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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: 721

Ming Thein: "The earlier ones were good; the later ones suffer from shutter shock and arrogant management. I wouldn’t know about the new ones because I was told by Olympus Malaysia not to bother reviewing unless I was going to give them a perfect score."

That sucks.

0 upvotes

This camera really needed the dual fast AF from the E-M1 in order to be appealing.

I hope Olympus considers making that feature available in more cameras in its line.

0 upvotes

If looks could kill...

Two items stand out to give me pause, otherwise a near perfect small camera.

Its menu system and price- ms is heady, price is heavy.

Carl

0 upvotes

Looking at results, the camera is junk, and the formayt is junk: focus is no better than full-frame or APS-C and if you look at the samples the grain is huge on the sports shots and degrades portraits completely at 800, and here I'm talking about reworked from RAW jpegs, by Dpreview.

At lower ISOs OK, fine, but frankly when there is just so much more leeway and resolution available at the same price in other formats elsewhere, I feel that m4/3rds customers of all brands are being cheated out of their own photography, the image quality is so poor.

Thankyou to Dpreview for helping me avoid the format completely!

2 upvotes

Moronro, You should actually COMPARE these results with your favorite AP of FF cameras. Use the tools provided by DPreview. You will see very little difference in IQ below 1600 ISO. But thanks for pushing your ignorant agenda.

2 upvotes

all formats have their pros and cons..
if you think its lower ISO is ok .. then for many of us that's good enough. also with 5 axis IBIS .. that mean you will be mostly shooting at lowest possible ISOs most of the time ..

remaining .. don't worry about 4/3 photographers too much .. we are happy with our cropped sensors (as they normally call it)

Comment edited 37 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

"Autofocus tracking is really very impressive."

I'm really surprised to hear this. Would you guys be able to say more? Surely it isn't competitive with PDAF yet...or is it? How does it rate against the E-M1 or the GH4?

0 upvotes

I ordered mine from Olympus web site yesterday, they said Mid April shipping, but they got their Japan order in and shipped it today. Should arrive on Tuesday. Replaces my E-620 camera.. After over 3 weeks of Hands On Evaluation, For me it was a no brainer to get this camera. The 40 MegPixel feature is as good as the Nikon 810, seen this first hand,, and if you get the camera from the Olympus web site you can get a 14-40 and a 40-150 lens for "$100" Each... I have a 4/3 to Micro 4/3 adapter ring I will use for some of my other higher end lens. I hope to report back soon with more hands on review.. Once Again, Canon, Nikon, Fuij and yes SONY did not impress me.. OK, I drive BMW's! :-)

1 upvote

Watch the video DPR did at the roller derby. :)

0 upvotes

I have had the 5ii for about two days, and have been focusing on the 40MP, hi-res mode.

Hi-res + 12-50 kit in macro mode is impressive. http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/55567326

hi-res + 45mm f1.8 prime is truly stunning. http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/55572010

If you can't buy one, rent one. I need to get my hands on the 60mm macro prime that should be fun!

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

2 upvotes

Very interesting. Sony Alpha a7 II Review is out.
Rating is only 1% more than E-M5 II.
Also silver award, not gold.
And if you compare the two cameras raw quality of the Sony is not so much more than the Olympus, although the Sony is a full-frame camera.
And low-light performance is a little bit better than the Sony.
Very interesting.

Comment edited 3 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

DPreview's review was never been an absolute evaluation. It's like 'for a four-thirds sensor, it is impressive' and 'For an FF sensor, it could be better in comparison with another FFs'. If you want something more serious, try DxO benchmark.

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

1 upvote

DxO mark is a troll feeder .. stay away from it.
They just post numbers, no proof of their experiments or tests.
Here atleast you can see the DR and higher ISO results with your own eyes and decide if it's good enough for you or not!!

Comment edited 26 seconds after posting

1 upvote

In my small product photography I need to be able to see the image on a remote Ikan 7" monitor live in order to see the changes in lighting and parts position, etc. before the image is recorded. Probably answered here before but I cannot find it. Since I am now all Micro 4/3 can anyone tell me what Olympus or Panasonic bodies furnish this feature

0 upvotes

I don't know about your Ikan but both my Panasonic GX7 and LF1 can connect wirelessly to my Nexus 7 for remote image viewing and remote control.
I hear the OMD has a similar app but can't speak for how it works.

