Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II
Announced February 5, 2015
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II is a robust, weather-sealed compact system camera that excels as a versatile all-rounder for travel and general photography. While it provides industry-leading image stabilization and a highly customizable interface, it lacks 4K video and falls behind some competitors in sensor resolution and low-light performance.
Weighted from 31 reviewer scores
Pros
- High-quality electronic viewfinder and articulated screen
- Highly effective 5-axis image stabilization
- Fast autofocus and responsive operation
- Solid, weather-resistant magnesium alloy build
- Extensive physical controls and deep customization options
Cons
- Lower native resolution and high ISO performance compared to larger sensors
- Complex, confusing menu system
- Below average battery life
- Lacks 4K video recording
- Control dials spin too easily and are prone to accidental changes
- Launch price $1,099 (USD)
- Sensor 16.1MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS
- Video 1080p
- Stabilization In-body IS
What the Reviewers Say
All 31 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 81/100
The E-M5 II is a great all-rounder that improves over its well-respected predecessor in almost every respect.
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No two ways about it: If you’re shopping for a capable all-rounder camera that doesn’t skimp on features, and you want a tank-like build without the size and weight of a high-end DSLR, the Olympus E-M5 II should definitely be near the top of your shortlist.
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The Olympus OMD EM5 Mark II is one of the most satisfying all-round cameras I’ve tested to date.
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With its large, bright, high resolution EVF the Mark II is a joy to shoot with. First of all, a disclaimer – I own and use an OM-D E-M5, so I’m naturally inclined to like the Mark II.
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[A] really, really nice decision.
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The O-MD E-M5 Mark II is, without doubt, a worthy successor to the E-M5, and surpasses all of my expectations, providing excellent image quality in a well-built and stylish compact system camera.
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It may look similar to the 3-year-old EM-5, but with a plethora of "under-the-hood" improvements, the new Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II far surpasses that camera, and in some ways the flagship OM-D E-M1 too.
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The Olympus E-M5 Mark II is a compact system camera with a Micro Four-Thirds sensor, and the sequel to 2012’s OM-D E-M5.
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The E-M5 Mark II is one of the best cameras for candid shooting, and certainly the smallest, as long as the lighting is good.
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So maybe it's not the ultimate landscape camera at any price, but it's an excellent landscape camera and probably the best landscape camera under $2,000.
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The OM-D E-M5 Mark II picks up where its Mark I predecessor left off, refining the concept of a DSLR-like – and DSLR-lite – CSC to a finely-polished article.
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The E-M5 Mark II has better weather sealing than most competitors in its class, plus great still photo and HD video quality. A pop-out display, Wi-Fi and compact, versatile design make the Mark II a very solid sequel.
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Of many genres this camera can suit, travel photography is its best application in my opinion. Nearly all its features can come in handy at one point or another during a trip.
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The E-M5 Mark II feels like more of a complete camera and a better all-rounder.
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The E-M5 Mark II is another evolutionary improvement in Olympus’ OM-D line of mirrorless, compact system cameras.
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[T]he OM-D E-M5 Mark II is a responsive camera that doesn’t force the shooter to wait on it.
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The new E-M5II is the latest camera in the Olympus Micro 4/3 lineup and it is quite a powerhouse. Olympus has “done it again” and not sure how they keep innovating but they do.
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Olympus took its sweet old time releasing an upgrade to its original OM-D E-M5, but as some philosopher probably once said, some things in life are worth waiting for.
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The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II is a refinement of its predecessor, improving in many areas while tweaking the interface and slipping on very few aspects.
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The OMD EM5 Mark II goes for $1099 US, and for that amount of money, you really do get an unbelievable product.
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Despite these small niggles, all in all, I love the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark ii and think you will too.
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The new Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II actually feels like an E-M1 being forced into an E-M5 body, with added many high in demand improvements and added features.
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With Olympus recent more aggressive pricing, the E-M5m2 definitely should give one pause before picking up a Canon or Nikon prosumer DSLR. A few of you will decide the Olympus is the better choice for you.
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The EM-5 Mark II is certainly hugely capable as an enthusiast camera for general purpose photography.
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[I]t’s a good all-round choice of entry into M4/3, and despite of all its flaws, the E-M5II in fact delivers rather well on my original usage intention: handheld video for family and casual use, with an occasional still grab.
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I have to admit, I took too long to put this review together.
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For me, that alone combined with up-to-date video capability makes this camera a compelling buy and the most complete micro 4/3 camera made so far.
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[T]he Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II is not the most expensive Micro Four Thirds camera but it is one of the most capable and one of the best all-rounders available in the marketplace today.
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All in all, I think the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II by Olympus is a fantastic camera, so much so that I am actually going to buy one.
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To fully appreciate why the Olympus OM-D EM-5 II is an excellent backpacking camera you have to look at the camera, its excellent lenses and features as a whole.
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[T]he image stabilization on this thing is amazing.
