Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
Olympus · Mirrorless · 20.4 MP · Micro Four Thirds · 4K video
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Olympus |
| Model | OM-D E-M1 Mark II |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2016 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | September 19, 2016 |
| Camera type |  Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 134 x 91 x 67 mm |
| Camera weight | 574 g |
Optics68/100 | |
About the OpticsThe Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II receives a score of 68/100, reflecting its quality as a mirrorless camera. Measuring 134 x 91 x 67mm and weighing 574g (1.27lbs), the E-M1 Mark II has decent specifications for a camera launched in 2016. Although it may not be the latest model, this camera still offers a good performance for photography enthusiasts. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II Overview and OpticsThe Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II’s optics receive a score of 68/100. Equipped with 20.4 megapixels, a shooting speed of 60, and a CMOS sensor, this camera has the potential to produce high-quality images. The TruePic VIII processor and DXOMARK sensor score of 80 contribute to its overall performance. In the current market, the Micro Four Thirds sensor size is smaller than the commonly used APS-C and full-frame sensors. However, the camera compensates with a Micro 4/3 lens mount, allowing for a wide range of lens options. The built-in image stabilisation and 4:3 aspect ratio provide additional benefits for various photography styles. Considering these specifications, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II holds its ground as a versatile and capable camera, despite facing competition from cameras with larger sensors and more advanced features. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 20.4 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 5184 x 3888 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 13 x 17.4 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Micro Four Thirds |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 60 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Micro 4/3 |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | TruePic VIII |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  4:3 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 20030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 256003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 6430200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 256003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 6044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 3200080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 1210300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |  Yes |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | 236000009900000 |
Video70/100 | |
About the VideoThe Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II receives a video score of 70 out of 100. It features a maximum video resolution of 4K (4096 x 2160) and a maximum video frame rate of 24fps. Additionally, this camera includes built-in time-lapse functionality. In terms of video capabilities, the OM-D E-M1 Mark II offers decent performance for its category. However, it may not be the top choice for videographers looking for the most advanced features. The 4K resolution and 24fps frame rate are standard in today’s market, but other cameras offer higher frame rates for smoother motion capture. The OM-D E-M1 Mark II is a solid choice for photographers who occasionally shoot video, but it may not be the ideal camera for dedicated videographers seeking cutting-edge technology. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  Yes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  4K |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 4096 x 2160 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 24 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  Yes |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MOV, AVI |
Features70/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II earns a feature score of 70/100. This camera boasts a 3-inch touchscreen with a screen resolution of 1,037,000 dots. The flip screen adds versatility for various shooting angles. Unfortunately, the camera lacks GPS functionality, but it compensates with WIFI connectivity. However, it does not support Bluetooth. When compared to other cameras in today’s market, the OM-D E-M1 Mark II holds its ground with its touchscreen and flip screen features, which are commonly sought after by photographers. The absence of GPS and Bluetooth may be a drawback for some users, but the WIFI connectivity helps bridge the gap. Taking all these specifications into account, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II proves to be a solid camera with a decent feature set. Its performance in the market reflects the balance between its advanced features and the absence of certain modern functionalities. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. | No |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  Yes |
| Screen type | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  Yes |
| Screen size | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 10370001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  Yes |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |  Yes |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | No |
Storage & Battery57/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II receives a storage and battery score of 57/100. This camera has two memory card slots, supporting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. With a battery life of 440 shots, the camera uses a BLH-1 battery type. However, it does not offer USB charging. In today’s market, the storage options are adequate, but the battery life falls short compared to competitors. The lack of USB charging further limits the camera’s convenience and flexibility. To remain competitive, improvements in battery life and charging options are necessary. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| Dual memory card slots |  Yes |
| Battery type | BLH-1 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 440 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |