OM System OM-1 Mark II evaluate: A troublesome, succesful mirrorless

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

The Micro Four Thirds physique affords an extended listing of options which might 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 reside composites are all executed in digital camera, with out Photoshop.

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Should you’re searching for a digital camera that’s each mild 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 may 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 doable to discover a 1200mm equal lens that does not price or weigh a ton.

OM System OM-1 Mark II

Really helpful

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

Execs

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

Cons

• Full body affords 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 value 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’s such a factor as a digital camera that is too small, however the OM-1 Mark II affords 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 straightforward attain. On the prime 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 incorporates a suite of menu controls, however the spotlight right here is the big LCD that tilts out to the facet. The hinge-style display makes it straightforward to shoot from awkward angles, or tuck the display away for defense. It is also touch-enabled with tap-to-focus and the fast menu, although the complete 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 straightforward to connect with the OM System app. One minor annoyance that is beginning to grow to be the norm with most cameras is that OM-1 Mark II would not ship with a charger included within the field. You’ll want to purchase an adapter individually.

The Mark II is designed for outside adventures. The physique is rated IP53-certified in opposition to 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 deal with options makes it doable 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 affords an unimaginable 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 doable to take handheld lengthy exposures in the course of the day. Whereas Mark II’s predecessor had this characteristic, the brand new digital camera goes one step additional with the addition of graduated impartial density filters. GNDs slip over the lens with the intention to darken the sky to keep away from overexposure. The OM-1 Mark II makes use of computational images to try this internally — no bodily filters required. You possibly can regulate the depth and see the impact earlier than you shoot. The digital camera’s controls let you regulate 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. Chicken eye AF is a significant enhance for newbie wildlife photographers. The characteristic works nicely more often than not, however struggles if branches or leaves cowl a part of the animal. It additionally has some problem in backlighting. In my expertise, Canon’s high-end cameras do a greater job of choosing a chicken out of a multitude of branches.

On the whole, autofocus efficiency is strong — if not the best possible. With the quickest topics heading straight in the direction of the digital camera, count on a couple of dropped frames. For instance, photographing my canine with animal eye AF at 10 fps, round 20 % of the ensuing photographs have been smooth. The digital camera does higher if the topic is not heading straight in the direction of it. The OM-1 Mark II snaps photographs as quick as 50 fps (120 fps for those who do not want autofocus). Your exhausting drive will cry dealing with that many photographs although, and slower speeds additionally profit from a blackout-free viewfinder. The OM-1 Mark II additionally contains 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 palms of extra novices. Prefer it predecessor, the OM-1 Mark II may also merge a number of photographs for sharper photographs and star trails, or begin taking photographs early to appropriate dangerous timing. In scenes with out motion, handheld high-res mode can merge a number of photographs 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 superb 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 the most effective for a digital camera this expensive

The OM-1 Mark II produces good photographs, although you’ll be able to count on 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 similar {hardware} that is tucked inside the sooner mannequin. I do not really feel the identical awe viewing photographs from the OM-1 Mark II at one hundred pc decision as I do with full body rivals on the similar value level. Pictures are sharp and colourful, however do not characteristic as a lot element as these produced by a higher-resolution digital camera. Picture grain is tolerable at ISO 3,200. I might use the digital camera as much as ISO 12,800 if push involves shove.

OM System OM-1 Mark II pattern picture

Nevertheless, the 2X crop issue brings advantages when working with telephoto lenses. You will 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 inexpensive and light-weight.

Verdict

The OM System OM-1 Mark II is without doubt one of the most succesful cameras I’ve used, however I’ve seen different $2,400 cameras produce higher images. The OM-1 Mark II’s options make it among the best Micro 4 Thirds our bodies accessible. If you would like carry lighter lenses and fewer equipment in your subsequent journey, the digital camera is a wonderful alternative. It might probably handle some lengthy exposures with out filters and generally even with no tripod. It might probably additionally full focus stacking and reside composites with out Photoshop. These options are wonderful for journey, together with making troublesome images simpler for hobbyists.

By comparability, the Panasonic G9 II affords extra decision and wonderful shade profiles. Nevertheless, I feel 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 affords longer battery life at 520 photographs.

The OM-1 Mark II is without doubt one of the greatest cameras for journey and a prime possibility for the Micro 4 Thirds format. Nevertheless, if pure picture efficiency are vital to you, the OM-1 Mark II cannot compete with equally priced full-frame cameras. For vacationers, novices who need greater than a plasticky novice mannequin and genres the place the 2x crop issue is a professional slightly than a con, the OM-1 Mark II is nicely value contemplating.

OM System OM-1 Mark II

Editor’s Selection

Execs

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

Cons

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