Price, haha! I got it three weeks ago and still own a Sony full-frame system. Two lenses, chargers, two batteries, and a flash along with the OM-1 MK II cost me about the same as two decent lenses for the Sony full-frame. It's cheap considering what you get for the money, especially compared to the Sony system prices. I am not from the Faroe Islands, but from Denmark, so it's sorta home, at least if you think the other kingdoms of the UK is home as well.
Thank you for this fair and informative review. It seems the pattern now on TH-cam for any new OM System camera to get dumped on by a certain segment of "haters" who dismiss real progress and make criticisms which are both dishonest and unfair. Then, time passes, and reviews come which we should have seen at the product release rationally discussing the true capabilities and features. This happen with the OM-5 which is now being lauded as one of the best travel cameras available (I can concur as I have one), and here you do an excellent job of showing the stunning OM-1 Mk II features. Imagine, we live in an age where MFT cameras are as good or better than any other camera for video or wildlife photography. Too bad it's a dead system (joke!). However, the most important thing you said is that OM System is finding "their people" and building class leading cameras for them rather then make more "do anything" (but nothing exceptionally well) cameras in a market with too many of those already. 99% of the "geniuses" bashing OM System on TH-cam have no understanding of just how brilliant that is. It is what will ensure that OM System thrives where Olympus was floundering. AND, consider that a camera built for the rugged outdoor life is just going to work brilliantly in the rain shooting street photography, or weddings, or whatever, and last longer. Thanks, again.
@@djmouglie Possibly, or probably, in some aspects, but I don't know off-hand which ones they are, and all would be some FF system which has no appeal for me due to it's unnecessarily larger system profile, although such a product may be a good fit for some. Having said that, it still remans that the OM-1 Mk II has the best IBIS in the industry and the most advanced and comprehensive suite of computational photography technology of any camera at any price, and the new Graduated ND filter is unique to this camera. In the larger perspective and as a professional technology manager, advanced tech often has no place to go but deep into the area of diminishing returns: providing smaller improvements in niche areas for every smaller populations. Still, there is much to be said - especially from the stand point of brand building - to having the bragging rights to the "best" or "most advanced" tech. For me, as an avid Olympus shooter, I bristle at the haters who have unfairly dumped on OM System and products like the OM-1 Mk II. I have a couple of OM -1 Mk I's which do more than I need, so I'm waiting for the Mk III 🙂 In the meantime it feels good to see such excellent products receive the recognition they deserve.
Well said. OM System have its audience, quite true. I support the decision to promote it as the worlds outstanding best camera for wild life stills. But it is so much more, its an outstanding camera system for many other profiles. Its in my opinion mot only an excellent street photo camera, its the best military photo camera. Now when it is recognized as the best birding system, it is time to evolve the commercial and functions to make it respected as the best street photo system. To go there, i think of release of upgraded OM-5, E-M10mk4, and super stylish PEN-F2 and PEN-M (PM-3). They (all four) need more body colour style, some better vlogging functions, updated menu system and as much as possible of the OM-1mk2 AF stability. That would reclaime the streets for OM System and for MFT.
Great video. Your experiences matches my experiences. I upgraded from the OM-1 to the OM-1 MkII back in late February . I am glad I did. I love your photos.
This is by far the best review I’ve watched, and I have watched a lot of them. Personally, I decided that instead of upgrading from my OM-1 to the mark II, to downgrade to a E-M1X (not planing to sell my OM-1, just added the E-M1X). Of all cameras I’ve used, the PEN F is still my favorite, and for a long time I’ve been curious about the E-M1X experience to be the most similar in a fast and weather sealed body. By experience I mean how does it feel, and something that I’ve learned over the years, how does it sound matters as well. When got the OM-1 I was super excited about the 50 FPS, but after a while I got tired of ending with so many shots at the end of day (I do birds for the most part). I did set the OM-1 to 25 FPS max, still, shooting mechanical in the E-M1X feels better even at lower rate. At the end of the day the OM-1 is like the modern car. Might be faster, have better performance, get the job done with technology, but missing on the driving experience. I am not saying this is a bad thing at all, and I am sure at some point will end upgrading - most likely to a mark III. I am just making the point that technology and performance quite often comes at the expense of user experience that cannot be measured in hit rate or megapixels.
Thank you for a wonderful review of the camera I’ve just ordered. I’ve watched many TH-cam videos on this camera and your review is by far the best I’ve seen. You explain everything so well, show examples and make it all so understandable. I’m excited to get mine which should be here today.
I've upgraded to mark ii, and really appreciate all the improvements. They don't sound impressive on paper, but once you start using the camera, the whole package really comes together. The G9ii looked really enticing when it came out, but I really can't live without a stacked sensor anymore :D
Thank you for this video. I know you really absolutelly love Lumix, and that gives this video highest credibility. You convinced me that the AF is as good as i hoped. I will probably upgrade this fall. Unfortunatelly I have to make my second repair to the front wheel on my mark 1, and that is also a reason for upgrade.
Fantastic content. I thoroughly enjoy the OM1.2. I agree that the upgrades are significant…just not in all areas. I do find it to be versatile also excelling at landscape, event, and action photography while doing admirable at video. Glad to see OM Systems & Pany are continuing to grow and strengthen m4/3. Cheers
Best OM1 mkii review on TH-cam. You did an amazing job and I can clearly see how you've been improving over the years. You've created an amazing channel. PD: been watching you since you had the Pen F I think it was and the A7 original.
It's embarrassing, but I have the OM-1, a G9 and a G9ii. Thank you for the insights on the OM-1 mk ii. I have been taking the OM-1 and a G9 or G9ii just to have the Lumix 100-400 on a native body. I use the 12-100 F4 on the OM-1 most the time, but just got the 7-14 F2.8 for some extra-wide experimentation. I love the handling of the OM-1. The original G9 is still my favorite handling camera. If the G9ii handled like the G9, I would not even have the OM-1 probably.
It's impressive. My eyeball has been an OM 20mm f1.4 for more than two years but I'm still stuck on the idea of Panasonic bodies for some reason. I need to try my hand at renting one. I've never done this.
I think it's a well done refinement to the ground breaking OM-1 Mk I. The best products are almost never the ("Mk I") versions, but rather the second or third or fourth, etc. models which are enhanced and tweaked to "perfection". Look at the Fuji X100 - it's taken Fuji SIX iterations to final add IBIS. 🙂
Mine has just replaced a Fuji X-H2. I’d been running both systems side by side for a few months and I’ve finally realised I can live without Fuji film sims. I’ve gone from an air show one weekend to camping/hiking in the Lake District the next, and the OM-1.2, with the 12-40 and 40-150 f2.8 duo are just absolutely killing it for me. Lightweight, compact, weather sealed. I’m also really appreciating the 20MB RAW files too!
Fab video. I will stick to the Mark 1 because I am not a birder, but the video was very useful. It also encourages me that Olympus (OM) is giving us genuine upgrades, and that bodes well for the future.
