Since its inaugural launch in 2013, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 has established itself as a cornerstone within the mirrorless photography realm, particularly garnering acclaim among aquatic photography enthusiasts. The manufacturer unveiled their enhanced iteration of this flagship model, the OM-D E-M1 Mark II, during the concluding months of 2016, introducing a plethora of sophisticated enhancements and revolutionary capabilities.
This contemporary iteration boasts numerous exhilarating features and substantial improvements over its predecessor, most prominently showcasing a superior image sensor delivering twenty-five percent enhanced resolution, dramatically refined autofocus mechanisms, ameliorated image stabilization technology, exceptionally rapid sequential shooting capabilities, an impressive fifty-megapixel high-resolution mode, and cinematic-quality 4K video recording functionality.
The fundamental question remains: does this camera warrant an upgrade from your existing photographic equipment? How does it measure against alternative mirrorless options currently available in the marketplace? This comprehensive evaluation will illuminate these crucial considerations.
Revolutionary Specifications and Technical Enhancements
The Mark II iteration of the Olympus E-M1 series brings transformative technological advancements that significantly enhance both still photography and video production. Building on the foundation laid by the original E-M1, the Mark II introduces an array of innovative features that cater to the needs of professionals and enthusiasts alike. From computational photography breakthroughs to advanced video recording capabilities, the E-M1 Mark II is a true powerhouse in mirrorless camera design.
Core Technological Improvements from Original E-M1
The Olympus E-M1 Mark II integrates a powerful twenty-megapixel Live MOS sensor, an upgrade that enhances both resolution and image quality while retaining the high sensitivity and dynamic range that Olympus is known for. Coupled with the new TruPic VIII Dual Quad Processor, the camera benefits from faster processing speeds, improved noise reduction, and more accurate color reproduction. This sensor and processor combination enables exceptional image quality even in challenging low-light conditions, ensuring every shot is crisp and detailed.
A key development in the E-M1 Mark II is its five-axis image stabilization system. This state-of-the-art technology offers up to 5.5 stops of shake reduction, ensuring remarkably steady images even in handheld shooting situations. This feature is particularly beneficial for photographers who often work in dynamic, fast-paced environments, such as wildlife or sports photography. The camera’s stabilization system compensates for unwanted camera motion in both vertical and horizontal directions, as well as pitch, yaw, and roll, giving the user unparalleled control over their shots.
The 121-point Dual Fast autofocus system further revolutionizes the E-M1 Mark II. Combining both phase detection and contrast detection, this advanced system delivers faster and more accurate autofocus performance. Whether capturing fast-moving subjects or intricate macro details, the autofocus system provides razor-sharp focus, ensuring every image is precisely captured.
Additionally, the E-M1 Mark II comes equipped with an array of impressive features that raise the bar for mirrorless cameras, including a 50-megapixel high-resolution shot mode. This allows the camera to combine multiple exposures to create stunningly detailed images, perfect for landscape photography, architecture, and any scenario where capturing maximum detail is essential.
Complete Technical Specifications Overview
The Olympus E-M1 Mark II boasts a comprehensive list of technical specifications, making it an ideal tool for both seasoned photographers and budding videographers. The camera’s core is powered by the twenty-megapixel Live MOS sensor, optimized through the TruPic VIII Dual Quad processing engine. This combination delivers faster performance and enhanced image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.
One of the standout features of the E-M1 Mark II is its advanced five-axis image stabilization system, which delivers up to 5.5 stops of compensation. This system works seamlessly to reduce blur and camera shake, especially when shooting handheld or at slower shutter speeds. Whether capturing sharp details or beautiful motion blur, this system allows users to achieve steady shots even in challenging conditions.
The camera’s autofocus system is built for precision and speed, with 121 focus points covering a wide area of the frame. The Dual Fast autofocus system incorporates both contrast and phase detection, making it highly versatile in a range of lighting conditions. This ensures rapid focus acquisition and pinpoint accuracy, whether photographing fast-moving subjects or shooting in low-light environments.
In terms of continuous shooting, the Olympus E-M1 Mark II excels, offering 15 frames-per-second mechanical burst shooting and an impressive 60 frames-per-second when using the electronic shutter. This rapid frame rate is ideal for capturing fast action or high-speed sequences. Additionally, the camera supports 4K Cinema video recording at 4096x2160 resolution, providing professional-grade video quality with a high bitrate of 237 Mbps. Standard 4K recording at 3840x2160 and Full HD video at up to 1080/60p are also supported, offering flexibility for videographers.
