OM SYSTEM OM-1 II

QUICKFACT SHEET

Computational photography. The OM SYSTEM OM-1 II updates the OLYMPUS OM-1 with some practically useful features that make the camera even better and faster. The hardware is basically the same with a few modifications: rubberized front and rear command dials and the addition of extra (double) internal buffer memory. This extra buffer in turn makes possible continuous shooting of up to 256 RAW images, blackout-free shooting at all the available shooting rates, a slight bump in the IBIS performance from 7EV to 8.5EV (due to algorithm changes), improved AF performance and accuracy (Bird AI is especially spectacular), and computational Live GND (Graduated ND) filter effect.

Here, in tabular form, are the improvements in the OM-1 II:

The OM-1 II is an expert-level/pro-level Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera for photography enthusiasts and pros and is especially suited for wildlife, birding, macro, astro and landscape photography. It is beautifully designed and is fully featured with many professional-grade features, accessories and lenses. It features the same 20.4 MP Stacked BSI Live MOS Sensor as in the OM-1.

For those who shoot landscape or want more megapixels, it has a High Res Shot mode to shoot 50MP images handheld or 80MP images with the camera on a tripod. The OM-1 II adds the ability to capture more detailed photos in 14-bit RAW.

Another great feature (and advantage over its competitors) of the OM-1 II is that continuous shooting (burst mode) is practically a better (and less frustrating) experience. Other cameras will record to buffer and write to card only when the buffer is full, requiring you to patiently wait while potentially missing some great shots. The OM-1 II also shoots to buffer, but starts writing to card immediately, thus continually emptying the buffer as you shoot. This means less waiting when the buffer is completely full. The OM-1 II will also gradually reduce the burst rate as the buffer gets very close to being completely full so as to extend the shooting window as long as possible. This makes the OM-1 II a great camera for wildlife and birding where you can’t control what, how and when your subject will suddenly give you that one great shot of a lifetime. When that happens, you won’t want a locked-up camera as it writes its buffer to card.

The OM-1 II offers perhaps one of the best 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) in the industry and now, thanks to algorithm changes, it’s bumped up to 8.5 steps of compensation in-body and 8.5 steps in combination with compatible OIS lenses. It’s safe to leave the tripod at home.

Unlike many competitors that claim weather proof features in their cameras but always put a disclaimer in small prints, the OM-1 II features IP53-certified weather-sealing against dust and moisture. Not only is the OM-1 II dust and splash-proof, it is also freeze-proof down to -10°C (14°F). It’s a camera that is really tough enough to weather any situation you may be called to shoot in.

Though the body remains the same, a few changes have given the OM-1 II improved handling and feel: rubberized front and rear command dials now make turning the dials more positive, even when wearing winter gloves.

The Micro Four-thirds (MFT) mirrorless format, with a slightly smaller sensor size than APS-C and full-frame sensors, allows for the design of more compact and lighter weight system (especially the telephoto lenses), while still achieving the high quality image and high performances than pro photographers demand. Olympus has some of the best high quality mirrorless lenses in the focal lenths photographers ask for. Its long telephoto lenses are a fraction the size and weight of similar lenses offered by its full-frame competitors — which is one of the main reason nature and sports photographers tired of lugging heavy gear choose the OM SYSTEM.

Camera Sizes: Full-Frame vs. APS-C vs. Micro Four Thirds

Mirrorless cameras do not have a mirror and optical prism, and so their design usually results in smaller and lighter cameras than their DSLR counterparts. This is the advantage of mirrorless over DSLR and the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) system take full advantage of this. However, the flagship full-frame mirrorless cameras from Canon and Nikon are as large and heavy as the DSLRs they replace, which goes against the whole reason why mirrorless was invented in the first place.

The best news is that while a full-frame mirrorless camera must use lenses that are the same size (therefore as large and heavy) as their full-frame DSLR counterparts (for the image to be able to cover the sensor), mirrorless cameras using the smaller APS-C sensor and the MFT sensor can have smaller (and, therefore, lighter) lenses. In other words, though a full-frame mirrorless camera can gain a weight advantage over its DSLR counterpart, its mirrorless lenses do not gain a substantial size and weight advantage over their DSLR counterparts.

The overall weight reduction (camera + long telephoto lens) from using a full-frame mirrorless camera is therefore not going to be as dramatic as when you switch to an APS-C mirrorless camera and long telephoto lens combo — and especially when you switch to a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera and long telephoto lens combo.

This becomes dramatically apparent when long telephotos are attached to a APS-C and especially to a MFT mirrorless camera. Hence, the continued popularity of the APS-C and MFT mirrorless cameras among pro photographers who prize an overall compact and lightweight system.

The high resolution 5.76M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 0.83x (equiv.) magnification means the OM-1 II viewfinder is one of the brightest and biggest EVFs in the industry.

Or, you can use the 3.0-inch 1.62M-dot Vari-angle Touchscreen LCD on the back of the camera. Vari-angle means that it folds out to the side and can be turned to face up, down, back or forward, allowing high-angle, low-angle, and selfies shots. The LCD is also touch-screen so you can tap a point on the screen to lock focus, and use touch gestures to zoom or swipe right and left when reviewing images.

The Hybrid AF (Auto Focus) system uses a total of 1,053 cross-type phase detection AF points to quickly and precisely lock focus on your subject down to an almost-dark -6.0 EV. Besides Face detection AF / Eye detection AF, there is AI detection AF for formula cars, rally cars, motorcycles; aircrafts, helicopters; bullet trains, standard trains, steam locomotives; birds; and dogs, cats. Besides improvinf AF precision for wildlife and adventure outdoor photography, the OM-1 II now also adds AI detection for humans, plus selective focus on a single subject, giving more precision in crowded scenes.

