OM System OM-1 Mark II with 12-40mm II lens

OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II Overview

The OM System OM-1 Mark II takes the compact, rugged flagship OM-1 to new heights for outdoor photography. The magnesium alloy mirrorless body with advanced weather sealing lets you shoot in freezing -10°C temperatures and heavy rain thanks to a splashproof design meeting IP53 standards. An anti-fog-coated high-resolution EVF ensures a clear viewfinder image even in challenging conditions. Upgraded grip dials feature an elastomer coating for better traction when operating controls with gloves on.

This camera evolves the OM-1 with even faster operation and more specialised shooting modes. The buffer capacity has doubled, allowing longer RAW bursts at up to 50 fps with continuous AF/AE. Computational features now include Live Graduated ND filters with adjustable positioning and falloff via the EVF or LCD. This breakthrough tech delivers the effect of physical GND filters for balancing bright skies without carrying additional gear.

The advanced subject recognition AF introduces human body detection for intuitive people tracking. Combined with class-leading 8.5 stop stabilisation, even fast motion is easy to capture crisply handheld. Pro Capture mode buffers up to 100 shots retroactively, starting from when you half-press the shutter, eliminating all shutter lag.

Low light and high ISO performance excel thanks to the 20MP Stacked BSI Live MOS sensor and latest TruePic image processor. Enhanced white balance adaptation produces natural-looking colour in mixed lighting. Versatile multi-shot modes generate 50MP handheld or 80MP tripod images by merging multiple frames to increase resolution and dynamic range.

This compact yet fully featured mirrorless camera is ideal for landscape and outdoor photographers who need quick operation and robust weather sealing. Faster Sensor readout facilitates blackout-free burst shooting up to 120 fps to freeze action. With stunning detail and advanced computational photography capabilities in a rugged package built for adventure, the OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II is an exceptionally capable camera purpose-built for working pros and serious hobbyists.

OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II Price

• OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II Body Only – £2199
• OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II with 12-40 II Kit – £2699

*Prices may vary if there is a promotion or price change.

OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II Key Features:

• 20MP Stacked BSI Live MOS sensor
• TruePic X processor
• 5-axis in-body image stabilization to 8.5 stops
• 2x UHS-II SD card slots
• 5.76M-dot 0.83x EVF with 120 fps option
• Fully articulating 3-inch touchscreen LCD
• 4K60p and C4K60p video
• 50MP and 80MP multi-shot high-resolution modes
• Weather-sealing to IP53 standards

OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II User Benefits:

• Stunning image quality and low noise
• Effectively shoot handheld at slower shutter speeds
• Reliable operation in inclement weather
• Silent electronic shutter to 1/32,000 sec
• Blackout-free EVF with fast action
• Generous buffer depth for long bursts
• Creatively balance exposure to location
• Intuitive and customizable controls
• Durable, go-anywhere camera body
• Professional features in a portable package

OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II Features In Detail

20MP Stacked BSI Sensor

The OM-1 Mark II is built around a 20-megapixel Four Thirds stacked CMOS sensor. This provides the processing speed required for incredibly fast sensor readout, enabling advanced capabilities like blackout-free shooting. Noise performance is also excellent thanks to the backside illumination design that gathers more light. This allows clean images even at high ISOs up to 25600, expandable to 102400. Combined with pro-grade Olympus Zuiko lenses, the small Four-Thirds sensor can deliver professional image quality rivalling larger formats.

Class-Leading 8.5 Stop Image Stabilisation

A highly effective in-body 5-axis image stabilisation system provides up to 8.5 stops of compensation with compatible Olympus lenses. This allows capturing blur-free images handheld with slow shutter speeds beyond what should be possible without a tripod. For example, you can reliably shoot sharp 1-second exposures while holding the camera. This opens new creative possibilities to intentionally use slow shutter speeds for smoothing water motion and painting with light. The stabilisation also excellently counters micro jitter that can mar video footage when shooting handheld.

Advanced AI Subject Recognition Autofocus

Sophisticated autofocus leverages machine learning for automatically detecting and tracking birds, wildlife, motorsports, trains, aircraft, and now humans in addition to faces. This gives accurate focus even when your subject turns away, gets obscured, or is small in the frame. Up to 8 subjects can be identified with priority assigned to your main subject. Combined with a fast sensor readout enabling 50 fps burst shooting with continuous AF, action and moving subjects can be captured tack sharp.

Rugged Splashproof Design

The magnesium alloy body incorporates extensive weather sealing making it dustproof and splashproof per IP53 rating. Rubber gaskets protect vulnerable openings and seams from the elements. The camera operates in frigid conditions down to -10°C, ideal for wintertime outdoor shoots. An anti-fog coating on the fully articulating rear LCD screen and high-resolution EVF prevents fogging up in humid environments. The OM-1 Mark II can withstand light rain and heavy mist without issue for photographing in demanding weather.

Versatile Shooting Modes

In addition to a 50-megapixel high-resolution composite mode for tripod use, a special handheld version generates 50MP images by micro-shifting the sensor and merging sequential frames. This achieves maximum resolution rivalling medium format without lugging a tripod. Other useful modes include Live ND filters for long exposures in bright light, Focus Stacking for extended depth of field, Live Composite for light painting shots, and the groundbreaking Live Graduated ND filter to darken bright skies.