2 upvotes

Personally, new Canon T6s/T6i are more practical.

1 upvote

True, the Canon is a far more mature system but the EM5 offers good IQ, fast AF and compact lenses.

Most lenses for the T6 are not really compact and honestly I cringe every-time I have to look into a dull pentamirror viewfinder.

The Pentax K3 which sells for as much feels like a far far better option than the T6.

4 upvotes

For me, there is no Canon EF-S 10-18mm substitution for Olympus and Pentax.

0 upvotes

^^ The Olympus 9-18mm is quite close to the 10-18mm in both price and performance but yes the number of UWA in Olympus are less and other than the expensive 7-14mm f4 that doesn't take filters the only other option is the less wide Olympus 9-18mm.

0 upvotes

How much the T6i+10-18+18-135+50 1.8 combo for oly em5 II?

0 upvotes

@yzhenkai .. you said "personally ... "
so it's fine .. because for me, personally Canon APSC cameras makes no sense at all!!

0 upvotes

ha-ha

0 upvotes

Do not base an assessment of exposure latitude on what Adobe software can do but on what the camera can do. So for that you must use the sooc jpeg.

Ok so you are using the same tool but you do know that Camera Raw uses different algorithms for Olympus and Canon and Nikon etc

It's like saying, "this log is soft because I can go straight through it with a chainsaw but this one is hard because my cheese knife won't touch it".

The E-M5ii cost £899, Elements cost me £35 (I got a nice big business discount)
Go figure.

0 upvotes

In the review it is said, " At the same shutter speed and f-number, the Olympus is receiving around 2/3EV less light than the Nikon, because its sensor is smaller."

This is so not true, you are violating the laws of physics, nice try.

At the same f-stop, shutter and ISO, you get the same exposure irrespective of sensor size. There's some maths that link those parameters together. It worked for film of different negative sizes (that was really the whole point of it) and it still works for digital cameras. You might want to read up some old text books on this, not coffee table jobs but the ones with very few pictures.

3 upvotes

I think the reviewer is referring to the overall amount of light received by the sensor.

1 upvote

Jefrs, In the film days a medium format camera was better than a 35mm camera because the film size (now sensor size) was larger.
The same applies now.
In addition sensors work at the quantum level and noise in sensors is related to the total amount of light they receive.
The total light is greater over a larger sensor. Or alternatively a four thirds size sensor needs 4 times the light intensity to receive the same total amount of light as a FF sensor.
I know it is counter intuitive if you were brought up on film photography but you really can take two identical sensor, one a quarter the size of the other and give the larger one quarter of the exposure (hence the same total light) that the smaller one will receive and get identical results as far as sensor noise is concerned.

1 upvote

I don't know what you've done in the comparison section but the noise from the E-M5ii is very, very much worse than the GH4 above ISO6400. It's not as good below that either but above ISO6400 I find the E-M5ii is unusable whereas I can shoot the GH4 to ISO25600 if needs must.
The dynamic range is a bit of a disappointment too, I have to adjust the curve +/-3EV to get it to do what the GH4 does flat, it loses detail then. Otherwise it just blows out highlights.
Given enough light it takes very good pictures but the colour is off, being unable to resolve pale orange-yellow except as yellow. That's just embarrassing but the E-PL7 does this too.
Its stabilisation is amazing and yet it does not produce any better exposure solution than the Panasonic G5 with an unstabilised 20/F1.7 lens. Likewise the E-PL7. I expected both Olympuses to present me with hand-held slower than 1/40 so we would use a lower than ISO500 solution for the f/2.0 indoors shot; so did the G5

0 upvotes

Rock steady hmm. What about video quality, not looking good to me: http://visualsciencelab.blogspot.dk/2015/03/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde-ongoing-story-of.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+TheVisualScienceLab+(The+Visual+Science+Lab)

0 upvotes

What software one can use with it? I cannot even import jpeg (probably due to presence of the raw file there).

0 upvotes

It seems only lightroom not but that is my main flow. Camera raw of adobe is ok (thru Photoshop CC) and even my astro pixinsight can. I dis-associte the jpeg and the raw and at least can access the jpeg files of om-d mark ii. Seems capture one can do it as well. Why not lightroom? (BTW, also not apple.)

