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Good morning Thomas, is there also a mark ONE expert guide? Or can I use this mark TWO-guide for most settings etc.? Thank you very much for this review. Way more extensive than any other I saw this morning. Great job. Kees den Boer
Thank you very much and good morning to you as well! My idea at this point is to finish both guides in parallel. There are definitely differences and a second guide is in order: e.g. dynamic range in 14bit mode, and the AF system to name a few. Best, Thomas 📸
@@ThomasEisl.PhotographyReally would like to have the MK i guide, too. Appreciate your detailed explanation about the focusing system and the corresponding settings. Things can get really weird when you have to shoot with bad (flickering) LED lights, Face Detection and tracking…
Thomas Eisl is without question the guy who delivers camera reviews of the absolute highest credibility. Thank you for your highly accurate, relevant, and insightful videos. Finally information we can rely on.
After watching several other OM-1 MII reviews, this is without a doubt top quality descriptive information and presented the way you do it makes this the best IMO.
I just received a pair of OM-1 mark II’s. 1. The settings from the OM-1 do not transfer to the OM-1 mark II 2. Only one camera can be paired with the remote release. You have to delete the pairing and repair it if you switch the remote to another camera. 3. The app O.I. Share still only allows one camera to be registered. If you wish to switch to another camera, you have to go through the setup process each time. 4. As before, all the camera settings, including custom settings will transfer from one OM-1 mark II to a second OM-1 mark II.
Larry, thank you very much for sharing that! That is super helpful to know, not just for me but also for other photographers. I was about to get back to you and your comment from earlier. Best, Thomas
I've had the OM-1 for 16 months. Its by far the best camera I've ever owned...but I also had the original E-1 and the camera produced some great images. What I REALLY love is the ability to turn the back screen around and protect it. I invariably use the viewfinder so having this great protective design feature is, for me, a sign of great product design.
Thomas, you blow all other reviewers out of the water! Your attention to detail, linked with your engaging and understandable delivery style, are superb! THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!🎉
Thanks Thomas, you are an incredible resource for anyone wanting to learn more about every aspect of these cameras. You are extremely prepared and clear in your presentation of the contents. No music, special effects, just clear and calm explanations with choice of appropriate words. One of the things that demonstrates your communication skills is that you read and respond to countless comments on your works. Thanks and best regards.
Thanks so much for this thoughtful and thorough review. I have read through most of the comments and your professional responses are impressive. You always take the “high road”.
So much nonsense commentary online these last few days. Like kids having a tantrum on Christmas because they didn't get exactly what they wanted. THANK YOU for being sane, informative, and positive.
I must say Thomas that this is the most detailed and informative review I have watched in a very long time. I mean regardless of the camera manufacturer. Excellent information and extremely interesting. I have been shooting with the OM-1 since shortly after is was available in 2022. The camera is a solid and excellent camera. Bravo to for your hard work and helpful review. Thank you very much.
Thomas' review is enough! No extra review required, but a deep attention to each word. Thomas deep analyzes each tool of the new mark II. As naturalist photographer, I understand that AF recognition could be a very interesting element, but the great jump was OM-1 the first. Anyway, I'm pleased to know that OM System works a lot to develop new models. Sergio from Milano
Absolutely amazing and in depth overview of the OM1.2 - the most thorough I’ve seen of any camera, not just OMS products. Brilliant work Thomas 👏 I’m back in to photography after 7/8 years out, and after evaluating various systems picked up a Fuji X-H2, which I love. I hadn’t even thought about OMS. Then I got handed an OM-1 to try and my word this thing is an absolute powerhouse! I’m was blown away by how it works, what it can do, and how compact it is, so I’ve picked one up to evaluate alongside the Fuji. I initially got the 12-40 f2.8, but for fun I’ve just added the 45mm f1.8 which makes it a hilarious 740g portrait machine (I appreciate I should be using the ‘better’ lens!). To think that so many out there will completely ignore this camera, or even criticise it, simply because it’s an MFT sensor. 😢
Thorough and professional review, thank you so much! I placed an order for an OM-1 II today. Will be using your vids on the om-1 I for setup and user guides!
Awesome, thank you very much! I'm sure you'll be happy with the Mark II. It is an outstanding piece of equipment, capable of incredible results. Best, Thomas 📸
Thank you Thomas for making such a detailed and informative video. This was the final point when I decided to get OM1 MKII. You are right. This camera is a masterpiece. OM1 and OM System in general deserve more coverage and I plan to make videos as well, especially on the video department of OM1, which to my surprise is much better than I anticipated.
Thanks, Thomas. Looking forward to obtaining a copy of your guide as well as a copy of the camera to add to my Mark I bodies. Well done. I'm glad OMDS has recognized your unique approach to evaluating photographic gear and features.
Thomas is the best in the business when it comes to thorough, in-depth and thoughtful reviews that in most cases pre-empt and address any of my questions. Five stars
This is the best review I've seen on this camera. It's great to see these improvements in what was already a great camera. Of course it would have been even better if OM had put enough ram in the Mk.I to support some of these improvements. Then they could just update the firmware (like Olympus used to do). I know, I'm asking for something for free, but it was OM after all who promised "regular, robust firmware updates" when they launched the OM1. "Upgrade your camera for free" we were told. That's their words.
Thank you very much! It seems like OM fulfilled their promises in the meantime, with most likely more updates for the Mark I to come further down the road. Best, Thomas 📸
The reason Thomas is so good is he’s NOT delivering the mind numbingly boring narrative all OM systems staff and ambassadors come out with. There ambassadors are what leading international multiple-award winning photographers? Precisely NOT! There obsession with wildlife photography and part of the OM family is just weird. Ok if I’m part of the OM family I look forward to them developing a Tilt’n’Shift lens and gifting it me at on my birthday 🎂 after all that’s what families do. I feel sorry 😞 for those who bought an OM1 in the past month or so and absolutely no public announcement that an upgraded model is on its way, that’s nice of them.
Had herr Eisl been a nature photographer, using the camera outdoors wearing winter gloves, he would certainly have commented that buttons are too recessed and very difficult to use in such conditions.It also includes using the on/off switch. The superb ergonomics of the EM-1x still rules supreme here. JMHO
Herr Eisl thanks for your contribution 🙂 and wants to let you know that he has been using the OM-1 with gloves as well and was very pleased with the experience. Jokes aside, the E-M1X is indeed a very well designed camera 📸
Definitely a good decision - congratulations! I hope you'll like it as much as I do like mine and that it will enable you to realize your creative vision. Best, Thomas 📸
@@ThomasEisl.Photography I’m back and can’t wait for my Camera to charge so I can go out and shoot today. Om-1 feels so comfortable in hand. I checked out some full frame cameras from Nikon and Sony…..but they were uncomfortable to hold. Your information will become very helpful in the next few days.
@animegeek6118 Awesome - the OM-1 is definitely one of the best designed cameras out there. Well balanced with lenses large and small! Keep me updated 📸😎
Thank you very much for your kind feedback and the generous donation. I very much appreciate that. In my opinion,. it is an excellent camera and I've preordered one. Best, Thomas 📸
Wow 🤯 just received mine after using em1 mk 3 and really can’t wait to get going on this remarkable camera. Won’t be done in a month though after listening to that. Many thanks. 🙏🏻 👍🏻
I’m newly returning to photography. Though I can’t afford the best, I’ve been reading reviews and drooling over cameras from Fujifilm, Sony, and Canon. I quickly realize that those were all out of reach… Indefinitely. So I started looking at other brands as a “consolation”. I recently purchased an Olympus om-10 mkii for the price of the Nikon lens I was planning to purchase (for an old D3200). One word… wow! This small camera from 2015 with a kit lens has blown me away for capability and image quality. And the for price (with lens’s) of $260. It’s a steal. I’ve truly fallen in love with the Olympus brand. Since I’m new to cameras, I was confused by the name change. Frankly Olympus is a much better brand name than “OM Systems”… however it is good to know that when I can afford a nice camera, I can hope to get this om-1 mk2.
As good as this new camera is, I'm not an action photographer. I primarily shoot street photography, and will love to have a new Pen-F ii. Thousands of MFT users want the same. Are OM System listening to their loyal customers or have they accepted and prepared to lose these loyal customers to Nikon, Fuji, Canon, etc?
@@vermis8344 😃You must be a Fuji fan-boy. I actually am very satisfied with my Olympus/OM System cameras and lens, and I do not shriek and wail like a little #Fuji fan-boy. I use MFT and Nikon FF gear in tandem and chose the system to use depending on what I want to shoot for each session. For example, if I want to shoot street, I will never carry the D750 as it is too big and conspicuous. My subjects are too self-concious when they see such a big camera. I have tried using the Fuji X-T3, but that camera is also big and heavy (not much smaller than my D750) and IQ is only slightly better than my ancient E-M5ii, and much worse than the D750, hence my choice of staying with my MFT gear. There are never a perfect camera as photographic styles and genre are so diverse. It is just like when I was shooting film for 30years. I use 35mm, 2 1/4 and 6x4, depending on what I want. Just enjoy your photography and ignore all the fan-boys screaming and boasting. That is not photography. Peace.
