The Ultimate Guide to Olympus OM-D E-M5 II: Features, Pros & Cons, and Sample Images

If you're looking for a high-quality mirrorless camera that combines cutting-edge technology with a compact design, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II is worth considering. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about this popular camera, from its key features and advantages to potential drawbacks, along with some real-world image samples.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Olympus OM-D E-M5 II article cover photo

Key Features

Feb 06 2015

Announced

16 megapixels

Resolution

BrandOlympus
Sensor TypeFour Thirds
SensorMOS
Weight469g
MSRP$1099USD

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Overview of the OM-D E-M5 II

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 II is a versatile and compact mirrorless camera that boasts impressive image quality and advanced features. This camera is great for hobbyists and professionals alike as it has features that cater to both. It's definitely a camera worth considering, even more if you're after a lightweight, travel-friendly option that delivers stunning results. Let's dive right in and explore the features, pros and cons, and sample images of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 II Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

Excellent image stabilization
Fast autofocus
Compact and lightweight
Weather-sealed body
WiFi connectivity
Great video quality

Cons

Smaller sensor compared to DSLRs
Limited lens selection
No built-in flash
Low battery life
No headphone jack for audio monitoring
Limited touchscreen capabilities

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Olympus OM-D E-M5 II

Weather sealed
Dimensions124 x 85 x 45mm
Weight469g
Thickness45mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
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Max

Weather Sealing

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 II camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the OM-D E-M5 II is an excellent choice.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderElectronic
Screen TypeFully Articulated
Screen Resolution1,037k dots
Body typeSLR-style mirrorless

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fully articulated 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 1,037k dots. This makes the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II very suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you can view yourself while shooting selfies. The camera also features a touch screen, which adds to its ease of use.

Viewfinder

OM-D E-M5 II includes a electronic viewfinder with 2,360k dots of resolution with a coverage of 100% and a magnification of 0.74x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Olympus OM-D E-M5 II has a 16MP sized MOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 16 pixels. Olympus OM-D E-M5 II has a native ISO range of 200 - 25600 which can be boosted to 100 - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Feb 06 2015

Announced

200 - 25600

ISO Range

SensorFour Thirds
Extended ISO100 - null
Max resolution4608 x 3456 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

73 / 102

Color Depth

23 / 26.5

Dynamic Range

12.4 / 14.8

Low Light ISO

896 / 4505

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II camera has above average color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also above average, allowing it to retain low amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is poor, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the OM-D E-M5 II is average

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

2x

Full frame equivalent

48mm

This camera: Four Thirds

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC
Battery Life310 shots
Battery ModelBLN-1
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 II supports SD/SDHC/SDXC with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 II uses the BLN-1 model of battery pack. This is rated for 310 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 II does not have a built-in flash, but it does offer a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 II boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 II includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with 81 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II?

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 II features a MOS sensor

Is the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II weather sealed?

Yes the OM-D E-M5 II does have weather sealing.

When was the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II announced?

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 II was announced on Feb 06 2015

Does the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the OM-D E-M5 II does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II?

The OM-D E-M5 II has a native ISO range of 200-25600, which can be expanded to ISO 100-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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