OM System OM-1 Mark II Hands-On Field Test 

So glad this camera exists, there's not really anything like it at this size, focused on stills and rugged 'pro-ness'. Folks complain about the specs & resolution etc, pointing out (rightly) that you can get better performance for the money in bigger systems. But for 90% of purposes, ( _100%_ of _my_ purposes, actually) OM-1 image quality is great. And if you appreciate the compactness & weight (and the fantastic pro lens range) this could be perfect.

Waking up to a new video by those awesome people... a great way to start the day!

Awsome!I had been waiting for this camera so long and i am so excited.Just ordered one.Despite some negative comments this camera is incredible.For those that have negative comments i just have one suggestion please read the manual and learn how to use this camera 90% don’t know how to use it at its full potential.I will just highlight some remarkable features 1.White balance of 14000 kelvin the colors are astonishing…other brands just have 9000 kelvin in full frame 2. 8.5 stops of image stabilization vs 5 stops-6 on other brands you can actually take photos at night with the camera without a tripod. 3. Gradual Nd filter means that the sensor has variable iso image processing,no other camera can do that. 4. High resolution mode with 50 megapixels are improved 5. The color science is better than canon/nikon 6.In camera focus staking no software needed …in macro it does wonders no other brand can do that 7. AI software integration .And there are much more other things that this camera can do but I will let the people that have negative attitude discover them and learn how to use this beast of a camera at it’s full potential.I own three different systems and trust me when i say it this camera is a beast and does wonders….you just have to read the manual and go do photography and experiment.Great job OM System!Awsome camera!

The comments section needs a hug today. So many great cameras out there but many here are mean, spoiled and ungrateful. It’s such a great time to be into photography/videography as there’s many fantastic options to choose. If this camera system isn’t for you, fine. But many are thrilled with this so don’t ruin it by being a jerk.

I have OMD EM1 mrk ii and I love it. But let's agree on one thing, if Olympus does not think outside the box in the near future, it will be the end(soon). The technology has caught up and not much makes Olympus stand out. Of course for long telephoto there are very good lenses in terms of size, but how many of us need 1200mm for birding?! And now OM-1 Mark II with some software updates, not to mention the price of the rebranded Sigma lens(150-600)!🤔 Anyway, good luck to Olympus and hope they make it.

The buffer size upgrade is a pretty big improvement over the first version - the OM1 wasn't exactly crippled by the buffer but it certainly did make a lot of its high-speed modes a pain to use effectively. Most of the rest of my complaints with the first version could be fixed by firmware upgrades, which unfortunately were somewhat lacking. This seems like a good step forward though and I hope OM continue to improve their lineup.

excellent camera, thank you for video

The OM-1 is an excellent camera. It’s also the end of the line for Micro Four-Thirds. Since the OM-1 was introduced, Panasonic added the same superior AF system everyone else was already using. And now OM Systems has traded the Olympus logo for a few gigs of RAM. If its features are right for you and its limitations as compared to larger sensor cameras are not a problem, this is an exceptional camera with an outstanding lens system. But nearly everything excellent in it was developed by Olympus. From all appearances, the system is done evolving in a meaningful way.

Soooo... how is this £500 more than the g9ii? Also, can we just have some firmware updates on the original om1? If the gnd and better AF is computational.... couldn't that have just been an upgrade to the original om1?! I'm feeling a bit short-changed 😅

I am trying to get my head around ‘why’ I would want to spend another £2000+ to buy the OM-1 mkii and place my Olympus OM-1 on the shelf. There is nothing that jumps out and excites me to want to rush down to my local Wex store and purchase one. I also have a Sony A1 and when I look at the new and innovative Sony A9 mkiii with its groundbreaking global shutter, optional 120fps, redesigned flash and optional CFX card and much, much more I can see why I would want to change the Sony A1 for the A9 mkiii. Sorry OM it appears to be a lot of hype about very little and this is supported by the final comments made by Evelyn regarding the OM-1 mkii being a “subtle but nice upgrade” 4mins 52 seconds. That is much more than a subtle and nice upgrade to me when factoring in the overall cost for an upgrade!! 😢

You two are so sweet the way you put a positive spin on such a bland upgrade. I'm heavily invested in OM Systems with the OM1 and the 150-400mm f4.5 and a bunch of other lenses. I see these new announcements as good and not so good. The good is that OM System is still in business. The not so good is they're not making anything new. The mark II is only a rebadged OM1 with a firmware update and some rubberized buttons. The wide zoom lens announcement is a rebadged lens and the long zoom is a rebadged Sigma lens. The only thing I need improved on my OM1 is better video features including sticky C-AF. If this has been improved then great! However I certainly don't need a larger stills buffer. Like the G9II, it'll take longer for the buffer to clear and I'll miss the next round of action.