Thank you for your review. This is perhaps the most helpful I've seen. Most reviewers who are not in the system don't really get it and can't really discuss the new features against the mk 1. For those in the system already, we need practical experienced advice as to the real value of the features and you've delivered that in spades. The burst mode BIF looks amazing in its accuracy, and the reorganised AF menus and functionality make so much more sense. I hope that they bring that reorganisation to the mk 1 even though they said the improved human detection won't be offered. Your video and images from the trip look epic, even with (or because of) the conditions. Was that part of an organised tour. If so, what did you think and could you share the details? Cheers, Craig
Thanks Craig so glad you found it helpful! The trip wasn't part of a tour, just me and my dad (who is also a photographer) organised it. I've been to the Faroe Islands twice now, so I thought it might be helpful for people if I make a "photographer's guide" sort of blog post with all my favourite spots. I'm writing it at the moment and it should be on my website soon 😊
Love your videos. ❤ It’s so good to hear that the engineers are making these a little more simple. More camera companies need to relearn themselves the KISS (keep it simple stupid) concept. Nothing wrong with refinement options but most people don’t need the zillion options. We just need it to be in focus haha. 😅
Great real world review. I have just ordered my mk ii as I need that bigger buffer for Procap and the mkii Af in all points active is not as glued to the subject as I would like. Every little helps.
I changed from Canon (an old 7d) to the OM1-mkII I mainly shoot motorsport, and having done a couple of events I can say it works very well, the tracking is very good
16:45 Nikon: hold my beer - and dumps the Nikon Z6III for a measly $100 more than what the OM1II costs. The ONLY thing the OM1 still has over its closest competitors in terms of the wildlife niche is the pro-capture in RAW. I still have the E-M1III, I got tons of Zuiko Pro glass, including the excellent 300mm f4, the 2x converter, the 100-400, 12-100, 25, 8 and all of the non-pro primes. And I would probably choose the Z6III over the OM1II at that price point, accepting the hassle of swapping systems.
Puffins look like they would benefit from somewhat longer wings. I'm still rocking the original OM-D E-M1. I purchased it new something like eleven years ago and I still pick it up waaaay more often than my Canon EOS R. Getting birds in flight, or even birds on a branch can be a challenge, but that's part of the fun. When I get an awesome shot, it's an accomplishment. That said, I'm getting close to committing to an update. The OM-1 Mk II looks really intriguing. I can't imagine pointing a camera at a bird in flight and nailing focus without performing all manner of physical contortions as part of the process. Very cool!
I recently updated from the original OM-D E-M1 to the OM1 mark II. The E-M1 is still a very good camera, but with a lot of quite dated capabilities. The OM1 ‘mark I’ is a lot cheaper, so I did a fair bit of anguishing over spending the extra for what some were asserting was a ‘firmware upgrade’. However there are a few people who did get the mark II to compare, and they all decided the cost of that incremental upgrade was worthwhile. I shoot a lot of airsoft, which is people with eye-protection and often full masks. The OM1 mark II tracks them quite well, and AF is much snappier than the E-M1. It’s much easier to use for this type of shooting. (I had moved to using a Lumix ‘superzoom’ instead of the E-M1 as the additional weight and awkwardness wasn’t worthwhile for the technically better shots.) It’s not a cheap purchase, and there are now 135 format systems for around the same cost, as well as the GH7 if you are into video. Best to evaluate what you want to do then decide if it’s worthwhile. If you do shoot a lot of birds or other moving subjects, then it’s probably one of if not the best of options right now.
@@boggisthecat In addition to my Olympus gear, I also own a Canon system built around the EOS R. It's a nice camera but for most situations, I prefer the much older and dated OM-D E-M1. In good light, my experience has been that the much newer 35mm sized sensor of the EOS R offers no real quality advantages. Even in low light, given the way I shoot, I have found the Olympus to be a better performer. Now, if you were hand holding low light shots and relying primarily on ISO (signal amplification) then the larger sensor in the EOS R would have the advantage. However, when I shoot in low light, it is generally very low light and I'm using a tripod with long exposures. In those cases, I will keep the Olympus at ISO 200, or maybe as high as 1600, and the same with the Canon. Exposures for my work can range up to 30 seconds on both cameras. In those situations, I actually get cleaner images from the Olympus. The EOS R, or my copy at least, is prone to excessive sensor noise in the form of hot pixels, and yes, I have tried to map those, etc., etc. but to no real avail. So, basically, except for bokeh at specific fields of view, I don't see any value driven advantage in the larger and heavier 135 type kit. Those cameras and lenses are certainly much more expensive. So, while, like most, I keep looking at other options, when all is said and done, I invariably come back to m43rds and what is the best option in that format.
@@yukonchris The big advantage of MicroFT (as with FT, but more so) is the smaller and lighter overall system. Weather sealing is also something that most competitors are still lagging behind on. I don’t have a 135 size sensor system to compare to, but would assume that something highly controlled such as studio work would be where you would realise some of the theoretical two-stop advantage. There are also higher pixel count sensors, if that gives an advantage. (People claim this is good for cropping, although if you crop down to around FT size then you just threw out the 135 advantage.)
I thought this camera was so ridiculous. Then I start looking at the actual specs and speed and it makes a lot of sense for people that want to do high speed and long reach. Like if you take pictures of racing, planes, some sports where really high fps is preferred and rolling shutter is a problem. It is trying to compete with other stacked sensor cameras, and those are definitely more expensive.
GND Filter is the big upgrade on this camera, which will benefit landscape photographers. As a bird photographer, I have never felt my OM-1 mk 1 lacking in any area and therefore won't be upgrading.
How are you finding the tg7? I bought one recently! I loved the original tg1 back in the day... always wanted to pick another up, but I'm just not gelling with it yet. Are you a fan?
16:32 Why does that bird have a white moustache? I'm not sure how it was in your market, or at the time of this video, but I can currently pick up the mk1 on sale for 45% less than the mk2. That seems quite ridiculous. It's almost half the price! Is the choice even a question on those figures?
Excellent video, thank you. I’m one of those fairly long time Olympus/users that doesn’t shoot birds, landscape or nature and get quite frustrated at having to watch yet another bird video to find out more about a camera or lens (except this video of course). I’m interested in the human tracking for sport. Do you think it would effectively track a rugby player, for example? You’ve made me think about the Lumix. Does that have good weather proofing too? Thanks again.
Nice and well explained, thank you. Photographing mostly butterfly's and insects ( Older OM1 with 300mm +/- TC1.4). For insects flying off from flowers I'm using procapture SH2 and using birth detection and seems to work. But would it be better just to use C-AF + tracking ? Think butterfly's are even more erratic compared to puffins...difficult subjects
Saved my $$$ for a possible OM5 (mark2) or similar with all the things OM left out.. I’ll give it until Christmas 2024 or I’ll buy a Canon R8 body only with a 35-Micro lens Greg
Great camera, zuiko pro Lens are great as well, still have my Em1 M3 but this one is making eyes at me, at 2000€ it will ok. Waiting for next Pen f also
Wonderful review as always. But i do wonder what the FUTURE of MFT is when they have full frame body sizes and full.frame sized zoom lenses? I used To have a gx9. It was small and fun and the lenses were small and light ( if not fast or sharp). But it was "pocketable". That's why I, and most early adopters, loved mft.