The dual SD card slots, one of which supports ultra-high-speed UHS-II cards, enhance the camera’s storage capacity and allow for faster data transfer. This makes the E-M1 Mark II ideal for high-performance tasks, such as continuous shooting and 4K video recording, where large files need to be written to the memory card quickly. The camera’s improved battery performance ensures longer shooting sessions, allowing photographers to focus on capturing images without frequent interruptions for recharging.
Professional Features for Advanced Photographers
Beyond the standard features, the E-M1 Mark II offers a suite of professional tools for advanced photographers. One of the key highlights is the focus bracketing and stacking capabilities, which allow for precise control over depth of field. This is particularly useful for macro and product photographers, where capturing a fully-focused image from front to back is crucial.
The high-resolution shot mode enables a 50-megapixel output by capturing a series of frames while shifting the sensor slightly between each exposure. This technique results in exceptionally detailed images with incredibly high resolution, perfect for large prints, commercial use, or detailed landscape photography. The burst shooting capabilities are particularly impressive, allowing users to shoot at 15 fps mechanically or up to 60 fps electronically. These high-speed burst rates are ideal for sports and wildlife photography, where split-second timing is essential.
Video Recording and Cinematic Features
The Olympus E-M1 Mark II sets new standards for video recording in a mirrorless camera. It offers professional-grade 4K Cinema video at a resolution of 4096x2160, which is perfect for filmmakers and content creators seeking cinematic quality. With a bitrate of up to 237 Mbps, the video quality is crisp, detailed, and full of rich color.
In addition to 4K Cinema, the camera supports standard 4K recording at 3840x2160 and Full HD video at up to 1080/60p. These options give videographers a variety of formats to suit different production needs, whether shooting for broadcast, social media, or personal projects. The inclusion of advanced video features such as focus peaking, timecode support, and high-fidelity audio recording ensures that the E-M1 Mark II meets the needs of both novice and professional videographers.
Connectivity and Usability Enhancements
The Olympus E-M1 Mark II incorporates a range of connectivity features to make shooting and sharing easier than ever. It includes a USB 3.0 port for fast file transfers, an HDMI output for external monitors, and microphone and headphone jacks for professional-grade audio recording. The camera is also compatible with remote control options, making it ideal for studio work or long-exposure photography.
The E-M1 Mark II’s Wi-Fi functionality allows photographers to control the camera remotely, transferring images or video to a connected device for quick sharing or editing. This wireless connectivity is particularly useful for photographers working in the field or in situations where a physical connection is impractical.
Durability and Weatherproof Construction
The Olympus E-M1 Mark II is designed to withstand the elements. With weather-sealed construction, the camera is protected against rain, dust, and splashes, making it a reliable choice for outdoor photographers. Whether you’re shooting in a rainstorm or capturing dusty landscapes in the desert, the E-M1 Mark II ensures that you can continue shooting without worrying about the weather.
The camera’s robust build, combined with its compact size, makes it a versatile and durable tool for a wide range of photographic environments. Weighing just 574 grams, including the battery and memory card, the E-M1 Mark II is lightweight enough to carry on extended shoots while still offering professional-grade performance.
Physical Construction and Ergonomic Design
The Olympus E-M1 Mark II is designed to strike a perfect balance between professional-level performance and user-friendly ergonomics. Compared to its predecessor, the E-M1, the new model has a slightly larger and more robust body, with increased height and thickness. These changes reflect the integration of enhanced components, such as a more powerful battery and an advanced image stabilization system. While the camera’s weight increases from 497 grams to 574 grams, the added weight is a small price to pay for the superior durability and enhanced functionality that the camera offers.
The enhanced build quality ensures that the E-M1 Mark II can handle the demands of professional photographers who require both durability and performance. Real-world testing has demonstrated that the camera’s body can withstand significant physical impact without compromising functionality. This makes the E-M1 Mark II an excellent choice for photographers who frequently work in challenging conditions, such as extreme weather, rugged environments, or hectic shooting scenarios. Whether you're photographing in remote locations, on a dive expedition, or capturing fast-moving action, this camera is built to endure.
Build Quality and Durability Assessment
Olympus has always been known for its rugged and durable camera bodies, and the E-M1 Mark II continues that tradition. The body’s magnesium alloy construction gives the camera a premium feel while ensuring that it can stand up to the physical demands of professional photography. The increased thickness and height also contribute to a more solid, substantial build, which adds to the overall sense of confidence when handling the camera.
