I have recently purchased the EM1 Mark 2 and after watching a number of UA-cam reviews/tutorials about this camera, have found yours to be the most informative and useful. I know I’ll keep returning to it as I explore the camera and its features. Thank you very much for producing such a balanced, entertaining and thorough video!
I'm always happy to read your comments - thanks for watching and participating. Artsy? I'm demonstrating the low light capability - the scene is shot with the EM1-mkII. I though t the shot worked, and it was a little short in the low light section, so also shot the extro.
I took my m1 ii out of the drawer yesterday with the idea of selling it. I have a Panasonic G9 which I love and haven't used this camera in awhile. I started snapping away just for fun and !!! what fun it is to use, look at all those exterior controls, and the colors are so beautiful. So here I am on your excellent review learning about this camera all over again. I am always happy to see that you have reviewed something because I know that I will learn a lot in the amount of time I spend with your review. Thanks!
Maarten, I just have to say bravo for such wonderful video content. It's obvious you put a lot of time into each and every review. There is something wonderfully satisfying about watching your videos. They are mature, factual and loaded full of detail. Might I say you even kind of remind me a little of the famous Rick Steves who does travel journalism?? Anyways, thank you from all of us in the photo community for keeping the hobby interesting, educational and new... Keep up the great work sir!
Once again, this review proves why you are the king of the reviewers! You have no idea how happy I get when my phone notifies me you've posted a new video. Thanks Maarten!!
Hi,, Just a quick note of support for your UA-cam camera reviews,, I am impressed at their clarity and revelation detail.. I can only imagine the hours that go into fiddling with knobs and scrolling through menus.. As a fellow photography enthusiast And Dutchman "Born in Rotterdam but living in Ireland" I recognise the attention to details.. Keep up the good work!! Hans
Great review as always! I was debating for months between this one, the A6500 and the X-T2. Now that I own this one, I have no doubt it's as close to the perfect all around camera as one can get. And the lenses are second to none.
Hi Maarten one of the best reviews of the E-M1 Mark 2 I have seen! Great explanation of not only the features but how to find them in the menus. I now thanks to you turn on and off my camera by the lever on the right, so much more ergonomic. I also own the XT2 and much as I love that camera I find the AF in low light better and faster on the Olympus. Also the Image Stabilisation is sublime!
That is very kind of you to comment - thanks! And I most certainly agree with your thoughts about Olympus' stabilization - it is excellent for both video and stills.
loved this!! being mostly a canon man in the studio. i got this camera when it came out. I'm super impressed with it. wanted something smaller with fast burst for my action sports and hiking trips. Just a everyday kinda camera. don't like saying this but when I was a teen I use to be a full fame snob. Just canon fanboy. over the years learning and playing with a lot of the top brand cameras. came to appreciate all of them. this Olympus is starting to become my favorite. thanks for showing me a few things I didn't take the time to look up 😉
My favourite use for the rear lever is to set 1 for single autofocus and 2 for continuous. The control pad can then be set for, left to set focus points, right touchscreen, down for ISO and white balance.
@@MaartenHeilbron i have spent a friday-monday with the EM1 mark2 and the 12-40 pro lens in my possession this past week, its a really nice piece of kit i feel - robust, lightening quick AF and very good tracking etc.
What I mostly appreciate with micro 4/3 cameras is that they have significantly smaller lenses than APS-C or full frame cameras. After all the main advantage of mirrorless cameras is their small size. Micro 4/3 mirrorless cameras introduced in 2008 and since then there is a variety of really good lenses from various manufacturers. Slowly and steadily the gap with the variety of lenses between mirrorless cameras and dSLR cameras is closing. I prefer more the 4:3 aspect ratio than old and classic 3:2 of APS-C and full frame cameras. 4:3 is the aspect ratio of the iPhone cameras and most smartphones. The 2 second shutter speed with handheld shooting and sensor stabilization is amazing. I can't believe it is true. The hands must be very steady. Very useful for night photography with very low ISO. This camera is really good but it is very pricey. A similar price of full frame dSLR and mirrorless cameras.