I love they are making big high spec cameras but they should still make the smaller ones. Luckily I have a GX9 for when I want to go small I think m43 users want the best of both worlds and it will be tough to get people into the system if they stop making the likes of the OM5
My sense is that while the OM1ii is marketed as a wildlife camera, it actually does a lot of things really well. In that respect, it is rather like the G9ii. If you like the M43 system, either could be a great choice. For those who do occasional video, but care less about wildlife, the G9ii may be the better choice. However, if you like to do occasional wildlife, but care less about video, the Om1ii may be the better choice.
Excellent video. I still find myself conflicted on the upgrade path from my G9 - I want to eke out every scrap of performance in my wildlife photography, but I also do a lot of travel and people-y type photography - family events, holidays, the occasional wedding, protest marches, gigs and shows etc. Still lots to mull. A question for you if you wouldn't mind, Emily - you've naturally focussed a lot on birds in this video, given your shooting location - would you say that OM's subject detection is much better than Panasonic's (as in G9 II, GH7) when it comes to mammals too?
For mammals, I think they're very very similar in performance. I took the g9ii and the original om1 to Kenya and honestly, they both did me so proud with the larger animals. I think an important difference is the g9ii has "animal" detection (which covers everything including birds) and the om1ii has "bird" and "animal" so they've definitely got some bird-specific tweaks in that camera! For larger animals both will be excellent 👌
@@MicroFourNerds much appreciated Emily, thank you. I do recall your Kenya videos, and that you got some fantastic shots while you were there. I actually wonder whether a unified subject detection mode (as in the Panasonic bodies) might suit better in a safari environment - being as one might be shooting a tiger one moment and a bird the next. Thanks again 👍
Is there any way to have the "super menu" come up in "list format" on the right side of the screen so you can simply scroll down through it? That's how my Olympus Styles menu works and I really like that.
Looking forward to the comparison vid as someone who is “peeking over the fence”. 2 questions, which will probably be covered in that vid. 1. Is the upgraded evf on the OM1 mkii much better than G9ii? 2. How do jpgs compare, as I’m not really into spending time shooting raw and doing post processing. Cheers!
I don't actually cover the evf in that video, to my eye they both look great! For just jpegs, hmmm... pros and cons to both I guess. I love the Olympus/OM System colours straight out of camera (all the bird photos etc in the video have literally just been slightly tweaked with a bit of contrast, opening shadows, etc. Very minimal!) the G9ii has Real Time LUT, so if you did want to edit "in camera" you can do that with that camera. Plus, the G9ii has dynamic range boost, so very pleasing and clean images too
Thank you..very well done! Perhaps some of the AF improvements will make it to the original OM1 firmware update promised for this fall. Curious where you would rank this camera overall now (in your ranking video of a few months ago you had it at the bottom)? OM 1 level or a bit above? Last, yes I’ve heard Puffins can be sneaky!
I think now I've tried it properly, and can see the upgrades in real life, I was definitely a bit too harsh in my original ranking! Like you, i really wish a lot of these updates will trickle down to the OM1. The mkii is definitely above the om1 now in that tier list.
Looks like a significant step up, with that bigger buffer and fancier high-res mode. But it's the improved AF that would be the big advantage. Maybe that will come as a firmware upgrade for first-gen OM-1 owners, before 2025 is out? .
I think the OM-1 II is a big step out of that wild life niche, since it includes human subject detection. Most photographs involve humans. Beside that the S-AF should be more reliable. I would be really interested in a human eye focus photo shot out between OM-1 II and G9 Ii.
Nice review! I wished that OM system were able to make a "full frame" camera in this small body. Then pretty much would be game over for the rest of the camera. But I know for some 20.4MP might be enough, but I always find having more MP is better to work with, and also, when I pixel peep, there is a huge difference in IQ from 20.4MP to 60MP, not just the size but overall the picture looks more sharp and better. I use a professional 4K calibrated monitor and the difference is alot. I currently use the EM1-Mark III, I love the camera, to me blows everything away the IBIS is fantastic, features and all the bells and whistles I think its time that OM should give us a higher MP camera.
@@torgeirhansson1096 Yes I do understand that, but quality on those are not very high quality anyways, even billboards. No matter what case might be, there is no printer that can print the same quality as shot with the camera. If you look closely in any magazine or billboard you can even see the individual pixels with a naked eye, that is not the case with high quality monitors or displays. Its like saying 1080p is enough for content, while it might be enough for most, nothing compares to a 4K or 8K, there is a big difference. Like I said, not just in croping wise, but in IQ.
They do have it on the 12-100 F/4 by the way - in lens stabilisation I mean. Really enjoyed this. Are you coming on the Manchester photo walk on Saturday with AW?
Interested in your experience with the files from the OM-1ii vs the GH9II, in terms of high ISO and dynamic range. Shooting small forest birds often requires high ISO and quite a bit of cropping. Wonder if the larger file and dynamic-range technology in the GH9II is better in that regard than the OM-1ii.
After 4 years with the em1 mk2, i bought the om1 as i expected a real upgrade.. As a long exposure shooter, i expected to use the Live Nd… but they are limited to 60 sec, as the high res. I wanted the files to be more flexible in post… they were not… Had to switch to FF… unfortunately..
I'm so tempted to buy this one, but I'm afraid to make the leap! It's the absolute most I'm willing to spend on a body. I really want one with good video as well, and I'm disappointed to hear you say it's not the best, but ANYTHING is going to be better than my D7200 for video.
Thanks for this. I really appreciate your perspective. What I'd really like to see from OMDS is an OM-5 MkII with 10-bit 4K and updated weather-sealed 1.8 primes.
I am racking my brain here. I don’t shoot video and I feel I just bought the z6iii wasting my money and should have kept my and maybe have kept my OM-1 with the 40-150, 12-40. I now have the NIKKOR 180-600, 24-120, and the 105. I just felt I was missing something with my Micro4/3. All of my pictures seemed soft when comparing to FF pictures. I guess I pixel peeped too much (which I guess was a habit I picked up from watching too many TH-cam videos. But really, shouldn’t the m4/3’s pictures be just as sharp and crisp as FF? I do shoot wildlife, I shoot landscape, and I do shoot macro. so I’m your honest opinion, should I trade my z6iii back to the OM-1? Or just keep the Z6iii and get used to it? I’m no professional, but I do love to print and I do love to post my pictures. Help me make up my mind
I have a few Olympus pro lenses and they are as sharp as the two full frame lenses I own and probably a little sharper. I don't think the sensor makes the difference, it's down to the lens. I don't think you get much sharper than the 300mm F4 although the 180-600 is incredible and probably it's equal. I don't really understand it because the lenses you had were very good.