Hi Guys, I have been shooting with M4/3rds for many years. With the OM-1 since this time in 2022. It's a terrific camera and over-all package. To hear that OM Systems has added new feature to the camera is really special. The features you've mentioned make this an even better camera. The larger buffer is important as well. Thanks again, your reviews are quick and to the point! 👍 📷 👌

Great review there. Thanks

I own 5x Olympus and 2x Panasonic MFT. Let's be honest you have to be out of your mind or a die hard Olympus/OM System/MFT fan to invest into a camera system that the company is not even making an effort to invest into it.

Great Video 👏

Spectacular camera

How is the handheld high res mode in the new om1 mii ? How does the image quality compare to FF camera like z7ii ?

Thanks for posting so quickly the new OM System Mark II camera. I just bought the OM-1 over Xmas and really enjoy the features of the camera. The new Graduated computational function is interesting. Thanks again, are you planning on doing a separate review of the 150-600 lens? I would really be interested to watch that and hear what you guys think about that lens.

Most changes seem to be software based, except for the buffer and IBIS improvements. Since it has the same sensor and processor as the OM1, can we expect any of the AF improvements and computational upgrades to the OG?

Nicely done first look! Thanks. I’m very much considering getting the camera for its fantastic IBIS and the new gradual ND feature. I’m glad they didn’t mess with the body design or go unnecessarily for a larger sensor.

Sold my olympus gear a couple months ago And these releases this week make me feel i made the right choice

Underwhelming. Looks like OM System is using up their stock of 20 MP sensors for this iteration. I can't see a reason to upgrade. Y

Hello, Om-1 Users! I have a question about Om-1 + 300 F4 Pro + MC-14 and stabilisation. When i use it with C-AF mode + bird detection + SH2 mode (25 or 50 FPS) it's not so much stable - i mean sure, stabilizer work (if i half press shutter image in viewfinder become more stable) - but it's not near as good as R7 With RF 100-400 at long end or even with RF 800! Image on OM-1 not "freezes" in EVF at all - i mean sure it's hard to handhold 2+ KG lens+ body kit, but i was sure that SYNC-IS magic is here and it will and MUST be so much stable (after reviews of other ppl) Some tips for me? I tried both setups for IS - Sync-IS Auto + Sync-IS 1. Lens and Body updated to last firmware Edit - camera reset to default fixed this issue !

Unless you're heavily invested in the M4/3 system I can't see any reason to spend $2000 for an EM1 Mark II with some firmware upgrades. Also we're in the price range of other systems in the full frame family. After all this time is this the best OM Systems can do ?

I bought into the Olympus story with an E-M5 MarkII about 10 years ago. I know own an Olympus E-M1 MarkII and MarkIII with an assortment of pro lenses. I do 5 - 10 paid events annually but primarily shoot as a hobbyist! I have not tried the OM-1 yet but maybe will rent one this summer for a weekend to compare and see if it will make a difference in my work! Nice review!

I really like olympus/OM system cameras. Micro 4/3 really works for here's my. I need to be able to shoot video underwater along with stills period will this video stabilization be as good as say a go pro question mark

A bump in MP, CFexpress card, and adding GPS would have justified calling this a Mk II, not these small updates, some of which could be done with a firmware update.

OMG I can't believe they only implemented this ONE computational photography feature. Meanwhile, in the big three, our timeline for graduated ND filters is 15 years from now. It took the big three 15 years to catch up to Olympus lens technology. Canon only recently started adding INTERVALOMETERS to their cameras. I think we need to give OM System a break and lighten up.

What we need is a firmware upgrade for the mark 1 for better AF.

Hello Dave and Evelyn, I have a question and I am hoping you can give me an answer. I have some Panasonic 4/3 lens, and I am wondering if the face/animal/bird detection will work with the OM-1? Thank you.

