Verdict
The flagship 20 - megapixel mirrorless tv camera gets an AI - powered cost increase to autofocus performance in its 2nd iteration , plus the ability to tweak ikon in - camera . This form for a comprehensive yet still relatively portable and low-priced pro - level package compared to the other major brands . At least the professional / enthusiast interview this camera is target at should acknowledge what an ‘ OM System ’ is and its connection to the former Olympus .
Pros
Cons
Key Features
Introduction
If you ’re wondering what an ‘ OM system of rules ’ is , have it away that the first generation of this OM-1 mirrorless tv camera originally appear with the much more familiar Olympus logo on the front . The name may have changed between these two generations , but , blithely , it appear it ’s business organisation as common in term of intent and performance .
At the eye of this photographic camera is a Four Thirds data format 20 - megapixel stacked backside - illuminated CMOS sensor . That may not sound a lot in these days of 40- , 50- or 100 - megapixel mirrorless or medium data formatting cameras , but a couple of further procedure also present in previous Olympus cameras make a re - appearance here .
Resolution can be further to the eq of either 50MP or 80MP using a successiveness of images to make one giant characterisation ; that ’s the kind of solvent suitable for billboard - sized prints .
The lens mount here is the received Micro Four Thirds , allowing for a wide variety of own blade lenses to be used to originative burden . I had the maker ’s capable 12 - 40 mm f/2.8 Pro II soar to spiel with which is available as part of a value added kit packet with the OM-1 Mark II tv camera body .
Design and Handling
The OM-1 Mark II is a little low-set , heavier at 511 gigabyte and more brutalist in appearance than the same manufacturer’sOM-5at 366 g sitting below it . That said , the relative weight and compactness when compare with competitors ’ range topping photographic camera is still very impressive .
In the field , it cook for a very manageable camera . In fact , I was using this camera during a in particular fuddled and drizzly period in the UK , but thanks to the expect dust- and water - immune physique , I felt convinced the OM-1 Mark II could full go the distance when used outside the studio apartment and that a little pelting need n’t stop play .
In footing of treatment and response , the OM-1 Mark II is as lightning quick to oppose to user instruction as I ’d ask any top - end manakin from a cardinal manufacturer to be .
Like a host of camera manufacturer presently dabbling in AI , I ’m told cryptical learning technology has been applied here to better auto focus response , with something that the camera ’s manufacturing business has unimaginatively termed ‘ AI Detection AF ’ say to further performance over and above the original OM-1 loop .
In recitation , it handles as expected in being somewhat much an extension service of my own middle and arm , instantly locking focus with a half press of the shutter dismission button and follow through with capture in an flash .
A possible fly ball in the ointment when hired man holding the tv camera is that of course a pocket-size body coupled with a physically small lense innovate the possibility of camera shake and blur image as a upshot .
Counteracting this , the OM-1 Mark II features a five - axis son - integral image anti shake system , which intend that any affiliated lens also directly becomes stabilised . Here , drug user potentially benefit from the equivalent of up to seven steps of look-alike stabilization with even crack telephotograph Lens like the manufacturing business ’s M.Zuiko Digital ED 150 - 600 mm f/5.0 - 6.3 IS , give a 35 mm equivalent of a generous 300 - 1200 mm on its own , theoretically capable to be used handheld .
Yes , such lens cost as much as the tv camera itself standalone and wo n’t be for everyone , but it ’s good to know the potentiality is there if needed . In fact the camera ’s IS system of rules can deliver up to a maximal 8.5 steps overall with compatible lense , which is telling .
lens of the eye like the above are thoroughgoing for capturing sporting moments and here the OM-1 Mark II is no slouch either . In term of sequential shots , it can manage up to 120fps with AF / AE Lock or more or less 50fps during AF / AE tracking . I establish it also exercise very well for capturing spooky wildlife .
I should also mention the camera ’s large and well-heeled handle here , like to the size find out on an entry level DSLR . In terms of steady the photographic camera , I was capable to enfold three fingers around the handle while my forefinger hovered above the shutter release clitoris and thumb remain on the leather outcome padding at the back . I ’m told the grip has been improve on this example , and in practice I did n’t find it lacking .
With both forward and rear command dials nigh by for scrolling through and affecting camera scope with a subsequent military press of the ‘ okay ’ button , the television camera proves intuitive and straight to use with it , with regularly neuter preferences like ISO fastness also getting their own buttons for access .
It misses the top - denture LCD window often find on pro - level cameras . There ’s just not enough real estate here to jibe one in , with a nursing bottle top - sized shooting mode dial hogging the space on the top home plate where we ’d typically expect to observe a 2nd LCD .
Here , the backplate LCD is of the flip - out and twist mixture , with the touch cover displaying primal setting as a default . As a belted ammunition to go with this ‘ span ’ , the centre layer electronic viewfinder is of sufficiently razor - sharp resolve to make you bury that you ’re not in reality looking through a traditional optical finder .
In other Holy Scripture the camera handles as fluidly as you ’d expect . As long as you ’re used to toy with enthusiast - layer digital camera , trading up to the OM-1 Mark II should not palpate scare off . Backplate clit fall pronto beneath the thumb of the ripe hand , while the left hand is loose to make unconscious adjustments to the crystalline lens barrel . As should be , your attention is therefore allowed to be on your subject without being distracted by what the camera itself is doing .
Features
As would be bear with the 2d generation of any product , the OM-1 Mark II come with a few under - the - poke bonnet pinch and climb to set it apart from the original .
These let in what ’s being claimed as the world ’s first alive GND – Graduated ND – filter occasion , which digitally apes the optical effect of a one-half ND , or Neutral Density filter , permit users to make creative accommodation to their images via the camera ’s EVF or LCD CRT screen .
read about just this aspect , you may assume that the camera is being by choice aimed at nature and landscape lensman and you ’d be correct . But this is just icing on the patty ; unavoidably the camera has its economic consumption for many more subjects besides .
As with the less expensive and overall less feature film - plenteous OM-5 camera that sits below it in the current range , you get the ability to capture up to 50 megapixel images via the composite handheld High Res Shot mode , here boosted by a whopping 80 megapixel Tripod High Res Shot function . Using a tripod is advised for optimal results with the latter . Showing its semi pro / pro mettle , twin SD card slots are provided to enable tycoon users to keep shooting for longer in the field without the beguilement of trade out cards .
For those search more mogul in the field – literally , in the case of the nature photographer – optional accessories for this camera include an HLD-10 Power Battery Holder , as well as the RM - WR1 Wireless Remote Control . Straight out of the box , I was able to relatively quickly replenish the rechargeable battery via a compounding of supplied USB trail , arranger and mains plug .
Power away , for any pro - level tv camera , a gamy - focal ratio shot offer is a must . The Mark II interpretation of the OM-1 can trance a continuous burst of up to 219 JPEGs or 213 Raw file cabinet at swiftness of up to 120fps , which is jolly spectacular .
This improves on the original photographic camera ’s already impressive ability to capture up to 92 sequential frames in either data format . For those shooting wildlife , or play , there ’s an even greater probability of getting at least one determinate , acquire mental image from a successiveness of shots .
Image Quality
The OM-1 Mark II may be diminutive when compared to professional grade alternatives from rival manufacturers , but its performance and output go big .
That ’s to say 20MP still images are colour and detail copious as a default with only occasional passing of highlight detail if we ’re being particularly decisive . The flip side of the coin is that most users wo n’t remark a difference on screen door alone between an image take with a Four Thirds sensor , an APS - C or full frame chip .
So if downsize from an APS - C DSLR in particular because you desire something more manageable and lightweight , you’re able to do so without feeling you ’re make too much of a via media .
Although not primarily sell as a television gaining control gimmick , the characteristic is here nonetheless , including support render to perpendicular video seizure for those hope to carry clips on social media platforms and standardized . Indeed , for the budding content Creator , there is an available OM Image Share smartphone app that appropriate for icon transferral via Wi - Fi .
Though not lack in any special way , I feel this is more of a camera for those shot stills in the main and occasionally telecasting . Up to 4 K solution clips are provided with a skeleton pace of a cinematic 60fps , or you’re able to opt for Full HD snip at up to 240fps for a dumb movement effect . Both pretty much what we ’d expect to find on a modern digital tv camera in this price wall bracket in terminal figure of stipulation .
stereophonic microphones and build - in fart noise reduction tender decent results in terms of audio for insouciant users , or there is the power to attach an external mic and monitoring earpiece via a side port protect by rubber flap .
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Should you buy it?
You should buy this camera if you want a pro - level specification photographic camera with a overplus of originative option within an ergonomic shell , but not the usual bulk and weight associated with a gamey - end , bigger sensing element - comprise example .
You also should n’t choose this camera if you ’re looking for a futureproof camera arrangement supported by the widest range of accoutrement possible , including from third party manufacturers
Final Thoughts
Any flagship camera in a manufacturer ’s kitchen stove necessitate to rationalise its Leontyne Price tag with features at the very cutting border of what ’s currently potential , given any inherent limitations in the format .
The OM-1 Mark II ups the ante in hand over plenty of bang for our buck in a trunk that , while chunky and weighty when compared with alternatives from the same manufacturer , really comes into its own for portability . That ’s when compared to some of thebest mirrorless camerasfrom Fujifilm , Nikon , Canon et al available at a exchangeable cost .
All this being say , those alternative maker do enjoy greater funding from third political party provider , meaning a braggart array of accessories at your disposal go forward .
However , if compactness without compromising on quality or originative flexibility is high on your indirect request list , reside easy in the fact that the OM-1 Mark II delivers the goods in spades . It sits well in the hand , is not too heavy or light , and is boast rich when it comes to control .
Trusted Score
How we test
We try out every camera we critique good . We habituate set tests to compare features properly and we use it as our independent machine over the revue full stop . We ’ll always tell you what we find and we never , ever , live with money to review a product .
FAQs
The OM-1 Mark II is equipped with a 20.4 - megapixel 4/3 ” Stacked BSI Live MOS Four Thirds detector .
The camera has two SD card time slot .
Yes , the OM-1 Mark II features built - in 5 - axis vertebra image stabilisation up to 8 EV steps .
Full Specs