Awesome video. I'm sold on this camera for wildlife & birds. I also shoot family parties indoor and outdoor, but don't want 2 different camera bodies and especially don't want to different camera brands. Does this camera do well with people photos?
I'm just hoping for the battery, menu, USB c upgrades to trickle down. Really love the idea of the om5, but want those updates and really don't wanna spend 2k for the om1 and have the larger shape
I have an EM1 III that I bought for $1300 a few years ago. I would be interested in upgrading, but the pricing for the new OM cameras is too expensive for a hobbyist like myself, i.e. OM1 II is $2400 on B&H right now. Sad the Pen-F is apparently abandoned - would've liked a new version to replace my old Em5 II with damaged sensor.
Excellent review Emily. I have been a loyal Lumix user for 15+ years, however, for those of us who are primarily landscape, nature, wildlife and macro photographers, IMO the G9ii was a huge let down. Not only was the OG G9 body near perfect, but the mark ii does not seem include the useful computational feature the OM-1 ii has (live composite, GND etc.) nor does it seem to have focus bracketing with flash. Looking forward to your detailed comparison for the G9ii vs the OM1ii. As its stands, if I do upgrade from my OG G9, it will probably be to an OM systems camera.
great review! I'm not into birds.. however.. does anyone know if this camera is good for photographing a figure skater with a long lens? I need to capture my daughter - my current OMD EM1 has terrible autofocus - half the frames are out of focus.
It looks that way doesn't it! It was so windy it landed backwards - so funny. There's one in the background that takes off the normal way just after haha it's such a weird clip!
Thanks Emily. Just a doubt on this bird-focused marketing OM is doing: what happens when light starts to fall off? Asking as I assume that’s when the sensor hits its (theoretical) limits, and I’m afraid they’re pushing the (half-)wrong niche. This is the perfect camera for reportage, in dynamic and tough environmental situations, where you don’t need to freeze the motion at 1/1000s or so and still get away with it even in very low light. A future smaller sibling will be perfect for travel+street… I understand finding a niche, but focusing ALL the marketing around that is giving the wrong message imho.
Hey Emily, A few years ago, I made the mistake of buying a GH5M2. I came from a G85 and had always admired the GH5, especially because of everything I had seen on TH-cam about the original GH5 over the years. The problem is, I think I got it wrong... I'm an enthusiast who occasionally does paid work, and I mostly take portraits of ballet dancers, circus acts, fitness, crossfit events , and that kind of "sports" events, and very little video... Even though it's a big expense that's hard to justify, I've sometimes thought about switching my GH5M2 for an OM-1, OM-1M2 or a G9M2. It's not that I've had problems with the AF, but I suppose a reliable eye-tracking AF would make things easier for me... What do you think? Is it worth the switch? What do you recommend? Thanks in advance!
Yes I think for your needs, the gh5m2 is probably a bit too video-centric! The original OM1 would be a good option, and it's quite small too. The g9ii would also work great if you like the Lumix menus etc, it'll be very similar to your existing camera 😊
For this stuff I've been really quite lazy and not even applied a LUT, I couldn't get it to look nice like you say. I just ramped up saturation and contrast, and played with the tone curves a bit. Looks OK I think!! But I much prefer Lumix V-log for colour grading
The in body stacking is very very hand with high flash sync rates, speed of processing and versatility of settings. You can get shots that become excellent rather than just very good, but it won't be a massive massive jump on existing stacking. This is on my om1 mki experience. But the other often ignored element for macro is the hand held hi res mode. If you're happy with your dof then you can get a super clean hi res composite shot that opens up other possibilities.
The G9ii vs Om1ii video is online now, watch it next here!
th-cam.com/video/6VRB6sXYFAc/w-d-xo.htmlsi=MOLwNxvLnozdmIDk
Price, haha! I got it three weeks ago and still own a Sony full-frame system. Two lenses, chargers, two batteries, and a flash along with the OM-1 MK II cost me about the same as two decent lenses for the Sony full-frame. It's cheap considering what you get for the money, especially compared to the Sony system prices.
I am not from the Faroe Islands, but from Denmark, so it's sorta home, at least if you think the other kingdoms of the UK is home as well.
TWO SECONDS into this video and I’m already laughing because of the body cap lens! Never change Emily, you absolute nutter! ❤
😂
the 9mm BCL is one of my fave lens.
😄
Thank you for this fair and informative review. It seems the pattern now on TH-cam for any new OM System camera to get dumped on by a certain segment of "haters" who dismiss real progress and make criticisms which are both dishonest and unfair. Then, time passes, and reviews come which we should have seen at the product release rationally discussing the true capabilities and features. This happen with the OM-5 which is now being lauded as one of the best travel cameras available (I can concur as I have one), and here you do an excellent job of showing the stunning OM-1 Mk II features.
Imagine, we live in an age where MFT cameras are as good or better than any other camera for video or wildlife photography. Too bad it's a dead system (joke!). However, the most important thing you said is that OM System is finding "their people" and building class leading cameras for them rather then make more "do anything" (but nothing exceptionally well) cameras in a market with too many of those already. 99% of the "geniuses" bashing OM System on TH-cam have no understanding of just how brilliant that is. It is what will ensure that OM System thrives where Olympus was floundering. AND, consider that a camera built for the rugged outdoor life is just going to work brilliantly in the rain shooting street photography, or weddings, or whatever, and last longer. Thanks, again.
Well said!!!
Well she said it was the best at that price point.. and that is true. But if money is no object I think you can find better in other systems.
@@djmouglie Possibly, or probably, in some aspects, but I don't know off-hand which ones they are, and all would be some FF system which has no appeal for me due to it's unnecessarily larger system profile, although such a product may be a good fit for some. Having said that, it still remans that the OM-1 Mk II has the best IBIS in the industry and the most advanced and comprehensive suite of computational photography technology of any camera at any price, and the new Graduated ND filter is unique to this camera. In the larger perspective and as a professional technology manager, advanced tech often has no place to go but deep into the area of diminishing returns: providing smaller improvements in niche areas for every smaller populations. Still, there is much to be said - especially from the stand point of brand building - to having the bragging rights to the "best" or "most advanced" tech. For me, as an avid Olympus shooter, I bristle at the haters who have unfairly dumped on OM System and products like the OM-1 Mk II. I have a couple of OM -1 Mk I's which do more than I need, so I'm waiting for the Mk III 🙂 In the meantime it feels good to see such excellent products receive the recognition they deserve.
@@djmouglie Name those systems.
Well said. OM System have its audience, quite true.
I support the decision to promote it as the worlds outstanding best camera for wild life stills. But it is so much more, its an outstanding camera system for many other profiles. Its in my opinion mot only an excellent street photo camera, its the best military photo camera. Now when it is recognized as the best birding system, it is time to evolve the commercial and functions to make it respected as the best street photo system. To go there, i think of release of upgraded OM-5, E-M10mk4, and super stylish PEN-F2 and PEN-M (PM-3). They (all four) need more body colour style, some better vlogging functions, updated menu system and as much as possible of the OM-1mk2 AF stability.
