Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II Review


If you are looking for an “all-rounder” entry-level camera packed with features producing excellent image quality, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 II is the best option.

Hailed for their brilliant features in an affordable package, the Olympus OM-D models were hits since beginning. However, with the launch of E-M10 II camera, Olympus introduced certain newer tricks along with the 5-axis image stabilization technique for better quality and display.

Key Features of Olympus OM-D E-M10 II

The camera has been built with 16.1 million pixel Live MOS sensor. The sensor’s leaving out of the anti-aliasing feature gives way to better image quality and sharpness. It also possesses Olympus’ famous TruePic VII image processor along with a 12-bit lossless compression for RAW files. Although the original kit lens for the Olympus E-M10 was the 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R but its Mark II variant comes with an amazing lens with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ specification as the standard lens.

The camera features a 2.36M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder offering a 100% field of view along with a magnification of 1.23x. This not only enhances the resolution but also enables greater magnification.

This one-of-a-kind camera also features an “AF Targeting Pad” mode that allows you to move the focus according to your wish by just moving your thumb along the LCD without having to remove your eyes off the viewfinder. Isn’t this amazing? Besides, to make the viewfinder function the way better-quality-optical ones do, a new “Stimulated Optical Viewfinder (S-OVF) is featured in the camera. It also offers more dynamic range than the simply optical viewfinders.

With better all-over ergonomics than the previous models, the Mark II variant is indeed a showstopper. It is equipped with a “silent shutter” mode that can be used across the entire continuous and single drive modes including the self timer mode. The electronic shutter offers a speed of 1/16,000 second whereas the mechanical shutter works at a mammoth 1/4000 second.

Other Properties of the Camera

Other features like the Live Time, Live Bulb and Live Composite modes adorn this beautiful camera. Besides, this Mark II variant is also the first in line to have a 4k video lapse mode that is equipped to capture up to 999 frames at 5fps—all these combined into a single 4k video in-camera technology. Sequential or burst shooting speed is a little improved in “high-speed” mode (ranging between 8 fps and 8.5 fps) while the “low-speed” mode allows a maximum of 4 fps with continuous AF active.

The Olympus E-M10 II also features an upgraded video setting. It is now fully equipped to capture full HD (1920×1080) and HD (1280-720) video at a rate of 60p compared to 30p of its predecessors. There is also a new ALL-I compression option with 77Mbps bit rate along with 52, 18 and 30 Mbps IPB options. It also offers a new High Speed movie mode that is capable of capturing VGA videos (640×480) at 120fps.

However, its lack of weather sealing technology makes it second to its predecessors. However, considering the other features, it is indeed a great choice for the starters and photography enthusiasts.

Why You Should Buy Olympus OM-D E-M10 II?

The camera has got all the qualities of a professional grade camera within a decent budget. Loaded with amazing features, it performs nicely in its own class, and provides you with crisp images.

Why You May Not Want to Buy this Camera?

The menu system may confuse some users. Besides, its lack of powerful lens compared to its predecessor along with a below-average battery life may upset some buyers. It may not matter to everyone but please do make an informed decision.

Final Words

Incredible features in a professional grade yet compact body producing classic images may sum up this camera best. If you are looking for a quality entry-level camera, here’s your bait!



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Founder and author at Tho Dia Media, loves photography and travel.