Rare are the cameras so pleasant to hold, with such a superb ergonomics. The Olympus OM-D EM1 Mk2 is one of them… Unquestionably.
The OLYMPUS EM1 MK2 is for me One of the best Micro 4/3 camera. (Replaced by the Mk3 by Olympus)

In 2018, when I switched from a compact camera to a mirrorless one, my goal was to have a reasonable weight camera with great photographic qualities.
The choice of the Micro Four Thirds system created by Olympus and Panasonic appeared to me judicious, especially since the lenses of these two brands are interchangeable. And their variety is not lacking, both budget or high end quality.

But let's come back to this camera!


OLYMPUS EM1 MK2/MK3

PROS:

The Olympus EM1 Mk2 is one of the few cameras that can really handle rain and snow. (IPX1 certified.)
Each button and ring are placed in the perfect place to change the settings as quickly as possible and are very pleasant… You feel in your hands that you are carrying a solid body!

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20 Mp are far enough to print images of one meter, or even more…because you never stick your nose on a large poster, do you?! 😉

Its autofocus is really fast and burst speed is crazy: up to 60 frames per second in fixed autofocus and 18 frames/sec in continuous! (in comparison, the Sony A7 III can hardly manage 10 frames/sec)
Its JPEG files, at the output of the camera are a reference if you want to let your camera develop your pictures.

Olympus has the best sensor stabilization on the market, up to 7 stops…

Not to mention original features such as Live Time (allowing you to see your image develop during long exposures) and Live Composite (the camera takes a new picture at each change of light to create a final image: perfect for fireworks)
Built-in ND filters (up to ND32: 5 stops reduction) and even high resolution handheld photos! (Only Mk3)
Video level: 4K 30 fps or FHD 120 fps.

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CONS:

On the other hand, despite all its qualities, the Olympus EM1 Mk2 has a sensor 4 times smaller than a full frame sensor so the noise generated with the Olympus when the iso value increase is more important: The amount of noise at 400 iso of the Olympus is about the noise at 1600 iso of a full frame (35mm) sensor.

Regarding the Noise, I have no problem using High Iso anymore as I am using a great software called Topaz Denoise AI which really improves my high iso pictures!
If interested in Topaz Denoise Ai : Follow This Link and get 15 % DISCOUNT on your orders with the Coupon code: FRIEND15

Its screen is a bit dated and you can't navigate with your finger in the menus.
Some people complain about its 2.3 Mp eyepiece. Personally, I have nothing to complain about!

The autofocus tracking is not up to the level of the Sony, nor the latest Canon R5 or R6.
Its sensor and its 12 bits files (vs 14 bits on a full format) sometimes suffer if you push .
Video 4k 30fps but output in 8 bits and 4:2:0 ( Panasonic in Micro 43 does much better!)



CONCLUSION :

Robust and light weight
Superb pictures
Original features (Live ND, LiveModes)
crazy bursts

Aim…

High noise level beyond 1600 iso
AF tracking is not that good

If you want to go anywhere, pair it with the Olympus 12-40 f2.8 Pro lens and you're pretty sure it will come out intact while giving you great images!

Key Specifications

  • 20MP Four Thirds sensor
  • 121-point autofocus system
  • Handheld high-res shot mode (Mk3 only)
  • Up to 60 fps Raw (up to 18 fps with autofocus)
  • Image stabilization rated at 7.0 (CIPA standard)
  • Live ND multi-shot (Mk3 only)
  • Dual SD card slots (1x UHS-I, 1x UHS-II)
  • AF joystick (Mk3 only), articulating touchscreen
  • UHD 4K/30p video and DCI 24p at up to 237Mbps
  • IPX1-rated weather sealing
  • USB charging (Mk3 only)

MK3 vs Mk2 Main differences :

Joystick – New Image processor – Better AFC -Hand-held high resolution mode – Live ND feature – USB power

Wish to Buy the OLYMPUS EM1 MK3? (Olympus OMD Affiliate Link that would help me to continue the adventure…It won't cost you anything more and i'll receive a little contribution)

error: © Vladimir Kar
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