That would reclaime the streets for OM System and for MFT.
I love your honesty. You're entertaining with great information, a breath of fresh air.
Thanks so much 😊
Great video. Your experiences matches my experiences. I upgraded from the OM-1 to the OM-1 MkII back in late February . I am glad I did.
I love your photos.
Better than the review is the images you take, FANTASTIC!!! Keep MFT alive
This is by far the best review I’ve watched, and I have watched a lot of them. Personally, I decided that instead of upgrading from my OM-1 to the mark II, to downgrade to a E-M1X (not planing to sell my OM-1, just added the E-M1X). Of all cameras I’ve used, the PEN F is still my favorite, and for a long time I’ve been curious about the E-M1X experience to be the most similar in a fast and weather sealed body. By experience I mean how does it feel, and something that I’ve learned over the years, how does it sound matters as well. When got the OM-1 I was super excited about the 50 FPS, but after a while I got tired of ending with so many shots at the end of day (I do birds for the most part). I did set the OM-1 to 25 FPS max, still, shooting mechanical in the E-M1X feels better even at lower rate.
At the end of the day the OM-1 is like the modern car. Might be faster, have better performance, get the job done with technology, but missing on the driving experience. I am not saying this is a bad thing at all, and I am sure at some point will end upgrading - most likely to a mark III. I am just making the point that technology and performance quite often comes at the expense of user experience that cannot be measured in hit rate or megapixels.
I've been curious about the E-M1X as well...some excellent used copies now below $800 at MPB.
It's a tank.
LOL "It's a crime against anyone with eyes. It makes babies cry". This almost made me spit out my coffee. Love it! haha Great review btw!
This was a fantastic review, but even more than that; goddamn these shots were incredible. WOW.
Thank you for a wonderful review of the camera I’ve just ordered. I’ve watched many TH-cam videos on this camera and your review is by far the best I’ve seen. You explain everything so well, show examples and make it all so understandable. I’m excited to get mine which should be here today.
Thanks so much! Aaah hope you love it, it's a fantastic camera ☺️
I really like your honest videos. Thanks.
I've upgraded to mark ii, and really appreciate all the improvements. They don't sound impressive on paper, but once you start using the camera, the whole package really comes together.
The G9ii looked really enticing when it came out, but I really can't live without a stacked sensor anymore :D
Great video and wise thoughts 🎉🎉🎉 And thanks for pronouncing Aitch correctly! Your American and South of England fans really appreciate this 😅
Thank you for this video. I know you really absolutelly love Lumix, and that gives this video highest credibility. You convinced me that the AF is as good as i hoped. I will probably upgrade this fall. Unfortunatelly I have to make my second repair to the front wheel on my mark 1, and that is also a reason for upgrade.
Thanks
9:20 Holy Maccoroni what a shot. NIce Video and lots of Puffin Love :D
I totally agree with you regarding the menu,thanks
Fantastic content. I thoroughly enjoy the OM1.2. I agree that the upgrades are significant…just not in all areas. I do find it to be versatile also excelling at landscape, event, and action photography while doing admirable at video. Glad to see OM Systems & Pany are continuing to grow and strengthen m4/3. Cheers
Emily, great review video as always. Very informative.
The puffin pics were lovely!
Some incredible shots in this video. Really great photos
Best OM1 mkii review on TH-cam. You did an amazing job and I can clearly see how you've been improving over the years. You've created an amazing channel.
PD: been watching you since you had the Pen F I think it was and the A7 original.
Ah amazing! Thanks so much ☺️
It's embarrassing, but I have the OM-1, a G9 and a G9ii. Thank you for the insights on the OM-1 mk ii. I have been taking the OM-1 and a G9 or G9ii just to have the Lumix 100-400 on a native body. I use the 12-100 F4 on the OM-1 most the time, but just got the 7-14 F2.8 for some extra-wide experimentation. I love the handling of the OM-1. The original G9 is still my favorite handling camera. If the G9ii handled like the G9, I would not even have the OM-1 probably.
So what do you think of the om1ii? Lots more videos to come from this trip!
It's impressive. My eyeball has been an OM 20mm f1.4 for more than two years but I'm still stuck on the idea of Panasonic bodies for some reason. I need to try my hand at renting one. I've never done this.
My progression has been em10 iii, em1 ii, om-5 now g9ii bought during trade in special best bang for buck.
Love my OM-1. Very versatile. I'll upgrade eventually.
I think it's a well done refinement to the ground breaking OM-1 Mk I. The best products are almost never the ("Mk I") versions, but rather the second or third or fourth, etc. models which are enhanced and tweaked to "perfection". Look at the Fuji X100 - it's taken Fuji SIX iterations to final add IBIS. 🙂
Mine has just replaced a Fuji X-H2. I’d been running both systems side by side for a few months and I’ve finally realised I can live without Fuji film sims. I’ve gone from an air show one weekend to camping/hiking in the Lake District the next, and the OM-1.2, with the 12-40 and 40-150 f2.8 duo are just absolutely killing it for me. Lightweight, compact, weather sealed.
I’m also really appreciating the 20MB RAW files too!
Fab video. I will stick to the Mark 1 because I am not a birder, but the video was very useful. It also encourages me that Olympus (OM) is giving us genuine upgrades, and that bodes well for the future.
Excellent video, as always 🙌
Thank you for your review. This is perhaps the most helpful I've seen. Most reviewers who are not in the system don't really get it and can't really discuss the new features against the mk 1. For those in the system already, we need practical experienced advice as to the real value of the features and you've delivered that in spades. The burst mode BIF looks amazing in its accuracy, and the reorganised AF menus and functionality make so much more sense. I hope that they bring that reorganisation to the mk 1 even though they said the improved human detection won't be offered.
Your video and images from the trip look epic, even with (or because of) the conditions. Was that part of an organised tour. If so, what did you think and could you share the details?
Cheers,
Craig
Thanks Craig so glad you found it helpful! The trip wasn't part of a tour, just me and my dad (who is also a photographer) organised it. I've been to the Faroe Islands twice now, so I thought it might be helpful for people if I make a "photographer's guide" sort of blog post with all my favourite spots. I'm writing it at the moment and it should be on my website soon 😊
@@MicroFourNerds Hi Emily,
Thanks for the info. The Faroe Islands look like an amazing destination, from the few videos I've seen.
Cheers,
Craig
Emily is an outstanding photographer as well as a throughly entertaining and inspired communicator.
Fantastic Shots!
Love your videos. ❤ It’s so good to hear that the engineers are making these a little more simple. More camera companies need to relearn themselves the KISS (keep it simple stupid) concept. Nothing wrong with refinement options but most people don’t need the zillion options. We just need it to be in focus haha. 😅
Top quality review. Amazing!!
The images in this video are absolutely insane! Also I don't think I've ever seen burst mode AF to ever have that high of a success rate, also insane!
It's mad isn't it?! When I followed the puffin out to sea and it was still tracking I was shouting "are you kidding?!" to my dad beside me 😂
Hi Emily. What a fun and informative video. I loved your presentation. I will give you a thumbs up and subscribe.