@@FierceSleepingDog They should have the capability to produce two cameras in one year. Indeed, OMDS hardly had any new cameras since the OM-1 launch two years ago.
To all of this who want a new small camera, have you been purchasing the small lenses? The 20f4, 8-25f4 and others? If those lenses and the OM-5 are selling well I’m sure there will be more attention given there. Money talks, and currently there IS a market for the long lenses that can barely be kept up with (150-400 pro, 300f4 and the OM1). Personally, I’ve been waiting patiently for “my product turn” as those sweet f4 lens don’t appeal to me.
Thank you Thomas for how clearly you explain menus and setups with the OM1 and OM1 II. My question is about both cameras and illuminated focus frames or points on the rear LCD. When I turn on my OM1 whatever focus point shape I have chosen for that mode appears in bright green before I put the camera to my eye. I know I set that up somehow a year ago but I have forgotten how. I would like to have control to turn on and off the illuminated focus point. My second question is related to the OM1 markII. I recently received my new camera and have already seen the upgraded bird detection capabilities of this camera. QUESTION: How on this camera can I get the illuminated focus points, to appear, be it a small or cross shape on the LCD and (EVF). I have failed to find a way. With the focus shape illuminated I can move it around the screen to suit but if I can't see it ahead of time I can't put it where I need it. Thank You, Help...Joseph McGrath
Thank you for this great review. The most technical and best explained I have seen. I find a tutorial on how to scan slides with the OM1 interesting (for me it has been a revelation to be able to use photographic equipment as a scanner for my slides). I hope to have an OM1 II in a few months to accompany my beloved OM5😁
What great compliment to you from OMS, Thomas. Very richly deserved. While I remain more than a little cautious in my thoughts about the OM-1 II (while my wife keeps an eye on the bank account), I like and respect very much your thoughts on the camera, particularly the high resolution modes - when shooting landscapes, I often use this mode for the extra dynamic range , and because it can give me more leeway when cropping - and I'd love to see a direct comparison of high resolution images taken away from the laboratory with the OM-1 II versus a full-frame camera with an appropriate-sized sensor. At a location where the lighting and detail of the composition are challenging, for example. To me, the GND filter seems to have been implemented very well, with controls that give it more usability than a glass filter. This seems to typify Olympus and now OMS products. I have wondered on another forum, whether the future direction of camera design is shown in the OM-1 II - where a camera with a capable sensor is enhanced by considerable computational processing power, and thoughtful attention to detail.
Thank you very much for your comment! I'm indeed considering such a comparison, but it will be medium format vs. the OM-1II. Theoretically, the OM can outperform a DMF with the high res shot function. Best, Thomas 📸
Time will tell, I don't think Thomas will be aware of OM's intentions. However, I think it would be a very poor PR stance if OMDS didn't make some features/improvements available in an update. After all, they haven't done much since 1.4/5 updates, especially as some could be regarded as fixes and not additions.
@@ThomasEisl.Photography Let's hope OM stands by current OM-1 owners with a good firmware update. I like a lot about my OM-1, but as someone coming from Sony, the AF tracking capability definitely needs some work. It sounds like the Mk II improves that. I would be disappointed if OM didn't extend those benefits to a model that's only been out for 2 years, if it's technically possible to do it. Otherwise, I'll consider switching back to Sony, rather than investing more in a camera system I can't count on for firmware updates.
I greatly appreciate the level of detail and reality that you bring in discussing these cameras. A lot of things that may seem trivial or minor to gearheads and beginners, but with any manufacturer its with these details and beneath-the-hood improvements that brings big differences in actual use, especially when you need it the most. OM has always brought meaningful features that make the shooting process more pure or more fun. I believe a lot of tech gets discussed without its context (company A has this tech, Company B has that), and I feel your video explains what the technical improvements and technology mean in the bigger context of real-world shooting, not just spec and tech race, and why its relevant to the shooting experience. (as opposed to just saying it is a "non-technical feeling review"-not that I don't appreciate those.) I especially appreciate the reference to the E-1 and E-3, because the idiosyncracy with the name of the new OM-1 is that it is a spiritual successors to the single digit E-series, an ergonomic pro heavyweight machine, as opposed to the film OM-1, which is a more minimalist camera succeeded by the OM-5 series. This is the second video from you(other being the OM-5) , that popped up into my feed and I subscribed.
It is definitely very impressive. There are a few things like the improved subject detection that I really wish I had. After using the OM-1 for quite a while now, I can see how the bird tracking is a bit lacking compared to this new model. However; I’m going to stick with it for probably a decade, as I did with my previous camera. And by then, the upgrade will surely be truly mind blowing. Until then, I’m going to keep enjoying my amazing OM-1.
I very much appreciate your perspective on this one, and I completely agree. Personally, I thought the OM-1 was the end all be all, as it is so good. The tech nerd in me appreciates that they were able to improve it further, but the photographer in me says that the OM-1 mark I is the camera that gets the job done - now and in ten years, as you've stated. Thanks and best, Thomas 📸
This is due to the video/and that I did not focus the subject in between, it is pretty blurred between shots as I'm using an f/1.4 in this demo. There is just no eye to see for any camera. In practice, it is instantaneous as long as there is an eye in the frame. Pretty sweet. Best, Thomas 📸
@@ThomasEisl.Photography No worries, I was being nitpicky mostly because I encountered the same claim on DP Review forums a few times as well. Also I'm massive fanboy so obviously I'm going to stand up for my chosen one! Haha The review must've been a massive undertaking so one slip is fine I think!
Hello AoyagiAichou, can you let me know where in the menus this can be found, I was aware it had been added to some of their cameras but at that time I had the g9 which did not have it and I saw nothing come in later firmwares so I was a bit annoyed as I liked that features in my Olympus cameras. The menus are quite complicated deep and nested so maybe I am just overlooking it. But I have tried quite hard to locate it on my G9 so if you could assist me that would be great.
Wow! You are incredibly thorough. I appreciate this overview. I recently switched from Canon 5DM4 to OM-1M2 and was a bit concerned about learning a new system. I believe I will thoroughly enjoy this system once I have mastered the menus and application. Being that wildlife, in particular birds, is my preferred subject matter, the AF should serve me well. Thanks again for your hard work! Cheers!
Awesome, thank you! I've got plenty of videos on the OM-1 series, maybe those are useful for you. And welcome to OM System - I'm sure you won't regret your decision! Best, Thomas 📸
Based on OM-SYSTEM specs you can download, it only can do 10fps with mechanical shutter and it seems like B&H agrees. Just might want to double check that.
This is actually one of the best in depth reviews of a camera that I’ve ever seen. It’s concise yet enough detail it’s provided Plus, the content with model, race and hands on testing is great; nice music and sound effects too! This is a lot of work! Keep the great work up!
Truly superb and the best review I’ve seen. As a wildlife photographer doing birds and macro mainly I feel that your in-depth review justifies me going for the MkII having had the MkI since release. Thank you… now looking forward to the video review… hoping it can track flying birds much better than the MkI which was a real let down
Thank you very much, that means a lot to me! Although I'm usually photographing less demanding subjects than you do, I also appreciate the improvements and placed a preorder. It is just an excellent camera. Regarding video: I'm testing that intensively at the moment, it's gonna take a while but a quick spoiler: more than in stills mode, the AF settings are crucial. Setting one of the parameters the wrong way really messes up the hit rate.
Thank you Thomas. This sets the standard for camera testing and I really appreciate the detail. Liked and subscribed immediately based on this one review.
Just a quick note to convey my appreciation for the outstanding work you are giving subscribers like me who follow you closely on your various social media channels. This particular contribution about the OM-1 Mk II amply justifies my prime UA-cam membership. It should serve as an example for those pretending to evaluate photographic gear but who just end up spreading their own prejudices and, as a result, end up misleading their followers. I just ordered your expert guide and will be trading up most of my old gear for the new body, while keeping the first OM-1 as a collectors’ item (after all, it is the last Olympus-branded camera), that will continue to perform very well as a second body for many years to come.
Thank you very much, I'm very thankful for your exceptionally kind feedback and also your support. Your trust and positive feedback means a lot to me. Your plan to get a new mark II and keep an OM-1 "Classic" sounds exactly like my plan. Both are excellent cameras. It is also really intriguing to have both side by side, as the former still has a lot of "Olympus" in it (e.g. the AF menu) while the latter is now purely OM System. So in a way, both are significant cameras historically. Thanks again for your kind remarks and your support! Best, Thomas 📸
Hi Thomas, great video with lots of content that’s taken a while to digest. A couple of questions though. With regards AF focussing accuracy, you state there are improvements at 100m+. Is there any more information on this as I have not seen it mentioned elsewhere. Secondly are there any improvement on low light single point s-af which some people have struggled with? Gary
Hi Thomas, would really appreciate your comments about focus at longer distances. With mark 1 I struggle at this distance and was never sure if it was focus or stabilisation. Gary
Hey Gary! 1) AF accuracy I've tested both cameras side by side in controlled scenarios and also asked OM about that while I tested the camera. They indeed changed the AF system to improve the hit rate of C-AF at longer distances, just like my tests showed. Overall, the AF performance was improved quite a bit. There is a video for channel members only where I talk about this in greater detail. S-AF was also improved, however, I was already very happy with the implementation in the mark I. However, as you seem to had troubles, I'd say that you will most likely notice an improvement in this field as well. Hope this helps, best Thomas 📸
Really thorough review, as always. It'd be really interesting to see a comparison between the om1 ii and the panasonic g9ii. Micro 4/3 is doing quite well with the latest models.
