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Olympus OM-D E-M5 II Review

March 2015 | By Richard Butler

Review based on production Olympus OM-D E-M5 II

Olympus's OM-D E-M5 II is, like its predecessor, a small, attractive and usable 16MP camera. In fact, at first glance it looks relatively unchanged. The most obvious additions are its more advanced movie capabilities and a clever multi-shot 40MP mode, but you have to look a bit more closely to see how much work Olympus has put into this new model.

How do you follow up a classic? A little more time is going to have to pass before the E-M5 can truly wear that mantle but I have little doubt that that's the question Olympus's engineers and product planners have been asking themselves. And, it must be said, it's quite a challenge. Technology has moved forward since the first OM-D was launched but simply bringing the camera up-to-date risks feeling like a let down.

Sure enough, the E-M5 II doesn't feel like as big a step forward as its predecessor was. But how could it be? Cameras such as the Sony's a6000 and a7, and Samsung's NX1 have raised the expected level of capability so far that it would be hard for any new model to represent as much of a breakthrough. Nonetheless, Olympus has probably done as much as it can to move things forward.

Close examination of the camera shows that almost every aspect of its design has been tweaked, refined and polished. Without access to a higher pixel-count sensor, it's not obvious what else Olympus could have added to the Mark II.

Olympus E-M5 II key features

16MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor
40 MP multi-exposure mode
1080/60p shooting and 1080/30p at up to 77Mbps (All-I)
Improved 5-axis image stabilization in both stills and movie modes
10fps continuous shooting, 5fps with AF
1/8000th sec maximum shutter speed (1/16000th with electronic shutter)
Built-in Wi-Fi
Clip-on rotating, bounceable flash

The standout change for stills shooters is likely to be the 40MP multi-shot mode. This uses the camera's sensor-shift system to move the sensor to eight fractionally different positions and create a high-resolution composite image from these eight exposures.

The camera's movie capabilities have also been greatly enhanced, not just with the addition of 1080/60p shooting and an All-I, 77Mbps compression option for 30p capture, but also with the arrival of a series of supporting features. These include focus peaking, uncompressed HDMI output, a mic input socket and timecode, amongst others.

In addition to these new features, the E-M5 II gains a couple of features that have been introduced in Olympus cameras since the original model's introduction. These include a version of the 2x2 control system that first appeared on the E-M1.

	The Super Control Panel It may not be pretty, but the Super Control Panel gives simple touchscreen access to most of the camera's major settings. We're pleased to see it as the default control system on the E-M5 II.

Then, on top of all of these changes, the E-M5 II plays host to a couple of minor behavioral changes that we've been hoping for, for some time. The most prominent is that the camera defaults to using the excellent Super Control Panel user interface, right out of the box. Olympus has also stepped away from the 'modal' display modes: finally allowing you to combine a histogram, level guide and highlight and shadow warnings in any combination you like. These are small things but they suggest that Olympus is onboard with the current trend of listening to users and being willing to make small changes.

Disappointingly the changes to the camera, including the hiher resolution viewfinder and screen, have had an impact on battery life. The E-M5 II is rated at 310 shots per charge, down from 360 shots for the original camera. This increases to 750 shots per charge in 'Quick Sleep' mode but that involves the camera turning off the screen as soon as you take your eye off it.

	Olympus OM-D E-M5	Olympus OM-D E-M5 II	Olympus OM-D E-M1
Pixel count	16MP	16MP	16MP
Image stabilization	5-axis	5-axis	5-axis
Stabilization (CIPA)	4 Stops	5 Stops	4 Stops
Max shutter speed	1/4000	1/8000 (1/16000 electronic)	1/8000
On-sensor PDAF	No	No	Yes
Continuous shooting (without /with AF)	9fps / 3.5fps	10fps / 5fps	10fps / 9fps
Flash	Clip-on Fixed direction	Clip-on Tilt/bounce/rotate	Clip-on Fixed direction
Viewfinder	1.44m dot LCD 1.15x mag	2.36m dot LCD 1.48x mag	2.36m dot LCD 1.48x mag
Max video res/rate	1080/30p	1080/60p	1080/30p
Max bitrate	17Mbps	77Mbps	24Mbps
Mic socket	No	Yes	Yes
Rear screen	Tilt 3.0" OLED touchscreen 0.61m dots	Fully-articulated 3.0" touchscreen 1.04m dots	Flip up/down 3.0" touchscreen 1.04m dots
Wi-Fi	No	Yes	Yes
Accessory Port?	Yes	No	Yes
Environmental sealing?	Yes	Yes	Yes
Battery life (CIPA)	360	310	350
Weight	425g	469g	497g
Dimensions	121 x 90 x 42mm	124 x 85 x 45mm	130 x 94 x 63mm




Compared with the OM-D E-M5	Compared with the OM-D E-M1

Close comparison of the E-M5 II and its predecessor shows that, while the overall styling is very similar, the two have less in common than you might think. Every face of the camera has been significantly re-worked and features new control points.

Roll your mouse over the right-hand tab and you can see the comparison with the E-M1. It should be immediately apparent how many of the control changes have filtered down from the M5 II's big brother. The E-M1 is a considerably larger, bulkier camera but the two share a great many features and capabilities.

The E-M1 is an impressively quick camera to control, once you've configured and become familiar with its 2x2 control system. The E-M5 II doesn't offer quite the same level of direct control, given the absense of the twin buttons on the left should (that re-purpose the command dials). Its smaller grip and lack of on-sensor phase detection means it's less well suited for use with existing Four Thirds lenses, but in most other respects it's not a significant step down from the E-M1.

Accessory options

Olympus will offer a range of accessories for the E-M5 II, including hand-grips and tripod mounting brackets.

Like its predecessor there's a two-part grip but, for reasons that will become clear, they'll be available separately. The first part (called the HLD-8G) adds a thicker hand grip with a command dial on the top, so that it's still easily accessible. It also features a headphone socket, for monitoring the audio levels during movie recording.

	The optional HLD-8G is a two-part grip. The first section adds a more substantial hand grip with its own command dial to ensure it's still comfortable to use. This version for the E-M5 II adds a headphone socket for movie shooters. The second part of the grip is the same HLD-6P unit that was available for the original E-M5. The two will be sold separately so that existing owners don't have to buy it again.

The optional HLD-8G is a two-part grip. The first section adds a more substantial hand grip with its own command dial to ensure it's still comfortable to use. This version for the E-M5 II adds a headphone socket for movie shooters.

The second part of the grip is the same HLD-6P unit that was available for the original E-M5. The two will be sold separately so that existing owners don't have to buy it again.

The second part of the grip is the HLD-6P, which adds a second battery compartment and duplicate function buttons and command dials for portrait-orientation shooting. Impressively, this second part is identical to the battery section of the original E-M5's HLD-6 grip, meaning existing owners only need to buy the '8G' part.

A further option will be the L-shaped ECG-2 bracket, which adds a thicker hand grip and Arca-Swiss style tripod mounts along the bottom of the camera and up one side, for portrait-orientation shooting.

As well as grips, Olympus will offer the PT-EP13 underwater housing that will allow the camera to be used with certain lenses down to a depth of around 45m (150ft).

There's also the EE-1 'dot sight.' This is essentially a hotshoe-mounted version of the sight built into the company's SP100 superzoom compact. it's designed to help you aim the camera quickly while focusing on distant, moving subjects where there's a risk of the target disappearing out of frame and you not knowing which direction to move the camera to find it again. The EE-1 contains its own battery, so can be mounted onto any camera with a hotshoe.

If you're new to digital photography you may wish to read the Digital Photography Glossary before diving into this article (it may help you understand some of the terms used).

Conclusion / Recommendation / Ratings are based on the opinion of the reviewer, you should read the ENTIRE review before coming to your own conclusions.

We recommend to make the most of this review you should be able to see the difference (at least) between X,Y and Z and ideally A,B and C.

Comments

Total comments: 624

Silver award is enough.
Have you considered how utterly high the gold price has risen?
If dpreview gave every camera a gold award they would be bacrupt in no time!
Those claimouring for a gold award should donate some of their own gold to dpreview.

2 upvotes

For an Olympus fanboy like me, even gold wouldnt be good enough. 5 stop IBIS alone makes this a standout camera. I will donate my gold to Olympus

0 upvotes

I like the 5 stops of IS from an in body sensor stabilization system. This is on par with or even exceeds the 4 stops of stabilization that Canon or Nikon have with their optically stabilized lenses, don't know how 5 stops was achieved but it is super awesome.

As one perspective, 5 stops makes a F 5.6 lens behave like a F 1.0 lens in terms of light gathering ability.

As another perspective, 5 stops means light gathering ability is increased 32 times (2^5 or 2 raised to the power of 5)

The only downside is that the cost advantage in terms of lens is not seen practically. I dont see many non stabilized fast lenses, also that means that if you were to ever put a Panasonic stabilized lens on an Olympus, you will immediately lose the cost advantage.

