OM System OM-1 Mark II Review: Ultimate Micro Four Thirds

The OM System OM-1 Mark II: A Professional’s Take on This Micro Four Thirds Powerhouse

The OM System OM-1 Mark II represents the latest evolution in professional Micro Four Thirds photography, building upon the solid foundation of its predecessor while introducing compelling new features that address the needs of serious photographers and videographers. After spending several weeks with this camera in various shooting conditions, I’m ready to share my comprehensive analysis of what this camera brings to the table.

The OM System (formerly Olympus) has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible with the Micro Four Thirds sensor format, and the OM-1 Mark II continues this tradition with impressive technological advancements that make it a serious contender in the professional camera market.

Technical Specifications

Feature	Specification
Sensor	20.4MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds
Processor	TruePic X
ISO Range	200-25,600 (expandable to 102,400)
Autofocus	1053-point Cross-type Phase Detection AF
Continuous Shooting	Up to 120 fps (electronic), 20 fps (mechanical)
Image Stabilization	5-axis in-body, up to 8 stops compensation
Video	4K60p, C4K60p, Full HD 240p
Viewfinder	5.76M-dot OLED EVF, 0.83x magnification
LCD Screen	3.0” vari-angle touchscreen, 1.62M dots
Weather Sealing	IP53 rated
Battery Life	Approximately 520 shots (CIPA standard)
Weight	511g (body only)
Dimensions	134.8 × 91.6 × 72.7mm

Build Quality and Design Philosophy

Weather-Resistant Construction

The OM-1 Mark II maintains OM System’s reputation for exceptional build quality. The magnesium alloy body feels substantial despite its relatively compact size, and the IP53 weather sealing rating means you can confidently shoot in challenging conditions. I’ve tested this camera in light rain, dusty environments, and freezing temperatures, and it performed flawlessly throughout.

The grip ergonomics have been refined from the original OM-1, providing better purchase for extended shooting sessions. The button layout is logical and customizable, with every control falling naturally under your fingers once you become familiar with the system.

Professional Control Layout

What sets the OM-1 Mark II apart from many competitors is its comprehensive manual control system. Dual command dials, customizable function buttons, and a well-designed menu system make it easy to adjust settings quickly without diving into complex menus. The mode dial includes custom positions that can store complete camera setups, making it ideal for photographers who frequently switch between different shooting scenarios.

Image Quality Performance

Sensor Capabilities

The 20.4-megapixel Live MOS sensor might seem modest compared to some full-frame competitors, but it punches well above its weight class. The Micro Four Thirds format provides excellent image quality with outstanding detail rendition and color accuracy. The TruePic X processor handles noise reduction effectively, producing clean images even at higher ISO settings.

ISO Performance Analysis

In real-world testing, the OM-1 Mark II delivers excellent image quality up to ISO 3200, with very acceptable results extending to ISO 6400. While grain becomes more apparent at ISO 12,800 and above, the images remain usable for many applications, especially when processed with modern noise reduction software.

The base ISO performance is exceptional, with excellent dynamic range that allows for significant shadow recovery in post-processing. This makes the camera particularly well-suited for landscape and architectural photography where capturing detail in both highlights and shadows is crucial.

Color Science and Image Processing

OM System’s color science continues to impress, delivering natural-looking skin tones and vibrant landscape colors straight out of camera. The various color profiles offer flexibility for different shooting scenarios, and the camera’s JPEG engine produces excellent results that often require minimal post-processing.

Autofocus System Excellence

Speed and Accuracy

The 1053-point Cross-type Phase Detection AF system represents a significant advancement in Micro Four Thirds autofocus technology. The system locks onto subjects quickly and accurately, even in challenging lighting conditions. The improved subject detection algorithms can reliably track people, animals, vehicles, and other subjects with impressive consistency.

Continuous AF Performance

For action photography, the continuous AF performance is outstanding. The camera maintains focus lock on moving subjects with remarkable tenacity, making it suitable for wildlife photography, sports, and other demanding applications. The customizable AF area modes provide flexibility for different shooting scenarios.

Video Capabilities

4K Performance

The OM-1 Mark II offers comprehensive video features including internal 4K60p recording and C4K options. The video quality is excellent with good detail rendition and color accuracy. The in-body image stabilization works effectively for handheld video work, though it’s not quite at gimbal-level smoothness.

Professional Video Features

Professional videographers will appreciate features like focus peaking, zebra patterns, and various Log recording options. The camera can output clean HDMI for external recording, and the audio options include external microphone support with manual level control.

In-Body Image Stabilization

One of the standout features of the OM System cameras has always been their image stabilization, and the OM-1 Mark II continues this tradition with up to 8 stops of compensation when paired with compatible lenses. This system is genuinely game-changing for handheld photography, allowing sharp images at shutter speeds that would be impossible with unstabilized systems.