Great real world review. I have just ordered my mk ii as I need that bigger buffer for Procap and the mkii Af in all points active is not as glued to the subject as I would like. Every little helps.
I changed from Canon (an old 7d) to the OM1-mkII I mainly shoot motorsport, and having done a couple of events I can say it works very well, the tracking is very good
Good review, thanks a lot.
Great review as always! Also, the cut to "hat continuity" made me literally lol 😂
Nice review and some great photos!
Big White is a beautiful piece of lens engineering.
Incredible photos! Subscribed
Informative and balanced review Emily.
I intend to buy the OM-1 without doubt...but in about 10 years. I'm still rocking the E-M10 IIIs, so I'm a little behind the time 😅
Actually I just bought it thanks to your Video❤
Beautiful shots and footage !!!
Very good and useful review. Thank you!
All I want is a Pen F II with a 20MP BSI stack sensor. Is that so difficult to ask for, OM Systems?
16:45 Nikon: hold my beer - and dumps the Nikon Z6III for a measly $100 more than what the OM1II costs. The ONLY thing the OM1 still has over its closest competitors in terms of the wildlife niche is the pro-capture in RAW. I still have the E-M1III, I got tons of Zuiko Pro glass, including the excellent 300mm f4, the 2x converter, the 100-400, 12-100, 25, 8 and all of the non-pro primes. And I would probably choose the Z6III over the OM1II at that price point, accepting the hassle of swapping systems.
Puffins look like they would benefit from somewhat longer wings. I'm still rocking the original OM-D E-M1. I purchased it new something like eleven years ago and I still pick it up waaaay more often than my Canon EOS R. Getting birds in flight, or even birds on a branch can be a challenge, but that's part of the fun. When I get an awesome shot, it's an accomplishment. That said, I'm getting close to committing to an update. The OM-1 Mk II looks really intriguing. I can't imagine pointing a camera at a bird in flight and nailing focus without performing all manner of physical contortions as part of the process. Very cool!
You're so right about the wings - they sound like little helicopters. So badly designed animals 😂
I recently updated from the original OM-D E-M1 to the OM1 mark II. The E-M1 is still a very good camera, but with a lot of quite dated capabilities. The OM1 ‘mark I’ is a lot cheaper, so I did a fair bit of anguishing over spending the extra for what some were asserting was a ‘firmware upgrade’. However there are a few people who did get the mark II to compare, and they all decided the cost of that incremental upgrade was worthwhile.
I shoot a lot of airsoft, which is people with eye-protection and often full masks. The OM1 mark II tracks them quite well, and AF is much snappier than the E-M1. It’s much easier to use for this type of shooting. (I had moved to using a Lumix ‘superzoom’ instead of the E-M1 as the additional weight and awkwardness wasn’t worthwhile for the technically better shots.)
It’s not a cheap purchase, and there are now 135 format systems for around the same cost, as well as the GH7 if you are into video. Best to evaluate what you want to do then decide if it’s worthwhile. If you do shoot a lot of birds or other moving subjects, then it’s probably one of if not the best of options right now.
@@boggisthecat In addition to my Olympus gear, I also own a Canon system built around the EOS R. It's a nice camera but for most situations, I prefer the much older and dated OM-D E-M1. In good light, my experience has been that the much newer 35mm sized sensor of the EOS R offers no real quality advantages. Even in low light, given the way I shoot, I have found the Olympus to be a better performer. Now, if you were hand holding low light shots and relying primarily on ISO (signal amplification) then the larger sensor in the EOS R would have the advantage. However, when I shoot in low light, it is generally very low light and I'm using a tripod with long exposures. In those cases, I will keep the Olympus at ISO 200, or maybe as high as 1600, and the same with the Canon. Exposures for my work can range up to 30 seconds on both cameras. In those situations, I actually get cleaner images from the Olympus. The EOS R, or my copy at least, is prone to excessive sensor noise in the form of hot pixels, and yes, I have tried to map those, etc., etc. but to no real avail.
So, basically, except for bokeh at specific fields of view, I don't see any value driven advantage in the larger and heavier 135 type kit. Those cameras and lenses are certainly much more expensive. So, while, like most, I keep looking at other options, when all is said and done, I invariably come back to m43rds and what is the best option in that format.
@@yukonchris
The big advantage of MicroFT (as with FT, but more so) is the smaller and lighter overall system. Weather sealing is also something that most competitors are still lagging behind on.
I don’t have a 135 size sensor system to compare to, but would assume that something highly controlled such as studio work would be where you would realise some of the theoretical two-stop advantage. There are also higher pixel count sensors, if that gives an advantage. (People claim this is good for cropping, although if you crop down to around FT size then you just threw out the 135 advantage.)
Always such good reviews from photographers using multiple bodies / brands etc. Make conclusions much more credible.
I thought this camera was so ridiculous. Then I start looking at the actual specs and speed and it makes a lot of sense for people that want to do high speed and long reach. Like if you take pictures of racing, planes, some sports where really high fps is preferred and rolling shutter is a problem. It is trying to compete with other stacked sensor cameras, and those are definitely more expensive.
GND Filter is the big upgrade on this camera, which will benefit landscape photographers.
As a bird photographer, I have never felt my OM-1 mk 1 lacking in any area and therefore won't be upgrading.
Blooming heck! Those birds shots are incredible - and that AF performance is impressive. Also - Osmo as your talking head cam?
Yes! For most of this trip actually, I'm in love haha
Great video! I have been looking for a review from someone who is primarily a Panny user.
Brilliantly described, thax
I had the same initial opinion with the TG-7 where it felt like they just added USB-C to the TG-6. Have a great weekend.
How are you finding the tg7? I bought one recently! I loved the original tg1 back in the day... always wanted to pick another up, but I'm just not gelling with it yet. Are you a fan?
Love my TG-7. Lots of untapped potential. Great everyday rugged carry. Modern post processing tools makes it even better. I like DXO PhotoLab 7.
16:32 Why does that bird have a white moustache?
I'm not sure how it was in your market, or at the time of this video, but I can currently pick up the mk1 on sale for 45% less than the mk2. That seems quite ridiculous. It's almost half the price! Is the choice even a question on those figures?
Excellent video, thank you. I’m one of those fairly long time Olympus/users that doesn’t shoot birds, landscape or nature and get quite frustrated at having to watch yet another bird video to find out more about a camera or lens (except this video of course). I’m interested in the human tracking for sport. Do you think it would effectively track a rugby player, for example? You’ve made me think about the Lumix. Does that have good weather proofing too? Thanks again.
I have a lot invested in Canon so not looking to jump ship. Hoping they make the R7 Mk II similar to OM1 Mk II, but will have to wait and see.
Nice and well explained, thank you.
Photographing mostly butterfly's and insects ( Older OM1 with 300mm +/- TC1.4). For insects flying off from flowers I'm using procapture SH2 and using birth detection and seems to work. But would it be better just to use C-AF + tracking ?
