama & HDR modes (or GPS).

This leaves me in the weird situation that my phone remains a more versatile camera than my "proper" camera. At least Sony do a decent job on these features. What I don't understand about this is that panorama & HDR are purely software features, getting the most out of the hardware, and they should not be difficult to implement (I'm a software developer).

My main camera is an OMD M5 Mark I, and I can't really see any major reason to upgrade other than the built-in WiFi ?? Not only that, the image quality according to this review is not as good as its predecessor!!!!

May 17, 2015*permalink

It has panorama. It has HDR. Are you thinking of some other camera?

May 22, 2015permalink

RikMaxSpeed

Thanks TN Args

I had a read of the user manual (http://www.olympusamerica.com/files/oima_cckb/E-M5_Mark_II_En.PDF), and they have indeed added in-camera HDR, this sounds really useful and I'd love to see some example photographs if anybody can post some.

However the Panorama mode is nowhere near Sony's automatic sweep & stitch. Olympus require you to manually frame each shot, then use external software on your computer to stitch the photos. I've used this on my current (Mark I) camera, it's a cumbersome & slow process and a long way short of the functionality either Sony cameras or an Apple iPhone offer.

May 23, 2015permalink

DingieM

I use the Galaxy Note 4 with its extremely easy stitch panorama mode. Works like a charm. Too bad the sensor is waaaaay behind my e-m5 mark 1, although he Note's 4 sensor and camera was the best (iphone came distant second place) before the S6 and G4 came around

Jun 15, 2015permalink

MacM545

This camera has some impressive features. I wonder if you could really get 40 mp from it. It'd be amazing to be able to take 10 photos a second.

May 12, 2015permalink

Brian Wadie

I had the EM-5 and EM-1 + a bag of lenses as I tried to recreate my pro canon kit (which I sold because of the weight involved which aggravated my arthritis, in neck, shoulders and hands). I then discovered that I had recreated the same problem I had with the canon kit so in a fit of sheer stupidity I sold the lot and went to a couple of 1" sensor bodies BUT the one thing I could no longer do to the quality I wanted was shoot my bees, bugs and butterflies

So - I have now had the EM-5 mk2 + 60mm macro for around 3 months in which time I have shot in excess of 5k images, mainly macro. It was like coming home but better, the quality of shots I can now get exceeds anything I was achieving with my canon 7D + 100 LIS macro (and they are certainly better than I was achieving with the EM-1.) For me its the perfect match for the job I have it for (I won't be buying any of the longer / heavier lenses this time round :) )

May 10, 2015*permalink

Ukkomies

Hi, I have a first generation OMD 5, which I like very much, so I read your comment with interest.
I guess you have shot with Hi-Res, when you get better pictures than with the Canon?

May 16, 2015permalink

Brian Wadie

nope, I was specifically commenting on the quality of Macro images of living subjects, I'm getting with the mk2 + 60mm macro, which is all done hand-held so I can't use the HR mode

May 17, 2015permalink

slecker

Are you still liking your MKII? I just purchased one to upgrade from my EM5i a week and a half ago and still have a few days to return it if I decide to. I'm feeling squirmy about the LCD screen issues people are having and honestly miss the simplicity of the MKi screen. I love the speed of it and other features, I just want to make sure folks like you that have been using it for over a year are still loving it.

Jul 8, 2016permalink

Pitchertaker

Hello all: I've finally decided to go with Olympus. I was considering a Sony a6000 (don't like the looks of their FF A7 series) but their lack of fast wide primes (24mm F/1.8 is their only offering) sealed the deal for me going Olympus instead.

The majority of my shooting is landscapes and close-up. I don't like zooms. For my uses the Olympus M Zuiko 12mm f/1.8, M Zuiko 17mm f/1.8, and 60mm f/2.8 macro made more sense and are more affordable than Sony's 24mm f/1.8 ($900) and their 90mm f/2.8 macro ($1500!)

Query: If you had to choose one body to use with these lenses for these applications, would you opt for the OM-D EM-5 MII or an OM-D EM-1?

I like the OM-D EM-5 MII hi-res mode, offering a 40MP composite image. I wish the EM-1 had this feature! But the EM-1 has a far more ergonomic form-factor, unless I'd spring for the additional grip available for the EM-5 MII.

I plan on making large prints.

Your responses are most appreciated.

May 8, 2015*permalink

I would choose the M5II because for landscape you could sometimes use the high res mode to great effect, and for macro the next-gen IBIS should yield more keepers.

May 22, 2015permalink

Sony APSC has a fast 35 and 50 f1.8 primes, similar in price and performance to the m43 offerings. I know you chose Olympus but it bears pointing out you missed two lenses.

To answer your query, I'd choose the EM5ii in your shoes. But ergonomics mean that much to you, follow your heart.

Jun 24, 2015permalink

ticketyboonz

The first biggest selling factor for me was the variable tilt screen - something I used hugely on my D5200. It is no fun missing it on other cameras ! Awesome for awkward angles, covert street photography and astro photography, as well as macro etc to avoid bright sun hitting the live screen at times. I keep considering the M1 as my second body, however, it keeps coming back to that tilt screen - so will watch this space :-)

Sep 6, 2015permalink

mfmaster

I've had the camera for a few months now and it has been functional for only a few weeks in that time. So far the function lever has broken off and the control dial has broken. And to be clear, I didn't drop the camera, it was in a camera bag, in fact the function lever broke the first day I had it in the parking lot at the start of a hike. I hardly used it on the trip I took it on after repair because of the lighting, and the one day I used it regularly it broke. I've sent it for repair and, under warranty, the turn around time was over 1 month, also since I don't live in the US they won't pay for shipping.

The brief time I had the camera I very much liked it, unfortunately if it is rarely functional and poorly supported its not worth the price tag. If anyone is worried about using the camera for more than light city photography I'd suggest getting a better designed and supported camera.

May 8, 2015permalink

danieladougan

The lack of phase detect AF on this camera is baffling. Olympus thinks that the only advantage to PDAF is for old 4/3 lenses (and so they only included it on the E-M1) but it's also useful for tracking moving subjects with Micro 4/3 lenses. And, if I'm not mistaken, legacy 4/3 lenses can be adapted to ANY Micro 4/3 camera, not just the E-M1.

If the Sony a6000 can include PDAF for WAY less money than either the E-M1 or the E-M5, then why can't Olympus do this with all of its camera bodies? It's such a huge barrier for adoption. They should have put it on the E-PL7 and E-M10 as well. That would get me to upgrade from my E-PL5.

May 6, 2015*permalink

Reviewers say it tracks moving subjects very well. DPR review says "Autofocus tracking is really very impressive. With most of the system's lenses, the camera will comfortably track the subject around the scene. It will sometimes get distracted by other subjects but usually finds the correct subject again pretty quickly. Its consistency is increased even further if you use the camera's face detection."

Doesn't sound like a 'huge barrier for adoption' to me!

May 22, 2015permalink

danieladougan

Very impressive compared to what? The previous E-M5? The E-M1? A DSLR?

May 29, 2015permalink