Battery Life and Power Management

With approximately 520 shots per charge according to CIPA standards, the OM-1 Mark II offers reasonable battery life for its class. In real-world usage with moderate EVF use and image review, you can expect to capture 400-600 images on a single charge. The USB-C charging is convenient, and the camera can be powered continuously via USB-C for extended shooting sessions or video work.

Real-World Performance Insights

Wildlife Photography

The combination of excellent image stabilization, fast autofocus, and high-speed continuous shooting makes the OM-1 Mark II exceptional for wildlife photography. The Micro Four Thirds format provides a 2x crop factor, effectively doubling your telephoto reach compared to full-frame systems.

Travel Photography

The compact size and weather sealing make this camera ideal for travel photography. The image quality is more than sufficient for most applications, and the comprehensive feature set means you’re rarely limited by the camera’s capabilities.

Professional Applications

While some may question whether Micro Four Thirds can handle professional work, the OM-1 Mark II proves that sensor size isn’t everything. The image quality, build quality, and feature set are more than adequate for many professional applications, including commercial photography, photojournalism, and editorial work.

Lens Ecosystem Advantages

The Micro Four Thirds system offers one of the most comprehensive lens ecosystems available, with options from OM System, Panasonic, and numerous third-party manufacturers. The smaller sensor format allows for more compact and often more affordable lenses while maintaining excellent optical quality.

Comparison Considerations

When considering the OM-1 Mark II against competitors like the Sony A7 IV, it’s important to consider your specific needs. The Sony offers a larger full-frame sensor with potentially better low-light performance, but the OM System provides superior image stabilization, weather sealing, and a more compact system overall.

Pros and Cons Analysis

Pros

Exceptional in-body image stabilization (up to 8 stops)
Outstanding weather sealing (IP53 rated)
Fast and accurate autofocus system
High-speed continuous shooting capabilities
Comprehensive video features
Compact and lightweight design
Excellent build quality
Strong lens ecosystem
Good image quality across ISO range

Cons

Smaller sensor may limit extreme low-light performance
Battery life could be better
Higher price point compared to some APS-C alternatives
Limited third-party software support compared to Canon/Sony
Electronic viewfinder, while excellent, may not appeal to all users

Who Should Consider the OM-1 Mark II?

Ideal Candidates

Wildlife and Nature Photographers: The combination of excellent image stabilization, weather sealing, and telephoto reach advantages makes this camera exceptional for outdoor photography.

Travel Photographers: The compact size, comprehensive feature set, and reliable performance make it ideal for travel applications.

Professional Photographers: Those who value build quality, weather resistance, and don’t need the absolute highest resolution will find this camera more than capable for professional work.

Video Content Creators: The comprehensive video features and excellent stabilization make it suitable for hybrid photo/video work.

Consider Alternatives If

You primarily shoot in extremely low light conditions where full-frame sensors provide significant advantages, or if you require the highest possible resolution for large prints or extensive cropping.

Practical Tips for OM-1 Mark II Users

Optimizing Image Quality

Use ISO 200-3200 for best image quality
Take advantage of the excellent image stabilization for handheld shooting
Experiment with the various color profiles to find your preferred look
Utilize the high-resolution mode for static subjects requiring maximum detail

Battery Management

Carry spare batteries for extended shooting sessions
Use USB-C power banks for all-day shooting capability
Turn off unnecessary features like Wi-Fi when not needed to extend battery life

Customization Recommendations

Set up custom modes for your most common shooting scenarios
Customize function buttons for frequently used settings
Configure the touch screen for quick focus point selection

Final Verdict and Recommendations

The OM System OM-1 Mark II represents the pinnacle of Micro Four Thirds camera technology, offering professional-grade features in a compact, weather-resistant package. While it may not match the absolute low-light performance of larger sensor systems, it excels in virtually every other area that matters to serious photographers.

The exceptional image stabilization, outstanding build quality, and comprehensive feature set make it a compelling choice for photographers who value portability without compromising on capability. The camera’s performance in challenging conditions, combined with its excellent autofocus system and high-speed shooting capabilities, make it suitable for a wide range of professional and enthusiast applications.

For photographers already invested in the Micro Four Thirds system, the OM-1 Mark II represents a significant upgrade that addresses most limitations of previous generations. For those considering switching from other systems, the compact lens ecosystem, excellent weather sealing, and unique features like the industry-leading image stabilization make a compelling argument.

The OM System OM-1 Mark II proves that in the right hands, a well-designed Micro Four Thirds camera can compete with much larger and more expensive systems. It’s a camera that rewards skill and technique while providing the reliability and performance that serious photographers demand.

If you prioritize portability, weather resistance, and excellent image stabilization while still demanding professional-grade performance, the OM-1 Mark II deserves serious consideration. It’s a camera that excels at making the challenging shot possible and the impossible shot achievable.