Olympus has released a new firmware update for the OM-D E-M5 II, and you can learn how to download and install it by visiting this page on the Olympus website dedicated to the firmware. At first sight, the OM-D E-M5 II firmware version 1.1 appears somewhat unimportant, as it only contains three modifications; nevertheless, two of these improvements are rather significant.
Most importantly, Olympus has solved the noise problem seen in some of the photographs captured with the High Res Shot mode. This was something that we did detect if there was any movement in the subject from one frame to the next.
When you initially turn on the camera, the information presented now happens much more quickly, thanks to Olympus’s improvements. The audio that is added to video files generated using the My Clips editing function may now fade in and out. This brings us to the third improvement that has been made.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Build Quality
The OM-D E-M5 Mark II may be little, but despite its size, it has a very high-quality build, and the magnesium body has a satisfyingly substantial feel when held. Additionally, it is impervious to dirt, water, and freezing temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius.
Although the front finger grip gives an excellent grasp, as is typically the case, there is only enough area for two fingers to fit inside of it comfortably. Therefore, when your index finger is pressing the shutter release button, your little finger may be curled under the camera. On the other hand, if you find that you need the camera to be a little bit longer, there are a few extra grips that you can purchase.
The HLD-8G modifies the camera such that the front grip is more apparent, the shutter release and control dial are more easily accessible, and a microphone connection is included. The HLF-6P, on the other hand, is an accessory that connects to the HLD-8G and produces a second grip that can be used in portrait mode. It adds a second shutter release button, dials, and a handful of extra custom buttons. Additionally, a battery may be stored within this grip to allow for longer shooting durations.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Image Quality
Throughout the evaluation, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II generated photographs of an exceptionally high standard. The Natural image option produces vivid colours without being gaudy or too saturated, and the dynamic range is excellent in this setting. Noise is nearly unnoticeable from ISO 200 to ISO 1600. It doesn’t become a concern until ISO 3200, a fantastic performance for a camera with a Micro Four Thirds sensor. Only the two fastest settings, ISO 12800 and 25600, are suffering from noise. However, ISO 3200 and 6400 may still be used. At lower ISOs, the raw files that correspond to them will invariably contain more excellent noise.
Long exposures are simple to accomplish, even though the included flash unit is much stronger for fill-in use. Even when the camera is being held by hand at prolonged shutter speeds, the enhanced image stabilization technology performs exceptionally well for both still images and video. This is true even when the shutter speed is plodding.
Including Art Filters on a high-end prosumer camera may seem like an unexpected choice. Still, these filters allow you to create extraordinary effects that would require you to spend a significant amount of time in the digital darkroom without them. While the HDR settings successfully enhance the dynamic range, the new High-resolution mode can generate a JPEG image with up to 40 megapixels or a RAW file with a resolution of up to 64 megapixels.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Specs
| Body type | SLR-style mirrorless |
|---|---|
| Body material | Magnesium alloy |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 4608 x 3456 |
| Image ratio w:h | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 16 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 17 megapixels |
| Sensor size | Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) |
| Sensor size notes | High resolution mode produces Raw images at 9216 x 6912 or JPEGs at 7296 x 5472. |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | TruePic VII |
| Color space | sRGB, AdobeRGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 200-25600, expands to 100-25600 |
| Boosted ISO (minimum) | 100 |
| White balance presets | 7 |
| Custom white balance | Yes (4 slots) |
| Image stabilization | Sensor-shift |
| Image stabilization notes | 5-axis |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Superfine, fine, normal, basic |
| File format | JPEG (Exif v2.3)Raw (Olympus ORF format)MPO (3D) |
| Optics & Focus | |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View |
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 81 |
| Lens mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| Focal length multiplier | 2× |
| Screen / viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Fully articulated |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 1,037,000 |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Screen type | TFT-LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Electronic |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 1.48× (0.74× 35mm equiv.) |
| Viewfinder resolution | 2,360,000 |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 60 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/8000 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed (electronic) | 1/16000 sec |
| Exposure modes | iAutoProgramAperture priorityShutter priorityManualBulbTime |
| Scene modes | Portraite-PortraitLandscapeLandscape + PortraitSportHand-held StarlightNight sceneNight + PortraitChildrenHigh KeyLow KeyDIS modeMacroNature MacroCandleSunsetDocumentsPanoramaFireworksBeach & SnowFisheye Conv.Wide Conv.Macro Conv.Panning3D |
| Built-in flash | No (Compact external flash included) |
| External flash | Yes (via hotshoe) |
| Flash modes | Auto, redeye, fill, off, redeye slow sync, slow sync, 2nd-curtain slow sync, manual |
| Flash X sync speed | 1/250 sec |
| Drive modes | SingleSequential (hi/lo)Self-timer |
| Continuous drive | 10.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 secs, custom) |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weightedSpot |
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±5 (2, 3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | Yes (+/- 7 stops in each A-B/G-M axis) |
| Videography features | |
| Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p), 640 x 480 (30p) |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264, Motion JPEG |
| Videography notes | Supports ALL-I and IBP recording modes |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes (micro-HDMI) |
| Microphone port | Yes |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n |
| Remote control | Yes (wired and via smartphone) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | Yes |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | BLN-1 lithium-ion battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 310 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 469 g (1.03 lb / 16.54 oz) |
| Dimensions | 124 x 85 x 45 mm (4.88 x 3.35 x 1.77″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | Yes |
| GPS | None |
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Verdict
The E-M5 Mark II possesses astonishing power and adaptability despite its compact size and low weight. Olympus has shown several intriguing innovations that have real-world applications and value.