Size is the advantage of many mirrorless cameras, certainly not all. By the time you're using a full frame, both body and lens are pretty close in size and weight. Although the selection of lenses is increasing, some of the inherent deficiencies of M4/3 remain - as the small sensor size makes it difficult to create the kind of background blur that is available in full frame. Typically they also require more light for a good exposure. I do agree with you on aspect ratios, and that is an advantage of M4/3, which tend to be much more "flexible" with available aspect ratios.
As always a very full and detailed review. i have been considering this camera as a breakaway from a dslr (which i find just too heavy) but as I photograph mostly cycling I still have reservations about rolling shutter (for still photography) so I need more convincing.
First, you don't need to use the electronic shutter which eliminates the possibility for stills - for video, as I demonstrate, the EM1-II is nearly free of image shear.
The In-Body Image Stabilisation on the Olympus OM-D cameras is truly amazing. Whatever else anyone might think about this camera, the IS much better than any other camera.
I don't know well of Olympus camera, can you let me know which is the high end and low end, EMD 1 II, EMD 10 ii, EMD 5 ii, Pen F How's the image stabilizer compare to Sony A7/A6500?
I hope you found an answer but if you did not, EM1's are flag ships that offer phase detect and contrast AF. EM5's are pro-sumer that offer contrast detect AF. EM10's are entry level with contrast AF. Pen's are pocket ILC's modeled after the old Olympus range finder camera from film days.
I have the EM10 Mark 2 and yeah...I dont see why they included the color creator. Before I played with it, I thought it could change colors, like the hue option in Photoshop where it selects certain colors. But putting one color over the entire image makes no sense to me either.
oh and as a side note, the data rate in video appears to be disappointing. On the EM10 2, it's 77mbps in ALL I and Ive been able to reach that amount (and one time over, I dont know how) and yes, as you indicated, the 100mbps, and the 237 don't seem accurate. And thank you very much for filming a busy scene to test that out.
Actually the scene that ran at 170Mbits is the forest scene where Paul and Kim are walking away along the path. But I scoured through all my footage and the next highest was 140 - the rest were around or under 100. As I say, variable bit rate, but ... most other manufacturers deliver the stated bit rate fairly accurately, I felt this was misleading at best. I did ask Olympus and their only reply was to state I should be using UHSII - but in my tests, that made no difference.
Hi Maarten, excellent review! Quick question, if you had to decide the best camera for your needs, which one would you choose, the OlympusE-M10 Mark II of the Fuji X-T2? Why?
Thanks for the kind words. The X-T2. I like the physical controls, the menus (although to be fair, it's probably due to familiarity than easy of use), the optional battery grip, the excellent video performance. The sensor size is a minor factor, but the Fuji lenses are a big one, the selection is good and quality is excellent. In particular (although I use the 16-55), the 16-50 kit is hands down the best kit lens from any manufacturer. You may be able to tell in the review that I was slightly frustrated by some of the claims Olympus makes that aren't really accurate.
Fantastic review (like the others), it is almost a 25 minute mini-class on this camera! Really useful and I am ready to sell off my D300s and all that heavy glass. Already own the e-m5 mark II with two PRO lenses, which is a great camera too.
Thank you for the review. It's really great! Did you record the narration using the camera's sound input? Were the candle-light shots recorded using a lapel microphone into the camera's input? I'm trying to assess the sound quality as well. Thanks again.
Thanks for the kind words. All the behind the scenes details are here: heilbron.com/em1_2/ All narration is recorded using a Rode NT USB directly into an iMac running Final Cut X. The Rodelink wireless kit (used for on-camera scenes) is plugged directly into the camera (GH% or EM1-mkII) I only used the internal mic for background audio.