Without watching all of this yet, I hope OM-SYSTEM does one of two things, with it being $200 more, they keep the Mark I around with deeper discounts until the Mark III comes out. Or with a bigger gap between the OM-1 and OM-5, they come out with an OM-3. Also they are quicker to come out an OM-5 Mark II with better focusing system and menu. If they come out with an OM-1x, it will have a 25mp and maybe an instant HDR mode with that fast 120fps ability. Now, back to watching the video.
Dear Thomas, Thank you very much for making this elaborate video on the OM-1 II. Do I interpret your video at around the 25.40 mark correctly when I say the OM-1 II allows us to point a small AF target at the desired human subject, then half press the shutter and have the camera follow this person around the entire frame, focusing on the eyes when visible (à la Sony 'real time tracking')? If so, does this require an additional action (besides pointing the af frame at the intended subject and half-pressing the shutter) to "lock" the af to this person? Best, Marten
Dear Marten, Thanks for your support and your question. This is exactly how it works. Even better, you can configure the behavior in detail. Additionally, you can lock a subject, which allows you for example to quickly select which eye the camera should prioritize. Pages 122 to 123 of the official manual, Version 1.1 are very insightful to get an idea of the available options. Feel free to follow up if that was not sufficient! Thanks again and all the best, Thomas 📸
@@ThomasEisl.Photography Excellent, thank you for the confirmation! I had looked at the manual, but it's hard to make firm conclusions based on the manual when you don't have the camera in hand. I'm strongly considering the OM-1 II, even though I don't do nature or wildlife much. I mostly just shoot snaps of my kids, but I like the m4/3 lenses and ergonomics. The original om-1 was a little frustrating in that, for all its features and nice operation, it didn't have the only thing I'd use all the time: human detection. Thanks again.
Hi Thomas! I have tried to find the right answer for the reason why the focusing accuracy will be decreased when shooting with SH2 @ apertures smaller than f8. Can you explain? And thank's for your great videos.
Thank you! If I recall correctly, I think I mentioned it in this video: ua-cam.com/video/kWegXN8Eaxo/v-deo.html It is a combination of factors which affect all cameras regardless of manufacturer and type, btw. Best, Thomas 📸
Thank you very much! And welcome to the OM-1 II club - it is a spectacular camera in every way and will serve you well. Love to work with mine. I can wholeheartedly recommend it. Best, Thomas 📸
What an incredibly comprehensive review! If I weren’t so heavily committed to a Sony system, I would give this camera a go. Is it possible to use Sony E mount lenses on this camera? I have owned Olympus cameras in the past, including film cameras, and always loved them. Thank you for such a detailed and clearly communicated review.
I have been very critical of OM System lately. But I have finally decided to order the OM-1 mark II. I don't think I could migrate to the Panasonic G9II, although I've been tempted for a long time, because I have several lenses of that brand and I like them very much. And it looks like a great camera as well and with a more measured price. I always liked the image quality and colors of Olympus better. Panasonic is clearly better at video, but for my use, having decent video is good enough for me. And I think the OM-1 mark II will give me enough for those eventual situations. As for resolution, I've had a 16 megapixel camera for a bunch of years so far, so I don't need to go all the way up to 25 either. 20 megapixels seems more than enough to me and maintains a better compromise with dynamic range and image quality. I prefer the stacked sensor. I think it's a bit expensive compared to other brands' cameras, but I wanted an all-rounder camera that will last me for many years. Seeing that my E-M5 mark II is still working perfectly and I have been very happy with it, I had to stick with the brand. I hope everything goes well and I don't regret it.
Hi Thomas. Can you speak to whether or not the OM-1 Mark ii high res handheld 50 megapixel can shot seascapes with wave movement? Your review was excellent. Your breakdown of complex issues in terms this simple mind can understand is greatly appreciated. $ Thanks sent. Respect, Mark Rustad
Hello Mark and thanks for your support! Regarding your question - there are two considerations: 1) The camera will be able to reliably create a HHHRes composite under the conditions outlined by you. 2) The moving elements (waves) in the frame will appear blurry/exhibit motion blur, as in the capture of multiple frames translates to a longer total exposure time. It is basically the time I outlined in the section about composite times. I hope I was able to help, thanks for the positive feedback, that means a lot to me! Feel free to follow up if you need anything. Best, Thomas 📸
Thank you for the courtesy of an expeditious reply. I wii revisited the composite times outlined and consider how such exposure times will impact accordingly. Best, M
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. 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 UA-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? I had the 12-40, 40-150, and a sigma 56. 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, lol Would my pictures really need more editing for M4/3’s and would they be more soft? Or is that all just a gimmick. I want smooth backgrounds and crisp landscapes and wildlife pictures.
Hi Thomas, OM website mentions 10 FPS with mech. shutter in AFC, but you said 20 FPS. Who is correct? DPReview talks only about faster AF response than a rework, not the first time they show minimal effort covering all changes in a camera (not just OMDS/Oly). Video is interesting and full of information. Thanks. Will you devote future episodes to video features of the OM1II and how has it improved? AF should be better now. Regarding your legacy Zuiko 50-200mm, try to push OMDS towards a mid-tele zoom. Something as a 50-200mm F3.2 or a 70-250mm F3.5 would be nice to have. Cheers
This is interesting news and not interesting news at det same time. My current OM-1 mark I does everything I need it to perform in my profession as a journalist for various Norwegian B2B publications. It is reliable, rock solid, small and light. It is more than fast enough and has more than enough high tech capabilities. No complaints. For those reasons I really don't see why I need to upgrade to the latest and greatest beast in the foreseeable future. Therefore: Not interesting. But on the other hand, this is very interesting because the revelation of the next generation OM System flagship camera strengthens the position for the brand and the M43 system in the market as a whole. It seems less likely that I put my hard earned money on a dying horse when I decided to lay off my full frame burden a little over a year ago.
Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts. Same goes for me - the OM-1 was my go-to tool in the previous year. However, I'm very impressed by the upgrade and although I don't need it to do my job, I've preordered one. However, just like you, I could definitely get excellent results with the current camera, which is fantastic. Thanks again for sharing, we are on the same page here. Best, Thomas 📸
Thank you for your thorough elaboration on the OM-1 Mark II. Here's my dilemma: the OM-1 Mark I has now been set on sale (for obvious reasons). I will upgrade from a Olympus OM-D E-M10 III, so I'm making a huge step forward anyways. The price difference today is €700,- for either a brand new OM-1 Mark I or Mark II. The enlarged buffer is something that I most likely will not use, so it boils down to the difference in dials (rubberized), the subject "Human" in subject recognition, the GND shooting and the 14 bit Hi Res shooting. I mainly shoot nature (in forrest) pictures and wildlife. Do these 3 plusses of the Mark II justify an extra €700 investment in your professional opinion? Thanks!
The other option would be to buy a second hand OM-1 MK 1 or which there seem to be several around at less than £1000. If you want to buy new then surely you would go for the Mk II for reasons you same and the slight possibility of future firmware updates.
@@garydowzall6592 thanks for that. There weren't too many second hand MK 1's available in my country at the point where I desired to do the upgrade. So I got the €1.700 deal (£1.450) on a new (OM-) one (Mark I) with the standard 2 years of factory warranty. I took it an a work trip to Washington DC, played around with it there and got it with me currently on my ski holiday. I must say: the unit is very very pleasant. I read comments about the location of the menu button, must admit it does not bother me that much. Besides, with the upcoming firmware update, it is likely that we can use the delete button as menu button as well. The whole setup of buttons and menus is very pleasant to work with, the only thing I have not managed yet is using the built in digital ND filters in a standard frame shooting, other than Live ND. But all other features are easily accessible. The Sync IS function with my 300mm IS Pro is simply stunning. I got nice results with that lens on my step-in model E-M10 Mk III, but the extra IS stops produce sharper pictures. So, we will have to do that Tanzania Safari holiday again....
Thomas, is there anyway you could tell me, or even better, make a video, of which SD card speed is the most that the OM-1 mark II can make use of? I hate to spend the money on a V90 300 card if the camera won’t make full use of it. Having said that, I would buy one if the camera could write that fast.
Hey Larry! Personally, I'm using SanDisk V90 / class 10 cards, the extreme Pros. The OM is capable of such high write speeds and actually OM recommends using such fast cards. All in all, a good card is a future-proof investment. The 32GB variety has enough storage and they are not too expensive. However, if you accept slightly less performance, which is also ok in most situations, you can get away with a slower card as well. Hope this helps! Best, Thomas 📸
The AF on the Mark 2 is other-worldly. You used the Zuiko 4/3 50-200. I popped the Bigma 50-500 "for Olympus" (EVolt) onto the DMW-MA1. The Mark 2 is the first MFT I've had that will focus that lens accurately. Even C-AF+TR. It doesn't focus as quickly as MFT lenses but my other MFT cameras need to use MF correction on it.