This camera is specifically engineered to resist the elements, with a weather-sealed body that provides protection against dust, splashes, and even rain. This makes it particularly appealing to photographers working in unpredictable conditions. Whether you’re shooting outdoors in the rain or in a dusty environment, you can trust that the camera will continue performing at a high level.
The ergonomics of the E-M1 Mark II have been carefully crafted to provide a comfortable shooting experience, even during long shooting sessions. The grip is more pronounced, offering excellent handling, which is especially important when using larger lenses or during dynamic photo shoots. The textured grip provides secure control, ensuring that the camera doesn’t slip from your hands, even in challenging weather conditions.
Electronic Viewfinder and Display Technology
The electronic viewfinder (EVF) of the E-M1 Mark II is an upgrade that continues to impress photographers who demand high-quality optical accuracy. Featuring a resolution of 2.36 million dots and 0.74x magnification, the EVF is excellent for composing shots, making it easy to see the details in the scene. The clarity and sharpness offered by this viewfinder ensure that focus points are easily visible, and it provides a realistic view of the scene with no significant lag, which is crucial for fast-moving subjects.
The LCD display, a three-inch tilting touchscreen on the original E-M1, has been significantly upgraded in the Mark II. The new fully articulating screen offers remarkable flexibility and versatility for composing shots at various angles. This is particularly useful in videography and photography when shooting at awkward or low angles, or when capturing shots in tight spaces. Whether you’re using the screen to frame a scene while holding the camera above your head or shooting from a low vantage point, the articulated display ensures that you can achieve the perfect shot.
However, while the articulating display is a significant enhancement, it’s important to consider potential interference with the various connection ports located around the camera. These include microphone, headphone, HDMI, and USB terminals, which might become obstructed or difficult to access depending on the screen’s orientation. Careful attention to this aspect is necessary when setting up for video recordings or using external devices, as the screen’s articulation may occasionally block or restrict access to these ports.
Control Interface and Customization
One of the standout features of the Olympus E-M1 Mark II is its extensive customization capabilities, which allow photographers to tailor the camera’s operation to their specific needs. The camera retains the dual top-mounted dials that were present on the original E-M1, which control critical settings such as aperture, shutter speed, white balance, and ISO sensitivity. This dual control system, combined with the 2x2 switch mechanism, ensures that photographers can quickly and efficiently adjust essential settings on the fly.
This intuitive control interface reduces the need for menu navigation, which is particularly beneficial in fast-paced shooting scenarios. The customization options extend to the camera’s physical buttons and controls, allowing users to assign frequently used functions to customizable buttons. This level of customization is invaluable, particularly for professionals who require fast access to specific features during high-pressure situations, such as shooting in underwater environments or on the move.
For aquatic photographers and videographers, this design philosophy is especially useful. It allows for easy, intuitive adjustments while underwater, where menu navigation can be cumbersome and impractical. The ability to control settings such as exposure, white balance, and ISO sensitivity through physical controls is a key feature that sets the E-M1 Mark II apart from many other cameras on the market. The customization options ensure that the camera can be adapted to meet the unique needs of every shooting situation, whether on land or beneath the waves.
Handling and User Experience
The Olympus E-M1 Mark II was designed with photographers’ comfort and usability in mind, ensuring that it remains a highly functional tool during extended shooting sessions. The larger body, combined with the enhanced grip, allows users to handle the camera confidently, even when using heavy lenses or shooting for long hours. This improvement in ergonomics ensures that the camera remains comfortable, even in demanding situations.
In addition to the grip, the layout of the controls has been thoughtfully arranged to minimize the need for hand repositioning during operation. The button layout is highly intuitive, with all essential controls positioned within easy reach. Photographers will find that the camera feels balanced in their hands, whether using a wide-angle lens or a telephoto zoom lens, and it is easy to maintain full control over the camera without compromising stability or comfort.
Portability and Travel Friendliness
Despite its larger body size compared to the original E-M1, the Olympus E-M1 Mark II remains a highly portable and travel-friendly camera. Weighing only 574 grams, including the battery and memory card, it is still considerably lighter than many other professional-grade mirrorless cameras. This makes the E-M1 Mark II an excellent choice for photographers and videographers who are constantly on the move or need a camera that won’t weigh them down during travel.
