Camera maker OM System, formerly known as Olympus, has unveiled an updated version of its flagship mirrorless camera, the OM-1 Mark II. While keeping the same 20-megapixel sensor and speedy burst shooting as its predecessor, the Mark II brings noticeable autofocus, image stabilization, handling, and quality-of-life improvements.
The most significant upgrades are to autofocus. A new “Human Detection” mode goes beyond just faces and eyes to lock onto entire human forms. OM System also claims faster, more accurate autofocus across the board for sports, wildlife, and action shooting. The deeper image buffer lets you capture over 250 RAW shots at 50 frames per second before filling up — around double the buffer of the previous model.
Image stabilization through updated algorithms provides up to 8.5 exposure stops with compatible lenses, the best stabilization of any camera currently available. And a new Graduated Neutral Density feature, building on the OM-1’s Live ND mode, lets photographers seamlessly blend multiple exposures in-camera to simulate a gradient filter effect at any angle.
Ergonomic upgrades like rubberized control dials aim to improve handling for the camera’s typical users – bird, sports, and wildlife shooters working in rough conditions. Video, connectivity, the 5.76-million dot viewfinder and fully articulating rear LCD remain largely unchanged.
The OM-1 Mark II arrives in late February for $2,400 body-only, or $3,000 bundled with a 24-80mm equivalent standard zoom lens. While specifications stay similar to its predecessor, multiple focusing, stabilization, shooting and handling refinements add up to a meaningful upgrade.