The other downside I see to micro four thirds is lack of much support from excellent lens manufacturers like Sigma, who have made Art 18-35 lens (no equivalent here), and other Art lens at a fraction of the price of PRO level Olympus

2 upvotes

"As one perspective, 5 stops makes a F 5.6 lens behave like a F 1.0 lens in terms of light gathering ability."

Interesting way to look at it. Although that equivalence (f/5.6 w/ IBIS ~=~ f/1.0 w/o IBIS) assumes that you are taking a picture of a stationary scene. Because the shutter time does increase.

2 upvotes

yes true. this equivalence is only true in terms of light gathering ability, not for DOF, and the advantage is only if subject movement is either not present, or if present presents an artistic advantage (like subject blur of people moving in a crowd during night-time can be artistic as well).

1 upvote

Wait!
There is even more: think about it 6 stop image stabilization! Shouldnt it be implemented to all cammeras?
A lens with f5.6 would behave like f0.75

1 upvote

I take 16 stops of image stabilization !!! Its called a tripod ! :)

2 upvotes

I am a long time regular reader of DPR and notice that small typos are creeping into reviews and posts. I realize there is a lot of time pressure to get things posted. But somehow stumbling into these typos degrades the otherwise excellent standard set by DPR.

1 upvote

/yawn

2 upvotes

GOLD GOLD. GOLD -- Richard -- it's not to late to change your mind !

All you have to do is read DPREVIEW 's review and you'll give it GOLD !

Richard please give it a try and see how comfortable GOLD feels !

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

3 upvotes

Silver is a great award.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 2 minutes after posting

1 upvote

Would it have any bearing on how the camera operates, what it does or does not do, if it received a different award?

1 upvote

I dont like the ergonomics. Strap lug is in the very same place where the right indexfinger sits. So i whant a downgrade to bronze!

1 upvote

"Would it have any bearing on how the camera operates, what it does or does not do, if it received a different award?"

Apparently it's some sort of emotional issue for many people.

But aside from that here's the big clue from the review itself: "With Samsung's NX1 representing a significant step forward for its APS-C cameras and significantly outperforming the Olympus, the list of cameras the E-M5 II can measure up to is falling (though the availability of fast lenses for the Olympus can help close that gap again). Overall, then, the E-M5 II is still competitive, but it's no longer punching above its weight as its predecessor did against its APS-C contemporaries."

So I think that, moving forward, we are unlikely to see any MFT bodies being rated too highly unless we also see a new 4/3"-type BSI sensor (or possibly a SmartFSI from Panasonic).

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 2 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Camera gear should be judged by what you get out of it and at what cost (money and aggravation). If what you do with it is pixel peeping and/or bragging about it, then let's face it, you are not a photographer. Making large prints is the most demanding output with slide shows and sharing on the web being much less challenging. I love to travel to places that inspire me (Nature, city's, etc.) and can afford or intend to visit only once, and want reliable gear at affordable prices that is comfortable to carry around and let me make high quality prints up to 24x36". Here comes the M4/3 system with the new killer E-M5 II body and a record selection of good-to-excellent lenses (minuscule F/3.5 or f/4 lenses, larger pro level f/2.8 models, and all the 4/3 lenses with an inexpensive AF adapter) at a decent price. I do my diligent and fun research and, to the best of my knowledge, there is nothing else out there that can match its combination of quality, versatility, ergonomics and price.

7 upvotes

@ Shoemeuourpics -- Couldn't express it better -
What a camera , what a format , what lenses and what a company OLYMPUS innovation from OM1 to EM-5 Mk11 all firsts along the way( most of them becoming industry standards and adopted by the opposition ) and the reward a SILVER award !

0 upvotes

IQ will always rule the day over here, i dont care what the vendor has to do to achieve it. And yes, that means Pixel Peeping™ :P

PP allows me to see if i achieved critical focus (if that was the gaols, usually so)...for every image select. i wonder what your method is

4 upvotes

@showmeyourpics
You haven't research enough then. I have seen plenty of good photos and heard many praises from Fujifilm and SONY shooters using native or adapted lenses.

2 upvotes

Look I am glad you are happy with the system but there are plenty out there that don't care for it. My friend shoots with an OMD EM5 with a 100-300mm lens only because he can't afford a longer lens on his Fuji XE2.

He finds the IQ of the Oly mediocre (his words not mine) compared the the Fuji and he finds my A7 to be a bit better than his Fuji.

So yes the system makes a lot of sense to you and others but there are plenty of people out there wanted better IQ and the m43 system is not for them.

0 upvotes

After reading this review and the Sony A7s, I am left wondering how the camera that doesn't seem to really get anything right and has an extensive list of cons that is as large as its pros can get a higher score.

9 upvotes

The rating is within category. E-M5 II is up against the mk 1, E-M1, GH4 and GX7 and it is simply not good enough to get a higher rating as the price it is asking. Expend the competition to include X-T1, A6000, NX-1 and it will fare even worse.

2 upvotes

Thank you for a interesting and thoughtful review. I bought the E-M5ii two weeks ago, trading in my original E-M5 in the process.

For me, the major upgrade is ergonomics. Better camera controls (the 2x2 dials works wonders), the larger and better viewfinder that adjusts brightness so I can shoot with both eyes open, and the powerful and easy-to-use wireless "tethering". For me the improved ergonomics makes the camera easier, faster and more pleasurable to use than the original camera (which I also enjoyed using). The addition of live composite mode to the ingenious live time/bulb-modes is also very good, and the list goes on...

This is maybe underrated by a portion of this site's readership as there is, justifiably, a lot of focus on pushing the envelope of high resolution, DR and SNR. While the improvements on the mark I in these areas maybe marginal, it still holds its own against most of the competition, and it's now more effortless to actually realize the full power of the thing

3 upvotes

Olympus is kind of catching up recently while Panasonic is going down as expected.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/electronics/3109924011/ref=pd_zg_hrsr_e_1_4_last

Comment edited 14 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

Panasonic simply don't have the installed fan-base that's willing to port over a few hundred dollars just for the logo.

0 upvotes

People are still buying the Sony A3000 ??? :O

I am a Sony user and fan but I couldn't believed they came up with such a horrible camera like the A3000. That it is topping the charts is shocking to me. :P

0 upvotes

The one thing that plagues all the hi res bayer filtered cameras is fixed here. This is impressive.

2 upvotes

40MP mode would be killer for macros.

1 upvote

Yes, for still life macros.

Really looking forward to advances in this sensor shift tech, where supposedly we'll be able to capture such an image in 1/60th second. Hopefully in the next version of EM1, or who knows... maybe even a firmware update for EM5 II. I can dream...

1 upvote

Wouldn't you call this GOLDEN inovation !

0 upvotes

Five 40mp macro images posted here:

http://www.normanday.net/p362961329

And yeah ...it is a Killer!

Cheers,

Norman

0 upvotes

I am but a photo troll in comparison to the posters here, but I would like to offer that this is a gorgeous, beautifully made camera that takes great photos - although I still like my beloved NEX-7 best. I visited my local camera shop - we still have one in Ct. (Milford Photo) - and looked at the Sony A7 - way too big, full frame or not - a Fujifilm, and the Olympus, the Mk II being the shop's best seller. If a camera that takes great photos and isn't the equivalent of a really heavy softball is important you, this (and the NEX-7) are it.

6 upvotes

SONY can make camera smaller than others for the same sensor size, and SONY's FF cameras are much smaller than others as well.

For low light, This OLY's SONY dated M43 sensor has no way to comparing to SONY's FF in low light especially comparing to SONY A7s, the King of darkness.

BTW, you ask too much for SONY to make a system FF camera as small as OLY M43 sensor camera even SONY can make a P&S FF RX1 smaller than this M43 Oly.

Comment edited 4 times, last edit 5 minutes after posting

3 upvotes

The extra 0.5 in width and height must tear into your hand terribly. However people hold on you that huge E-M1 is beyond me.

2 upvotes

Hey mike.

Reading your post I couldn't help but think about that flaky electronics conglomerate but the name escapes me at the moment. I think they did minidiscs, betamax and memory stick pro. Who could it be?

Sometimes, people argue about gear but neglect to mention which company makes what. It would be nice if once in a while someone wasn't too lazy to include that detail.

2 upvotes

I like to looking forward.

RX1, RX10, RX100-3 are very much set the benchmark for P&S of different sectors while a6000 is the benchmark for sub-frame in terms of performance-features/price.

As far as FF goes, SONY are not too bad too, and has being building lenses' line slowly.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 40 seconds after posting

2 upvotes

@bluevellet
SONY is also the company that introduced the CDs, Walkman and Trinitron TV.

SONY is also still supporting the Minolta A-mount from 1985 unlike Olympus which long abandoned the OM and 4/3 systems.

1 upvote

... Years ago, SONY also injected money into Olympus for keeping Olympus alive.

In return, SONY owns part of the OLYMPUS of course.