Thomas - does the OM-1 Mark ii retain the "Art Mode Bracketing" feature of the OM-1? That feature allows me to get both a B&W image and a Natural color image from the same shot and I use that a lot with the OM-1. Thank you.
Yes, the OM-1 mark I is still as good as ever and it is also significantly less expensive. I'm also using both parallel, it is an excellent tool. Best, Thomas 📸
Do you have a set up video out? I went from a canon R50 to this and it’s my first Olympus camera. Would really appreciate if you could make one directed at people like me who never owned an OM camera. 👍
No not yet! But I've seen you've found my OM-1 Mark I videos. Most things are also applicable to the Mark II. Get in touch via e-mail for a 1:1 coaching and course, if you'd like!
here another question : Does the camera allow you to use uncoupled AE ? Meaning, Can you use the camera in AF/S/C or MF mode and enable constant metering while keeping the shutter button half pressed ( Sony offers this setting via menue ) or is it like Panasonic S series where you can only achieve "free AE adjustments" when using the camera in AF/C mode and change the AFL/ AEL setting in menu. ( Pamasonic does NOT ALLOW FREE AE when using AF/S or MF even if you sent the camera to AF/C and set the lens switch to MF ) .... no reviewer mentions this but for reportage photo and video free AE is very important not only in AFC but especially MF .... maybe you could explain how the Olympus is handling this problem ?
Short answer - yes you can do that - and much more. OM System cameras are the most configurable cameras I've ever used. There are too many options, that goes beyond the scope of the comment section, but you can take a look at the official manual or schedule a call with me. Best, Thomas 📸
@@ThomasEisl.Photography Thank you Thomas ! the main reason I held off on Olympus / OM systems cameras was, that they did not take any pictures while zooming with certain lenses. Only the advent of the Sony A9III prompted me to consider the OM systems OM1MII again because under LED lighting it takes too long to adjust the A9III's adjustable shutter, while I might be getting a better hit rate shooting an OM in mechanical shutter at 1/30sec ( which seems to be the best shutter speed to tackle banding and flickering ) ...
@mamumonkan Most welcome! 1) A quick note: with the mechanical shutter or EFCS of the OM-1 I never had any banding issued ever, even under lab conditions and super fast shutter speeds. Why? The traverse speed is lightning fast - and with 400.000 "guaranteed" actuations you have one of the most durable shutter units ever made. 2) No pictures while zooming - I'd love of you could expand on that as I'm not familiar with that.
Thanks for replying Thomas that shows you care… which is appreciated. Look forward to the video review but if you can try and mention the birds settings that would be superb. Respect Paul
Hi Thomas, congratulations on your reviews, which I follow with great interest. I have a question: is it possible to use high resolution shooting and ND filters at the same time? With the OM1 I don't think it was possible. Can you kindly give me an answer? I thank you......
Thank you very much for the positive feedback! Unfortunately, that is not possible due to the way these modes work on a technical level. However, you can capture multiple high res images and overlay them in post production (frame averaging) to achieve a similar effect as with live ND. Best, Thomas 📸
@@ThomasEisl.Photography ......or, shoot in high resolution with filters on the lens, like we did when we were younger :):)....many thanks, Thomas,,,,,
I have no opinion on the quality of this camera, but I do not like the fact that it is called OM1. I started my photography with the Olympus PFT, a half frame 35mm camera that took fantastic pictures. Later, Suiko Miatani introduced the first full frame Olympus camera system, the OM1. He later created the OM2. OM3 and OM4. I had all of these cameras and can say they were all excellent. Since the OM1 nomenclature has already been established as a full frame film camera, I feel the new digital 4/3 camera should not have been given the OM1 nomenclature. It should have been given a model name to denote the new era of Olympus in its model lineup.
By the definition, as you might know, full frame was actually used for four thirds. Internet wisdom twisted the initial, technically correct meaning. Full frame originally meant "covering the full image circle of a lens" natively. But yes, the name is indeed a matter of taste. Best, Thomas 📸
WOW. What an exceptional discussion of this camera. Clear. To the point. Perfectly detailed. And excellent examples. Like your other videos, perhaps the very best discussion of photography for actual photographers--anywhere. My only complaint is that now you have me wanting an OM1 Mk2 when I have a very nice Mk1 already, though I classify this as truly a "first world problem."
Hi Thomas, could you please comment on the impact (if any) of ND128 on dynamic range as opposed to ND64 or 14 bit high res mode? Any improvements? Thanks.
Hi Thomas. You used a 4/3 lens while shooting the race. I was wondering how was the auto focus speed was. It seemed OK from here. Great review and impecable attire choice.
Hey there! Yes, I've used a 4/3 lens and the OM-1 mark II loves those. Works perfectly fine - of course, it is a bit slower than modern pro lenses, but with the right technique, you get excellent results in terms of AF hitrate. Best, Thomas 📸
Absolutely. Since I got an OM-1 mark I, it is my number one choice for practically every job, including high end studio work and portraiture. Best, Thomas 📸
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Good morning Thomas, is there also a mark ONE expert guide? Or can I use this mark TWO-guide for most settings etc.? Thank you very much for this review. Way more extensive than any other I saw this morning. Great job. Kees den Boer
Thank you very much and good morning to you as well!
My idea at this point is to finish both guides in parallel. There are definitely differences and a second guide is in order: e.g. dynamic range in 14bit mode, and the AF system to name a few.
Best, Thomas 📸
Now does the new live grad nd also produce raw output like the live nd does?
@@ThomasEisl.PhotographyReally would like to have the MK i guide, too.
Appreciate your detailed explanation about the focusing system and the corresponding settings.
Things can get really weird when you have to shoot with bad (flickering) LED lights, Face Detection and tracking…
GND also produces RAW files - pretty incredible!
Thomas Eisl is without question the guy who delivers camera reviews of the absolute highest credibility. Thank you for your highly accurate, relevant, and insightful videos. Finally information we can rely on.
Thank you very much, that means a lot me. I'll do my best to justify your positive feedback and trust.
Best, Thomas 📸
After watching several other OM-1 MII reviews, this is without a doubt top quality descriptive information and presented the way you do it makes this the best IMO.
Thank you very much, that means a lot! Best, Thomas 📸
I just received a pair of OM-1 mark II’s.
1. The settings from the OM-1 do not transfer to the OM-1 mark II
2. Only one camera can be paired with the remote release. You have to delete the pairing and repair it if you switch the remote to another camera.
3. The app O.I. Share still only allows one camera to be registered. If you wish to switch to another camera, you have to go through the setup process each time.
4. As before, all the camera settings, including custom settings will transfer from one OM-1 mark II to a second OM-1 mark II.
Larry, thank you very much for sharing that! That is super helpful to know, not just for me but also for other photographers.
I was about to get back to you and your comment from earlier.
Best, Thomas
I've had the OM-1 for 16 months. Its by far the best camera I've ever owned...but I also had the original E-1 and the camera produced some great images. What I REALLY love is the ability to turn the back screen around and protect it. I invariably use the viewfinder so having this great protective design feature is, for me, a sign of great product design.
Yes, I completely agree! Thanks for sharing that. It truly is a milestone, much like the E-1 was back then.
Good info as always. I just received my Mark II today!
Thank you very much for your support and congratulations on your new camera! I'm out with my Mark II today as well. Best, Thomas 📸
Thomas, you blow all other reviewers out of the water! Your attention to detail, linked with your engaging and understandable delivery style, are superb! THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!🎉
Thomas your videos really do make the usual tests by You Tubers look very basic. Such effort and detail and all in a second language. Well done
Thanks Thomas, you are an incredible resource for anyone wanting to learn more about every aspect of these cameras. You are extremely prepared and clear in your presentation of the contents. No music, special effects, just clear and calm explanations with choice of appropriate words. One of the things that demonstrates your communication skills is that you read and respond to countless comments on your works. Thanks and best regards.
Thanks so much for this thoughtful and thorough review. I have read through most of the comments and your professional responses are impressive. You always take the “high road”.
Thank you very much, Sir!
That is really great to read.
Best, Thomas
So much nonsense commentary online these last few days. Like kids having a tantrum on Christmas because they didn't get exactly what they wanted.
THANK YOU for being sane, informative, and positive.
Thank you very much!
A very detailed and interesting review of this camera. Thank you for explaining it all so well.
Thank you very much!
I must say Thomas that this is the most detailed and informative review I have watched in a very long time. I mean regardless of the camera manufacturer. Excellent information and extremely interesting. I have been shooting with the OM-1 since shortly after is was available in 2022. The camera is a solid and excellent camera. Bravo to for your hard work and helpful review. Thank you very much.
Thank you very much!