The camera’s robust build doesn’t add excessive bulk, and it can easily fit into a camera bag or be carried around on extended photo shoots. Whether you’re trekking through the wilderness, traveling abroad, or navigating urban environments, the camera's compact size and lightweight nature make it ideal for any adventure.
Advanced Photography Features and Capabilities
Sensor Performance and Image Quality Analysis
Independent sensor evaluation through DxOMark methodology awarded the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II a rating of 80, representing substantial improvement over the original E-M1's score of 73. This rating significantly surpasses competing models including the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II and Panasonic DC-GH5, attributed to reduced noise characteristics, expanded dynamic range, and enhanced color discrimination capabilities.
While maintaining competitive positioning against crop-sensor alternatives like the Nikon D500, the micro four-thirds sensor naturally falls short of full-frame options such as the Nikon D750, which achieved a DxOMark rating of 93. However, within the micro four-thirds ecosystem, the Mark II represents the pinnacle of sensor technology achievement.
Revolutionary Image Stabilization Technology
The advanced five-axis sensor-shift image stabilization system has been enhanced from four stops with the original E-M1 to an impressive 5.5 stops with the Mark II iteration. When paired with compatible Olympus lenses featuring integrated stabilization, including the 12-100mm F4.0 Pro and 300mm F4.0 Pro, the combined stabilization effectiveness reaches an extraordinary 6.5 stops.
Real-world testing has demonstrated remarkable stabilization performance, enabling sharp handheld photography at exposure durations traditionally requiring tripod support. The system consistently delivers exceptional results, with successful shot rates exceeding two-thirds when operating at stabilization limits, though performance diminishes at extreme exposure durations exceeding three to four seconds.
High-Speed Sequential Shooting and Pro Capture
The burst mode capabilities represent a quantum leap in performance, with all specifications applicable to combined RAW plus JPEG recording. Single autofocus mode enables fifteen frames-per-second mechanical shutter operation or an astounding sixty frames-per-second electronic shutter performance, while continuous autofocus reduces rates to ten fps mechanically and eighteen fps electronically.
Pro Capture mode introduces innovative pre-capture functionality, continuously buffering images during half-press operation and retroactively capturing the fourteen frames (expandable to thirty-five frames with firmware updates) immediately preceding full shutter depression. This revolutionary feature enables perfect timing capture of decisive moments even with delayed reflexes, though underwater applications remain limited by strobe recycling constraints.
High-Resolution Mode Capabilities
The fifty-megapixel high-resolution mode utilizes sensor-shift technology to capture eight sequential images with precise sensor positioning adjustments, subsequently combining them into extraordinary detail composite images. This mode functions with both RAW and JPEG formats while offering optional twenty-five-megapixel reduced resolution output.
Operational limitations include mandatory tripod support and maximum aperture restriction to F8.0, rendering underwater applications challenging due to water movement and positioning constraints. However, when utilized under appropriate conditions, the mode delivers exceptional resolution rivaling larger sensor systems.
ISO Performance and Low-Light Capabilities
Enhanced sensor technology delivers improved noise characteristics compared to the predecessor, particularly evident above ISO 800 sensitivity levels. The ISO LOW setting has been improved from equivalent ISO 100 to ISO 64, providing additional 0.64 stops of exposure flexibility for controlling bright light sources including sunball photography.
While high ISO improvements prove beneficial for ambient light photography and topside applications, typical underwater strobe photography scenarios derive less advantage from enhanced high-sensitivity performance.
Autofocus System Revolution
The sophisticated autofocus system combines contrast detection with 121 cross-type on-chip phase detection points, representing substantial advancement over the original E-M1's 81-point hybrid system. This enhancement dramatically reduces missed focus opportunities, eliminates focus hunting behaviors, and ensures consistent subject acquisition rather than background focusing.
Comprehensive testing demonstrates focusing speeds averaging one second from infinity to minimum distance in low-light conditions, with similar distances achieved in 1.3 seconds in the opposite direction. Refocusing at similar distances averages approximately 0.7 seconds, with minimal hunting observed only under extremely low contrast conditions. Optimal lighting conditions yield nearly instantaneous focus acquisition, representing remarkable improvement over previous generations.
Battery Life and Power Management
The enhanced battery system incorporates significantly larger power cells compared to the original E-M1, delivering CIPA-rated battery life of 440 shots compared to the predecessor's 350-shot rating, representing a twenty-five percent improvement. Real-world performance, particularly during burst mode operation, significantly exceeds rated specifications.