Comment edited 3 times, last edit 2 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

I was Just making fun of Mike who can't write a sentence without injecting the word SONY at least once.

0 upvotes

The DPR review is not worthy of the camera: 1) Dynamic range is off the charts; 2) The IBIS is a magnitude greater than anything else available; 3) The multi-shot mode performs spectacularly--superior color fidelity, amazing contrast and detail. The files are comparable if not better than $30K cameras of yore.

This is a sophisticated camera. At $1099, it is a steal. Now that Adobe ACR 8.8 handles .orf (RAW) high resolution files, the workflow is manageable (PC horsepower and plenty of data storage are essential for high-resolution post).

I suspect this camera represents the beginning of a genuine paradigm shift. There are better choices for casual photographers and folks who shy away from technology. However, in the right hands, this camera is gold.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 1 minute after posting

8 upvotes

DR is off the charts? What is that supposed to mean? The analysis of the multi-shot modes I saw so far point to 10-20% true resolution increase. See: http://philservice.typepad.com/Limits_of_Resolution/Limits_of_Resolution_5_Sensor_Shift.pdf for example, or http://www.strollswithmydog.com/olympus-e-m5-ii-high-res-40mp-shot-mode/#comment-1039. For me it is far too limited (tripod use, stationary subjects),and I am fine with e.th. my D810 can offer in all shooting conditions.

10 upvotes

Exaggerating much? A magnitude is 10 so greater than 3EV. The E-M5 II's IBIS is 3 EV better than anything else? The DR is also exactly the same as every other m4/3 using the SONY sensor.

DP is generous in giving it a silver award. For just being excellent but no breakthrough or outstanding feature, I would have give it a bronze.

6 upvotes

DR in a digital system is a function of quantum efficiency, well capacity of the sensor, and system readout noise.

How is this changed by shifting the sensor around? :)

2 upvotes

How do we process RAW Hi res. I downloaded the latest version of Adobe dng converter 8.8. However, none of my Adobe programs can handle the 40,000kb files and the 102,000kb have no chance?

The supplied olympus disc also states that it can't handle them, ... it states: "FILES TO LARGE"

I can't imagine the reviewers actually tested this out or they would have mentioned this problem? Or if they did, why wasn't it brought to our attention?

I probably would have put off purchase until it was sorted!

Also the shooting menue option is only jpeg or RAW+jpeg, can't seem to capture RAW only? not an option? (I don't shoot jpeg, far too limiting)

The logical question is: "What have I missed"

1 upvote

RawTherapee works :)

0 upvotes

We've been processing with Photoshop CC and Adobe Camera Raw, so haven't been going through a DNG step. I'll try to look into it early next week.

2 upvotes

No problem with Photoshop (Adobe Camera Raw 8.8). Handles normal files and HighRes ones perfectly, also without the Olympus plugin. But not the additional .ORI files.

2 upvotes

The limit may be that you need a PC with a processor which can handle 64 bits. I seem to remember that the Photoshop plugin offered by Olympus on their CD states that it won't work on a 32bits machine.

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

0 upvotes

The new Adobe Camera Raw works fine for the raw files on my computer.

0 upvotes

@Valiant Thor

The last version of Olympus Viewer is able to develop normal raws only, not the HiRes ones. You need the Olympus import Plugin for Photoshop if you want to be able to develop the HiRes raws.
That was untill the last version of Adobe camera raw was issued. Now, the problem is solved for all raws and HiRes files, if you have CS6 or CC.

Comment edited 60 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

From what I can see for buying a M43 sensor camera for *travel light*, buy LX100 if FL 24mm - 70mm is all you need, and LX100 will be better in low light b/c faster lens, and LX100 is smaller.

Or Canon G1X-2 b/c the zoom has more reach than LX100, and a flip LCD. IQ is poor than LX100, but LX100 has poor useability b/c you can not do low-angle.

In terms of useability, you can not beat Sony RX100-3, small + EVF + Built in Flash + not too small sensor + fast lens (even not as fast as LX100 while zooming in).

If you want weather sealed M43 and/or changing lenses, Oly is your choice.

Comment edited 3 times, last edit 4 minutes after posting

2 upvotes

Just nonsense. It simply depends on what you value. Lx 100 has 4k video, better iq, better manual control. It has been touted as a genuine photographers cam. 2,4 mpixel evf vs 1.4...So what does one value?

1 upvote

Mike FL - the LX100 is indeed smaller but, although it does indeed have a Four Thirds sized sensor, it doesn't use all of it. It's a 2.2x crop camera, so don't forget to figure that in too.

4 upvotes

Jorginho;

From what I can see,you have ZERO knowledge for how to compare two camera in low-light IQ.

0 upvotes

Mike..how is that relevant here?

Comment edited 12 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

Richard Butler;

I know that LX100 is a "a 2.2x crop camera" when Oly is 2x crop. In the other words, OLY can have slight larger print for the same IQ if both used same sensor.

But LX100's zoom lens at least 1 stop faster @widest comparing to OLY's fastest zoom.

0 upvotes

Richard Butler;

BTW, I like LX100's multi-aspect approach better b/c we always gets 24mm in different aspects other than 1x1. OLY can only get 24mm for one aspect while zoom wide open@24mm.

In the other word, OLY's 2x crop is only true for one aspect, the rest aspects are more less 2.2x crop just like LX100.

Comment edited 3 times, last edit 6 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Looking forward to GX8. All the features of E-M5 II + better video for $500 less. It is really amazing how much Olympus users are willing to pay for the Olympus name.

1 upvote

Panasonic GX8? For a second I thought it was another Canon. The GX7 wasn't a big seller was it? I don't personally know anyone who bought it.

Comment edited 4 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

i bought one and have seen just 2 in the wild.

0 upvotes

Yeah, surprisingly GX7 sold poorly even though it is just an understated E-M1 for $500 less. GX7 is so cheap now there is no other m4/3 camera worth buying.

0 upvotes

It's good but not that good.
The em-1 is a tornado proof the gx7 isn't even splash proof.
The em-1 has a better larger faster viewfinder.
Has a more effective ibis system
And last but not least tracks moving subjects better.

The gx7 is smaller lighter and comes with pretty much all the goodies you would ever need. I took it over the em-5 for the shutter and ergonomics.( base iso 200 and 1/4000th max shutter can be a bit limiting shooting fast primes).

2 upvotes

I have owned my MkII for about 3 weeks, It's much more competent than I had expected!

The HiRes is very workable, ... However, I have a question re HiRes file size.

The first files I shot in HiRes came out jpeg 7296 x 5472. I had set the system to RAW only as I have no use for jpeg's. I then brought up the quick menue and sure enough, it was default to jpeg! I selected this in order to change it to RAW only, .. no-go SFN + Raw with 7296x5472 only showing. The RAW is suposed to be 9216x6912, any ideas as to how we can acheive the RAW output only with the higher resolution?

Image stabalization; ... fantastic! feels like it's on a tripod.
Articulated screen, just great.

I owned the previous model which was very good, however, the MkII is so much better in nearly every aspect of operation and results.

It even feels and sounds far better. .. This is a very good camera.

4 upvotes

I'm glad and am gonging to upgrade mine EM5 I.

0 upvotes

I have had my MkII for a week. So far, I find it to be an amazing camera. I tried focus stacking with the Hi-Res mode...just incredible detail/resolution! And yes , the image stabilization on the video really is fantastic!

1 upvote

The Raws from High Res mode are always 64MP - there aren't multiple settings.

Shoot Raw + JPEG and you'll get a 40MP JPEG and a 64MP Raw. Though this raises interesting questions about what the best resolution to render the data at is.

1 upvote

This is a very solid, utterly realistic appraisal. I say that as an OMD ME5 owner. I was really hoping for more megapixels in the sensor, but I am curious about the high res option. In your interview, Setsuya Kataoka indicated that the Olympus R&D team was making rapid progress on high res and that a 1/60 sec system was in development. It seems like a strange comment to make if that was not going to be a firmware upgrade to the ME5 II because it might depress sales. On the other hand, if it is a firmware upgrade that would certainly encourage me to buy now. Richard, do you have sense of whether a 1/60 high res system would be a firmware upgrade to the II?

0 upvotes

That is my hope. We'd have to use really good camera technique even at 1/60 sec to get a sharp hi-res image, since we'd have no IS while the stabilizer does the sensor shifting. Then again, Panasonic lenses with IS would still be stabilized. Hmm...

0 upvotes

I suspect this could be a real contender for micro 4/3 camera of the year 2015. Certainly worthy of a DPR gold award. So many pros so few cons - best in body stabilisation according to many early adopters. Sure some micro 4/3 cameras improve on the video. However I don't think 4K video is such a deal breaker at this point in time. This is certainly a significant upgrade to the omd-em5 in so many ways eg wifi, rear articulating screen, imaging engine, 40mega pixel shots to mention just a few. How many other cameras this year can boast so many improvements? Maybe there is a game changer around the corner...