Thomas' review is enough! No extra review required, but a deep attention to each word. Thomas deep analyzes each tool of the new mark II. As naturalist photographer, I understand that AF recognition could be a very interesting element, but the great jump was OM-1 the first. Anyway, I'm pleased to know that OM System works a lot to develop new models. Sergio from Milano
Thank you very much Sergio!
I hope to see you on the members-only live stream this weekend.
Best, Thomas 📸
Absolutely amazing and in depth overview of the OM1.2 - the most thorough I’ve seen of any camera, not just OMS products. Brilliant work Thomas 👏
I’m back in to photography after 7/8 years out, and after evaluating various systems picked up a Fuji X-H2, which I love. I hadn’t even thought about OMS. Then I got handed an OM-1 to try and my word this thing is an absolute powerhouse!
I’m was blown away by how it works, what it can do, and how compact it is, so I’ve picked one up to evaluate alongside the Fuji. I initially got the 12-40 f2.8, but for fun I’ve just added the 45mm f1.8 which makes it a hilarious 740g portrait machine (I appreciate I should be using the ‘better’ lens!).
To think that so many out there will completely ignore this camera, or even criticise it, simply because it’s an MFT sensor. 😢
I would buy this camera but I just love my EM1 Mkii so much. Awesome video. NASA, please hire this guy. :)
Thanks!
Yeah, the E-M1II is great. Definitely a "keeper". Best, Thomas
Thorough and professional review, thank you so much! I placed an order for an OM-1 II today. Will be using your vids on the om-1 I for setup and user guides!
Awesome, thank you very much! I'm sure you'll be happy with the Mark II. It is an outstanding piece of equipment, capable of incredible results. Best, Thomas 📸
Thank you Thomas for making such a detailed and informative video. This was the final point when I decided to get OM1 MKII. You are right. This camera is a masterpiece. OM1 and OM System in general deserve more coverage and I plan to make videos as well, especially on the video department of OM1, which to my surprise is much better than I anticipated.
Thank you very much, George!
I'm looking forward to your video, please notify me once it is out.
Thanks, Thomas. Looking forward to obtaining a copy of your guide as well as a copy of the camera to add to my Mark I bodies. Well done. I'm glad OMDS has recognized your unique approach to evaluating photographic gear and features.
Thank you very much! Definitely a good choice, I've received my preordered OM-1 II recently - love it, it is an excellent camera. Best, Thomas
Thomas is the best in the business when it comes to thorough, in-depth and thoughtful reviews that in most cases pre-empt and address any of my questions. Five stars
Thank you very much!
Thank you, Thomas. This is by far the best UA-cam video about OM1mk2. Brilliant👍👍Greetings from Japan.
Thank you very much, that means a lot!
Best wishes from Vienna to you! Yours, Thomas 📸
This is the best review I've seen on this camera. It's great to see these improvements in what was already a great camera. Of course it would have been even better if OM had put enough ram in the Mk.I to support some of these improvements. Then they could just update the firmware (like Olympus used to do). I know, I'm asking for something for free, but it was OM after all who promised "regular, robust firmware updates" when they launched the OM1. "Upgrade your camera for free" we were told.
That's their words.
Thank you very much!
It seems like OM fulfilled their promises in the meantime, with most likely more updates for the Mark I to come further down the road. Best, Thomas 📸
Thomas is an extremely smooth talker.
Olympus Systems will like that.
This video is not for OM System but for fellow photographers 📸
The reason Thomas is so good is he’s NOT delivering the mind numbingly boring narrative all OM systems staff and ambassadors come out with.
There ambassadors are what leading international multiple-award winning photographers? Precisely NOT! There obsession with wildlife photography and part of the OM family is just weird. Ok if I’m part of the OM family I look forward to them developing a Tilt’n’Shift lens and gifting it me at on my birthday 🎂 after all that’s what families do. I feel sorry 😞 for those who bought an OM1 in the past month or so and absolutely no public announcement that an upgraded model is on its way, that’s nice of them.
It does sound like a thouroughly researched advertising rather than a review.
Had herr Eisl been a nature photographer, using the camera outdoors wearing winter gloves, he would certainly have commented that buttons are too recessed and very difficult to use in such conditions.It also includes using the on/off switch. The superb ergonomics of the EM-1x still rules supreme here. JMHO
Herr Eisl thanks for your contribution 🙂 and wants to let you know that he has been using the OM-1 with gloves as well and was very pleased with the experience.
Jokes aside, the E-M1X is indeed a very well designed camera 📸
After watching this, I finally made up my mind. I'm gonna have that Camera. Thanks...
Definitely a good decision - congratulations! I hope you'll like it as much as I do like mine and that it will enable you to realize your creative vision. Best, Thomas 📸
I can’t wait. I’m getting ready to pick up one of these today.😁
Congratulations, good choice!
@@ThomasEisl.Photography I’m back and can’t wait for my Camera to charge so I can go out and shoot today. Om-1 feels so comfortable in hand. I checked out some full frame cameras from Nikon and Sony…..but they were uncomfortable to hold. Your information will become very helpful in the next few days.
@animegeek6118 Awesome - the OM-1 is definitely one of the best designed cameras out there. Well balanced with lenses large and small! Keep me updated 📸😎
Thank you for doing the only serious review of this new camera. It looks great.
Thank you very much for your kind feedback and the generous donation. I very much appreciate that. In my opinion,. it is an excellent camera and I've preordered one. Best, Thomas 📸
Wow 🤯 just received mine after using em1 mk 3 and really can’t wait to get going on this remarkable camera. Won’t be done in a month though after listening to that. Many thanks. 🙏🏻 👍🏻
Good choice - definitely the right upgrade!
Fantastic review! Thanks so much.
Thank you!
The most comprehensive description of this camera. Thank you.
Thank you very much.
A real Master review. Even the Om1 is not in y scope I had to listen to this very detailed professional review :)
Thank you very much!
Thanks!
Thank you very much for your kind support!
Thanks!
Thank you very much for your generous support, it means a lot. Somehow I was not notified about it, please excuse the late reply. Best, Thomas 📸
I’m newly returning to photography. Though I can’t afford the best, I’ve been reading reviews and drooling over cameras from Fujifilm, Sony, and Canon.
I quickly realize that those were all out of reach… Indefinitely. So I started looking at other brands as a “consolation”.
I recently purchased an Olympus om-10 mkii for the price of the Nikon lens I was planning to purchase (for an old D3200).
One word… wow! This small camera from 2015 with a kit lens has blown me away for capability and image quality. And the for price (with lens’s) of $260. It’s a steal.
I’ve truly fallen in love with the Olympus brand. Since I’m new to cameras, I was confused by the name change. Frankly Olympus is a much better brand name than “OM Systems”… however it is good to know that when I can afford a nice camera, I can hope to get this om-1 mk2.
As good as this new camera is, I'm not an action photographer. I primarily shoot street photography, and will love to have a new Pen-F ii. Thousands of MFT users want the same. Are OM System listening to their loyal customers or have they accepted and prepared to lose these loyal customers to Nikon, Fuji, Canon, etc?
With all the shrieking and wailing and taking-their-ball-and-going-home I've seen, I'm not at all sure OM _has_ loyal customers.
@@vermis8344 😃You must be a Fuji fan-boy. I actually am very satisfied with my Olympus/OM System cameras and lens, and I do not shriek and wail like a little #Fuji fan-boy. I use MFT and Nikon FF gear in tandem and chose the system to use depending on what I want to shoot for each session. For example, if I want to shoot street, I will never carry the D750 as it is too big and conspicuous. My subjects are too self-concious when they see such a big camera. I have tried using the Fuji X-T3, but that camera is also big and heavy (not much smaller than my D750) and IQ is only slightly better than my ancient E-M5ii, and much worse than the D750, hence my choice of staying with my MFT gear. There are never a perfect camera as photographic styles and genre are so diverse. It is just like when I was shooting film for 30years. I use 35mm, 2 1/4 and 6x4, depending on what I want. Just enjoy your photography and ignore all the fan-boys screaming and boasting. That is not photography. Peace.
I think OMDS has a choice to make: develop the OM-10 or Pen-F ii. Definitely two different cameras and different segments of the market.
@@FierceSleepingDog They should have the capability to produce two cameras in one year. Indeed, OMDS hardly had any new cameras since the OM-1 launch two years ago.
To all of this who want a new small camera, have you been purchasing the small lenses? The 20f4, 8-25f4 and others? If those lenses and the OM-5 are selling well I’m sure there will be more attention given there. Money talks, and currently there IS a market for the long lenses that can barely be kept up with (150-400 pro, 300f4 and the OM1). Personally, I’ve been waiting patiently for “my product turn” as those sweet f4 lens don’t appeal to me.
Thank you Thomas for how clearly you explain menus and setups with the OM1 and OM1 II. My question is about both cameras and illuminated focus frames or points on the rear LCD. When I turn on my OM1 whatever focus point shape I have chosen for that mode appears in bright green before I put the camera to my eye. I know I set that up somehow a year ago but I have forgotten how. I would like to have control to turn on and off the illuminated focus point. My second question is related to the OM1 markII. I recently received my new camera and have already seen the upgraded bird detection capabilities of this camera. QUESTION: How on this camera can I get the illuminated focus points, to appear, be it a small or cross shape on the LCD and (EVF). I have failed to find a way. With the focus shape illuminated I can move it around the screen to suit but if I can't see it ahead of time I can't put it where I need it. Thank You,
Help...Joseph McGrath
Thank you for this great review. The most technical and best explained I have seen. I find a tutorial on how to scan slides with the OM1 interesting (for me it has been a revelation to be able to use photographic equipment as a scanner for my slides).