Question buddy, is the overall focusing system on the current DSLR's from canon and Nikon much faster then the AF on the mirrorless and SLT cameras?.....And which system do you like better? REPLY
The speed of focus is more dependant on the technology used by the camera manufacturer and the state of their firmware development. At the moment, the focus speed crown is flipping between Nikon and Sony's high end models. I shoot a lot of video, as a result, I prefer mirrorless. For what I do, currently Sony and Fuji provide the results I'm looking for, which is a reliable autofocus system that identifies faces and doesn't wobble in and out while shooting and a method to change the focus smoothly while recording.
i can understand why you like mirrorless doing video, but i was told that Canon and nikons focusing system is much faster and surer than sony's doing stills.........
A helpfully detailed, yet common-sensical, review. I very much enjoyed your gorgeous pix as I listened to your voiceover. An exemplary review. I wonder if you could help me decide between this olympus and the panasonic g9. Have you used the lumix 12-35mm 2.8 and the Olympus 12-44 2.8?
I just discovered your very helpful review of the GH5. I wonder, between the Olympus OM-D E-M1 II and Panasonic GH5, which would you recommend for a trip to Europe that will involve much indoor photography of churches, museums, etc? My main focus (so to speak) is still photography, not so much video, though I'd like decent video capability as well. I appreciate any insight you can provide...
I'm sure the Em1-II would serve you well, I enjoyed shooting with it, the stabilization is amazing. My only caveat is that some of the claims Olympus makes are a little exaggerated.
i only have one wish for this camera. i hope it has 120p on video recording for a slowmo. also how's the AF in video. does it have eye auto focus continuous like the Sony?
Very very very good review i am on the fence between Em1 mark 2, D500, GH5. I have owned a em5 and loved it i have also owned a d7100 and enjoyed that as well. I do very little sports (my son is in college now) but i do a lot of low light and portrait hobby photography. I do like video but photo work is my desire and one day i hope to start doing some wedding work. Which of these 3 would you select as the best all around camera?
I'm completing my GH5 review - and I kind of like all three of them ... hard call. I'm kind of video heavy, so would likely take the GH5 from that bunch ... but I think for general purpose (and if weight is not an issue and you are prepared to invest in some of Nikon's lovely glass) I'd take the D500. I don't mean to rank the EM1-II as my last choice, but during the review, I never felt really comfortable with it - the menu often confounded me and finding and implementing a feature never became easy.
Low light on the EM1mkII is demonstrated in the last shot in the video. GH5 image quality is very good - but am waiting for the data rate upgrade to 400Mbits to decide.
I think i will take your advice and go with the d500 i think for the money now it's a great deal. i was thinking of going with a g85 for my video purposes have you done a review of the g85?
You've intrigued me with this camera. I've seen several of your videos, tx-2 vs. the 20, a6500 v. 6300, and the t-20 in depth. A subscriber you have earned. I noticed you thanked Olympus Canada Viking Cruises. Did Olympus send you this camera for free?
Thanks for your kind words, and your question - I do provide details in the description provided with each video, and often on my blog in behind the scenes notes also. In this case, the camera was on loan from Olympus Canada (and has now been returned). Viking Cruises sponsored my trip on the Hlin, but we did pay our airfare, and most of the optional excursions.
Seems a remarkably capable machine, but come on Maarten, no prevaricating, you know these cameras well, which one would you chose if you were starting from scratch, the EM1ii, XT2 or A6500?
If I were going on a shoot, and all three were on the table in front of me, it would likely depend on the lens - but if the X-T2 had the 16-55, that would be my choice.
@@MaartenHeilbron I checked the manual and my camera. It seems like you are talking about spot metering. Yes, in that case, the metering is linked to the focus target. I misinterpreted your comment and I thought you were referring to a metering option that is available in newer Sony cameras. I found that the Sony ZV-1 allows evaluative metering to be linked to face detect focus whereby camera automatically meters on face when there is face detect in frame, or entire scene otherwise. Think I was too excited at the possibility that my old E-M1 II may also have this capability. Thanks.