5 upvotes

I would also name the Samsung NX1 for the number of improvements. And most importantly, it has a new sensor. The EM5ii is obviously a very good camera, but I just wonder how many would opt for a new and improve sensor instead of the hi res function.

1 upvote

I'd rather have the 40MP. The sensor they replace the current one with will be an incremental upgrade at best. You watch. Just like they have with other Olympus innovations, this one will be found in Nikons and Canons at some point.

1 upvote

From EM-10 Review
"One feature unique to Olympus is that any of the mode dial positions can be assigned to recall a custom camera setup (or 'MySet' in Olympus parlance)."

Does anyone know if this is still an option to EM-5 Mkii?

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

0 upvotes

Yes, it is.

1 upvote

Richard ,thank you so much for your answer but I must confess that your review feels incomplete.
Older reviews used to be so much more detailed and comprehensive
and used to answer any question one could have.

1 upvote

After researching and researching, decided to buy this sweet baby with 14-40mm 2.8 and 40-150mm 2.8 yesterday. On UPS truck today.

Upgrading from a hardly used Nikon D200 (for the last 3+ years) with many, many lenses due to the weight issue.

Can't wait. Thanks to all for your past input.

Comment edited 34 seconds after posting

3 upvotes

You are in for a Time of your life !
The thrill of Photography will return !
ENJOY !

3 upvotes

Hi Banker, You won't be disapointed with the MkII. I use the 12 - 40 f2.8 most of the time and the Panasonic 20mm f1.7.

I also see you have a D200, I like the images out of this camera too, (I have one as well) I also have a bunch of Nikkor lenses with the m43 adapter to suite.
80 - 400mm and the 60 macro f2.8 are very good on the MkII as the IS allows me to shoot the 400mm hand held in good light!
I also have the Sigma 10 - 20mm this is great on the MkII as well.

You will enjoy this camera, ..... It also just seems to make us lift our game, ... It's so capable.

Cheers, ... Baz

3 upvotes

I already want one

3 upvotes

Well its already shipping so all you have to do it pay money for it. :)

0 upvotes

Anybody knows its AF sensitivity? Is it poor 0EV or goes to -3EV or -4EV like Panasonic cams? Olympus hides this information, do not know why - maybe it's only 0EV?

1 upvote

I don't know the exact spec, but there's been numerous tests and the Panasonic cameras clearly have the edge.

3 upvotes

somewhere I saw mentioned -2EV in a review, but if that's fact I don't know.

0 upvotes

Yep, -2EV :
http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/olympus_om_d_e_m5_mark_ii_review/

0 upvotes

Thanks.

0 upvotes

"extensive customization options can be overwhelming" - this should be in "pros".

15 upvotes

Agree fully, it's also for advanced users.
Formally there was a complaint about SCP not being default, now there's another issue:
"Default autofocus settings limit camera performance"
Could be so, but is that a fair con in this segment, it also can be changed so the Con of limiting AF performance is gone.
When you e.g. compare the cons of the A7R, they are more definate, hardware related, in that one can't change the Con.
So what really remains are two lousy points in Con, I think Olympus has a first there!

Comment edited 46 seconds after posting

4 upvotes

Didn't read the review because comments are funnier and sometimes points out the questionable review parts.

Like this, when you are given a camera that you can customize almost by any means your small inner voice wants and screams, it is suddenly a bad thing...

When you have something as default, it is a bad thing even when you could just change it to your preferred.

What next, the camera color drops it in rankings? At least the brand already does that...

9 upvotes

@Jakub Kubica: you may note that "Extensive and customizable external controls" is listed as a Pro. The full quote from the Cons is actually: "Complex menu system and extensive customization options can be overwhelming."

For some people it'll be a Pro, but I felt that benefit is unusually difficult to gain full advantage of (something that was confirmed every time I handed the camera to anyone else).

Obviously there's not as much room for nuance in a list of bullet points as there is in the full conclusion and complete review. But if you do read the review, you should see I've tried to balance the benefits that the camera's customization brings against how hard that would be for a first-time user (while also making clear than anyone with experience of the Olympus menus will appreciate it).

The camera didn't miss out on Gold because of this (it's more a Pro than a Con, overall). It didn't get a Gold because, while it's one of the best in its class, it's only one of the best.

6 upvotes

Seriously, the old D200's customization is extensive and involved and likely to be looked at askance by some who likes simplicity more. Once you get to know the camera and realized these "tweaks" make it more usable, they become valuable. But no one learns the ins and outs of these sophisticated cameras in a short time. Shoot with it in default mode, adjusting things as you go along. If the FOUR customizable buttons, lever and two dials and Super Control Panel aren't enough to keep important functions close at hand, that's...unfortunate.

1 upvote

I think for those questioning the score, here is an excerpt from the original EM5 review:

"If you're absolutely unwilling to compromise on image quality then spending twice the money and moving up to the bulk of full-frame is the only way of gaining a significant step up from the E-M5."

That is no longer true. I tend to think a Gold award isn't so much a recognition of a great product as flagging it to users as something that stands above the rest of the pack. I know that many would disagree with that interpretation..

2 upvotes

The award is justified. Olympus didn't go all out in this model and is probably reserving the hardware upgrades for the next E-M1.

2 upvotes

Probably. But I'd say the sensor update is just not available.

It's a bit of a shame because these OMD cameras have a near 3-year cycle so the EM5 II will be last generation sensor wise while the EM1 mark II is likely to lead with the sensor update, which will trickle down to the obligatory EPL8 and the EM10 succesor. EM5 mark III will get the update last.

I don't expect the jump in sensor quality to be as big as it was when they switched from 12 to 16MP, but it should be a noticeable improvement.

The two wild cards in the Olympus camp is some sort of LX100 competitor and the long rumored, TRIP camera.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 2 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

P&S's are dead. Replaced by the iPhone. No TRIP. Also, unless they back-light it, there will be no major sensor improvements.

0 upvotes

don't understand all buzz about this camera.
I had an EPL5 which has a the same outdated sensor,
IQ is a mediocre

7 upvotes

Translation: "I need some negative attention."

23 upvotes

And what photo in your galleries needed more than mediocre IQ? Please show us.

4 upvotes

@Eugene232
I totally agree. The sensor was ground-breaking on the original E-M5, but that was 3 years ago. Sure it's a good camera, and therefore deserving of a silver award - but $1100 for the body will buy you a lot of other very good cameras too.

As the reviewer said in an earlier comment, it's a very good camera - just not the stand out the original E-M5 was.

8 upvotes

So that means that a camera is much more than it's sensor. A lesson to learn for people like Eugene232. But according to his gear list he only has a camera and no lenses. The nice thing is that you can see the nice big sensor all the time without a lens in front of it.. Maybe in a year or so he will understand photography.

6 upvotes

The sensor is not outdated. It's a Sony Exmor sensor, and they basically used the same technology three years ago as they do today. The reason why APS-C and FF sensors offer better IQ is simply because they are larger.

10 upvotes

@Thorgrem (2 hours ago)
" A lesson to learn for people like Eugene232. But according to his gear list he only has a camera and no lenses. The nice thing is that you can see the nice big sensor all the time without a lens in front of it.."

So as far as you are concerned people only own what they mention in their gearlist. Correct?

You are very smart and have excellent judgement of things.

0 upvotes

Each time I read about the supposed agedness of the E-M5's Sony 16mpx sensor, I recall how much fashion photog James Russell of Russell-Rutherford (posting on LuLa as "BCooter") praises it for great color separation (and finds that it delivers "prettier" images than his workhorse Canon 1DX, and better than the Pany-sensor'd E-M1) --to wit (as referred to by another shooter with similar appraisal):

[http://forum.luminous-landscape.com/index.php?topic=86337.msg733774#msg733774]
" I also agree with BC about the look of the two cameras' files. There's greater tonal separation/differentiation with the E-M5. Sensor differences, CFA differences...whatever it is I wish the E-M1 had the same look."

But does someone want to be shooting at ISO XXX,XXX? Nope, the E-M5 won't go there.

-d.

0 upvotes

@Thorgrem These cameras are not a religion. Nobody stepped on your religious beliefs. The mean spirited responses just show the vitriol of fanboyism. It really takes a bitter perspective in order to need to denigrate another's gear or profile.

When one's particular brand doesn't make a Gold Award, it truly brings out the religious fervor in the fanboys of that brand. I'll award you a nice gold star so you can feel better about yourself and others who live vicariously through their camera brands rather than making photographs.

1 upvote

"so anyone with very specific requirements may be better served by more specialized models" would suggest that for most users this is the camera of choice? (as most don't have "Very specific needs")

I tend to read the factual information with interest and pay less attention to the rating, which tends to be subjective

Overall I found this an informative review - thanks

3 upvotes

Silver Award? I've had this camera for about 2 weeks and it is fantastic! I like using it over my GH4 and I would rate the E-M5 M2 somewhere in the titanium ~ kryptonite range. Five stars in my book and I've owned a LOT of cameras; a fact for which my wife will be eager to testify against me.