I've been using Olympus digital gear since the E-330 days--so both four-thirds and micro four-thirds. The Micro Four-thirds system has been absolutely awesome! That said, I am feeling concerned with this latest release. I actually do like the new features offered in the OM-1 Mk II, and I think incremental improvements are a good thing. Honestly, I have no issues with the camera. That said, the release of the rebranded Sigma lens is a real concern. As I have mentioned on other forums, about 75% of the reasons I love m43rds can be found in the exceptional lens lineup. Small light lenses with superb optical characteristics is where m43rds inherent strengths really shine. The smaller, and squarer, sensor format of m43rds, facilitates superb lens designs. The fact that OM systems has opted to tweak and rebrand a full frame lens more or less throws out the baby with the bathwater. As for the lens itself, I have no doubt that Sigma's design is excellent. Sigma lenses tend to be superb. That's not the point. This lens was designed for a larger sensor with a higher width to height ratio. The result has to be a heavier and bulkier design that is simply unnecessary on the m43rds sensor. This is especially concerning in an optic that will most likely be used primarily for birds and wildlife. In that sort of photography, one often has to hike and walk for miles to access the best viewing opportunities. It is exactly the sort of scenario where a purpose built optic for M43rds can and should put full-frame lenses to shame! If I have to carry a long lens, I want one that is designed from the ground up to be as efficient as possible and that means a lens that is optically excellent in the smallest and lightest form factor possible. This can't be it. I think this demonstrates a lack of vision and commitment from OMDS. Sigma is not a big company but they make excellent lenses. If OMDS wants the consumer to take them seriously, they need to invest in the sort of superb lenses that their predecessor, Olympus, was renowned for.

Excellent review and an impressive set of useful features. However, I'm still happy with my E-3 four thirds system as it takes magnificent images and gives me an income.

OM-1 Mark II is great camera particularly for Canadian winter,but Evelyn you always beauty❤.

ND Filter should be available for video also. Integrated GPS needed.

Kind of relaxing that there is not much need to upgrade ;-)

Hi I use an EM1 which is still a great camera and a EM10 IV which I love, also have a Panasonic GX850 for when I want to go very small and lite., great for street with the 25mm f1.7.

I can picture it now.... the old Olympus factory, the imprint of the legendary sign since removed - crudely covered with JIP lettering. Inside sits two firmware engineers high-fiving over finally cracking the "sticky" AF that's kept them busy for years. Teams of marketing personnel studying the Lumix G9II user manual. Boxes of OM System labels are stacked in the corner, jars of glue and rubberized dials. A couple of old ladies pack the last remaining cameras into boxes with strict instructions never to include a battery charger. The cleaner sweeps up the remains all the while trying to figure out how to nick the Maitani photo on the wall. 😢

Hi Dave and Evelyn, is there really any hardware changes in the camera at all or is it all stuff? That’s actually really done by firmware update that could be done on the current OM-1 that’s been out for sometime.

Minor nitpick, Leica also gave an explicit weather sealing rating to the SL2 with a rating of IP54.

OM System will dominate the camera market as FT and MFT have dominated previously under Olympus.

I appreciate this but you guys are working so hard to make this seem like anything but a pathetic release. They're battling the OM-5 for the most pathetic release.

$2,400 for a MFT camera with incremental improvements to the features of the Mark I? LOL! No.

Somewhere around 2 sec exposure is a hard barrier for handholding, no matter how good the image stabilisation will be, caused by us humans, as movement outside of system capability to compensate become inevitable. Longest time I ever captured sharply from hands was 1/25sec on 1280mm EQ field of view, or those 2 sec, but on 40mm. Note that success rate at such extremes is pretty low, but mentioned exposures was just unthinkable not that long time ago.

What camera gloves are those??

OM system should come up with a new 28 Megapixel Sensor to be able to add more features. Perhaps, launching a new OM-2 Digital Camera will be the best for OM System. OM Fans are still looking for an 8K video capability as well. I am still using my Olympus OM-4ti Film Camera, without any real problems other than film developing and printing.

Very disappointing, focus was already good as was the buffer. Since OM took over they have been shocking, no firmware updates as promised and now they stamp their name on the front of a OM1 and expect you to buy it, no way. I was worried about this happening when the took over and now its all starting to show, same processor, same sensor so now our loved system is starting to look outdated and loosing pace with their rivals. Like to see how this sells, save your money and get the OM1 at a reduced price

You guys live in a beautiful area. I like this upgrade. When you have 6 stops of image stabilization at 600mm (1200 FF) focal length, tough weather sealing for any condition and built in GND what more could you ask for?