The mechanical shutter shoots from 1/8000 – 60 sec, plus Live Bulb, LiveTime, and Live Composite. The electronic first curtain shutter shoots from 1/320 – 60 sec. You can also shoot the electronic shutter in Silent mode from 1/32000 – 60 sec. Flash synch is at 1/250 sec. (1/125-1/8000 sec. when using Super FP mode). Continuous shooting is at 10 fps RAW (139 frames) with the mechanical shutter and 20 fps RAW (108 frames) with the electronic shutter. Slow motion can be shot at 120 fps RAW (213 frames, thanks to the increased buffer). Using the silent electronic shutter, you can also shoot 50 fps RAW (SH2) with AF/AE Tracking in C-AF (with compatible lenses) or 120 fps RAW (SH1) in S-AF. In addition to the 25-120fps blackout free continuous shooting, the OM-1 II is now capable of also displaying blackout free Live View when shooting continuously at 12.5 fps and 16 fps frame rates.

Though the OM-1 II is a hybrid camera, allowing you to shoot both stills and videos, it is however more photo-centric, laser-focused on giving you the best burst shooting experience. So, you won’t find all the latest and (sometimes confusingly) detailed video features that more video-centric cameras offer. You’ll still be able to capture great videos in C4K (4096 x 2160) at 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p. You can shoot 4K 3840 x 2160 Time Lapse Movie at 5fps, 10fps, 15fps, 30fps, and High speed 1920 × 1080 movie at 240, 200, 120, or 100fps. Image Stabilization is available for video recording: M-IS1 (multi motion IS by Image sensor shift and electronic image stabilizer) or M-IS2 (Multi motion IS by Image sensor shift).

Other practical features (thanks to computational photography) which will mean less photo editing are:

• HAND HELD HIGH RES allows you to shoot at 50MP handheld at the push of a button. The OM-1 II automatically takes 12 shots and instantly merges them into one high resolution photo.
• SILENT SHOOTING shuts off all shutter and electronic sounds — perfect for when you need to shoot quietly in discrete settings.
• LIVE ND Mode now covers up to ND128, allowing you to preview slow shutter speed effects in the viewfinder before shooting.
• LIVE Graduated ND Mode means that you can now shoot professional-looking landscapes without the cost (and pain) of using actual graduated ND filters.
• EXPRESSIVE HDR allows you to capture wider dynamic range with darker shadows and brighter highlights.
• FOCUS STACKING takes up to 15 shots at different focusing distances, then stitches them together into one rendered composite image that is in focus from foreground to background. Perfect for macro photography.
• LIVE COMPOSITE mode makes it easy to capture long exposures handheld. The camera takes a series of continuous photos with the same exposure time, then combines them all into one perfectly exposed shot. It makes night long exposure photography and star trail photography much easier without the fear of over exposure.
• STARRY SKY AF mode features two settings to take brilliant astro photography. Speed Priority setting works in tandem with the OM-1 II’s powerful built-in image stabilization system to shoot night skies and not worry about focus. Accuracy Priority setting lets you use a tripod and a telephoto lens to pinpoint specific stars with incredible precision.
• ANTI-FLICKER mode compensates for artificial light by automatically activating the shutter at peak brightness to smooth exposure and color difference between frames.
• 120FPS PRO CAPTURE allows you to capture the exact right moment by buffering a running series of photos at 120fps as soon as you press the shutter button down halfway. When you fully depress the shutter button, the camera saves that moment plus the buffered shots.

The OM-1 II comes with a new high capacity BLX-1 Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery that gives 510 shots. You can also keep using the camera while the batteries are being recharged so the work doesn’t have to stop. The battery charger is sold separately and can charge two batteries at once.

Connectivity is built-in with the free OI.SHARE smart device app that uses Wi-Fi to seamlessly connect to your camera to instantly transfer photos and video, upload images to social sites and operate the camera remotely. Tethered photography is possible using OM Capture to connect the OM-1 II to a laptop or monitor for instant viewing and adjustments of your images on the fly. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) helps conserve the camera’s battery power by remaining in sleep or low energy mode until it’s needed. An upgraded OM WORKSPACE photo management and editing software makes post-production easier and more efficient.

The OM-1 II is supported by a system of high quality lenses, external battery holders, teleconverters, Dot Sight, electronic flash units, commander, receiver, cable release, cable clip, compact gun microphone, Linear PCM Recorder, shock mount adaptor, bags, straps, and software that further expand the shooting system.

Of course, the beauty of the OM SYSTEM is not just in its MFT mirrorless cameras, but it is expecially the availability of an extensive lineup of excellent lenses that are much lighter and more compact than lenses for the larger sensors. This makes an OM SYSTEM ideal for those who are tired of lugging large, bulky and heavy cameras, lenses and equipment around. So, if you prefer a compact and lightweight system, look no further than the OM SYSTEM OM-1 II. It gives excellent images and videos, have a host of useful and practical shooting features, and is backed by a professional system of lenses and accessories. The OM-1 II is weathersealed, which, when paired with a weathersealed lens, means you can shoot in almost any adverse weather condition without worry.

If the OM SYSTEM OM-1 II is the camera that is best for you, please support this site by ordering it as well as accessories from our Trusted Sponsor B&H Photo-Video, the Professional’s Source, satisfying millions of customers for over 35 years (prices are in USD):

• OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II Mirrorless Camera, Lenses & Accessories

Related Links:

• OM SYSTEM OM-1 II Press Release
• OM SYSTEM OM-1 II Technical Specs
• OM SYSTEM OM-1 II Instruction Manual
• OM SYSTEM OM-1 II Software, App and Firmware Updates Download