Maarten Heilbron, I did scroll through the video thumbnails listed on your channel, but a shadow of doubt remained. Many thanks for putting me out of my misery. 🤪
My biggest gripe with mft is the the 4:3 aspect ratio. Optimizing images for 16:9 displays results in cropping quite a fair amount which at higher ISO makes the grain more visible. The small lenses are however a huge boon.
from the recent videos by UA-cam Channel : "Michael The Maven", where he made comparison of video test footages from both EM1 Mark II & GH5 side-by-side, it was clear that Panasonic GH5 video renders deeper, vivid, saturated colors than Olympus EM1II having pale, bland, muted colors. . . . and since i am not a video guy, which of the two would be a better Stills camera ? . . The EM1II has better Stabilisation. How did you like the colors in RAW & JPEG Files from EM1MII ? . . . . or would you suggest PEN-F or EM10II or EM5II or Panasonic GX85 ? . .
Having recently used both, I think that your observation (even if done at the default settings) is both a question of preference and settings. I'm sure if you wanted a flatter look the GH5 can provide that, and if you wanted a more saturated look, you could achieve that with the EM1-II. I found that I preferred the RAW files, and did spend some time making the adjustments to the photos used in the review - that's fairly typical for most cameras, although I find Fuji and Nikon to provide better in-camera JPEGs than others. I have not reviewed any of the other models you mention, so can't really judge.
🇨🇦/🇺🇸... GREETINGS FROM THE FUTURE! Thanks for the info, Maarten! I've ordered a used one. I THINK that because Olympus was sold... with the accompanying market anxiety... a certain segment of said market switched away from Olympus and so there are a number of great used deals out there.
Great and very informative video. thank you very much. For travel and landscape photography, what would it be your pick between OMD M1 mkII and the Fujifilm XT-2?
I would prefer the Fuji X-T2. I like the manual controls and it feels more comfortable in my hand (although it is a little heavier). Paired with the XF16-55, it's a terrific combination.
@@MaartenHeilbron Thank you very much for the info. I didn't find this in google. So glad that you can still reply to this 4 year old video. More power and God bless! Looking forward to more videos from you. You cover almost completely what a viewer needs to know about a camera.
hear you - a reconstructed Gateau St. Honoré at Pâtisserie Confiserie Salon Thé JC Clergue in Colmar (France). Absolutely yummy, would go back anytime - the whole town is charming with a great museum that we missed due to lack of time.
Hi Maarten, I have only just stumbled on your channel and looked at this review as I have this camera and was interested in your thoughts. Personally, I love this camera having moved from Canon APS-C cameras just over a year ago. Of course, I don't have the luxury of being able to compare it with systems from multiple manufacturers, my main reason for migrating to M43 was simply to carry less glass. I was puzzled by your problems with focus bracketing as I have the 12-100 lens and it works fine for me PROVIDED I'm not in manual mode or have not selected manual focus using the lens clutch mechanism. This has flummoxed me on a couple of occasions but you must have the focus set to auto for the focus stacking to work.
Thanks for the kind words, I'm glad you found me also. At the time (2 years ago) Olympus confirmed that the lens was not compatible. Maybe there's been a firmware update?
@@AngelikuS_ That's simply not the case. Pros continue to use Phase One, Hasselblad, Nikon and Canon. Admittedly a few have switched to Sony full frame, but even that is barely a trend.
Maarten Heilbron yeah certainly, many professionals have changed to the mirrorless system, Olympus, Fuji, whatever. But the high % of photographers are in reflex, because they can’t change due to the objetive’s inversion.