P.S.: The M2 is far more than a minor, incremental upgrade over the E-M5 (which I also have). If the reviewer can't see that, he should seek alternative employment. This kind of work requires a high degree of perspicacity.

10 upvotes

A silver award from DPreview is extremely high praise.

10 upvotes

G'day Thermatic ,
Yea the FUJIFILM X10 only got a SILVER and it had the unique ORB feature ! LOL
Regards , All the Best !

1 upvote

@Valiant Thor - I'm pretty sure I didn't suggest it was a minor or incremental upgrade. After all, the first line of the conclusion is: 'The Olympus E-M5 II is a more significant reworking of its predecessor than its looks or choice of sensor seem to suggest.'

Or phases such as: 'Yet under the skin it seems every aspect has been reassessed and, where necessary, modified...'

I agree that it's a fantastic camera (and I hope the review conveys that sentiment). It's improved in almost every respect, over one of my favourite cameras.

However, for similar money or less there are several other fantastic cameras you can choose. At which point, the E-M5 II is one of the best cameras in its class, rather than the stand-out best. It was a very tough decision (I think it will be a stand-out camera if you own any good mFT lenses), but it's one I'm comfortable defending.

It really is intended as high praise.

Comment edited 18 seconds after posting

9 upvotes

@ Richard Butler - Which is the "the stand-out best camera in this class " please Richard ? It would be really helpful to me to know why you consider it to be so - then I would be able to put the GOLD factor to bed !
Regards
By the way GREAT REVIEW ( a lot of effort put into camera's very fine inovations - Olympus the most innovative camera company around ) BUT SILVER - no way !

0 upvotes

i think main reason for the Silver award was the that Samsung changed the game as mentioned in the review with the back illuminated sensor. So, I expecting a real jump on the next EM1 II sensor to reclaim the throne.

6 upvotes

Do not agree with the 81 Silver ranking based on numerous super favorable reviews (ironically even your own). Virtually everything about the EM-5II is significantly upgraded to class leading and sometimes even industry leading levels. I don't get it. I think DPR readers deserve a justification (beyond just sensor size) for this strangely low rating.

4 upvotes

Resolution = average
Dynamic Range = average
High ISO = average
Bit Depth = average

I can't speak for Dpreview but all of the above (i own the camera and love it) are virtually indisputable.

Thats all the justification anyone needs.

But all that being said, a SILVER award is a tremendous accomplishment and Olympus should be proud. Cheer on the camera and have fun!

10 upvotes

GOLD ,GOLD, GOLD, GOLD , nothing BUT !

2 upvotes

G'day Thematic,
Your justification for SILVER the four points you make are they your points because they are somewhat different DPR CONS ?
Please would you please advise where we can find your REVIEW ?
I don't own the camera but I'm considering BUYING and would love to examine your complete review and the resulting SILVER AWARD !
As an OLYMPUS owner " I NEED MORE JUSTIFICATION " and you have put yourself forward as a REVIEWER !
IMHO after reading DPR's review are thought GOLD only GOLD and I need another educated review , I await yours !
Regards,

Comment edited 6 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Industry leading 5 stop IBIS
40 MP still life
Improved superfast AF
Excellent viewfinder from EM-1
Upgraded tilt/swivel rear LCD screen
10 fps
Weather sealed
Less expensive
2x2 controls from EM-1
New bounce-able flash
Improved near pro build quality
Unique Live Time and Live Composite
Improved video capabilities
Improved high ISO performance

Of course this is just a list of new, unique, upgraded or industry leading features. The real test is how this camera works in actual use and every reviewer I've read has actually raved about this EM-5II as a camera that is both fun to use and gives excellent results. There have been many favorable reviews, but I found this one to be quite interesting: http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2015/02/18/the-olympus-om-d-e-m5-mark-ii-review-olympus-continues-to-innovate/

4 upvotes

Hi 8362Morrisson,
Many thanks - DPR 's review was great - Award ??
I have held the camera with extra grip -it felt really good ,I'll have to get out there and really give one a try !
I,'ll have a look at other reviews but I'm really looking forward to Thematic's one - hope I. Don't have to wait to long ?

0 upvotes

? I have no idea what you are typing.

1 upvote

Hi Thematic,
I thought your negative points formed part of a review but it appears you have not done one ?
Never mind - I'll get over the disappointment !
What I really thought was :Here is someone who has bought a EM-5 Mk11 has rated some important criteria of the camera "AVERAGE" would be able to enlighten ?

0 upvotes

???

1 upvote

Richard - GREAT REVIEW - as you say GREAT CAMERA - TERRiBLE AWARD therefore I can only give you a SILVER !

4 upvotes

Why no ISO 100 shot?

I know some people say it's just adjusted ISO 200 on m43 cameras, but most other reviews find that for the E-M 5 II, ISO 100 is where the Image quality is best: highest resolution, best DR, lowest noise, etc. Otherwise good review, even if I would have given it an alloy award.

1 upvote

You write 10s of pages of review, you explain excellent functions and ergonomy, you explain how fast AF and operation is, how excellent and compact m4/3 lenses are, how 40MP function can be useful, how IBIS gives you new creativity options (such as going down all the way to 1sec, even less shutter speed) etc...

Then one cowboy comes and says "hey but A7 has full frame sensor"...

14 upvotes

Because rank amateurs need that FF sensor to produce decent images. Apparently. Either that, or it's just a case of "keeping up with the Joneses."

9 upvotes

^^ Even pros choose full frame sensors over smaller sensors !!! :)

Honestly this is a fine camera but meant for people who prefer compactness over IQ. There are plenty of people out there who wish to shoot with a small and light camera and frankly I feel like an idiot when I go travelling with a heavy bag.

However I care a lot about IQ and I have found the 'look' of full frame much better than any smaller sensor. Medium format is even better but costs 10 times as much so I am most happy with my A7 which incidently costs about $200 more than this camera or even at the same cost if you know where to look.

Now I have taken plenty of good photos with my old Sony cameras that are obsolete and could barely shoot decent images at even ISO 800 but I am enjoying my photography much better now with a full frame sensor.

3 upvotes

You seem to have a problem that some people prefer FF sensors over Four Thirds ones.

Why the need to call them "cowboys"? Do you feel reassured in your options with that?

Let me make you even more uncomfortable. Some of us don't like sensors with the same native aspect ratio we used to see TV in, when we were children.

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

3 upvotes

@brendon1000..
Well actually you are wrong many professionals already are on the m43 bandwagon. Do they only have m43, well some might and some might not.
In my case I switched years ago and m43 is my main system. I don't have a gear shop like some professionals which means I have to buy my gear opposed to use rentals not taken. But occasionally I need other gear than m43 due to specific tasks. but 35mm gear is no longer in the picture. Yeah, pre 40-150mm F2.8 I rented Nikon 35mm with lenses to do specific sports but that's covered by E-M1 and 40-150mm F2.8 now. The 300mm F4 might be the next station. In other niche area's I use 645D a lot.

1 upvote

Photokhan, you did not get my point I guess..
And do we have 16:9 sensors? As most TV's come with 16:9 ratio now :)

Comment edited 51 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

No, we still do not have 16:9 sensors.

Still, for those of us who often like to shoot in that format, a 3:2 sensor will still use about 84.1% of the whole sensor whereas a 4:3 one will only use about 74.8%

1 upvote

?? Don't get it. Why would you take a photo in 16:9 format?

0 upvotes

Ask Olympus. They have the mode in their cameras.

0 upvotes

How many people "watch" their images on TV's? Few, I'd wager. Even though computer screens are WS now, the 4:3 ratio is STILL closer to what people use images for (print, online, whatever) than 3:2 is.

0 upvotes

You're locking on "TV", something I mentioned incidentally only.

The thing is, some of us don't like 4:3.

I can tell you why I don't: Except for special purposes (where I even use 1:1) the "narrower" from 16:9 a format is, the more distant it is from human vision.

Although it is true we can have 3:2 or even 16:9 from a 4:3 sensor, it always mean significant native resolution loss.

I like Olympus (my 2 first digital cameras were Olympus) but I dislike 4:3 a lot.

Judging from the entries to something like the World Press Photo competition, it seems I am far from alone on my 3:2 preference.

Comment edited 4 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Human vision is over 180 degrees, but is only acute in the very centre, about 15 degrees at most. Losses from internal cropping vary with each camera, less with some, more with others. There is a kind of wide angle "fetish" present at the moment, because of the way the distortion of some wide angle shots lend dramatics to images that otherwise might be dull, but it will pass.

1 upvote

I think you are the first person I've seen who likes to see pictures on 16:9 TV. 4:3 is not for everyone, I'd agree with that but the reason is not "it's not compatible with 16:9 TVs".

0 upvotes

I see that the regular studio comparison was done with the Oly 45mm and that the high-res comparison was with the Panny 42.5mm. Are there any plans to use the latter lens for regular studio comparisons in the future?

