Olympus has revamped its entry-level OM-D mirrorless camera with mod cons inherited from higher-end models and a simultaneous dose of nostalgic styling. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II now boasts 5-axis image stabilization and a large high-res OLED viewfinder, along with a solid all-metal build, and distinctively retro dials and switches.
The E-M10 II is a follow-up to the E-M10, and a little brother to the flagship E-M1 and the E-M5 II, which impressed us earlier this year. While those higher-end cameras are arguably designed to lure DSLR users into the mirrorless fold, this model is aimed more at hobbyists and those who want to upgrade to an interchangeable lens camera from their smartphone or compact. Though that's not to diminish its own considerable photographic clout.
Key specs include a 16.1-megapixel Micro Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) Live MOS sensor paired with the TruePic VII image processor from the E-M1. This combo allows the camera to deliver the goods in a variety of lighting conditions and its ISO range reaches up to ISO 25,600. It's also pretty speedy too, it features an 81-area contrast detection autofocus system, and has burst shooting of up to 8.5 fps (frames per second) for up to 22 RAW frames.
While those details might not sound too different to the original E-M10, there are a number of potentially upgrade-worthy improvements. The main one being the inclusion of Olympus' impressive 5-axis in-body image stabilization system which helps deliver sharp images and smooth video by moving the sensor to counter camera movement. While video recording is now possible at up to Full HD 1080p 60/50 fps, the E-M10 II has unfortunately only gained 4K capabilities in its time-lapse mode.
Around back there's another improvement in the form of a large, more detailed, OLED electronic viewfinder with 2,360k dots. This allows users to compose shots in a more tradition manner, while being able to see the impact of changing settings. Sitting under the EVF is a tiltable 3-inch LCD touchscreen with 1,037k dots which can be used for smartphone-like touch focusing.
The E-M10 II measures 120 x 83 x 47mm (4.7 x 3.3 x 1.9 in) and weighs 390 g (13.8 oz) making it a very compact mirrorless camera, but its all-metal body should make it feel solid too. As with other OM-D cameras, the E-M10 II has a retro design, but ups the ante from its predecessor by boasting chunky metal dials with milled edges and a retro-styled On/Off switch. The dials are now all located on the right of the camera for easier operation.
Built-in Wi-Fi allows easy sharing and remote control via the Olympus OI.Share app on a smartphone. There are a number of accessories available for the camera including an optional quick-release camera grip which could come in handy when shooting with larger lenses, and using a Micro Four Thirds mount means there are plenty of lens options out there.
The Olympus OM- E-M10 II will be available from the end of the month, priced at US$650 body-only, or bundled with a 14-42-mm lens for $800. It will come in all-black or black and silver options.
You can check out a bubble-filled promo video for the OM-D E-M10 II below.
Product page: Olympus OM- E-M10 II