Loooks good but I would have preferred a new om10 and the new om1 menu system for om5 I see this as a good upgrade for em1mk3 users

2:49 I assume they're just telling the sensor to reduce the exposure in the areas where those pixels are (that half of the sensor)...so imaging a day when we get way more DR than we do today when some day they can look at the entire sensor and on a pixel level, reduce the exposure on any pixel that is overexposed and lift the pixels a little that are near black (all detail lost). I assume it's just a matter or processing power and someone writing the code for a camera to be able to do that.

As I get older, I'm looking for ways to lighten my camera system. I currently shoot Sony. But, I'm willing to consider other systems like the OM1.

Why do we not have a pen f mkii yet

The most I was expecting this new OM system OM-1II camera to cost was $2800 Canadian and a lot of micro 4/3 probably feel that is too expensive for camera that does not have an increase sensor resolution over the current OM-1, I feel the OM-1 Right now should not be any more expensive then $2400 Canadian at the most considering that it’s a two-year-old camera, There are lots of high-quality full frame cameras with new compact lenses now available that are a lot cheaper than the new camera that’s just announced for less amount of money, and this is coming from a micro 4/3 user.

Only seems to be 'reviews' of this camera up by stores? None of the usual professional independent reviewers are covering this.

Anecdotally OM 1 (35mm film) has been an OM System camera since its launch in 1972!

Does the Grad ND output Raw?

micro-four-thirds is not dead! In contrary it's up and live! Owing the OM-1 (original one) I do know what the capabilities are and they are really impressive. Traveling is much more fun with this package and still glad with my decision to leave the Full Frame world...

Pentax K-1 Mk II vibes. Which is unfortunate, because 6 years later we know how that story is going. Between this and the OM-5… it’ll be interesting to see if they come out with a truly new camera anytime soon that went through any kind of proper development cycle, as opposed to these mildly refreshed rebadges. The OG OM-1 was obviously something that saw almost all of its dev under the stewardship of Oly and not JIP. Twice is coincidence, three times will be a pattern…

Is om systems going to release a firmware update that covers a lot of these functions on the original om1?

E-M1 Mark V

I would love to see the human detection at work at an ice hockey match like you and Chris Nicholls did with the original OM1 vs Canon.

Some of the comments here are complete tosh. Example '10 year old sensor', the OM1 uses a 20 megapixel stacked sensor capable of 120fps in raw. This is state of the art and only bettered in terms of newness and capability by the £6000 Sony A9iii stacked sensor with global shutter. So people stop whining about something you know absolutely zip about. Perhaps try it out and then speak from a position of experience.

How well does the Sigma 150-600 focus on the EM-1ii? If it's anything like the Tamron version, then it probably sucks. While the Olympus looks like a rebranded Sigma, if its focusing system has been optimized for the OM Systems cameras, then maybe it'll be worth it but, man, that sure is a lot more to pay for a "hobbyist" lens.

Looks like a decent upgrade, I cannot wait to see one myself. Love the grad ND filter built in.

OM System? What kind of name is that?

is there ONE REVIEWER out there showing the camera in action without talk and WITHOUT MUSIC :)

theyve been stuck on 20 mp for prob 20 years

Jeeze for that price i expected much more, What about the promises firmware updates on the last system? NOPE. This might be the nail to that coffin.

I have been an Olympus user for some time, and this is my next camera.

I always did love Olympus/OM System for its compact size but Sony's A7CII is making me scratching my head

If only the graduated filter has some sort of AI to be able to figure out where the lines are for the mountains are located compared to the sky, it would be amazing

I really tried to love these MFT camera, had OMD EM 10 II and Em1 and still have the EM1X, but I just can't wrap my head around that tiny 20MP sensor, and the high res mode has so much restriction, and even in perfect condition, it doesn't give a result can compete with the native high resolution FF camera, and don't forget High res mode is not only on OM system, the FF 60 MP camera also has that to produce a even high resolution image, so the gap always remain the same, I don't have any experience on the newer body but at least on the EM1X, the Live ND is totally useless garbage, I regret every single time not to have a real ND with me out there, and the AF/tracking of that camera is nowhere even as good as my ancient 1Dx, so I don't take Olympus/OM system 's claim on how great the AF system this camera has.... bla blah blah....Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. Talking about size advantage of the MFT, There's a Sony a7CR that packs 60MP FF sensor in there and still smaller than this guy.....and they want $2700 for the new 150-600, wow, they really think they are the next Leica.