0 upvotes

Probably not. We try to avoid going into the territory of the rare, expensive and exotic, for our studio lenses. The 45mm F1.8 is a really good lens - it just isn't 64MP good.

We don't, for instance, use cost-no-object Zeiss Otus lenses on DSLRs.

4 upvotes

Fair enough.

0 upvotes

If you did use OTUS or adapted Leica M apo lenses, it might be an idea, if they do show an improvement in what the camera can produce. Would also add more fuel to the "sensor versus lens" argument. No, they won't be what most users use, but then would you go the opposite way and use a cheap 18-55mm, 18-135mm kit lens on a Nikon D3300 or 5300 when doing a review of a 24MP sensor, simply because that is what most users will use with the cameras? You could, but it won't really let you see what that sensor can accomplish.

0 upvotes

Back in the days of the compact P&S's, the "bridge" camera and the DSLR, it was simpler for people. I think (witness what happened to the poor Nikon dF when it was released; the camera's not poor, but its reception was!) some people are simply mystified by anything that is not from the old molds. Canon and Nikon's line of all black, lock-step DSLR bodies looks like a picture of the old Soviet Politburo but that is what most people know. This attitude undoubtedly plays on the minds of some of those doing the reviewing. Imagine if you've driven 4-door sedans all your life, and someone stuck you in sports car? Imagine how alien that would feel?

2 upvotes

Does this apply to reviewers with a track record of really liking sports cars?

Comment edited 14 seconds after posting

4 upvotes

It only applies if you drive a tuner Lada.

1 upvote

Richard -- liking sports cars is one thing but RichRMA says DRIVE - Different hey ?

0 upvotes

Richard the reviewer
Take the "Sports car " for a DRIVE it's not to late to give it GOLD !

Comment edited 6 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Strictly speaking, he only wrote about being stuck in a sport car (driving is only implied).

Equally I felt that there was an implication that I'd done 22 pages of driving before concluding that I like (some) sports cars.

I'm going to park this metaphor now before I crash it.

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

1 upvote

The first time I picked up the older E-M5, I thought, "Yuck! This thing is all sharp angles and small dimensions, nothing like the feel of rounded DSLRs. But that wore off with time. When I went back to the 2x as heavy and bulky DSLR, I really felt the burden of it that I hadn't before. People's perceptions change with continued experience.

2 upvotes

Richard - - Great review terrible Award allocated -- Therefore I can only give your review a SILVER !

0 upvotes

...and, yet, it didn't fare that bad in "Ergonomics" and "Build Quality".

...Did you notice the "Image Quality" and "Performance" ratings?

Do you feel "Form" should over trump "Function" or is it just the case that you think the reviewers ability to evaluate image quality and performance was hindered by his putative failure to become operationally "in-tune" with the design?

0 upvotes

To make an informed decision it is best to read the opinions of other reviewers. Cameralabs.com says "The Olympus OMD EM5 Mark II is arguably the most satisfying all-round camera I've tested to date, whether DSLR or mirrorless.".

He has landscapes comparing the 16MP to the High res mode. Please take a look and make prints for yourself. I have had printed a 24"x36" of one of them in both modes. Yes, the hires is a bit sharper. But I found my eye must be within 10 inches of the print to see the improvement. At a normal viewing distance for this print size no one would notice.

So my conclusion, based on actually bothering to make a 24"x36" print of a Cameralabs image, is that sharpness beyond 16MP will never be noticed in a huge 2'x3' landscape hanging on a wall. Few of you will print larger than this. To be wanting even more sharpness is like shopping for a new car with a microscope to see which car has the smoothest paint.

19 upvotes

This is pretty much the case with any of the increased resolution cameras. People don't realize how large you would have to print in order to see the difference and when people talk about being able to crop, it'll be a long time before resolution increases are such that a 1/4 page crop will look like a full page. Maybe around the 150-200MP mark.

9 upvotes

OM-D E-M5 II is ePhotozine editor's choice.

Comment edited 54 seconds after posting

6 upvotes

@RichRMA
Exactly right. I have printed very large and it doesn't make much of a difference. Most pictures print at 4x6 and it doesn't make sense to keep going larger and larger only to have more space used, processing power and time just end up back at the same place. At 16MP I can already crop to a tiny portion of the image and it comes out great.

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

1 upvote

To be fair, if DPR had given the EM5II 91% with a gold award, half of you guys wouldn't complain as much and be so eager to read the opinion of other reviewers.

Human nature is a funny thing. :)

2 upvotes

16MP is a severe limitation for architecture (and some landsapes), since post convergence correction with cropping will almost always be needed, resulting in around 6-12MP finished size. The 40MP high res mode is a significant remedy, but shots with moving foliage etc. will require time-consuming patching-in of image segments from outtakes to fix ugly artifacts. I'm very disappointed that Olympus still refuses to make shift lenses for their digital line.

1 upvote

ever seen so Impressive small camera .

3 upvotes

Olympus has fallen LOL

2 upvotes

huh?

0 upvotes

Good review, thank you for publishing it so quickly. I've purchased the camera 3 weeks ago and is very happy with it, even after D800. The only thing which surprised me is the final score. It may lead a reader to an assumption that the camera is worse than the competition. I love the camera. And finally I can take it everywhere with me, which was not the case with D800. Thanks again.

Comment edited 26 seconds after posting

29 upvotes

From now on, you can put only a alloy award, or marbling? Every review i see people suffering about the color of award, please make them happy.... also could give candy in the final conclusion. :)

1 upvote

Silver award is fair as it is just a minor evolution of EM5...Needless to say-but I do!!-it is expensive as Olympus always does.You can get A7 with the same money!!!

7 upvotes

If that is what you like then you should. I would not want an A7. It lacks where I need it, where EM5 MarkII will lack where others need it. "One sensor fits all" does not and will never apply.

23 upvotes

Which is probably due to it's being replaced by a very popular mirrorless with a great new feature.

5 axis Ibis on a fullframe mirrorless allows some great things with legacy lenses. Especially with all the nice aids mirrorless camera's give us in the viewfinder.

The old stock of A7 bodies has to go. And to be honest if your looking for something like that you'd be dump to skip the chance.

This sensor is better then anything Canon has to offer at the moment. And at 1 grand it's just a steal.

1 upvote

Buy out of Canada (as an American) the E-M5II is only $875. Sony is $1250 so there is still a difference, plus, you are stuck getting those expensive, but nice Zeiss Sony lenses, otherwise you never see what the Sony can really do.

1 upvote

I don't know what prices you see, but B&H and Amazon are selling the Sony A7 MK 1 for $1,300 and the Olympus E-M5 MK 2 for $1,100. The prices are close but the old Sony is still more expensive. IBIS is one of the best features of the E-M5 MK 2 and the A7 MK 1 has no IBIS. The Sony A7 MK 2 might be a good alternative since it has 5 axis IBIS, but it goes for $1,700.

4 upvotes

Still comparing sensors only...

4 upvotes

osturert - if you read the thread you will find IBIS, price, and lens selection are all compared.

1 upvote

... The likes of Fujifilm's X-E2 will more than match the OM-D in terms of stills image quality, while the significantly less expensive Sony a6000 offers a formidable combination of image quality, video capability and autofocus tracking, which makes the E-M5 II a much less clear-cut recommendation than its predecessor was...

Very well said.

7 upvotes

Sony hasn't made a good sub-FF body since the NEX-7. If you want a plastic body with a high rez sensor, consider a Nikon D3300.

3 upvotes

I'm not sure why everybody complains about the "plastic" - and doesn't complain about the actual handling of the Sony and Fuji cameras.

To me personally, the handling of Olys is simply magnificent: you rarely have to wait for the camera, and you can change almost anything to work the way you want.

For example A6000 ticks lots of boxes, but it is still just a mediocre camera. XE2 is a good camera overall - but very few are really happy with its retro-styled handling.

P.S. And I personally do not mind the plastic gear. In fact, I prefer it. It's lighter, it doesn't get cold to touch in cold weather and generally sits better in the hand. The only advantage of the metal camera body is... oh wait, there is none. Except the ephemeral "feels better in the hand".

4 upvotes

Quote:
"For example A6000 ticks lots of boxes, but it is still just a mediocre camera."
Just exactly where do you get this mediocre camera opinion from? Not from the reviews that seem to think for the money the A6000 is a great camera.
I.E> DPR:
Quote
"we'd struggle to think of another camera in this price bracket that offers so much in the way of stills and video capability in such a coherent package."

Comment edited 4 minutes after posting

1 upvote

In the meanwhile the 'mediocre' A6000 is #2 in the charts of mirrorless cameras sold on Amazon US and two other variants are only there in top 20 charts.

I guess very few people actually think its a mediocre camera.

This doesn't take anything away from the EM5 II's capabilities which has a lot of advantages over the A6000 - IBIS, 40 MP mode, larger lens selection etc but the A6009 costs a lot less and also offers a better sensor.