Think butterfly's are even more erratic compared to puffins...difficult subjects
Saved my $$$ for a possible OM5 (mark2) or similar with all the things OM left out.. I’ll give it until Christmas 2024 or I’ll buy a Canon R8 body only with a 35-Micro lens
Greg
That seems a very specific use case
Great camera, zuiko pro Lens are great as well, still have my Em1 M3 but this one is making eyes at me, at 2000€ it will ok. Waiting for next Pen f also
Is there a FW update for the Mk1 which already adds some of the menu options of the Mk2?
Wonderful review as always. But i do wonder what the FUTURE of MFT is when they have full frame body sizes and full.frame sized zoom lenses? I used
To have a gx9. It was small and fun and the lenses were small and light ( if not fast or sharp). But it was "pocketable". That's why I, and most early adopters, loved mft.
I love they are making big high spec cameras but they should still make the smaller ones.
Luckily I have a GX9 for when I want to go small
I think m43 users want the best of both worlds and it will be tough to get people into the system if they stop making the likes of the OM5
My sense is that while the OM1ii is marketed as a wildlife camera, it actually does a lot of things really well. In that respect, it is rather like the G9ii. If you like the M43 system, either could be a great choice. For those who do occasional video, but care less about wildlife, the G9ii may be the better choice. However, if you like to do occasional wildlife, but care less about video, the Om1ii may be the better choice.
Excellent video. I still find myself conflicted on the upgrade path from my G9 - I want to eke out every scrap of performance in my wildlife photography, but I also do a lot of travel and people-y type photography - family events, holidays, the occasional wedding, protest marches, gigs and shows etc.
Still lots to mull. A question for you if you wouldn't mind, Emily - you've naturally focussed a lot on birds in this video, given your shooting location - would you say that OM's subject detection is much better than Panasonic's (as in G9 II, GH7) when it comes to mammals too?
For mammals, I think they're very very similar in performance. I took the g9ii and the original om1 to Kenya and honestly, they both did me so proud with the larger animals.
I think an important difference is the g9ii has "animal" detection (which covers everything including birds) and the om1ii has "bird" and "animal" so they've definitely got some bird-specific tweaks in that camera! For larger animals both will be excellent 👌
@@MicroFourNerds much appreciated Emily, thank you. I do recall your Kenya videos, and that you got some fantastic shots while you were there.
I actually wonder whether a unified subject detection mode (as in the Panasonic bodies) might suit better in a safari environment - being as one might be shooting a tiger one moment and a bird the next.
Thanks again 👍
Is there any way to have the "super menu" come up in "list format" on the right side of the screen so you can simply scroll down through it? That's how my Olympus Styles menu works and I really like that.
Looking forward to the comparison vid as someone who is “peeking over the fence”. 2 questions, which will probably be covered in that vid. 1. Is the upgraded evf on the OM1 mkii much better than G9ii? 2. How do jpgs compare, as I’m not really into spending time shooting raw and doing post processing. Cheers!
I don't actually cover the evf in that video, to my eye they both look great! For just jpegs, hmmm... pros and cons to both I guess. I love the Olympus/OM System colours straight out of camera (all the bird photos etc in the video have literally just been slightly tweaked with a bit of contrast, opening shadows, etc. Very minimal!)
the G9ii has Real Time LUT, so if you did want to edit "in camera" you can do that with that camera. Plus, the G9ii has dynamic range boost, so very pleasing and clean images too
The price is USD1,900 at the moment. I bought one now as an upgrade companion to my E-M1III.
Thank you..very well done! Perhaps some of the AF improvements will make it to the original OM1 firmware update promised for this fall. Curious where you would rank this camera overall now (in your ranking video of a few months ago you had it at the bottom)? OM 1 level or a bit above? Last, yes I’ve heard Puffins can be sneaky!
I think now I've tried it properly, and can see the upgrades in real life, I was definitely a bit too harsh in my original ranking! Like you, i really wish a lot of these updates will trickle down to the OM1. The mkii is definitely above the om1 now in that tier list.
@@MicroFourNerdsnoted…btw I thought the 8 bit here looked fine. Preferred in second example, but that was a slightly different angle.
Looks like a significant step up, with that bigger buffer and fancier high-res mode. But it's the improved AF that would be the big advantage. Maybe that will come as a firmware upgrade for first-gen OM-1 owners, before 2025 is out? .
I have a hunch the boosted processing power might be responsible for it, though it would be a wonderful gesture for existing OM shooters! 🤞
I think the OM-1 II is a big step out of that wild life niche, since it includes human subject detection. Most photographs involve humans. Beside that the S-AF should be more reliable.
I would be really interested in a human eye focus photo shot out between OM-1 II and G9 Ii.
Nice review! I wished that OM system were able to make a "full frame" camera in this small body. Then pretty much would be game over
for the rest of the camera. But I know for some 20.4MP might be enough, but I always find having more MP is better to work with, and
also, when I pixel peep, there is a huge difference in IQ from 20.4MP to 60MP, not just the size but overall the picture looks more sharp
and better. I use a professional 4K calibrated monitor and the difference is alot.
I currently use the EM1-Mark III, I love the camera, to me blows everything away the IBIS is fantastic, features and all the bells and whistles
I think its time that OM should give us a higher MP camera.
The cover of Vogue is 8 megapixels. Just saying. A 14x48 foot billboard is 2 megapixels. Again, just saying.
@@torgeirhansson1096 Yes I do understand that, but quality on those are not very high quality anyways, even billboards. No matter what case might be, there is no printer that can print the same quality as shot with the camera. If you look closely in any magazine or billboard you can even see the individual pixels with a naked eye, that is not the case with high quality monitors or displays.
Its like saying 1080p is enough for content, while it might be enough for most, nothing compares to a 4K or 8K, there is a big difference. Like I said, not just in croping wise, but in IQ.
They do have it on the 12-100 F/4 by the way - in lens stabilisation I mean.
Really enjoyed this.
Are you coming on the Manchester photo walk on Saturday with AW?
Interested in your experience with the files from the OM-1ii vs the GH9II, in terms of high ISO and dynamic range. Shooting small forest birds often requires high ISO and quite a bit of cropping. Wonder if the larger file and dynamic-range technology in the GH9II is better in that regard than the OM-1ii.
Do any of the lenses for OM 1 have the aperture ring on the lense (similar to Fugi)?
After 4 years with the em1 mk2, i bought the om1 as i expected a real upgrade..
As a long exposure shooter, i expected to use the Live Nd… but they are limited to 60 sec, as the high res.
I wanted the files to be more flexible in post… they were not…
Had to switch to FF… unfortunately..
I'm seriously considering the OM1ii or the Fugi XT5. Do you like Micro 4/3rds better than ASPC?
Good review
I'm so tempted to buy this one, but I'm afraid to make the leap! It's the absolute most I'm willing to spend on a body. I really want one with good video as well, and I'm disappointed to hear you say it's not the best, but ANYTHING is going to be better than my D7200 for video.