Intuitive Direct Controls

An exceptional degree of customisability facilitates personalised camera operation for specific shooting needs. A unique lever by the AEL button toggles between two separate control presets. For example, you can quickly switch between stills and video modes, AF modes, metering patterns, and more. The tactile, rubberised body dials provide intuitive direct access to key exposure settings. One press of dedicated buttons allows toggling complex settings like ISO and white balance.

Pro-Level Buffer & Connectivity

The buffer capacity has doubled enabling longer bursts when machine gun shooting fleeting moments. Now sustain over 200 raw frames at 50 fps with AF/AE tracking. This cutting-edge performance couples with the fastest-in-class UHS-II card writing speed so you can shoot bursts and then quickly review images. The USB-C and HDMI ports facilitate flash recording to an SSD drive or external monitor. Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enable remote camera control plus wireless image transfer to mobile devices.

Pro Capture Mode

A sophisticated buffering system starts recording images the instant you half-press the shutter button, then saves the previous 14 frames from exactly when you fully pressed down. This eliminates any lag due to human reaction time or shutter delay. Perfect for unpredictable action like wildlife, motorsports, or sports, you precisely capture the peak moment you intended to without fail. This unique Olympus technology introduced on earlier OM-D models remains a compelling capability for photographing fast-moving subjects.

Hybrid AF System

Autofocus incorporates both contrast detection for accuracy and phase detection for speed. A total of 1,053 cross-type phase-detection points are integrated right on the image sensor itself, providing nearly 100% frame coverage with reliable subject tracking. Combined with updated algorithms on the OM-1 Mark II further refining performance, especially for continuous focus tracking, out-of-focus images are a thing of the past. Subject tracking even extends to bird’s eyes now thanks to more advanced AI recognition capabilities.

Compact Professional Build

The OM-1 series stands apart in the mirrorless camera market with its compact, lightweight, and durable metal construction ideal for use on location or carrying all day. Extensive weather-sealing resists dust, splashes and freezing conditions while offering pro-oriented handling. A pronounced hand grip with moulded finger rests enables confident one-handed operation. Plentiful custom buttons and dual control dials afford DSLR-like levels of direct access to settings minimising menu diving in rapidly evolving scenarios. Yet the rugged body remains compact and highly portable for adventure travel shooting.

What is The OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II Best Used For?

• Wildlife Photography – Fast sensor readout enabling 50fps drive tracks erratic movement combined with advanced animal eye/body recognition focuses accurately on wildlife.
• Sports Photography – Blackout-free EVF shows constant action at up to 120fps so you precisely time peak moments while 14fps bursts catch split-second action.
• Landscape Photography – Handheld high-res mode generates 50MP images showcasing details in grand vistas without carrying a tripod into the wilderness.
• Underwater Photography – The whole system meets stringent sealing standards so the camera operates reliably when paired with a marine case in challenging subaquatic environments.
• Adventure Photography – Rugged, freezeproof magnesium body withstands travel in extreme climates and keeps working despite bumps/scrapes during remote exploits.
• Events Photography – Quick access custom controls and ample buffer suit rapidly evolving scenarios photographing theatre performances, conferences and weddings.
• Macro Photography – Class-leading stabilisation facilitates handheld shooting for critters that won’t pose still plus focus stacking extends depth of field.

With speedy performance, clever exposure tools, and hardy construction in a portable package, the weather-sealed OM-1 Mark II handles anything the elements throw its way. Making it the perfect creative tool to document adventures or fast action wherever your photography takes you.

OM-1 vs OM-1 II Comparison

While outwardly identical to its predecessor in terms of design and handling, the new OM-1 Mark II camera provides meaningful performance upgrades making it an even more impressive machine for shooting fast action. Autofocus gets a boost thanks to fine-tuned algorithms and AI recognition that better track erratic subject movement – now at up to 50fps with continuous AF. The buffer capacity has also doubled, allowing for raw burst sequences surpassing 200 frames. That means more opportunity to capture fleeting moments when machine gun shooting at up to 120fps.

On the creative side, the Mark II introduces some unique in-camera features. Graduated neutral density filters can be simulated with adjustable positioning and fall-off, balancing exposures between bright skies and darker foregrounds. The latest processor also powers an improved “Live ND” mode with an extra stop of exposure adjustment, helping preview long exposure effects in bright daylight. Together with robust -10° weather sealing, 5-axis stabilisation rated to 8.5 stops, blackout-free shooting, and multi-shot 80MP tripod modes, the OM-1 Mark II is a top choice for landscape and outdoor photographers needing portable, rugged performance.

What’s In The Box?

• 1 x OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II Digital Camera Body
• OM SYSTEM 12-40mm Mark II lens
• 1 x CB-USB13 USB Cable
• 1 x Shoulder Strap
• 1 x BLX-1 Li-ion Battery
• Instruction manual
• Warranty card

Sample Images

OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II Specification

OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II FAQ