OM System (formerly Olympus) has introduced the OM-1 Mark II, which has the same features. predecessor, but a number of significant improvements. These include improved autofocus, stabilization, control, etc., especially on the AI side. includes other quality-of-life improvements for
With no trace of the Olympus logo as seen on the OM-1, the company has completed the OM System branding change. That is, the cameras are almost identical inside. As before, it comes with a 20-megapixel (MP) stacked Micro Four Thirds sensor and a TruePix X processor that enables super-fast burst shooting at up to 50fps with continuous autofocus.
Those speeds haven’t changed, but the OM System has increased the camera’s internal RAM, enabling some new features. Autofocus can now have a Human Detection option that goes beyond just faces and eyes like before. The company says AF is also faster and more accurate (with and without subject detection), making it ideal for sports, wildlife, and more. is better for
It also has a deeper buffer, meaning you can shoot 256 RAW frames at 50fps before filling, nearly double the OM-1 – ideal for action shooting. While the previous model allowed blur-free shooting at the highest frame rates, it now also works at lower rates (12.5fps and 16fps) for photographers who prefer to work that way.
The company has also used updated algorithms to boost in-body image stabilization up to 8.5 stops with supported lenses, which is better than any other camera on the market (Canon’s latest models boast 8 stops of stabilization). It now supports 14-bit RAW for multi-shot high definition mode in both 80MP tripod and 50MP handheld modes to improve dynamic range.
One new feature is called Graduated Neutral Density (GND), based on the previous model’s Live ND (LND) mode. The latter is not a true ND filter, but mixes multiple short shots to simulate one. The graduated version allows you to shoot a gradient exposure at any angle, while controlling the midpoint and whether it has a soft, medium, or hard edge.
The body and controls are the same as before, but the OM System has rubberized the dials so they feel more tactile and work better when using gloves. This should come in handy, as the OM-1 is popular for all-weather bird and wildlife photography.
Other than that, the specs and features are basically the same. You still shoot 4K video at up to 60fps in 8-bit or 10-bit modes (1080p at 240fps). And the OM-1 can output 12-bit Apple ProRes RAW video at 60 frames per second to an Atomos Ninja V or Ninja V+ external recorder without clipping any pixels.
It comes with the same 5.76 million-dot 120Hz OLED viewfinder and full-expression display as before. There are dual SD UHS II card slots, but no CFexpress option. The battery provides 500 shots per charge, but this increases to 1010 in Quick Sleep mode. Finally, you’re still getting a small FL LM3 flash that’s mainly intended for fill-in or use with external flash units.
The OM-1 Mark II will arrive at the end of February $2,400 (body only) and $3,000 a set M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 zoom lens (24-80mm full-frame equivalent) with OM System.
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