0 upvotes

The A6000 is a relatively inexpensive camera with a good sensor. Sony is good at this. The A3000 is the cheapest, crappiest DSLR body ever, but it has a great 20mp sensor.

0 upvotes

The A6000 is a relatively inexpensive camera with a good sensor.... AND good AF, with a good EVF and excellent video and great continuous burst shooting. You get none of the above in the A3000.

0 upvotes

It's priced as it should be. It doesn't have the body of the NEX-7, but it does have a slew of good features.

0 upvotes

Only a Silver award then. A little surprised by that. I think its that old-hat sensor, the same as the original E-M5 I think, together with its relatively high price compared to the competition, that's influenced the reviewers here maybe?

Comment edited 3 times, last edit 5 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Very likely. When the original OMD came out the 16 MP sensor was a game changer. The competition was the 16 MP Sony sensor and the Canon 18 MP sensors.

However now the competition has progressed and Nikon have 24 MP Toshiba and Sony sensors that have performed better than the 16 MP Sony sensor in all aspects.

At its $1099 price point it has to compete with the Nikon D7200 which has superb AF and tracking abilities along with a much larger selection of lenses and it costs just $100 more.

The other competition includes the K3 (which is now much cheaper but has a better sensor along with other features), the Sony A77 II which again has a larger lens selection and a better sensor.

In the mirrorless space the Sony A6000 is a lot cheaper and also has a better sensor and the Fuji XE2 may lack the tracking AF of the OMD but also offers a better sensor and higher IQ for the same price.

0 upvotes

The XE-2 has on sensor phase detect much like the XT-1.
It does a fair job for a mirrorless. and i doubt it will be worse with the firmware updates then this em5 II.

Now video on the other hand........
It's better to pretend that the fujifilm doesn't shoot video at all honestly.

0 upvotes

I think Olympus are hoping to pitch this camera considerably higher than most of us are buying. They see the EM10 as an A6000 competitor, while this sits higher up in the range with great IBIS, dual control wheels on the top plate and weather sealing. Meanwhile the A6000's (albeit in a much less premium package) offers a -possibly- superior photographic tool at a far lower price.

At the moment I think FUJI are doing a better job of justifying their premium by pitching their product line less hierarchically. In many ways this camera is an update to the EM1 but details like that incredibly shallow grip don't scream 'Sony A7 killer'.

0 upvotes

I wish that was true, but what with A6000 to be paired ? Their lens are bellow medicore, graded bellow avarage on all reviews. What use of 24 MPx and it good sensor when every 16 MPx Olympus with their lens beat it.

So, no, NEX isnt option. I had it, no way to compare with my Ep5.

0 upvotes

Are you kidding me ? That was true earlier but there are plenty of good lenses for the A6000 now - 35mm f1.8, 16-70mm f4, 70-200mm f4, 24mm f1.8, 10-18mm, 50mm f1.8 etc.

I readily admit the choice isn't as vast as what's available for m43 but saything the above lenses are mediocre is plain rubbish.

My friend had both the EM5 and the A6000. He got rid of the A6000 as he wanted to shoot wildlife and so he got the Panasonic 100-300mm lens as there is nothing like that for Sony.

But he readily admits the A6000 IQ was better than the EM5 and if Sony comes out with an affordable long range zoom lens for not too much $$$ then he will dump the EM5 in a heart beat.

0 upvotes

Could everyone please stop being so elitist about only needing 16MP. 16MP can give great results, but I've been shooting 16MP for four years now and part of the pleasure of upgrading is enjoying the benefits of the latest tech. Aside from the convenience of cropping, I love being able to zoom into landscapes to enjoy the detail. When remembering a great hike, sitting at my computer with a friend, the ability to see extra details on a hillside or a far off walker is all part of the pleasure.

As for cropping - when walking around with other people who are not inclined to stop for ages every few minutes to allow me to achieve the perfect framing, the ability to crop is very convenient and gets me better results.

The fact is there are cheaper cameras with great sensors and some good lenses that offer 24-28MP sensors. If that doesn't make any difference to you then great. The rest of us will be looking at this camera and feel a pang as we imagine how well it COULD have fit into our lives.

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

9 upvotes

All those sensor are to be found in camera's quite a few mFT users abandonned for the reasons that still are there: they mean bigger lenses and a bigger size.

The rest of us? A large "rest of us" in fact a vast vast majority uses an iPHone to make pics not something bigger. Another "rest of us" is using 1" sensor like Nikon and Sony (RX100) offer.
When we look at sales we see that "the rest of us" is an ever shrinking group of users. You seem to imply most others go for something bigger where the reality is that an increasing majority is going for something smaller. Fro the very same reasons why people got into m43s in the first plce: convenience combined with (to them) good enough IQ.

9 upvotes

That is the reason I returned the Sony A7S; I was spoiled with large beautiful files I could do more with. Loved the camera..but was a bit let down. I do NEED 20+ mp, and will pay for it.

3 upvotes

Jorginho - I use my 13mp camera phone extensively, which is why when I choose to take a proper camera with me I like a big jump in resolution.

You've also mentioned sensor size - this is not something I addressed at all. I think MFT and the Nikon 1 system are fantastic form factors, and the sensor size makes perfect sense. My gripe was very specifically with megapixel density. I would very happily have a 1" sensor with 20mp, and have on multiple occasions taken a very long hard look at the RX10 and FZ1000.

My complaint was with the fact that so many on here post just to tell everyone who thinks 16mp isn't enough to go away. By 'rest of us' I thought it was clear I simply meant those who disagreed, not some silent majority I claimed to represent.

The fact is that this is a tech forum, and if we're discussing tech, then yeah 16mp in 2015 does disappoint me, and I wanted to make a point of information to people dismissing that - I enjoy more megapixels and I think that is legitimate.

1 upvote

"I enjoy more megapixels and I think that is legitimate"

That is legitimate.

What is not legitimate is asking for high resolution from small sensors. 16MP corresponds to a 64MP FF sensor in terms of pixel density - there is nothing like that on the market today. People that want high resolution should just get larger sensors, not ask a smaller sensor system to cram even more pixels on a fixed surface.

0 upvotes

AlexisH - the Sony 1" sensor is 20mp and slightly smaller than MFT. Surely that is widely known?

0 upvotes

It is half the size. Slightly?

0 upvotes

Perhaps the metallic awards system should be done away with? It just leads to contention. Seems the numerical scores are enough, not to mention the conclusion text, for people looking for a summation.

Personally I thought this was a fair review, and I own an EM5 II and enjoy it. Pair it with some really good lenses and it's as good as almost anything except for perhaps some extreme situations where a 35mm sensor has an advantage. I see it as a great all-arounder, a camera that does everything reasonably well, with world class IS, solid build and weather resistance. If you can't get a good image from this camera paired with a good lens, then I suspect the problem is not the camera.

Anyway, gold, silver -- it doesn't matter. It's a great camera, capable of great images, and has a remarkable lens selection. Enjoy it.

6 upvotes

Yeah let's make it crystalline

Diamond, Ruby and Sapphire..

Comment edited 13 seconds after posting

2 upvotes

How about using different kinds of sea cucumber?

Wouldn't it be totally awesome to see people arguing about why camera A got a Bohadschia argus award while camera B got the Benthodytes award? Oh, the drama!!! The enjoyment!

14 upvotes

That's hilarious Joerg. (This being the internet I'd better explain that I mean just that, no sarcasm)

0 upvotes

@Joerg, that is just ridiculous. It is clear as day, that camera's awards should be named after superheroes: Batman, Superman, Poison Ivy, Flash, Ironman, Wonder Woman, Spiderman, He-Man and so on. Oly E-M5 is clearly the "Flash". Sony A7 - "Deadpool". Canon 5D - "Ironman". Nikon D810 - "Superman".

2 upvotes

OR, perhaps we could not cater to those oblivious to nuance and context.

1 upvote

@DPR Staff any chance of writing a description of the points system and the Gold/etc award system and linking it to the pre-amble and conclusion of each review (or just link it if it already exists), so we can reduce (sadly I don't think we will eliminate) the why did such and such score X or Y comments?

I'll send you some cookies.

1 upvote

The link in the conclusion which should be to this article had broken. It should now be fixed.

1 upvote

This to me sounds like a perfect second camera to a pro who already has the EM1 or the GH4 or a first camera for an enthusiast. In terms of usability, Panasonic and Olympus are light years ahead of the other camera makers because of the lens availability. Everything is there for an amateur or a pro and when the 300 f4 arrives, nothing can beat M4/3 in terms of usability. The new firmware puts the EM1 on par with the best in the business when it comes to focus tracking . The only thing that might be improved is the availability of a real lighting system, although the Olympus flashes work perfectly with Cactus V6 or some of the other good triggers.

12 upvotes

Pls delete

Comment edited 31 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

Can someone elaborate on this line (in the above review):
"...lack of on-sensor phase detection means it's less well suited for use with existing Four Thirds lenses..."
Is this similar to DSLRs' built-in focus motor?

