A first look at the new OM System OM-1 Mark II
OM System OM-1 Mark II: A Wonder of Outdoor Photography
If you are looking for a camera that can handle the challenges of nature photography, you might want to check out the new OM System OM-1 Mark II. This camera is the successor of the OM-1, the flagship model of the OM System brand, formerly known as Olympus. The OM-1 Mark II offers a series of improvements over the original model, making it a more capable and versatile tool for capturing the beauty of the wild. We took the camera down to the woods armed with a 12-40mm lens to see how the camera performed.
What's new on the OM-1 Mark II?
The OM-1 Mark II uses the same 20MP Four Thirds Stacked CMOS sensor and TruePic X processor as the OM-1, but it has more RAM onboard, which enables some of the new features and enhancements. The most notable change is the improvement of the autofocus system, which now includes a Human detection mode that can recognize smaller subjects and track them more accurately. The camera also has an extended subject recognition AF mode that can detect birds, planes, trains, and vehicles, among other things.
The OM-1 Mark II also boasts a better in-body stabilization system, rated to 8.5EV, which means you can shoot handheld at slower shutter speeds without worrying about blur. The camera also has a 5.76m dot OLED viewfinder with 0.83x magnification, which offers a clear and immersive view of the scene. The camera also has a 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD, twin UHS-II card slots, and a weather-sealed magnesium body that can withstand dust, splashes, and freezing temperatures.
OM-1 Mark II, improvements where they matter.
The OM-1 Mark II is a camera that can handle almost any situation you throw at it. It can shoot continuously at up to 50fps with full autofocus, or 120fps with AF/AE locked, which is ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects. It can also record 4K video at up to 60p with 10-bit and Log capture options, which gives you more flexibility and quality in post-production. The camera also has some unique features that can enhance your creativity, such as:
- Live composite: This mode lets you combine multiple exposures into one image, creating stunning light trails or star trails without overexposing the background.
- Live ND: This mode simulates the effect of a neutral density filter, allowing you to use slower shutter speeds and create motion blur effects without changing the aperture or ISO.
- Graduated ND: This mode applies a gradual darkening effect to the top or bottom of the image, mimicking the effect of a graduated ND filter, which can balance the exposure of bright skies and dark landscapes.
- High res mode: This mode lets you capture 80MP images by shifting the sensor and combining eight shots into one. You can also use this mode handheld, which will produce 50MP images.
Should I buy the OM-1 Mark II?
The OM-1 Mark II is a camera that offers a lot of features and performance in a compact and durable body. It is a camera that can adapt to any environment and deliver stunning results. It is a camera that is designed for nature photographers who want to capture the essence of the outdoors. If you are one of them, you should definitely consider buying the OM-1 Mark II. Current OM-1 users would benefit from the improved performance particularly if you are a wildlife or bird photographer. Alongside the OM-1 Mark II OM System have released the new 150-600MM LENS M.ZUIKO F5.0-6.3 IS and an updated OM SYSTEM 9-18MM II.
Watch our OM-1 Mark II first look video
OM-1 Mark II SAMPLES
