OM System OM-1 Mark II Review

Verdict

The flagship 20 -megapixel mirrorless electronic camera gets an AI-powered boost to autofocus performance in its 2nd iteration, plus the capability to tweak images in-camera. This creates a thorough yet still fairly portable and cost effective pro-level bundle compared to the various other significant brands.

A minimum of the professional/enthusiast target market this camera is targeted at ought to acknowledge what an ‘OM System’ is and its web link to the previous Olympus.

Intro

If you’re questioning what an ‘OM System’ is, know that the first generation of this OM- 1 mirrorless camera initially appeared with the much more acquainted Olympus logo design on the front. The name may have changed between these two generations, however, gladly, it appears it’s service as usual in terms of style and efficiency.

At the heart of this video camera is a 4 Thirds layout 20 -megapixel stacked backside-illuminated CMOS sensor. That might not appear a great deal in these days of 40 -, 50 – or 100 -megapixel mirrorless or medium layout cameras, however a couple of additional features likewise present in previous Olympus electronic cameras make a re-appearance here.

Resolution can be boosted to the equivalent of either 50 MP or 80 MP using a sequence of photos to develop one gigantic photo; that’s the kind of resolution suitable for billboard-sized prints.

The lens place below is the common Micro Four Thirds, permitting a variety of very own brand lenses to be used to imaginative impact. I had the manufacturer’s qualified 12 – 40 mm f/ 2 8 Pro II zoom to play with which is offered as part of a value added kit bundle with the OM- 1 Mark II video camera body.

Design and Taking care of

• 138 8 x 91 6 x 72 7 mm body dimensions
• 511 g body-only weight or 599 g with the battery and card
• 3 -inch 1, 620 K dot resolution, variable angle touchscreen for instinctive and adaptable shooting

The OM- 1 Mark II is a little chunkier, heavier at 511 g and even more brutalist in look than the exact same producer’s OM- 5 at 366 g sitting below it. That stated, the family member weight and density when compared with rivals’ range covering cams is still really remarkable.

In the area, it creates a really manageable electronic camera. In fact, I was using this camera throughout a particularly wet and damp duration in the UK, yet thanks to the anticipated dust- and waterproof construct, I felt great the OM- 1 Mark II might totally go the range when used outside the studio which a little rainfall needn’t stop play.

In regards to handling and response, the OM- 1 Mark II is as lightning quick to react to individual guideline as I would certainly anticipate any type of top-end model from a vital manufacturer to be.

Like a host of electronic camera suppliers presently meddling AI, I’m told deep understanding modern technology has actually been used here to boost vehicle emphasis reaction, with something that the electronic camera’s manufacturer has actually prosaically described ‘AI Discovery AF’ stated to improve performance beyond the original OM- 1 iteration.

In method, it deals with as anticipated in being practically an expansion of my very own eye and arm, immediately locking focus with a half press of the shutter launch button and following through with capture in an immediate.

A feasible fly in the ointment when hand holding the cam is that obviously a smaller sized body coupled with a literally smaller lens presents the possibility of video camera shake and obscured pictures as a result.

Combating this, the OM- 1 Mark II includes a five-axis boy-integral photo anti shake system, which suggests that any type of connected lens additionally instantly ends up being stabilised. Here, customers potentially gain from the equivalent of as much as 7 steps of picture stabilisation with even incredibly telephoto lenses like the supplier’s M.Zuiko Digital ED 150 – 600 mm f/ 5.0- 6 3 IS, giving a 35 mm equivalent of a charitable 300 – 1200 mm on its own, theoretically able to be utilized portable.

Yes, such lenses set you back as long as the video camera itself standalone and will not be for every person, yet it’s good to recognize the capability exists if needed. Actually the camera’s IS system can deliver up to a maximum 8 5 actions in general with suitable lenses, which goes over.

Lenses like the above are excellent for catching showing off minutes and right here the OM- 1 Mark II is adept either. In terms of sequential shots, it can manage approximately 120 fps with AF/AE Lock or approximately 50 fps during AF/AE monitoring. I discovered it additionally works very well for recording unreliable wildlife.

I need to also point out the camera’s big and comfortable handgrip right here, equivalent to the size located on an entry level DSLR. In regards to steadying the electronic camera, I had the ability to cover three fingers around the grip while my forefinger floated above the shutter release switch and thumb rested on the natural leather result padding at the back. I’m told the grip has been improved on this model, and in technique I really did not discover it doing not have.

With both forward and rear command dials close by for scrolling via and influencing cam setups with a subsequent press of the ‘OKAY’ switch, the video camera confirms user-friendly and uncomplicated to make use of with it, with routinely altered setups like ISO rate also getting their own buttons for accessibility.