Thanks for this. I really appreciate your perspective. What I'd really like to see from OMDS is an OM-5 MkII with 10-bit 4K and updated weather-sealed 1.8 primes.
Same! The om5 was so close to what most people want I think
I am racking my brain here. I don’t shoot video and I feel I just bought the z6iii wasting my money and should have kept my and maybe have kept my OM-1 with the 40-150, 12-40.
I now have the NIKKOR 180-600, 24-120, and the 105. I just felt I was missing something with my Micro4/3. All of my pictures seemed soft when comparing to FF pictures. I guess I pixel peeped too much (which I guess was a habit I picked up from watching too many TH-cam videos. But really, shouldn’t the m4/3’s pictures be just as sharp and crisp as FF?
I do shoot wildlife, I shoot landscape, and I do shoot macro.
so I’m your honest opinion, should I trade my z6iii back to the OM-1?
Or just keep the Z6iii and get used to it?
I’m no professional, but I do love to print and I do love to post my pictures.
Help me make up my mind
I have a few Olympus pro lenses and they are as sharp as the two full frame lenses I own and probably a little sharper.
I don't think the sensor makes the difference, it's down to the lens.
I don't think you get much sharper than the 300mm F4 although the 180-600 is incredible and probably it's equal.
I don't really understand it because the lenses you had were very good.
Awesome video. I'm sold on this camera for wildlife & birds. I also shoot family parties indoor and outdoor, but don't want 2 different camera bodies and especially don't want to different camera brands. Does this camera do well with people photos?
Yes, it has human tracking as well. It'll do great for people. If it can nail a puffin flying out to sea I guess we're easy in comparison 😁
@@MicroFourNerds Thanks so much.
I'm just hoping for the battery, menu, USB c upgrades to trickle down. Really love the idea of the om5, but want those updates and really don't wanna spend 2k for the om1 and have the larger shape
I have an EM1 III that I bought for $1300 a few years ago. I would be interested in upgrading, but the pricing for the new OM cameras is too expensive for a hobbyist like myself, i.e. OM1 II is $2400 on B&H right now. Sad the Pen-F is apparently abandoned - would've liked a new version to replace my old Em5 II with damaged sensor.
Excellent review Emily. I have been a loyal Lumix user for 15+ years, however, for those of us who are primarily landscape, nature, wildlife and macro photographers, IMO the G9ii was a huge let down. Not only was the OG G9 body near perfect, but the mark ii does not seem include the useful computational feature the OM-1 ii has (live composite, GND etc.) nor does it seem to have focus bracketing with flash. Looking forward to your detailed comparison for the G9ii vs the OM1ii. As its stands, if I do upgrade from my OG G9, it will probably be to an OM systems camera.
The g9ii does have live composite mode, but you're right, none of the other computational features. I also really liked the original G9 body!
@@MicroFourNerds Thanks for your reply Emily. I looking forward to the comparison video.
So I am currently trying to decide between the G9ii and the om1 mkii, I own 3 OM lens and 1 pan lens if that matters. What are your thoughts ?
great review! I'm not into birds.. however.. does anyone know if this camera is good for photographing a figure skater with a long lens? I need to capture my daughter - my current OMD EM1 has terrible autofocus - half the frames are out of focus.
Where was this shot? It does look stunning.
The Faroe Islands. Such a beautiful place!
At 11:32, did that puffin just fly in backwards?!
It looks that way doesn't it! It was so windy it landed backwards - so funny. There's one in the background that takes off the normal way just after haha it's such a weird clip!
@@MicroFourNerds Yes, that's why I didn't think you'd reversed the clip. Puffin on the left of the frame: "Well, that was weird!"
How does the Panny 100-400mm II perform under OMs 1/2 vs G92? I am thinking about buying OM1-2 but buy Panny 100-400 2
When you showed the 10-bit Vs 8-bit color was that in raw, log, or one of the standard profiles? 10-bit looks so much richer.
Standard profiles. The 8 bit stuff is shocking isn't it. But the 10 bit footage is lovely!
Thanks Emily. Just a doubt on this bird-focused marketing OM is doing: what happens when light starts to fall off? Asking as I assume that’s when the sensor hits its (theoretical) limits, and I’m afraid they’re pushing the (half-)wrong niche. This is the perfect camera for reportage, in dynamic and tough environmental situations, where you don’t need to freeze the motion at 1/1000s or so and still get away with it even in very low light. A future smaller sibling will be perfect for travel+street… I understand finding a niche, but focusing ALL the marketing around that is giving the wrong message imho.
Hey Emily,
A few years ago, I made the mistake of buying a GH5M2. I came from a G85 and had always admired the GH5, especially because of everything I had seen on TH-cam about the original GH5 over the years. The problem is, I think I got it wrong... I'm an enthusiast who occasionally does paid work, and I mostly take portraits of ballet dancers, circus acts, fitness, crossfit events , and that kind of "sports" events, and very little video...
Even though it's a big expense that's hard to justify, I've sometimes thought about switching my GH5M2 for an OM-1, OM-1M2 or a G9M2. It's not that I've had problems with the AF, but I suppose a reliable eye-tracking AF would make things easier for me...
What do you think? Is it worth the switch? What do you recommend? Thanks in advance!
Yes I think for your needs, the gh5m2 is probably a bit too video-centric! The original OM1 would be a good option, and it's quite small too. The g9ii would also work great if you like the Lumix menus etc, it'll be very similar to your existing camera 😊
@@MicroFourNerds Thank you so much for your answer!!! 🤩 👍🏻
It would be great if you could make a video about how you edit/color grade the OM log video. The official lut has a bad reputation about the colors
For this stuff I've been really quite lazy and not even applied a LUT, I couldn't get it to look nice like you say. I just ramped up saturation and contrast, and played with the tone curves a bit. Looks OK I think!! But I much prefer Lumix V-log for colour grading
Lumix vLog and Davinci Resolve are a killer combination.
There is absolutely no need for a utility LUT to get the best out of this when filming.
I like and have the original M1 and M10; I’m happy with bodies so do don’t understand why they change them
Aren’t most of these software changes which could be added to the OM1 with an update?
I hope a fair few are, id love to see some of this on the original OM1! but I imagine a lot of the updates need more processing power hardware-wise
BTW, can you test the OM1-MK2 with the panny 100-400mm mkII.
Where did you go to photograph these puffins??
Mykines in the Faroe Islands 😊
I have the EM1 mk II for macro which I love. I wonder if this would be a worthy upgrade? When I do upgrade I want the difference to be major! :-)
The in body stacking is very very hand with high flash sync rates, speed of processing and versatility of settings. You can get shots that become excellent rather than just very good, but it won't be a massive massive jump on existing stacking. This is on my om1 mki experience.
But the other often ignored element for macro is the hand held hi res mode. If you're happy with your dof then you can get a super clean hi res composite shot that opens up other possibilities.
@@larrychicco1062 thank you 🙂
wait, are you in the Faroe Islands right now? thought I saw someone here 2-3 days ago in Tórshavn that looked like you