I hope to have an OM1 II in a few months to accompany my beloved OM5😁
Thank you so much - that is great to read! Best, Thomas 📸 PS: love my OM-5 as well hehe
What great compliment to you from OMS, Thomas. Very richly deserved. While I remain more than a little cautious in my thoughts about the OM-1 II (while my wife keeps an eye on the bank account), I like and respect very much your thoughts on the camera, particularly the high resolution modes - when shooting landscapes, I often use this mode for the extra dynamic range , and because it can give me more leeway when cropping - and I'd love to see a direct comparison of high resolution images taken away from the laboratory with the OM-1 II versus a full-frame camera with an appropriate-sized sensor. At a location where the lighting and detail of the composition are challenging, for example. To me, the GND filter seems to have been implemented very well, with controls that give it more usability than a glass filter. This seems to typify Olympus and now OMS products. I have wondered on another forum, whether the future direction of camera design is shown in the OM-1 II - where a camera with a capable sensor is enhanced by considerable computational processing power, and thoughtful attention to detail.
Thank you very much for your comment!
I'm indeed considering such a comparison, but it will be medium format vs. the OM-1II. Theoretically, the OM can outperform a DMF with the high res shot function.
Best, Thomas 📸
So will there be no firmware update for the OM-1i for the AF system?
Time will tell, I don't think Thomas will be aware of OM's intentions. However, I think it would be a very poor PR stance if OMDS didn't make some features/improvements available in an update. After all, they haven't done much since 1.4/5 updates, especially as some could be regarded as fixes and not additions.
As Swaggerlot said, there is nothing publiziced at this point.
But, I'm confident that the mark I won't be left behind.
I bet we will get one, but it won't be for at least 6 months IMO.
@@ThomasEisl.Photography Let's hope OM stands by current OM-1 owners with a good firmware update. I like a lot about my OM-1, but as someone coming from Sony, the AF tracking capability definitely needs some work. It sounds like the Mk II improves that. I would be disappointed if OM didn't extend those benefits to a model that's only been out for 2 years, if it's technically possible to do it. Otherwise, I'll consider switching back to Sony, rather than investing more in a camera system I can't count on for firmware updates.
I greatly appreciate the level of detail and reality that you bring in discussing these cameras.
A lot of things that may seem trivial or minor to gearheads and beginners, but with any manufacturer its with these details and beneath-the-hood improvements that brings big differences in actual use, especially when you need it the most. OM has always brought meaningful features that make the shooting process more pure or more fun. I believe a lot of tech gets discussed without its context (company A has this tech, Company B has that), and I feel your video explains what the technical improvements and technology mean in the bigger context of real-world shooting, not just spec and tech race, and why its relevant to the shooting experience. (as opposed to just saying it is a "non-technical feeling review"-not that I don't appreciate those.)
I especially appreciate the reference to the E-1 and E-3, because the idiosyncracy with the name of the new OM-1 is that it is a spiritual successors to the single digit E-series, an ergonomic pro heavyweight machine, as opposed to the film OM-1, which is a more minimalist camera succeeded by the OM-5 series.
This is the second video from you(other being the OM-5) , that popped up into my feed and I subscribed.
Thank you very much for your positive, elaborate feedback. This means a lot to me - and welcome to the channel!
It is definitely very impressive. There are a few things like the improved subject detection that I really wish I had. After using the OM-1 for quite a while now, I can see how the bird tracking is a bit lacking compared to this new model. However; I’m going to stick with it for probably a decade, as I did with my previous camera. And by then, the upgrade will surely be truly mind blowing. Until then, I’m going to keep enjoying my amazing OM-1.
I very much appreciate your perspective on this one, and I completely agree. Personally, I thought the OM-1 was the end all be all, as it is so good. The tech nerd in me appreciates that they were able to improve it further, but the photographer in me says that the OM-1 mark I is the camera that gets the job done - now and in ten years, as you've stated. Thanks and best, Thomas 📸
Not clear if the problem is with the video but the model eye detect of the Om-1 Mark II is considerably slower than that of the Nikon Z9 camera.
This is due to the video/and that I did not focus the subject in between, it is pretty blurred between shots as I'm using an f/1.4 in this demo. There is just no eye to see for any camera. In practice, it is instantaneous as long as there is an eye in the frame. Pretty sweet. Best, Thomas 📸
Just a technical note - LUMIX cameras also have the Live Composite mode. They just call it Live View Composite. Works the same.
Thanks for adding that - this slip of tongue made it through the editing stage, unfortunately.
@@ThomasEisl.Photography No worries, I was being nitpicky mostly because I encountered the same claim on DP Review forums a few times as well. Also I'm massive fanboy so obviously I'm going to stand up for my chosen one! Haha
The review must've been a massive undertaking so one slip is fine I think!
Hello AoyagiAichou, can you let me know where in the menus this can be found, I was aware it had been added to some of their cameras but at that time I had the g9 which did not have it and I saw nothing come in later firmwares so I was a bit annoyed as I liked that features in my Olympus cameras. The menus are quite complicated deep and nested so maybe I am just overlooking it. But I have tried quite hard to locate it on my G9 so if you could assist me that would be great.
Can you tell me if the setting I have saved on my OM-1 can be loaded into the OM-1 mark II? And if so, is the procedure the same.
Om1i is abandonware, there isn't a way.
Unfortunately not.
Tack!
Thank you very much for your generous support!
Wow! You are incredibly thorough. I appreciate this overview. I recently switched from Canon 5DM4 to OM-1M2 and was a bit concerned about learning a new system. I believe I will thoroughly enjoy this system once I have mastered the menus and application. Being that wildlife, in particular birds, is my preferred subject matter, the AF should serve me well. Thanks again for your hard work! Cheers!
Awesome, thank you! I've got plenty of videos on the OM-1 series, maybe those are useful for you. And welcome to OM System - I'm sure you won't regret your decision! Best, Thomas 📸
Based on OM-SYSTEM specs you can download, it only can do 10fps with mechanical shutter and it seems like B&H agrees. Just might want to double check that.
Thanks for pointing that out, much appreciated - it is indeed 10 FPS. Can't tell you why I had 20 FPS mech in there hehe 🤫
@@ThomasEisl.Photography Maybe you got a little dizzy from all the spinning you did in this video.
This is actually one of the best in depth reviews of a camera that I’ve ever seen. It’s concise yet enough detail it’s provided Plus, the content with model, race and hands on testing is great; nice music and sound effects too! This is a lot of work! Keep the great work up!
Thank you very much - that is amazing feedback which I very much appreciate! Best, Thomas 📸
Truly superb and the best review I’ve seen. As a wildlife photographer doing birds and macro mainly I feel that your in-depth review justifies me going for the MkII having had the MkI since release. Thank you… now looking forward to the video review… hoping it can track flying birds much better than the MkI which was a real let down
Thank you very much, that means a lot to me!
Although I'm usually photographing less demanding subjects than you do, I also appreciate the improvements and placed a preorder. It is just an excellent camera.
Regarding video: I'm testing that intensively at the moment, it's gonna take a while but a quick spoiler: more than in stills mode, the AF settings are crucial. Setting one of the parameters the wrong way really messes up the hit rate.
Thank you Thomas. This sets the standard for camera testing and I really appreciate the detail. Liked and subscribed immediately based on this one review.
Thank you!
Just a quick note to convey my appreciation for the outstanding work you are giving subscribers like me who follow you closely on your various social media channels.
This particular contribution about the OM-1 Mk II amply justifies my prime UA-cam membership. It should serve as an example for those pretending to evaluate photographic gear but who just end up spreading their own prejudices and, as a result, end up misleading their followers.
I just ordered your expert guide and will be trading up most of my old gear for the new body, while keeping the first OM-1 as a collectors’ item (after all, it is the last Olympus-branded camera), that will continue to perform very well as a second body for many years to come.
Thank you very much, I'm very thankful for your exceptionally kind feedback and also your support.
Your trust and positive feedback means a lot to me.
Your plan to get a new mark II and keep an OM-1 "Classic" sounds exactly like my plan. Both are excellent cameras. It is also really intriguing to have both side by side, as the former still has a lot of "Olympus" in it (e.g. the AF menu) while the latter is now purely OM System. So in a way, both are significant cameras historically.
Thanks again for your kind remarks and your support!
Best, Thomas 📸
Thank you for putting so much effort to deliver such a superb review.
Thank you very much for the appreciation!
Hi Thomas, great video with lots of content that’s taken a while to digest. A couple of questions though. With regards AF focussing accuracy, you state there are improvements at 100m+. Is there any more information on this as I have not seen it mentioned elsewhere. Secondly are there any improvement on low light single point s-af which some people have struggled with? Gary
Hi Thomas, would really appreciate your comments about focus at longer distances. With mark 1 I struggle at this distance and was never sure if it was focus or stabilisation. Gary
Hey Gary!