0 upvotes

RawTherapee seems treat Mark II output as original E-M5 output (perhaps because dcraw sees the "E-M5" string in the EXIF data and ignores the rest of it). But the black/white points seem correct enough so there's really no issue as far as I can tell. It's as good as properly supported in my book.

And you can process the RAWs in almost any other software if you change the model name in the EXIF metadata to "E-M5" using exiftool or whatever.

0 upvotes

I own an EM5, two EM1s and now the EM5II. Each has been a joy, and they have replaced my Nikon D600 and D800e for 98% of what I shoot. My clients are flabbergasted by the images these cameras deliver, even at ISO 25,600 where they certainly are noisy, but I'm shooting sharp images where it's too dark to see my subject! And it IS the image, not the pixel peeping persnickity technical internet forum arguing point, that is important to me and those for whom I shoot.

One design flaw over all models, is the flimsy removable eyepieces. They are rubber on a plastic frame, and the frame is very thin. They disappear with depressing regularity, and Olympus charges something like $22 for a replacement. Ridiculous.

Another criticism is that, like so many other new, complicated products, they provide the complete manual only on CD. Yet another example of bean counters tainting the impression of an otherwise superb product. Give us the damn book!

0 upvotes

Good new is there is or shortly will be a larger rubber eyecup for the E-M5ii.
Bad news is they will still flip up and off. The fully articulating monitor (which I love) seems to be designed to flip the eyecup off.
And then there is glue. I suggest a tiny drop of thread-lock which will come off when you want it off.

I do love the flip monitor but, but Olympus you have forgotten that we have to use the SCP to get at exposure mode and focus mode, and now the monitor is flipped shut to protect it from my nose. What were you thinking?

0 upvotes

Has anyone had/heard of any issues with the LCD screen ceasing to function after a couple of uses? I bought this camera, brand new, from B & H, and had to return it. My replacement version just had the same issue after a week of use. I returned that and am contemplating to go in a different direction altogether. This LCD problem could just be an first batch problem, but it put a rather sour taste in my mouth after having owned many different film and digital Olympus models.

0 upvotes

Why isn't there a performance page in this review? I'm having trouble finding info on buffer depth, specifically.

1 upvote

Now i here oh it's not full frame so it's crap really ,..i am a real photographer not some internet reader and i can tell you this, full frame cameras are great for some jobs ,but in the world of nature birding sports i will do a better job than what you could do with a full frame ,why you might ask ...because in natuture photography we are struggling to get depth of field i can take a shot at f5.6 where you will have to go to f 11 and at that point theres a two stop gain in iso so about even. but my lens is a quarter the weight and $1400.00 not $14000.00.
Oh and if i was to go back into weddings i would not use a 35mm digital it would be medium format and no ,not for res but for the lack of fall off i like white walls not grey walls behind the wedding party .....

1 upvote

Couldn't agree more really. Small sensor size is ideal for wildlife, if only we had some long wildlife lenses that is.
I've seen some of the £14,000 Nikkor lenses, they look like they take three assistant oafs to carry them too.
But your fall off there? You do know that for example the GH4 has a better dynamic range than the new 7Dii wunderkamera or the "astounding dynamic range" of the D600, over 13EV.
Shame the E-M5ii doesn't have that because it makes a lot of difference. For a start highlights don't blow out every time you get a bit too much sky in the shot.
Shall I tell them that the lovely people at Leica and Olympus, Canon and Nikon, try very hard to design shallow depth of field out of their lenses? Shallow DoF is a fault.
Camera is a tool. But if you use a white wall, how do you tell where the bride is? - scary disembodied bride's head?

0 upvotes

It's also good with Landscapes where you want hyperfocal pictures. To get the larger DoF a full frame lens has to be stopped down to f11 or higher where diffraction could soften the image. Mirrorless can do the same at f5.6 which is usually the lens's sweet spot. Not to mention that like you said it allow lower ISO numbers or faster shutter speeds for dimmer evening shots.

0 upvotes

I want one and would also like to pair it with that sexy 12-40 F2.8..time to start saving up my pennies.

0 upvotes

In the age of cheap full frame cameras, the quarter sized sensor will always hold Olympus back. All of the bells an whistles can't makeup for the small sensor.

