With the OM-1 Mark II, OM System is introducing the successor to the OM-1, which was released in March 2022. Back then with the Olympus label on the camera body, OM System now embosses its own name on the viewfinder hump.
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Like its predecessor, the 20-megapixel model is primarily aimed at nature and landscape photographers. To emphasize this once again, the manufacturer has the appropriate Japanese slogan “Kacho Fugetsu”, which means something like “The beauty of nature”. According to the manufacturer, some points of the camera, which is already packed with functions, were optimized and expanded to meet the goals we had set ourselves.
AI autofocus for more accuracy
This applies, for example, to the autofocus, which has already delivered excellent performance in our tests in the past with the appropriate settings. However, it was weak on people and tended to focus on an ear instead of the eye if the AF mode was selected incorrectly. This is now said to have improved significantly thanks to new AI functions and works reliably even in unfavorable shooting situations.
Advanced features
The functions of working internally with a digital gray filter have also been expanded. There is a stop here (ND 128). This is now also possible with a gray gradient that can be positioned in the live view (GND 2, 4, 8). High-resolution recordings can now be saved not only in 12 bit, but also in 14 bit color depth. OM System wants to have increased the image stabilization for photos and videos to 8.5 EV. The viewfinder should work without blackout even at slow continuous shooting speeds.
The manufacturer also wants to have improved handling. In our previous test of the OM-1, it was a bit fiddly at times. To enable operation with one hand as well as with gloves and cold fingers, the dials have been rubberized to make them easier to grip and the menu button has been moved to the right part of the back alongside the other buttons.
The OM-1 II now also allows video in portrait format so that it is suitable for social media. In addition, OM System, like all other camera manufacturers, offers use as a webcam with the new model.
(Image: OM System)
Known functions back on board
Many technical features such as sensor, viewfinder or display have not changed. Popular functions such as live composite (combining several shots, for example for star trails), starry sky autofocus, focus stacking and focus braking are also included again.
With continuous shooting with a mechanical shutter, users can still shoot at up to ten frames per second, with an electronic shutter, 50 frames per second with tracking autofocus and up to 120 frames per second with simple autofocus.
The accessories from the predecessor also fit the new model.
Price and availability
The new OM-1 II will cost 2,400 euros, 200 euros more than the OM-1. As with its predecessor, the price remains ambitious. However, we were able to certify that it had excellent image quality in the test, and the range of functions is still huge; only Panasonic’s G9 II delivers this to a similar extent.
The OM System OM-1 Mark II will be available in stores from February 15th.
M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm F5.0-6.3 IS
The new telephoto zoom appeared on Amazon Canada a few days ago. Whether accidentally or not, the teaser for today’s performance was set, because of course this didn’t remain hidden.
The lens has a large focal length range which is particularly interesting for animal and bird photography. The image impression is similar to the focal lengths between 300 and 1200 millimeters for full format, which can be extended to up to 2400 millimeters using a teleconverter. This means that even distant subjects can be brought up close. However, since the air layers between the subject and the camera are rarely free of contamination and turbulence, large distances often result in blurry images; the further away the subject is, the stronger.
The zoom has light intensities between f/5.0 and f/6.3 depending on the focal length. At close range, the minimum distance to the subject is between 56 centimeters and 2.8 meters. The magnification is therefore 0.7x.
The manufacturer states that you can take hand-held photos even with the long telephoto focal length. This is supposed to be made possible by the built-in image stabilizer, which works together with that of the new OM-1 II camera.
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25 lenses in 15 groups indicate a complex construction. Different special lenses are also intended to ensure high imaging performance.
The lens has switches for focus limitation, focus mode, one for image stabilization and an L-Fn button (lens function). The torque (friction) of the zoom can be switched between two settings, a locking mode secures the zoom for transport. The lens, which weighs just over two kilograms, also has dust and splash protection as well as a fluorine coating. It measures around eleven centimeters in diameter and is just over 26 centimeters long. The filter diameter is 95 millimeters.
The M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm F5.0-6.3 IS is scheduled to be delivered from the end of February and will then cost 2700 euros.
M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 II
With this wide-angle zoom, OM System is releasing an update to the already well-known lens. The main new thing is the design, which has been standardized with other lenses, as well as the lens hood included in the scope of delivery.
The wide-angle zoom has a 35mm equivalent focal length of 18 to 36 millimeters and is quite light at 154 grams. It is also just under five centimeters long and 5.6 centimeters in diameter. When zooming, the lens body extends.
Twelve lens elements in eight groups allow a close focusing distance of 25 centimeters. A DSA element (Dual Super Aspherical) as the front lens is intended to ensure a large image angle of 100 degrees, while an aspherical, an ED and an HR element are intended to minimize aberrations and ensure a sharp image. Filters fit with a diameter of 52 millimeters.
The lens should be available from February 15, 2024 and will change hands for 700 euros.
(Image: OM System)
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