Your camera reviews are excellent. The only thing I miss in this review is video AF performance. In opposite to Panasonic the Olympus cameras use phase detection AF. I wonder how good it works in real life... (I'm a Panasonic GH5 user now, and am thinking about to buy a second - Olympus - body for my trip to Africa this year)
Thanks for your kind words. If you're looking to improve your focus system, I'd look to Sony (even the A6100 runs rings around this for acquisition and tracking) or Fujifilm (X-T30 likely). Did you install the upgrade to the GH5? I haven't compared side by side, but think the GH5 would be better.
Hi Maarten, thank you for your answer and you suggestion for upgrading my system. My problem is that I invested into three expensive Leica DG lenses now and don't want to change my system another time (previously I was a Canon DSLR shooter with many many lenses, but Canon didn't support 4K full readout for long time). Yes, I have installed the last update on my GH5. I think a second MFT body a la Olympus could be my ideal addition, although not all things are better on Olympus, but the wobble in Video AF is annoying when filming animals changing position from time to time and then stay at one place, where the wobble effect starts again, which is visible at 4K very strongly. Focussing manually is not an option for me, because I have not the skills of a professional to rotate the focus ring always in the right direction - and that looks on the video scene poorly (try and error while recording), and I have not the choice to throw away the whole scene, because the animal doesn't wait to give me a second chance... Ludwig
The touch focus doesn't change the wobbling (push & pull) effect at objects that don't move - that's the problem. It's in the nature of Panasonics DFD system for AF.
Agreed. On the other hand, if someone were to include all the features from every brand, just imagine the mess of a menu you'd have to get through to create your review. ;) Maybe striking a good balance is the better option. :) Thanks for the video. :)
Thank you for the video sir, I'm using last 2 years this camera everything is good but c af video is not good really, I'm changing many settings but olympus made c af only for interview based. Not moveble shoots.
Wow! I am going to need a degree from MIT to use the menu! Lol! I sold my Fujixt10 because I just wanted something intuitive and a menu that was easy to get to and quickly changed. Plus, I found the af to be unreliable. Great review!
The AF-C tracking doesn't work. It frequently gets confused, slow and practically unreliable. Your review should be more in verifying, testing camera main feature as such rather than iterating the camera advertised features.
to say it doesn't work isn't telling to truth haha. I have had amazing results. so many features to take the guess work out of the camera. it's been crazy reliable for me and a life saver. that's your experience. hope you have a good day. keep on shooting stuff 😁
Beautiful camera.. Hehehe so what.. Most of this small sensor cameras has mismatch technology intended to whom.. 60 frames ok for birds sports & where the lenses... Than for travel ok y u need 60 frames... Hehehe one pays for things not need... Still the very good smartphone is one needs to be happy with.. Otherwise full frame is the call
Thanks for the kind words. Most of the users in my neighbourhood wouldn't make good reviewers at all. But I think that you probably mean owners. Personally, I find owners to be unreliable as they have an ego-vested interest in liking the camera and are unlikely to find fault. I also find they don't have experience with very many cameras, so don't have a good basis for comparison. That said, the nice thing about UA-cam is that there will be several videos that are better suited to your style.
@@MaartenHeilbron I respectfully disagree. Serious users are motivated to get the camera to work to its fullest; whereas a reviewer may not have the dedication to do so, and leave an issue unaddressed.
I'm astounded, and a little insulted, to read that you don't think my reviews are sufficiently detailed. In my most humble Canadian opinion, my reviews of cameras are more detailed, complete and illustrated with examples and screen captures than any others that I see. I'm also concerned that you describe me as undedicated. In general, it takes me 3-4 weeks of full time work to prepare my reviews. I read the manual cover to cover, I show my viewers every feature, and describe every detail, which I pack in a no-nonsense way into 24 minutes (in this case) of content. I"m left assuming that you did not take the time to actually watch the video. However, in case you did, please let me know which issues I failed to address. I respectfully request that you withdraw your unkind and unfair comments.
