OM System OM-1 Mark II evaluate: A tricky, succesf...

Mirrorless cameras have come far sufficient that it is now more durable to discover a dangerous digicam than it’s to discover a good one. Photographers are spoiled for alternative with few our bodies providing poor picture high quality. One of many greatest methods mirrorless cameras differ from the competitors is in functionality. The OM System OM-1 Mark II takes this to the acute.

The Micro Four Thirds physique gives an extended checklist of options which might be onerous to search out elsewhere. The digicam can autofocus on stars, then take handheld lengthy exposures by mixing top-tier stabilization with built-in neutral-density filters. Processes like focus stacking and dwell composites are all finished in digicam, with out Photoshop.

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If you happen to’re on the lookout for a digicam that’s each gentle and highly effective, mirrorless is the best way to go.

Are there higher sensors than the 20.4 megapixel Micro 4 Thirds one contained in the OM-1 Mark II? Completely, however you can be onerous pressed to search out one other digicam physique that may accomplish what OM System’s newest flagship can with out equipment or Photoshop. After all, that Micro 4 Thirds sensor additionally makes it potential to discover a 1200mm equal lens that does not price or weigh a ton.

OM System OM-1 Mark II

Advisable

The OM System OM-1 Mark II delivers highly effective capabilities with its glorious stabilization and computational images choices. Whereas its a superb digicam for journey and wildlife images, photographs aren’t pretty much as good as a full-frame digicam on the identical value level.

Professionals

• 8.5 stops of stabilization
• Constructed-in NDs and GNDs
• Strong autofocus with topic detectijon and astrophotography
• Quick burst speeds
• Sturdy, compact development

Cons

• Full body gives higher picture high quality
• Expensive
• Lacks ProRes video

Value, specs, and availability

OM System introduced the OM-1 Mark II in January 2024. The digicam is now delivery with a retail value of $2,400 body-only. I examined the physique with the M. Zuiko 9-18mm f4-5.6 and 150-600mm f5-6.3 lenses.

Design

Powerful however comfy

There’s such a factor as a digicam that is too small, however the OM-1 Mark II gives the best mix between heft and ergonomics. The physique options a big grip that is as comfy as a DSLR. The digicam weighs in at about 21 ounces (599g) with battery and microSD included.

The compact design retains controls inside straightforward attain. On the prime of the OM-1 Mark II, there is a mode dial, in addition to shortcuts for the burst mode, autofocus, and publicity compensation. Two management dials sit at the back and front of the grip, with an ISO button permitting for fast publicity changes.

The again of the digicam contains a suite of menu controls, however the spotlight right here is the massive LCD that tilts out to the facet. The hinge-style display makes it straightforward to shoot from awkward angles, or tuck the display away for cover. It is also touch-enabled with tap-to-focus and the fast menu, although the complete menu requires use of the bodily buttons.

The digicam homes loads of ports as properly. It has two UHS-II SD card slots, a USB-C port, mic jack, micro HDMI and synchro socket. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity make it straightforward to connect with the OM System app. One minor annoyance that is beginning to turn into the norm with most cameras is that OM-1 Mark II does not ship with a charger included within the field. You must purchase an adapter individually.

The Mark II is designed for out of doors adventures. The physique is rated IP53-certified in opposition to mud and splashes and taking pictures right down to 14-degrees Fahrenheit (-10 levels Celsius). A sonic wave filter sits inside and vibrates each time the digicam is powered on to maintain mud off the sensor.

Photograph and video efficiency

Ditch the filters, and possibly even the tripod

The OM-1 Mark II’s heavy deal with options makes it potential to do extra with out Photoshop and plenty of equipment. It has options that may simplify issues for novices and hobbyists, but is superior sufficient most photographers aren’t going to develop out of this digicam.

For instance, the physique gives an unbelievable 8.5 stops of stabilization. That is sufficient stablization to take handheld lengthy exposures, even at 5 seconds with a wide-angle lens.

The inclusion of built-in impartial density filters make it even potential to take handheld lengthy exposures through the day. Whereas Mark II’s predecessor had this characteristic, the brand new digicam goes one step additional with the addition of graduated impartial density filters. GNDs slip over the lens to be able to darken the sky to keep away from overexposure. The OM-1 Mark II makes use of computational images to try this internally — no bodily filters required. You possibly can alter the depth and see the impact earlier than you shoot. The digicam’s controls let you alter the place the filter falls in order that it covers the sky even when the horizon is at an angle.