Disappointed! They should have only used the new 25MP Live MOS sensor in Panasonic MFT cameras. I am using OM-D EM-1 mark II which was released in 2017, and there has been no improvement in sensor resolution.

i am thinking of investing into m43 system but t am not sure about the future of the platform. looks like dead to me.

These are great cameras that are not exciting enough people. Such a shame

OM System gave the OM-1 the OM-5 treatment 😂 it’s just a firmware update. People that defend this bs do not deserve a true upgrade. Keep paying $2k for firmware updates 🤣

I love Olympus and have 2 OM-1s with most pro lenses. This upgrade is a huge disappointment for me. Minor firmware improvements with increased buffer memory for higher price. Most of these could be added by firmware upgrade to OM-1, which very likely will never happen after introduction of Mark II. Not improving the video features is also a lost opportunity. The new 150-600 mm rebranded full frame Sigma lens, which can not even keep up with the highest frame rates of OM-1 or OM-1 II, for double of the price of the E or L mount versions is even more disappointing. It shows that OM SYSTEM is not doing any R&D and just wants to full the loyal customers and make more money. Very sad.

This video was like an OM advertisement ☹️

yah but the same what? 10 years old sensor?

Olympus needs a miracle to survive the ever getting better smartphones. They just can`t compete anymore with their miniscule sensor in very large bodies. Just look at sony, they put fullframe in to a much smaller body then olympus. Why would you choose olympus..........???

it's time to say good bay, olympus and om system .....

Anyone who buys an OM-1.2 to get the firmware update can be blamed for the death of free FW updates. Why should a company give away an upgrade when people will pay for it?

What are the actual hardware changes that makes this camera worth $600 more Canadian for the two-year-old OM-1, rebranding the camera as a OM system OM-1 II does not justify the $600 Canadian increase.

It's hilarious the amount of micro four thirds haters out there. If you prefer your Nikon, Canon or Sony that's cool, use what ever brings you joy. However there's no need to be a knob and go all Tony Northrup and bad mouth micro four thirds. I'm sure most of the critics don't realise that micro four thirds pushed the technology envelope with ibis, touchscreen, mirrorless bodies, articulated screens, etc. Now enjoyed on other brands, all thanks to micro four thirds.

MFT bros, it’s over

ND filter!

The one and only reason I'll purchase a G9II next week: 25Mp Sorry but 20Mp doesn't cut it anymore, and tbh even 25Mp is barely acceptable these days...

Early days but I am very disappointed. Firmware update plus a couple of other minor features. I have 4 Olympus cameras since 2012 including the OM-1 but this just misses the mark. At AUD$3800 you have to be kidding. Time to go back to my Nikon gear for anything but travel

I won't buy any OM products - its crazy that the OM-1 haven't got any real meaningful firmware update. no reason to waste 2500$ for the same camera with minor updates. which are mostly software based. shame on you OM. its ok to ask some $ for new features but a new body - wont work.

What a disappointment

Soooo, you’re paying 2000 for a firmware update lol

I'll keep my pen F for as long as that thing turns on

The fact that phones come with 1" sensors now a days so a little bigger sensor is not an option imo on a full fledged camera. Especially when there small full frames even like a7c2 & if i really want a smaller sensor i would rather get a fuji & get the insane film recipes & endless artistic creativity to boot. That's what gets my photography juices flowing otherwise my phone is almost as good as any digital camera out there for 90% of the things i shoot.

The "new" OM-1mk2 is more or less a firmware upgrade in a new body. That frustrates me. Formerly Olympus was noun as a well servicing company who provided firmware updates for many years. That´s gone. So OM System isn´t longer worth buying new Cameras.

Its all very underwhelming, even the sales pitch felt lacklustre this time around.

Not unbiased reviews as before

What a let down product 😢

this “field test” didnt tell us too much, tho not much to say I guess.

why camera companies have fetish on difficult naming scheme.

updates shouldve been done in firmware, but, you only make money with poor firmware.

Hier auf dem Kanal wird alles über den Klee gelobt was kostenlos ins Haus kommt. Mir nicht ehrlich genug.