The power display system has been revolutionized from the previous three-bar indicator to a precise percentage readout complemented by four-bar visual representation, enabling accurate power management crucial for underwater photography where housing access requires surface intervals.
Focus Bracketing and Stacking Technologies
Focus bracketing functionality enables multiple image capture with systematic focus point shifting, theoretically advantageous for macro photography exploration. However, practical underwater implementation faces challenges including strobe recycling limitations and the preference for precise eye focus in macro subjects.
Focus stacking automatically captures eight images with progressive focus adjustment, compositing them into a single JPEG image with comprehensive focus range. While conceptually appealing for macro applications, underwater practicality remains limited due to strobe compatibility requirements and JPEG-only output format restrictions.
Optimal Lens Selection for Underwater Applications
Fisheye Lens Options
Two primary fisheye lens choices cater to reefscape photography, large marine life capture, wreck documentation, and close-focus wide-angle techniques. The contemporary Olympus 8mm Pro fisheye delivers exceptional image quality with an impressive f/1.8 maximum aperture enabling superior low-light performance. The established Panasonic 8mm fisheye lens provides comprehensive 180-degree coverage with f/3.5 maximum aperture, offering excellent value proposition.
Both lenses feature remarkably close focusing capabilities, with recent firmware updates enabling in-body distortion correction for the Olympus fisheye, effectively transforming it into a versatile wide-angle lens through live view distortion compensation.
Wide-Angle and Versatile Zoom Lenses
The Mark II supports extensive wide-angle and mid-range zoom lens options accommodating diverse underwater photography requirements. Wide-angle applications including whale, shark, and sea lion photography benefit from either the advanced Olympus 7-14mm Pro lens or the established Panasonic 7-14mm alternative, with Olympus delivering superior optical quality at premium pricing.
Budget-conscious photographers appreciate the Olympus 9-18mm lens providing excellent wide-angle coverage, while the Olympus 12-50mm kit lens offers versatility with integrated macro mode functionality. Professional videographers favor the Panasonic 12-35mm F/2.8 for its optimal underwater focal length and bright aperture, while the Olympus 12-40mm Pro delivers exceptional image quality with professional-grade optical construction.
Macro Lens Excellence
The Olympus 60mm macro lens represents the optimal choice for Mark II macro photography, delivering razor-sharp 1:1 magnification with compatibility for wet diopter attachments enabling supermacro imaging capabilities. Alternative options include the Panasonic 45mm macro, offering enhanced flexibility for larger macro subjects though with limited supermacro potential.
Professional Videography Capabilities
4K and Cinema 4K Recording
The Mark II debuts Olympus's first 4K video capability, offering standard 4K recording at 3840x2160 resolution with frame rate options of 30/25/24 fps at approximately 102 Mbps bitrates. The premium Cinema 4K mode records at 4096x2160 resolution exclusively at 24 fps with maximum bitrates reaching 237 Mbps, delivering exceptional professional-quality footage.
While HD recording capabilities extend to 1080/60p, the quality has been noted as inferior to competitive offerings. The absence of slow-motion recording options beyond sixty fps represents a limitation compared to specialized video-centric cameras.
Advanced Image Stabilization for Video
The comprehensive image stabilization system incorporating 5.5 stops in-body stabilization, lens-based stabilization on compatible lenses, and electronic stabilization during video recording creates exceptionally smooth footage. Real-world applications including helicopter-mounted recording demonstrate dramatic transformation from extremely unstable conditions to professional-quality smooth results.
This stabilization excellence positions the Mark II competitively despite other video feature limitations, enabling professional results in challenging recording environments.
System Limitations and Considerations
Pricing and Value Proposition
The primary limitation involves the premium pricing structure ranging from $1800-2000, positioning the camera competitively against larger sensor systems while maintaining the smaller micro four-thirds sensor. This pricing represents substantial increases over the original E-M1 and highly-rated E-M5 Mark II, diminishing the traditional cost advantage associated with micro four-thirds systems.
However, the pricing must be evaluated within the context of advanced features, professional capabilities, and comprehensive lens ecosystem support.
Flash Synchronization Considerations
Flash synchronization speed has been reduced to 1/250 second compared to the original E-M1's 1/320 capability, representing approximately 0.36 stops reduced ability to control bright light sources. This limitation is partially offset by the improved ISO LOW setting providing additional 0.64 stops of exposure flexibility, resulting in net improvement for bright subject photography.
