GEAR TESTS: OLYMPUS OMD EM5-MKII

Jim Decker CEO

The Olympus EM-5 Mark II is the long awaited update to the original EM-5, which at the time, was our top pick for a mirrorless camera. The EM-5 Mark II feels more like an EM-1 than an update to the EM-5. The control set is so similar to the EM-1, a casual user might mistake the two cameras, especially when disguised in a housing. The 2x2 switch is carried over from the E-M1 along with up to 6 customizable buttons. We thought the EM-1 had one of the best control sets in all of photography, and now the EM-5 Mark II shares this same design philosophy. 

While the EM-1 is still officially the top flagship camera in Olympus' mirrorless lineup, the EM-5 Mark II, save for a couple of specs, either matches or exceeds the specs from the EM-1. It exceeds the EM-1 in the area of video. The EM-5 Mark II has the ability to record at a bit rate of 77mbps and also has the ability to shoot 1080 60p. Previously the EM-1 only shot 1080 30p at 24 mbps. The area where the EM-5 Mark II falls short of the EM-1 is the flash sync speed. The EM-1 is at 1/320 while the EM-5 Mark II is at 1/250. 

If you have an EM-1 already, I don't see a compelling reason to "upgrade" to the EM-5 Mark II unless you have an interest in producing more video. If you're looking to upgrade from an EM-5 or a PEN, the EM-5 Mark II makes for a significant leap forward.

Shot Information about the Wreck Image
The EM-5 Mark II performs well even at higher ISO settings. Sharpness is enhanced by the lack of an anti-aliasing filter.

Shot Information about the Blenny Image
Super macro shots are not a problem with the EM-5 Mark II. The LCD screen has increased resolution and dynamic range making it easier to see critical focus. For those whose vision might not be the best to see a LCD screen, the higher resolution electronic view finder can be used with a magnifying viewfinder like an SLR to get the best critical focus view. 

Chris Parsons Nauticam Team Member

I knew I wouldn't get a lot of time with this camera, as it would be popular for demo use, but I knew exactly what to try on the one dive I did get with it.

Take a look at the smallest image width with the CMC - it's 9mm, and that is achieved with a micro 4/3 camera, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro Lens, and the CMC. The Sargent Major eggs shot is an example of this combo... 9mm from side to side. Those eggs are about 0.5mm wide. That's a ton of magnification with a lens that is quite manageable in size. The EM5II did a good job of tracking down focus. I was using the FIX NEO 1500 SWR focus light. I'd recommend using a focus light for virtually all macro shots, but especially on cameras like this that use contrast focus detection. Without some light, there's not much contrast to work with.