@@MaartenHeilbron Don't take my comment so seriously. I just think that a professional user of a camera picks up little details & speed out of necessity that a reviewer might not discover. As a pro user, I would not even take a camera out for a job that I have only used for 3-4 weeks! Your review is wonderful! I only have the E-M1 mk1 at this time. I think your review is more than fine for the average user. I did not say you were "undedicated"; I said or meant that a pro user would perhaps NEED to know the camera even better. In my mind, I was comparing you to a YT provider who is an actual Professional Wedding Photographer & Olympus m4/3 user. I know -- I sat there with my Mk1 on a 'job' trying to figure something out -- because I was not adequately prepared. Luckily, it was not a "for pay" gig. Reading the manual a few times, and knowing how to do everything on the camera is a good starting point to train yourself on how the camera works. When you are under pressure, like at a wedding (which is what I do), you need to add the time element to your feature access -- so as not to miss a once-in-a-lifetime moment. BTW: Olympus also has a category that goes even further -- called "Olympus Visionaries". I think I was comparing this review to those of Joseph Ellis and Peter Forsgard and others -- unfair to you because they only need to know one camera system; whilst you are comparing Olympus to others.
Thank you for your clarification. And to clarify, my reviews don't really speak to professional photographers. You do understand that the Olympus Visionaries are paid (even if only in free product) to promote Olympus?
If you are a professional you will not be using Olympus. With the release of the EM1 mk2 we can see the limitations of the M4/3 sensor in terms of development. The image quality on the new camera is only very marginally better than its predecessor and certainly not worth the high cost for this camera. As a travel, landscape and portrait shooter, I have shot Olympus for a number of years. I do not need the 60 frames per second, I am not shooting sports or birds in flight and I am not doing movies. For stills, image quality is what matters most. It is quite interesting to look at the image quality of different cameras on the DP review image quality page. Here's the link here. www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympus-om-d-e-m1-mark-ii/8 You will see that Fujifilm and Sony are still well ahead in downright image quality, although I do accept that they are running bigger sensors. The EM1 mk2 is barely better than the EM1, but Fujifilm XT2 image quality is clearer and cleaner, and is pretty much as good as the full frame Sony A11. And both options are cheaper than the Olympus. Olympus can take good pictures provided you have good light and you keep the ISO down. Portraiture often involves challenging situations and if you shoot RAW at ISO1600 the noise is horrible. I do love the look and feel of Olympus and the PRO lenses are beautiful and a pleasure to use. I am vested in Olympus and I do not have the money to justify changing to another system. I keep reminding myself that I do have a day job, it's only a hobby and it's still about the capture. But if the M4/3 sensor has come to the end of its development, then Olympus will have to come up with something very clever if it is to keep with the competition.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, although you do start off with a rather wide-reaching statement that's not fully justified. I agree that many of the features are not "bread and butter" for a typical (professional) photographer - and image quality is (for most anyway) paramount. I also agree that the M4/3 sensor provides a compromise, but many photographers are willing to take this compromise for lower weight and less expensive lenses. I also agree that the EM1mkII would be a far more interesting camera at a more competitive price point. I appreciate your time and your comments.
However, there are many pro photographers in the world using Olympus EM5 II and EM1 II. This new EM1 II has better ISO that Canon 80D (APSC), and here in Spain the EM1 II costs now 200€ less than at launch (good news). I think there is not professional camera; professional is who shoot the photo.