Whereas the OM-1 Mark II’s predecessor provided topic detection autofocus, OM System has improved accuracy on the brand new mannequin. Chook eye AF is a serious increase for newbie wildlife photographers. The characteristic works properly more often than not, however struggles if branches or leaves cowl a part of the animal. It additionally has some problem in backlighting. In my expertise, Canon’s high-end cameras do a greater job of choosing a fowl out of a multitude of branches.

Normally, autofocus efficiency is strong — if not the best possible. With the quickest topics heading straight in the direction of the digicam, count on a couple of dropped frames. For instance, photographing my canine with animal eye AF at 10 fps, round 20 % of the ensuing photographs have been mushy. The digicam does higher if the topic is not heading straight in the direction of it. The OM-1 Mark II snaps photographs as quick as 50 fps (120 fps if you happen to do not want autofocus). Your onerous drive will cry dealing with that many photographs although, and slower speeds additionally profit from a blackout-free viewfinder. The OM-1 Mark II additionally contains extra RAM than earlier than, so the digicam can maintain these quickest burst speeds for twice as lengthy.

These options work to assist the digicam do extra, each with out utilizing equipment and within the palms of extra novices. Prefer it predecessor, the OM-1 Mark II may merge a number of photographs for sharper photographs and star trails, or begin taking photographs early to appropriate dangerous timing. In scenes with out motion, handheld high-res mode can merge a number of photographs right into a 50-megapixel shot, or 80-megapixels with a tripod.

The digicam captures video at as much as 4K 60p, with the wonderful eye AF boosting efficiency. Video is not a serious promoting level although, with competing choices just like the Panasonic G9 ii and GH6 providing 5.7K seize and ProRes help.

OM System OM-1 Mark II pattern picture

Picture high quality

Good, however not the perfect for a digicam this expensive

The OM-1 Mark II produces good photographs, although you may count on higher outcomes from a full-frame digicam. That is unsurprising, because the 20.4-megapixel Micro 4 Thirds sensor and TruePic X processor is identical {hardware} that is tucked inside the sooner mannequin. I do not really feel the identical awe viewing photographs from the OM-1 Mark II at one hundred pc decision as I do with full body rivals on the identical value level. Images are sharp and colourful, however do not characteristic as a lot element as these produced by a higher-resolution digicam. Picture grain is tolerable at ISO 3,200. I would use the digicam as much as ISO 12,800 if push involves shove.

OM System OM-1 Mark II pattern picture

Nevertheless, the 2X crop issue brings advantages when working with telephoto lenses. You will get nearer to topics with the OM-1 Mark II as a result of a 600mm lens is equal to a 1200mm on a full body physique — and is extra inexpensive and light-weight.

Verdict

The OM System OM-1 Mark II is without doubt one of the most succesful cameras I’ve used, however I’ve seen different $2,400 cameras produce higher images. The OM-1 Mark II’s options make it the most effective Micro 4 Thirds our bodies accessible. In order for you carry lighter lenses and fewer equipment in your subsequent journey, the digicam is a wonderful alternative. It might handle some lengthy exposures with out filters and generally even with out a tripod. It might additionally full focus stacking and dwell composites with out Photoshop. These options are glorious for journey, together with making troublesome images simpler for hobbyists.

By comparability, the Panasonic G9 II gives extra decision and glorious coloration profiles. Nevertheless, I believe the OM-1 II options higher eye AF, together with extras like built-in ND and GNDs, in addition to a no-blackout viewfinder. OM System’s newest flagship additionally gives longer battery life at 520 photographs.

The OM-1 Mark II is without doubt one of the greatest cameras for journey and a prime possibility for the Micro 4 Thirds format. Nevertheless, if pure picture efficiency are essential to you, the OM-1 Mark II cannot compete with equally priced full-frame cameras. For vacationers, rookies who need greater than a plasticky novice mannequin and genres the place the 2x crop issue is a professional reasonably than a con, the OM-1 Mark II is properly value contemplating.

OM System OM-1 Mark II

Editor’s Alternative

Professionals

• 8.5 stops of stabilization
• Constructed-in NDs and GNDs
• Strong autofocus with topic detectijon and astrophotography
• Quick burst speeds
• Sturdy, compact development

Cons

• Full body gives higher picture high quality
• Expensive
• Lacks ProRes video