Comment edited 33 seconds after posting

2 upvotes

The cheap price doesn't make a FF camera system less bulky and heavy, especially the lenses.

Choosing a M43 system was never a price issue for me, I would choose it again, even if FF and M43 were the same price.
I do a lot of traveling; If I only had a FF camera, I wouldn't be able to take 80% of my shots.

M43 is here to stay, like it or not, simply because there is a demand for it. Maybe not for you, but for others like me.

If FF prices keep dropping I might consider using it as my 2nd camera, but I wouldn't ditch my M43 cameras.

12 upvotes

I have both FF and m4/3. Depends on what I am shooting and the enlargement or crop I need to make later. After upgrading to better lens and OM-D E-M5 I find myself using the E-MM5 more than the FF. Even now with portraits. The quality is similar, the tack sharpness is excellent... and most of all I can carry a whole assortment of lens, batteries, in a small light bag.

5 upvotes

Exactly! I live partly in Holland, partly in Sweden. I do photography in both places. So, I need to move (most part) of my stuff up and down all the time.

I bring: 1 OM-D E-M5, 5 or 6 lenses, 2 external flashes, 1 compact tripod, 1 'tent pole' tripod, a small softbox, 1 umbrella, remote controls, batteries.
.. and this literally fits in a small bag that goes underneath an airplane chair. I never even have it out of sight.

When I travel I take a bit less gear. Rule #1: never leave your camera stuff out of sight. Try to do that with a FF system when you are in some marshrutka (mini-van) with 30 people inside.

2 upvotes

A growing number of pros is migrating to the M43 system. The industry projects mirrorless to become the best selling camera technology in a few years and Nikon and Canon have no more than 5 years to join or else. The high res mode is revolutionary. Olympus states that it will take them a couple of years to lower the time for the 8 exposures to 1/60sec, making their cameras resolution-competitive with FF in a bunch of photographic fields. 16Mp base resolution is too little? Well exposed and processed, 16Mp files make high quality 24x36" prints (enlargements are typically upsized with specialized software such as Perfect Resize up to x10 without visible loss of quality). 16Mp files opened in Photoshop at 16bit become 90Mb+. With a few layers they reach 400Mb+ (how much larger is handable?). Throw in the E-M5II weatherization, the best IS, lots of features, great ergonomics and portability, all for about $1,000, plus a robust selection of good-to-excellent lenses at reasonable prices ...

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 8 minutes after posting

1 upvote

@showmeyourpics, where I live it costs more than the Sony A7 equipped with the mediocre 14-42mm. Not very competitive.
Why is the high resolution mode so revolutionary, I have yet to see anything that is even remotely close to quality of what you get from a D810. Also the sensor has not improved on DR, ISO and has 12-bit color depth in raw for the last 3 generations. Video quality is better from Panasonic, Nikon etc.
That may all be good enough for most people and it is not the equipment that matters so much when creating great images, but I still think it is way too expensive.

0 upvotes

Whilst the GH4 has a DR of over 13EV, sadly the E-M5ii does not, it blows out rather easily compared to the GH4.
The noise level of the E-M5ii is not as good as the GH4 either. The review above indicates it is better but it is not. The difference in IQ from using the two cameras in tandem is significant. I cannot use the E-M5ii above ISO6400 (which is pretty good but not as high as the GH4 (or GM1) will do respectably. Imo the big difference is the heat sink on the Panasonic sensor (which you cannot have with sensor stabilisation), the LMOS vs CMOS (dark current), and the high speed sensor read from four ultrafast processors.
But then I carry the E-PL7 everywhere because it is small.

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

1 upvote

Hi AKH and jefrs, where I live the B&H prices are the go-to source: E-M5II = $1099, Sony a7II = GH4 = $1698 = 2 different price categories also considering that a full system = 2 bodies. Plus, the Sony lenses and the GH4 body are much bigger. The camera's high res has been tested against the D810 by the "other" top review site. The E-M5II has comparable quality and it is always free of Moire. My comments are limited to photography because for video I use a camcorder. I work with E-M10's, bracket the exposure +-1 f/stop for possible HDR and then I never use it because 1 frame has always enough DR even with high contrast subjects. The "other" site also tests for print size. Above ISO 1600 one can't print fine art 24x36" with any camera so I don't use it (ISO800 max and DxO OP processing). I believe that the Oly cameras and lenses offer the best IQ, versatility and cost combination when portability is paramount. If not, I like my Pentax K5 with DA* lenses even better.