Comment edited 21 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

Older 4/3rds lenses were made for PDAF. Their (the lenses) motors do not do well with the constant micro focus adjustments CDAF uses. They are slow and noisy. There are exceptions like the excellent 14-54II zoom.
The E-M1 does support PDAF and focuses the older lenses very quickly and accurately, but this new camera does not.

1 upvote

You probably will not be buy the old lenses anyhow.

0 upvotes

To clarify further the EM-1 has PDAF sensor built into it's sensor.

0 upvotes

Just reading a bit about the difference between PDAF and CDAF. The E-M5 II uses CDAF only, while the E-M1 has hybrid P/CD-AF? I'm coming from the Nikon D40/D7000, so I'm used to very quick time-to-focus--which would be the closest 'competitor', E-M1 or E-M5II?

0 upvotes

"Super-fast autofocus with very good subject tracking"
Did you not read that line in the conclusion (Pros)?
or this:
"...the EM-5 II is one of the fastest-to-focus cameras we've shot with"
from page 11 of the review?

I'm using the lower model E-M10 and Single AF is as fast or faster than as anything I've ever owned (D40, T2i, NEX7, A65). If S-AF is all you need, you'll find the instant you push the shutter release button that the camera snaps the photo with your picture in focus. Even the C-AF seems quite upto task - according to this review.

2 upvotes

Yeah, but No, I missed that important bit of info in the review...thanks! Are you happy with the E-M5 II for indoor, low-light shots?

0 upvotes

High-end contrast-based AF is superior to low-end DSLR phase focusing with kit lenses. I hated using Nikon's D5200 with its kit lens because in less than perfect lighting, it hunted all the time, which contrast focusing does not do, on a good camera. However, people need to understand, the E-M5II focuses VERY slowly with old DSLR Olympus legacy lenses. Unless you are shooting a FIXED subject, AVOID those old lenses. Besides, the new lenses (12-40mm and 40-150mm) are FAR better optically.

0 upvotes

I have one simple question. Why did the Canon 70D receive a MUCH higher score(83 vs. 81) and the Gold award? What does the 70D do that the E-M5 MK II doesn’t?

If I picked up the 70D right now and shot it side by side with the E-M5 MK II what would the 70D be that much better for? Both cameras are still at a similar price point today and they are in the same category. So what makes the 70D so much better?

Is the issue that the 70D was rated against the competition of 2 years ago and the E-M5 MK II is rated against the competition of today? Shouldn't the ratings value always increase if the cameras are always getting better? Why are cameras like the A6000 and the E-M5 MK II rated lower than the 70D?

I still cannot fathom why I should choose a Canon 70D over an Olympus E-M5 MK II. If I purchased solely based on your conclusions and ratings then I could see no other option. Thankfully, I didn't wait for the review and bought the E-M5 MK II sight unseen. I don't regret it that one bit.

20 upvotes

I don't particularly like Canon, but if I were in the market for a fast focusing sports/journalism camera, then the 70D would be on my short list of potential cameras.

The EM5 II is not really a camera for shooting sports (its big brother the EM1 is in fact better in that respect, but still trailing the 70D), but it does excell in other areas.

9 upvotes

The 70D ...
The 2013 70D ?

Is it possible that camera capabilities have advanced in the last year and a half ?

My primary P&S got "Highly Recommended", which is the same as Gold, so I'm just happy to be in that club.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/minoltas404/16

1 upvote

I know where you're coming from, but I wouldn't worry about the rating too much. I think it has more to do with how the Mark II compares with other cameras in its category. However, I would contend that the 70D is rated too high. I also shoot with a 7D and I'll use the E-M5 II over it 80 percent of the time. The 7D is built like a tank and is easy to use, but it's not exactly inspiring. The E-M5 II is simply a better shooter's camera. That's not a trait easily quantified, though.

0 upvotes

also you do realize that even "both are cameras" they are so different that you can not compare them directly.

How would you compare say a ... 83/100 SUV (2013 model) with a 81/100 motorcycle (2015 model)? :)

1 upvote

As I understand it, the rating is against cameras that are currently contenders in the target field. The good competition is the only reason the E-M5ii scores lower. You might say that APS-C DSLR competition at the time of release of the 70D was quite a bit different than the new crop of capable mirrorless cameras that are jockeying for a place in the market right now. If the A6000, XT1, NX1, and others were not upping the game, scores would be different. So basically, they are fluid and not empirical. Cameras ratting 81 today could very well be better than cameras rating 83 a year and a half ago. Both would be better than cameras rated 85 three years ago.

0 upvotes

Both the 70D and E-M5 MK II are capable of being used for sports. In my opinion the E-M5 MK II would be the better choice with the right lenses. The 70D also needs the right lenses as well or you won’t see the full benefit of its fast AF.

I will put my E-M5 MK II and the Panasonic 35-100mm F2.8 lens up against a 70D and any lens in the equivalent price range or lower for any type of shooting. I am willing to bet that even in sports settings where the equivalent of 200mm in 35mm terms is appropriate the E-M5 MK II will exceed the capabilities of the 70D for both stills and video.

The area where the E-M5 MK II would fall off is where a long and fast telephoto lens is required. I am not too crazy about the M4/3s telephoto options right now. The upcoming 300mm F4.0 should remedy that though.

Also the new 7-14mm F2.8 looks like it could be the answer for ultra wide angle low light photos and videos that isn’t covered very well for m4/3s right now.

1 upvote

It would be nice if they got rid of the awards, but we seem trained to expect some kind of arbitrary final score. I'd rather see a list of pluses and minuses, concluding remarks, and leave it at that. But hey, I think grades are stupid too.

1 upvote

The Gold/etc awards are not related to points they are given more subjectively.
Furthermore scores and ratings are as far as I know given based on comparisons against other cameras in the same class at the current point in time.
This has been re-iterated a number of times by DPR staff, but it would be helpful if the methodology was linked to in the pre-amble and conclusions of each article, so we didn't need to have this discussion EVERY review.

I personally would suggest you should choose whatever camera you like based not on DPRs reviews or awards or any other single source of info. I'd also personally suggest that waiting 6 months or so after release would be prudent to see whatever bugs come up and the manufacturer's response.

Glad your punt on the EM5 II has worked out well for you. Looks like a nice camera. Wish I could both afford and justify an upgrade from my MkI.

2 upvotes

That is the downside of a subjective evaluation. No matter how much someone tries to be objective about their scoring, it really boils down to just one person's opinion over another.

0 upvotes

Yes that is a good point you maker and th eproblem with us humans, also the reviewers. We come to some conclusions, than argue about it while forgetting we applied other standards to other cams.
While Canon 70D does not offer IQ proportionate to size like Nikon does (it has worse IQ than the D7100), the Oly does. Also: the Canon is not compared to a FF sensor. the mFTs is compared to an APS-c. Compared to the best mFT| sensors on the market (found in GH4 and EM1 for instance) there is not much in it. These are only a bit better.
In fact: tough different, I think the 70D is as much of an enhancement over the 60D as the EM5 MarkII is compared to the original.
The fact that Richard has pondered a lot over what to give makes it clear how subjective it is.

0 upvotes

@ panpen: Well, the sensor size is not the most important thing. Sonys A7 is a good camera for sure, but with full frame you have the problem of large / heavy lenses, especially the tele zooms.
Also, full frame DOF is not always an advantage. For macro work for example, the E-M5 II with the MFT sensor has actually an advantage.

1 upvote

and for studio-still-macro, the multi-shot high res feature actually makes the E-M5II possible the best available solution.

2 upvotes

I have the A7 and E-M1 that I traded out APS-C DSLRs for. Sensor size is an important thing in both directions depending on priorities. I don't have a problem with large and heavy lenses for my A7. It depends what one chooses for lenses. This "problem" is overblown. Long telephotos for any system are larger than mirrorless cameras tend to run with comfortably. Throw on a vertical grip and it balances. My largest lens is 300mm f2.8 and the size goes with the telephoto territory and not with the A7 as opposed to the E-M1. This isn't a mirrorless problem as much as it is people wanting something different than what mirrorless is really good at. My E-M1 kit is larger since I tend to use the E-M1 with telephoto zooms! E-M1 = 2x teleconverter! ;) As far as DOF goes with macro (and landscape) your logic is solid, but in practice the disadvantage of FF on the deep side of things really isn't there where as the shallow DOF advantage is clearly the realm of the larger sensor.

0 upvotes

And NO moire in 40MP mode. If you shoot anything with high frequency repeating details, you will appreciate that.

2 upvotes

RichRMA... how do you shoot in this mode (40mp) to achieve high frequency repeating details. I thought this mode (40mp) is for single/static shots...

Comment edited 16 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

No, high frequency (close-packed) repeating detail is something like a brick wall from a long way off, fabric with a weave pattern, details on macro objects, things that can generate moire using a normal shot don't when using the 40mp mode.

0 upvotes

Total comments: 624

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