A mind-blowingly capable Micro Four Thirds camera
OM System OM-1 II: two-minute review
There’s long been a snobbery when it comes to camera formats going back to the days of film. But with digital photography, while this does remain to some extent, the camera landscape is completely different and smaller sensor Micro Four Thirds (MFT) cameras are often some of the most advanced cameras available.
The OM System OM-1 Mark II is one such camera, but it’s more of an incremental update over the original OM System OM-1 than a significant upgrade. However, the new model is still one of the most technologically advanced cameras currently available, offering features and functionality that could easily tempt photographers away from larger format APS-C and full-frame cameras, especially those looking for a lightweight camera system.
The OM-1 II offers many of the same features as the original, including the same 20MP back-illuminated sensor with its 1053-point AF system, 50fps when shooting with continuous autofocus, Live ND filters (software-based) alongside the IP53-rated weather-sealed body to name but a few. The two cameras also look remarkably similar, nearly identical, so what’s so special about the OM1-II?
The OM-1 II is undoubtedly a stunning camera that handles incredibly well and offers features and functionality that I wish my larger sensor cameras had, and I’ll cover many of these in more detail later. But this level of functionality doesn’t come cheap – the body-only price is $2,400 / £2,199 / AU$3,599.
This price puts it in the same bracket as many mid-range full-frame cameras, which can seem like a negative when you’re getting a much smaller sensor. However, you’re getting a typically smaller and lighter camera system, including the lenses, which most OM System fans favor. It’s an easier-to-carry and more compact system that’s capable of shooting any subject, excelling in landscape and wildlife photography.OM System OM-1 II: design
With its rugged build quality offering IP53-rated splash and dust resistance, alongside being able to withstand freezing temperatures down to -14 degrees fahrenheit / -10 degrees celcius, this compact and lightweight camera is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor photography.
The OM-1 II is slightly smaller than the average full-frame mirrorless camera, plus, it’s lighter at 1.32lbs / 599g including a battery and memory card. There are also two SD card slots for dual recording and redundancy.
Despite its slightly smaller size, the camera is comfortable to hold thanks to a well-contoured grip and an excellent thumb plate on the back. If you could say a camera fits your hand like a glove, it’s the OM-1 II.
There are plenty of direct controls for speedy access to key camera settings, and the menu system itself is well laid out and easy to navigate, which can be an easily overlooked benefit of any camera. Although the OM-1 II looks almost identical to its predecessor, the newly rubberized dials provide greatly improved grip and overall feel.
Shooting with the OM-1 II is an absolute pleasure, and the 5.76m-dot EVF that now has a blackout-free display when shooting at even the highest frame rates available provides a beautifully clear and bright image.