0 upvotes

Hi showmeyourpics, I was comparing the price to A7.

0 upvotes

Hi guys. One more question: can i syncronize studio flashes in high res mode?

0 upvotes

Yes, you can. You can select a delay time between exposures in the high-res menu to allow your strobes to recycle. However, I've found that you need to use a very slow sync speed (about 1/15th), so I'd recommend lights out in the studio.

Comment edited 27 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

Thank you very much!

0 upvotes

The hi-res mode is definitely sharper than the D810 if you look at the etchings.
And less moire.
Didnt Hasselblad have a similar mechanism where it moved the sensor and combined the images?
I would love to see other manufacturers offer this feature.

0 upvotes

Don't worry, they will. Nikon won't pass-up the opportunity to make 100mp images. The process is simple; Olympus innovates, fans of other cameras criticize, other manufacturers adopt it, suddenly, the owners of those brands of cameras like the idea.

Comment edited 18 seconds after posting

9 upvotes

Other manuf may implement it but I dont see it happening in near future, except maybe Sony A7-mark* as this technology relies heavily on effective 5x IBIS.

1 upvote

are you sure? Why would I want 5X IBIS if I'm using a tripod?

0 upvotes

oly uses ibis to shift sensor half pixels (in each direction) for generating high res image. tripod is required for stabilizing the shot, not to shift sensor. high res photo is build inside camera, so in lens stabilization won't help as such!

Comment edited 21 seconds after posting

4 upvotes

thanks!

0 upvotes

Fujifilm X100T Review:
81% and silver award?
The same rating as the Olympus E-M5 II?
And this without ...
- IBIS stabilisation?
- changeable optics
- flip-screen
- High Res shoot
...
I do not understand.

And the images of the X100T are softer ans not as crisp as from the E-M5 in my eys.

PS: I belonged the x-100 and loved it.
But it is not comparable to the functionality of my OM-D E-M5

4 upvotes

yes buddy I agree with you (to me em-5/ii is much better deal) but x100t is very niche, and its silver 81 in its own segment.

1 upvote

I hope people don't shop for cameras based on what award it was conferred with. I bought this camera because it suits my needs. Even if someone decides to give this a 50% rating for whatever reasons, it does not discount the benefits of owning this camera.

And to those who criticize this camera as a jack of all trades, master of none. You are right, but I certainly prefer to carry around 1 camera that does a fairly decent job in all areas, rather than numerous cameras which excel in just one particular area each.

11 upvotes

I'm not sure that the jack of all trades thing even works as a criticism anyway. I mean it's a camera, and cameras are supposed to capture images, and more versatile cameras can capture more images in more situations than specialized equipment. That not a compromise; for many (if not most) it's the whole point, and so cameras that excel in such ways are at the top of their game.

4 upvotes

Definitely agree with you, but scrolling through the comments, you cant help but realise that most critics of this camera just target a specific weakness, for e.g.

1. No 4k video, therefore buy Gh4 instead of this.
2. Its m43, therefore it cant take as clear photos with good bokeh as FF.

Hence I was just trying to address the criticisms of this camera having decent video/photo taking capabilities but not the best, or decent weather sealing but not the best, or decent functionality (in terms of customisability) but not the best (in terms of user-friendliness) etc.

I'm definitely happy with having all of the "not the best" factors with this camera :)

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

9 upvotes

I think the E-M5 II is a "master" in the sense that it will actually be used to shoot photos in the real world, and not be just a toy for pixel peepers. Although it would have been nice if DPR had given the camera a gold award, it's really their call. For my purposes the camera is solid gold.

3 upvotes

If the T6s is rated higher and gets the Gold award then I will just stop looking at those sections all together.

The content of the Dpreview reviews is just outstanding. However, their scoring system and awards just seem to cheapen the review. They just seem so whimsical when compared to the really well thought out and executed reviews.

3 upvotes

I have spent the last few days in Death Valley and it would have been the perfect setting for the HIgh Resolution mode.