It misses out on the top-plate LCD window typically located on pro-level cams. There’s merely insufficient realty below to fit one in, with a bottle top-sized capturing setting dial gobbling up the area on the top plate where we ‘d normally anticipate to discover a second LCD.

Below, the backplate LCD is of the flip-out and spin range, with the touch screen showing crucial settings as a default. As a belt to go with this ‘support’, the eye level electronic viewfinder is of completely sharp resolution to make you forget that you’re not in fact looking through a traditional optical viewfinder.

In other words the cam manages as fluidly as you would certainly anticipate. As long as you’re utilized to having fun with enthusiast-level electronic video cameras, trading up to the OM- 1 Mark II must not really feel overwhelming. Backplate switches fall conveniently under the thumb of the right-hand man, while the left hand is totally free to make subconscious adjustments to the lens barrel. As must be, your interest is therefore enabled to be on your subject without being distracted by what the video camera itself is doing.

Functions

• Live Finished ND photography function enables customers to change filter action in real-time
• AI-powered discovery AF recognises usual topics consisting of birds, pets and cars
• The cam can be linked to a computer and utilized as a webcam

As would certainly be anticipated with the 2nd generation of any kind of item, the OM- 1 Mark II arrives with a few under-the-bonnet tweaks and upgrades to set it aside from the initial.

These include what’s being claimed as the globe’s very first Live GND– Finished ND– filter function, which digitally apes the optical results of a half ND, or Neutral Thickness filter, allowing individuals to make creative changes to their pictures using the video camera’s EVF or LCD display.

Reviewing just this element, you might think that the electronic camera is being deliberately focused on nature and landscape digital photographers and you would certainly be appropriate. But this is simply crowning achievement; unavoidably the camera has its uses for many more subjects besides.

Similar to the less costly and total much less feature-rich OM- 5 electronic camera that rests listed below it in the existing variety, you obtain the capacity to capture approximately 50 megapixel photos through the composite portable High Res Shot mode, here boosted by a monstrous 80 megapixel Tripod High Res Shot function. Using a tripod is suggested for ideal outcomes with the last. Showing its semi pro/pro guts, twin SD card slots are offered to make it possible for power users to keep capturing for much longer in the area without the diversion of exchanging out cards.

For those looking for even more power in the field– literally, when it comes to the nature photographers– optional devices for this electronic camera consist of an HLD- 10 Power Battery Holder, in addition to the RM-WR 1 Wireless Remote Control. Right out of package, I was able to fairly rapidly restore the rechargeable battery using a mix of provided USB lead, adapter and keys plug.

Power apart, for any kind of pro-level cam, a high-speed capturing offering is a must. The Mark II variation of the OM- 1 can catch a continual ruptured of up to 219 JPEGs or 213 Raw documents at rates of up to 120 fps, which is quite significant.

This improves the original camera’s currently remarkable capacity to capture up to 92 consecutive frames in either layout. For those shooting wildlife, or sporting activities, there’s an also greater opportunity of getting at the very least one conclusive, winning picture from a series of shots.

Photo Quality

• 20 4 MP efficient still pictures as default by means of 22 9 MP Four Thirds sensing unit
• Capture speeds of approximately 120 fps with AF/AE lock, or 50 fps making use of AF/AW monitoring
• As much as 4 K video clip capture at 60 fps, or Full HD clips at as much as 240 fps for a slow movement replay effect

The OM- 1 Mark II might be small when compared to specialist quality options from rival suppliers, yet its efficiency and result go big.

That’s to say 20 MP still pictures are colour and information abundant as a default with only occasional loss of emphasize detail if we’re being particularly essential. The other side of the coin is that many individuals will not discover a difference on screen alone between a photo taken with a 4 Thirds sensing unit, an APS-C or complete frame chip.

So if downsizing from an APS-C DSLR specifically due to the fact that you desire something a lot more workable and lightweight, you can do so without feeling you’re making too much of a concession.

Although not mainly marketed as a video capture gadget, the attribute is below nonetheless, including support provided to upright video clip capture for those wishing to publish clips on social media platforms and comparable. Without a doubt, for the budding material makers, there is an available OM Photo Share smartphone app that allows for picture transfer by means of Wi-Fi.

Though not lacking in any kind of particular means, I feel this is even more of a camera for those shooting stills generally and periodically video. Up to 4 K resolution clips are given with a frame price of a motion picture 60 fps, or you can go with Full HD clips at as much as 240 fps for a slow-moving activity impact. Both pretty much what we ‘d anticipate to find on a modern digital video camera in this rate bracket in terms of requirements.

Stereo microphones and built-in wind noise reduction deal respectable lead to regards to sound for casual users, or there is the capability to affix an external mic and monitoring headphones through a side port safeguarded by rubber flap.

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