Olympus has officially announced the new OM-D E-M5 Mark II, which features a 5-axis image stabilization system, built-in WiFi and a massive 40MP high-resolution shot mode. Additionally, the Mark II offers buffed up video capture features with HD bit rates up to 77Mbps.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Key Features
- 16MP Live MOS Sensor
- TruePic VII Image Processor
- 2360k-Dot Electronic Viewfinder
- 3.0″ Tilting OLED Monitor
- 1080p Video at 60p/50p/30p/25p/24p
- 40MP High Res Shot
- Built-In WiFi
- 5-Axis VCM Image Stabilization
- ISO 200-3200 (expandable to ISO 100-25,600)
- 10 Frames Per Second
- Dustproof and Splash-Proof Construction
- Video Focus Peaking
Olympus claims that the OM-D E-M5 Mark II’s image stabilization system can deliver 5EV steps of compensation performance. Notably, the IS unit uses the voice-coil motor within to assist in the 40MP high-resolution shot using a pixel-shift technique. In order to perform the high-res shot, you will need to attach the Mark II to a tripod and Olympus recommends using a M.ZUIKO DIGITAL PRO or M.ZUIKO Premium lens to take full advantage of the resolution.
The camera stitches eight images together and processes them automatically for a 40MP image. However, if you are shooting RAW+JPEG, the camera will deliver 64MP RAW images that can be processed using a special plugin in Photoshop CS4 or higher. Wow!
The E-M5 Mark II includes a weatherproof flash, the FL-LM3 with a meager Guide Number 9 (at ISO 100) but it bounces and swivels, so that is better than a built-in popup flash. It also makes weatherproofing easier and keeps the body lines clean.
Olympus breaks up the accessory grips and battery holders for the E-M5 Mark II a little more than most. You can buy the kit, the HLD-8 ($279), which includes the HLD-8G ($129) weather-sealed grip and the HLD-6P battery holder. You can also buy each separately since the grip can be used without the battery holder. The HLD-8G grip also features a headphone output for real-time monitor while recording video. There is also the ECG-2 metal grip ($129) with Arca style plates for fast switching on tripods between vertical and horizontal orientation.
Overall, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II looks like another solid hit from Olympus. The body alone retails for $1099.99 and should be available this month. Check it out here at B&H Photo.