1 upvote

High res mode is amazing. More so when compared to the competition with 36MP full size sensors.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 4 minutes after posting

4 upvotes

you mean full "frame" sensor?

otherwise these cameras also carry a full size sensor of 4/3 format.

Comment edited 33 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

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.

8 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

8 upvotes

Does Amazon know what GOLD is ?

1 upvote

@lightandday
Free shipping on GOLD if you purchsed at least $50 worth or have Amazon Prime.

3 upvotes

I think of the awards as a frequent flyer program. By the time they call all the metals and precious stones, everybody gets an elite award of some kind.

2 upvotes

what award? I didn't even noticed this omd got silver or gold, until i read this thread. All I wanted to see what features it got, iq, may be the dr and noise coparison and a quick look at pros and cons.

what rating it got from the editor is entirely an editors choice, we dont need to argue much on it, or take it too seriously. Set your own gold and silver ..

7 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

3 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.

7 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).

2 upvotes

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

2 upvotes

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

12 upvotes

yeah nice try! but a tripod is not always convenient like when hiking and when you dont want to carry the extra weight around or bother your friends who may be waiting for you to finish the shot before moving ahead.

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

1 upvote

Oh yeah, ois is unique for m43 systems and all subjects are static /sacrasm

0 upvotes

For image stabilization you also need a stable image!

2 upvotes

nerd2 : ois is not unique, but this implementation of 5 axis stabilization with 5 stops of IS is the best. Normally 4 stops is seen, they have been able to eke out an additional stop from just sensor shift and not lens shift which is remarkable. Now Sony A7 II also does it and I have my sights on that as well. Another good thing about this that the Sony A7 II does not have is that using the same IBIS technology, they have been able to (almost) double the resolution and color using half pixel sensor shifts - for that you do have to use the tripod though since the camera takes 8 shots by shifting sensor half pixel (for res) & full pixel (for color/eliminating bayer interpolation)

kadardr: unless subject blur is a concern, image will be stable. in some cases subject blur can be artistic advantage as in a night scene of a city street. in some cases - true, you do not want subject blur, then bump up the ISO or use fast aperture. can you explain further? or do you like tripod at all times?

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0 upvotes

The number of situations where I would need 5 stops of IS is practically non-existent. Was quite satisfied with the EM1 and now am with A7ii.

0 upvotes

HFLM: I agree, A7 II IS is great too. I have my sight set on the A7 II also, currently just a distant admirer. How do you like it? Are there any standard zooms faster or equal to F 2.8 (comparable to Tamron 24-70 F2.8 VC). Does the absence of affordable fast zooms bother you? I know they have a good lens roadmap but do not see any fast non Zeiss zoom lenses (Zeiss too expensive), and too bad that Tamron/Sigma do not currently make lenses for the FE mount (though they could easily adapt one of their full frame lenses to this mount). The lens equivalents from Sigma/Tamron I would want on FE mount are 24-70 F2.8 VC (Tamron), 18-35 F1.8(Sigma) etc, all under 1000$. I know Sony have Zeiss 16-35 F4 , Zeiss 24-70 F4, but first that is F4 compared to F1.8 of Sigma 18-35 or F2.8 of Tamron 24-70, and secondly Zeiss though good is out of bounds for me (too pricey). My gripe is only for affordable fast zooms, I agree they have enough fast primes.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 2 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

I like it. But I'm more of a prime user. The 55/1.8 and 135/1.8 (LA-EA4) are the lenses we use right now. Our main system is Nikon, for outdoor portraits and events, we bought the Sony to use the 135/1.8 which is amazing and gives decent AF for portraits, but expensive. Via adapter I use the Sigma Art primes and macro lenses, additionally we aquired the 20/1.8g form Nikon and will use this with Samyang 14mm/2.8 on the Sony for landscapes. If you don't mind manual focus the Samyang/Rokinson primes are very good value for the money (14,24,35,85,135mm). If I would buy zooms it would be 24-70/2.8 and 70-200/2.8 for my wife. She uses mainly the Tamron 70-200/2.8 VC on the D810 (very sharp) and sometimes the 24-70/2.8. Both great lenses. If Sony continues to grow, I would hope Tamron to produce equivalent EF-mount lenses.