Housing Options and Underwater Implementation
Professional Housing Solutions
Multiple professional housing manufacturers provide comprehensive solutions for the Mark II, though original E-M1 housings cannot accommodate the revised body dimensions and control layout.
Nauticam delivers premium aluminum housing construction maintaining their reputation for exceptional build quality, comprehensive camera control access, and ergonomic excellence. Standard features include vacuum monitoring systems, integrated leak detection, and compatibility with their extensive accessory ecosystem. Innovative features include port-mounted vacuum system reset capability streamlining lens change procedures.
Aquatica provides renowned durability and dependability through compact housing design with excellent ergonomic characteristics ensuring complete control access under all diving conditions. Flexible strobe connectivity options accommodate fiber optic, Nikonos, and Ikelite connections.
Sea & Sea offers corrosion-resistant aluminum construction with comprehensive protection, though availability remains pending manufacturer release.
Budget-conscious options include the Olympus PT-EP14 polycarbonate housing providing lightweight construction with excellent ergonomics and complete camera control access, plus the Ikelite housing featuring ABS-PC construction delivering strength and corrosion resistance with minimal maintenance requirements.
Competitive Analysis and Positioning
Comparison with Compact Camera Systems
The Mark II significantly outperforms compact alternatives including the Sony RX100V and Canon G7X Mark II through superior autofocus performance, genuine fisheye lens capabilities, and authentic macro lens options enabling professional-quality underwater photography. While compact cameras provide convenience and portability, the Mark II delivers substantially enhanced creative flexibility and image quality.
Micro Four-Thirds Ecosystem Comparison
Within the micro four-thirds landscape, the Mark II competes against several formidable alternatives including the Panasonic GH5, original E-M1, and E-M5 Mark II. The Mark II delivers superior sensor performance with an 80 DxOMark rating compared to competitors' 77 or 73 ratings, enhanced image stabilization reaching 5.5-6.5 stops, advanced 121-point autofocus, and professional burst shooting capabilities.
The Panasonic GH5 excels in comprehensive video features and cinema-quality recording options, making it preferable for dedicated videography applications. The E-M5 Mark II provides budget-conscious alternatives with forty-megapixel high-resolution mode, while the Mark II delivers optimal sensor quality, autofocus performance, image stabilization, battery life, and burst shooting capabilities within the system.
Full-Frame Competition Assessment
Comparison with full-frame alternatives like the Sony A7R III reveals trade-offs between sensor size and system portability. The A7R III achieves exceptional DxOMark ratings of 100 through superior full-frame sensor technology and enhanced professional video capabilities, though at substantially higher cost and increased system size.
The Mark II maintains significant advantages in overall system cost, lens affordability, housing compactness, and travel convenience while delivering exceptional image quality within the micro four-thirds framework.
Final Assessment:
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II establishes itself as an exemplary choice for underwater photography and videography, representing one of the premier options within the mirrorless camera segment. Comprehensive lens selection, exceptional dynamic range, superior high ISO performance, lightning-fast autofocus, 4K video capabilities, and remarkable versatility establish performance benchmarks within the micro four-thirds ecosystem.
The majority of specifications represent best-in-class achievements within the micro four-thirds system, with Cinema 4K video addressing long-standing videography limitations in the Olympus lineup. The image stabilization capabilities remain unmatched, particularly when synchronized with compatible stabilized lenses.
While pricing approaches traditional DSLR ranges rather than previous micro four-thirds positions, the Mark II maintains crucial advantages in system compactness, lens affordability, and housing size - benefits that cannot be overstated for traveling photographers and divers.
Although the micro four-thirds sensor cannot match full-frame sensor performance metrics, the system delivers substantial advantages in cost effectiveness and portability compared to larger alternatives.
For photographers seeking professional-quality underwater imagery without DSLR-level investment or equipment bulk, the Mark II represents an exceptional choice. Macro photography enthusiasts particularly benefit from the compact system design, operational simplicity, and outstanding value proposition of the Olympus 60mm macro lens with its ideal 120mm full-frame equivalent focal length.
Outside the micro four-thirds ecosystem, only dedicated Canon or Nikon DSLR systems with specialized macro lenses provide comparable competition in balancing size, cost, and quality considerations.
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II successfully bridges the gap between compact convenience and professional capability, delivering exceptional underwater photography and videography performance within a remarkably sophisticated and capable camera system. For aquatic photographers prioritizing image quality, operational reliability, and system portability, this camera represents an outstanding investment in creative excellence.