1) AF accuracy
I've tested both cameras side by side in controlled scenarios and also asked OM about that while I tested the camera. They indeed changed the AF system to improve the hit rate of C-AF at longer distances, just like my tests showed.
Overall, the AF performance was improved quite a bit. There is a video for channel members only where I talk about this in greater detail.
S-AF was also improved, however, I was already very happy with the implementation in the mark I. However, as you seem to had troubles, I'd say that you will most likely notice an improvement in this field as well.
Hope this helps, best Thomas 📸
@ThomasEisl.Photography Many thanks for the information
signed up :)
Thank you very much and welcome aboard!
Really thorough review, as always. It'd be really interesting to see a comparison between the om1 ii and the panasonic g9ii. Micro 4/3 is doing quite well with the latest models.
Thank you very much! I completely agree, MFT has some very strong models at the moment. All one could ever want, I'd say!
Without watching all of this yet, I hope OM-SYSTEM does one of two things, with it being $200 more, they keep the Mark I around with deeper discounts until the Mark III comes out. Or with a bigger gap between the OM-1 and OM-5, they come out with an OM-3. Also they are quicker to come out an OM-5 Mark II with better focusing system and menu.
If they come out with an OM-1x, it will have a 25mp and maybe an instant HDR mode with that fast 120fps ability.
Now, back to watching the video.
Dear Thomas,
Thank you very much for making this elaborate video on the OM-1 II. Do I interpret your video at around the 25.40 mark correctly when I say the OM-1 II allows us to point a small AF target at the desired human subject, then half press the shutter and have the camera follow this person around the entire frame, focusing on the eyes when visible (à la Sony 'real time tracking')? If so, does this require an additional action (besides pointing the af frame at the intended subject and half-pressing the shutter) to "lock" the af to this person?
Best,
Marten
Dear Marten,
Thanks for your support and your question. This is exactly how it works. Even better, you can configure the behavior in detail. Additionally, you can lock a subject, which allows you for example to quickly select which eye the camera should prioritize. Pages 122 to 123 of the official manual, Version 1.1 are very insightful to get an idea of the available options. Feel free to follow up if that was not sufficient! Thanks again and all the best, Thomas 📸
@@ThomasEisl.Photography Excellent, thank you for the confirmation! I had looked at the manual, but it's hard to make firm conclusions based on the manual when you don't have the camera in hand. I'm strongly considering the OM-1 II, even though I don't do nature or wildlife much. I mostly just shoot snaps of my kids, but I like the m4/3 lenses and ergonomics. The original om-1 was a little frustrating in that, for all its features and nice operation, it didn't have the only thing I'd use all the time: human detection. Thanks again.
@ShadyBark most welcome!
Nice work always admire your dedication
Thank you very much!
you explain very well .. I review your videos multiple times to work on becoming a master OM photogrpher .... thank yo
Thank you very much! I hope you'll like the upcoming series on filmmaking with the OM-1.
Best, Thomas
Hi Thomas! I have tried to find the right answer for the reason why the focusing accuracy will be decreased when shooting with SH2 @ apertures smaller than f8. Can you explain? And thank's for your great videos.
Thank you! If I recall correctly, I think I mentioned it in this video: ua-cam.com/video/kWegXN8Eaxo/v-deo.html
It is a combination of factors which affect all cameras regardless of manufacturer and type, btw.
Best, Thomas 📸
Superb review 👍
Outstanding review. I'm going to upgrade from my EM1i to this
Thank you very much!
And welcome to the OM-1 II club - it is a spectacular camera in every way and will serve you well. Love to work with mine. I can wholeheartedly recommend it.
Best, Thomas 📸
What an incredibly comprehensive review! If I weren’t so heavily committed to a Sony system, I would give this camera a go. Is it possible to use Sony E mount lenses on this camera? I have owned Olympus cameras in the past, including film cameras, and always loved them. Thank you for such a detailed and clearly communicated review.
I am guessing the video specs are same as OM-1 which as basically the same as GH5 both in terms of video looks and codec?
I'm reviewing this in detail at the moment, but it looks like it is the same. Still testing the dynamic range and so on. Best, Thomas 📸
does the live ND work on strobes?
No, but with continues lighting. I've done that a couple of times with my GVM SD300B Pros. Pretty neat!
Does it record video?
No spoilers, watch until the end 🤫
I have been very critical of OM System lately. But I have finally decided to order the OM-1 mark II. I don't think I could migrate to the Panasonic G9II, although I've been tempted for a long time, because I have several lenses of that brand and I like them very much. And it looks like a great camera as well and with a more measured price.
I always liked the image quality and colors of Olympus better. Panasonic is clearly better at video, but for my use, having decent video is good enough for me. And I think the OM-1 mark II will give me enough for those eventual situations. As for resolution, I've had a 16 megapixel camera for a bunch of years so far, so I don't need to go all the way up to 25 either. 20 megapixels seems more than enough to me and maintains a better compromise with dynamic range and image quality. I prefer the stacked sensor.
I think it's a bit expensive compared to other brands' cameras, but I wanted an all-rounder camera that will last me for many years. Seeing that my E-M5 mark II is still working perfectly and I have been very happy with it, I had to stick with the brand.
I hope everything goes well and I don't regret it.
Thank you very much for these explanations.
Hi Thomas. Can you speak to whether or not the OM-1 Mark ii high res handheld 50 megapixel can shot seascapes with wave movement? Your review was excellent. Your breakdown of complex issues in terms this simple mind can understand is greatly appreciated. $ Thanks sent. Respect, Mark Rustad
Hello Mark and thanks for your support!
Regarding your question - there are two considerations:
1) The camera will be able to reliably create a HHHRes composite under the conditions outlined by you.
2) The moving elements (waves) in the frame will appear blurry/exhibit motion blur, as in the capture of multiple frames translates to a longer total exposure time. It is basically the time I outlined in the section about composite times.
I hope I was able to help, thanks for the positive feedback, that means a lot to me! Feel free to follow up if you need anything. Best, Thomas 📸
Thank you for the courtesy of an expeditious reply. I wii revisited the composite times outlined and consider how such exposure times will impact accordingly. Best, M
Nice! When will the OM-5 Mk-II arrive?
No idea!
An other level review👍🤙
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.
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 UA-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? I had the 12-40, 40-150, and a sigma 56.
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, lol
Would my pictures really need more editing for M4/3’s and would they be more soft? Or is that all just a gimmick. I want smooth backgrounds and crisp landscapes and wildlife pictures.
Hi Thomas, OM website mentions 10 FPS with mech. shutter in AFC, but you said 20 FPS. Who is correct?
DPReview talks only about faster AF response than a rework, not the first time they show minimal effort covering all changes in a camera (not just OMDS/Oly).
Video is interesting and full of information. Thanks.
Will you devote future episodes to video features of the OM1II and how has it improved? AF should be better now.
Regarding your legacy Zuiko 50-200mm, try to push OMDS towards a mid-tele zoom. Something as a 50-200mm F3.2 or a 70-250mm F3.5 would be nice to have.
Cheers
This is interesting news and not interesting news at det same time. My current OM-1 mark I does everything I need it to perform in my profession as a journalist for various Norwegian B2B publications. It is reliable, rock solid, small and light. It is more than fast enough and has more than enough high tech capabilities. No complaints. For those reasons I really don't see why I need to upgrade to the latest and greatest beast in the foreseeable future. Therefore: Not interesting. But on the other hand, this is very interesting because the revelation of the next generation OM System flagship camera strengthens the position for the brand and the M43 system in the market as a whole. It seems less likely that I put my hard earned money on a dying horse when I decided to lay off my full frame burden a little over a year ago.
Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts. Same goes for me - the OM-1 was my go-to tool in the previous year. However, I'm very impressed by the upgrade and although I don't need it to do my job, I've preordered one. However, just like you, I could definitely get excellent results with the current camera, which is fantastic. Thanks again for sharing, we are on the same page here. Best, Thomas 📸
Thank you for your thorough elaboration on the OM-1 Mark II. Here's my dilemma: the OM-1 Mark I has now been set on sale (for obvious reasons). I will upgrade from a Olympus OM-D E-M10 III, so I'm making a huge step forward anyways. The price difference today is €700,- for either a brand new OM-1 Mark I or Mark II. The enlarged buffer is something that I most likely will not use, so it boils down to the difference in dials (rubberized), the subject "Human" in subject recognition, the GND shooting and the 14 bit Hi Res shooting. I mainly shoot nature (in forrest) pictures and wildlife. Do these 3 plusses of the Mark II justify an extra €700 investment in your professional opinion? Thanks!
The other option would be to buy a second hand OM-1 MK 1 or which there seem to be several around at less than £1000. If you want to buy new then surely you would go for the Mk II for reasons you same and the slight possibility of future firmware updates.