1 upvote

Ctd... From a handling point of view, I liked the EM1 better (faster, more accurate peaking etc.). But we favour the FF look, so for our type of shooting the Nikon and Sony models suit better. I would even prefer larger bodies with more and larger buttons to control e.th. with one hand and a deeper grip (more comfortable for me for long shooting session) and to balance larger lenses.

1 upvote

HFLM: Thanks for your view on the A7 II. Full frame is definitely a shallower DOF and for that reason I will upgrade to it some day (when the interest and time I have in this hobby justifies cash spent on equipment) and Sony is the one blazing trails on that front. I do hope as you say that they expand the FE lens to include equivalents of 24-70/2.8 and 70-200/2.8, or perhaps when FE becomes popular, Sigma and Tamron will port their lenses to that mount. I have not been much of a prime user because I dont like changing lenses too often - my usage scenario is hiking/ scenic photos/ social photos and I prefer zooms (maybe that will change once I start using Primes). Right now I have the Canon T4i with 18-135 STM and one Prime 50 F1.8. And I got a Sigma 18-35 F 1.8 recently which seems to be having some focus issues but I admire the DOF and picture from that zoom.

0 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.

2 upvotes

/yawn

5 upvotes

Why yawn ? :P

I haven't noticed any typos and I feel that rened should have pointed a few out.

DPreview is one of the best sites for camera reviews and if we can help them improve their articles by pointing out typos and errors it will benefit all of us.

0 upvotes

@rened - I'm sorry if that's the case. We do our best to avoid typos, but they can creep in.

If you see any, please send us a Feedback email (link at the bottom of each page) and we'll correct them as soon as we can.

1 upvote

I'm available for freelance editing. :-)

1 upvote

Is it because you are going to be sacked by the BBC soon Jennifer Clarkson?

0 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

5 upvotes

Silver is a great award.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 2 minutes after posting

2 upvotes

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

2 upvotes

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!

2 upvotes

"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

1 upvote

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.

9 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 !

2 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

8 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.

2 upvotes

Hi guys, there is so much photography out there that I don't do that I would not dream of drawing universal conclusions about any specific camera system. M4/3 works for me because I ofter shoot in tough conditions - distance, terrain, weather, etc. -, want a system with full redundancy (bodies and lenses), I am on a budget, need high portability, and judge IQ on 24x36" prints that I make with my own printer (under any condition, the best of monitors is just an approximation of what a print would look like including sharpness). Everything is a compromise and a personal decision, but by using 4/3 and then M4/3 gear I have been able to sell enough fine art prints (part-time) to buy my house, be invited to talk at a bunch of photo clubs and art societies, and have a lot of fun in the process. I wish you the same and better no matter what gear you use.

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.

10 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.

4 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

4 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.

1 upvote

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

1 upvote

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

1 upvote

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.

7 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

5 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

3 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.

2 upvotes

... 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

1 upvote

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

2 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

10 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.

12 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.

10 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? :)

3 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

Let's clarify. I contacted Olympus Tech Support. They said Olympus Viewer 3 is currently NOT able to process RAW High Res images from the EM5 II camera. They intend to release a 64-bit version in the near future that can do this, but it will require a 64-bit computer to work. Currently, the Adobe Camera Raw 8.8 Plug-in can be used with Photoshop CS5+, or else you can use DNG Converter on a 64-bit computer and then open the converted file in Photoshop. However, if you have a computer with a 32-bit processor (as I do), FORGET IT, YOU ARE SCREWED. I will buy a used Sony A7R instead, because my older computer can process its files. I say: TO HELL with the forced obsolescence!

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.

2 upvotes

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

I'm not sure a new sensor is so important unless you want huge prints.

0 upvotes

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

The UPS delivery was made after 6pm so I didn't have time to do anything except to open the 2 lenses and 1.4 converter. The feel of the body and the 2 lenses exceeds my expectations. Charging battery and purchased 2 extra batteries.

Question - I am planning to buy clear UV filters for the 2 lenses like I have done for my previous Nikkors. Is this a good idea? Thanks!

0 upvotes

Personally, I do use clear or UV high quality (BW) filters as lens protection. I've read that the negligible degradation (almost always) is offset by the dirt and impact protection. That being said, my stuff is used outside in less than pristine conditions, so inside use might not demand filters.

1 upvote

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

Total comments: 721

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