@@garydowzall6592 thanks for that. There weren't too many second hand MK 1's available in my country at the point where I desired to do the upgrade. So I got the €1.700 deal (£1.450) on a new (OM-) one (Mark I) with the standard 2 years of factory warranty. I took it an a work trip to Washington DC, played around with it there and got it with me currently on my ski holiday. I must say: the unit is very very pleasant. I read comments about the location of the menu button, must admit it does not bother me that much. Besides, with the upcoming firmware update, it is likely that we can use the delete button as menu button as well. The whole setup of buttons and menus is very pleasant to work with, the only thing I have not managed yet is using the built in digital ND filters in a standard frame shooting, other than Live ND. But all other features are easily accessible. The Sync IS function with my 300mm IS Pro is simply stunning. I got nice results with that lens on my step-in model E-M10 Mk III, but the extra IS stops produce sharper pictures. So, we will have to do that Tanzania Safari holiday again....
Thomas, is there anyway you could tell me, or even better, make a video, of which SD card speed is the most that the OM-1 mark II can make use of? I hate to spend the money on a V90 300 card if the camera won’t make full use of it. Having said that, I would buy one if the camera could write that fast.
Hey Larry! Personally, I'm using SanDisk V90 / class 10 cards, the extreme Pros. The OM is capable of such high write speeds and actually OM recommends using such fast cards. All in all, a good card is a future-proof investment. The 32GB variety has enough storage and they are not too expensive. However, if you accept slightly less performance, which is also ok in most situations, you can get away with a slower card as well. Hope this helps! Best, Thomas 📸
@@ThomasEisl.Photography Thank you.
The AF on the Mark 2 is other-worldly. You used the Zuiko 4/3 50-200. I popped the Bigma 50-500 "for Olympus" (EVolt) onto the DMW-MA1. The Mark 2 is the first MFT I've had that will focus that lens accurately. Even C-AF+TR. It doesn't focus as quickly as MFT lenses but my other MFT cameras need to use MF correction on it.
Thomas - does the OM-1 Mark ii retain the "Art Mode Bracketing" feature of the OM-1? That feature allows me to get both a B&W image and a Natural color image from the same shot and I use that a lot with the OM-1. Thank you.
Just checked, it is still there! Best, Thomas 📸
Awesome ...... Detailed review. Thank you !!!
Glad you liked it!
It figures that I picked up the mark 1 a week before the mark 2 was released. Oh, well. Still pleased to get my OM-1.
Yes, the OM-1 mark I is still as good as ever and it is also significantly less expensive. I'm also using both parallel, it is an excellent tool. Best, Thomas 📸
Is the autofocus mode in video improved and faster?
I'll be covering that in a separate video, the tests are not done yet. Best, Thomas
Do you have a set up video out? I went from a canon R50 to this and it’s my first Olympus camera. Would really appreciate if you could make one directed at people like me who never owned an OM camera. 👍
No not yet! But I've seen you've found my OM-1 Mark I videos. Most things are also applicable to the Mark II. Get in touch via e-mail for a 1:1 coaching and course, if you'd like!
Thanks! Fantastic detail.
Thank you very much for your much valued support. I am very thankful!
here another question : Does the camera allow you to use uncoupled AE ? Meaning, Can you use the camera in AF/S/C or MF mode and enable constant metering while keeping the shutter button half pressed ( Sony offers this setting via menue ) or is it like Panasonic S series where you can only achieve "free AE adjustments" when using the camera in AF/C mode and change the AFL/ AEL setting in menu. ( Pamasonic does NOT ALLOW FREE AE when using AF/S or MF even if you sent the camera to AF/C and set the lens switch to MF ) .... no reviewer mentions this but for reportage photo and video free AE is very important not only in AFC but especially MF .... maybe you could explain how the Olympus is handling this problem ?
Short answer - yes you can do that - and much more. OM System cameras are the most configurable cameras I've ever used.
There are too many options, that goes beyond the scope of the comment section, but you can take a look at the official manual or schedule a call with me. Best, Thomas 📸
@@ThomasEisl.Photography Thank you Thomas ! the main reason I held off on Olympus / OM systems cameras was, that they did not take any pictures while zooming with certain lenses. Only the advent of the Sony A9III prompted me to consider the OM systems OM1MII again because under LED lighting it takes too long to adjust the A9III's adjustable shutter, while I might be getting a better hit rate shooting an OM in mechanical shutter at 1/30sec ( which seems to be the best shutter speed to tackle banding and flickering ) ...
@mamumonkan
Most welcome!
1) A quick note: with the mechanical shutter or EFCS of the OM-1 I never had any banding issued ever, even under lab conditions and super fast shutter speeds. Why? The traverse speed is lightning fast - and with 400.000 "guaranteed" actuations you have one of the most durable shutter units ever made.
2) No pictures while zooming - I'd love of you could expand on that as I'm not familiar with that.
Fantastic review
Thank you very much!
Thanks for replying Thomas that shows you care… which is appreciated. Look forward to the video review but if you can try and mention the birds settings that would be superb. Respect Paul
Thank you very much, Paul!
It is on my list.
Hi Thomas, congratulations on your reviews, which I follow with great interest.
I have a question: is it possible to use high resolution shooting and ND filters at the same time?
With the OM1 I don't think it was possible.
Can you kindly give me an answer?
I thank you......
Thank you very much for the positive feedback!
Unfortunately, that is not possible due to the way these modes work on a technical level. However, you can capture multiple high res images and overlay them in post production (frame averaging) to achieve a similar effect as with live ND. Best, Thomas 📸
@@ThomasEisl.Photography ......or, shoot in high resolution with filters on the lens, like we did when we were younger :):)....many thanks, Thomas,,,,,
@cristianogiani702 yes, that is also a great option haha 😆
23:48 is this what the camera sounds like in single shot mode .... (it's amazing to me that noonE records shutter sounds )
Sorry, I don't quite understand. Could you please elaborate?
@@ThomasEisl.Photographymeaning, if the little click within the music is the actual shutter sound of the camera .
@@ThomasEisl.Photography and yes it's regrettable that almost no one pays attention to the individual shutter sounds :)
Great review! What lens would you pair wiht this camera for travel photography?
Thanks! I talk about that in this video: ua-cam.com/video/uggTA64ACbA/v-deo.html
I have no opinion on the quality of this camera, but I do not like the fact that it is called OM1. I started my photography with the Olympus PFT, a half frame 35mm camera that took fantastic pictures. Later, Suiko Miatani introduced the first full frame Olympus camera system, the OM1. He later created the OM2. OM3 and OM4. I had all of these cameras and can say they were all excellent. Since the OM1 nomenclature has already been established as a full frame film camera, I feel the new digital 4/3 camera should not have been given the OM1 nomenclature. It should have been given a model name to denote the new era of Olympus in its model lineup.
By the definition, as you might know, full frame was actually used for four thirds. Internet wisdom twisted the initial, technically correct meaning. Full frame originally meant "covering the full image circle of a lens" natively.
But yes, the name is indeed a matter of taste. Best, Thomas 📸
Speaking of the viewfinder is the finder upgraded with higher resolution?
No, it is as good as the one in the mark I. Truly excellent.
Thanks!
Thank you very much for your support and comment! Best, Thomas 📸
WOW. What an exceptional discussion of this camera. Clear. To the point. Perfectly detailed. And excellent examples. Like your other videos, perhaps the very best discussion of photography for actual photographers--anywhere. My only complaint is that now you have me wanting an OM1 Mk2 when I have a very nice Mk1 already, though I classify this as truly a "first world problem."
Haha, I know - I'm also on the preorder list 😆. Thanks for the positive feedback! Best, Thomas
Hi Thomas, could you please comment on the impact (if any) of ND128 on dynamic range as opposed to ND64 or 14 bit high res mode? Any improvements? Thanks.
Hi Thomas. You used a 4/3 lens while shooting the race. I was wondering how was the auto focus speed was. It seemed OK from here. Great review and impecable attire choice.
Hey there!
Yes, I've used a 4/3 lens and the OM-1 mark II loves those. Works perfectly fine - of course, it is a bit slower than modern pro lenses, but with the right technique, you get excellent results in terms of AF hitrate. Best, Thomas 📸
Thanks mate, much appreciated.
I don’t suppose they’ve added the option of changing the focus point indicator colour? Green is a complete nightmare in a rainforest.
That is correct.
Note that you can change the color of the grid. The AF confirmation remains green but everything else can be set to any color.
I hope OM is secretly paying you for being the savior of the company.
They are not haha 😆
Very, very good. Thanks.
The one thing that puts me off is the delay in being to use or open raw on my Mac and iOS natively.
Doesn't this happen with all new cameras?
That is more of a computer/OS issue, I'd say. Maybe try the software photomechanic. Best, Thomas 📸
May I know how to lock human subject in human AI mode? I can’t find this function, thx so much
Yes, just press the subject selection button.
@@ThomasEisl.Photography thx , I try it later
If you were doing a high level portrait job, would you use Olympus? Do they render beautiful skin hair and eyes like say Canon?
Absolutely. Since I got an OM-1 mark I, it is my number one choice for practically every job, including high end studio work and portraiture. Best, Thomas 📸