Juanjo. Thanks for your comments. I decided to go back and have a look at the DP Review image page. www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympus-om-d-e-m1-mark-ii/8 Although there is the ability to compare 4 cameras at a time, it is more accurate to only look at 2 cameras at any one time as the angle of the screen can create erroneous results particularly with a standard laptop. Also you need to find a good spot for the small magnifying window and I have found bottom left. I highlight the edge of the King card. So K in the middle, black background to the right where you see the noise and then for resolution I use the lines of the hair. I dropped in the EM1 mk11 first and then the Canon 80D. And then I looked at ISO 200, 800 and 1600. At 200 both equal, at 800, Olympus resolves a little better, but has more noise, and the same at 1600, the Olympus with slightly better resolution but more noise. I swapped out the Canon and put in the Fujifilm X-T2, and the Fuji totally cleaned up the Olympus. I swapped out the Olympus and put in the Sony A711 and the Fujifilm does outperform the Sony. I know a camera is more the sum of many parts but when looking at outright sensor performance these results are quite interesting. The comparison between the Olympus EM1 mk11 and the EM5 mk11 which is the camera I have is quite interesting. The EM1 out resolves the EM5 marginally but has more noise at 200, 800 and 1600. Crazy! I do feel DP Review know what they are doing and this is a laboratory test page so I would expect that they have attempted to normalize the variables. Maybe only a science nerd like me would be interested in this.
Maarten, I think that your great videos and some personal experience have finally changed my mind about micro-four-thirds. I am a Nikon user and have been for many years. I have three big heavy Nikon DSLRs. Also a good friend of mine (Tony) is a Nikon user going all the way back to the film days in the late 1960s. Tony moved to Nikon DSLRs in the early 2000s and has created some great images.. A few days ago I did a fashion / glamour shoot (with two stunningly beautiful models) and Tony as the second photographer. Due to a recent hand injury Tony has had to give up his big heavy Nikon DSLRs. Tony has now switched to a Panasonic GX8 micro-four-thirds camera. Initially I had expected my big heavy Nikon DSLRs to produce much better images than Tony's micro-four-thirds camera. But nothing could be further from the truth. The micro-four-thirds cameras have now come of age. Micro-four-thirds can now match Nikon DSLRs. So I am now saving my pennies. I am planning to sell my Nikon gear and buy an Olympus OM-D EM1 mark 2 plus a series of the best m4-thirds lenses. Many thanks for this and your other great videos.
I enjoyed this very comprehensive review. But I must say that this is a very complicated camera. Unless you are the type of photographer who would really use of all of these customisation settings, I am not sure who this camera is for. Maybe (as a Nikon full-frame shooter) who just selects Aperture mode, then ISO and shutter speed, maybe I am old-fashioned !!! But great video either way.
I appreciate your kind words - and you may be right. I've kept my Canon 50D (the last model before they added video) for exactly that reason (to keep it simple). That said, I don't think Olympus means for everyone to use every feature, each is designed for a specific type of photograph or photographer. And some are fun to play/experiment with.
I have recently purchased the EM1 Mark 2 and after watching a number of UA-cam reviews/tutorials about this camera, have found yours to be the most informative and useful. I know I’ll keep returning to it as I explore the camera and its features. Thank you very much for producing such a balanced, entertaining and thorough video!
Thanks for your kind words, it's always nice to know that my work is appreciated.
you are by far one of the best camera reviewers on youtube. The content is in-depth, descriptive, and unbiased. thank you!
What a kind and generous comment - thank you very much!
The final scene in the dark was a cool artsy bit, exemplifying what distinguishes MH videos from the rest. Keep up the stellar work.
I'm always happy to read your comments - thanks for watching and participating. Artsy? I'm demonstrating the low light capability - the scene is shot with the EM1-mkII. I though t the shot worked, and it was a little short in the low light section, so also shot the extro.
I took my m1 ii out of the drawer yesterday with the idea of selling it. I have a Panasonic G9 which I love and haven't used this camera in awhile. I started snapping away just for fun and !!! what fun it is to use, look at all those exterior controls, and the colors are so beautiful. So here I am on your excellent review learning about this camera all over again. I am always happy to see that you have reviewed something because I know that I will learn a lot in the amount of time I spend with your review. Thanks!
What a pleasure for me to read your kind words, thanks for taking the time to comment.
one of the best reviews ever watched - thumbs up
That's very kind of you to say, thanks!
Maarten, I just have to say bravo for such wonderful video content. It's obvious you put a lot of time into each and every review. There is something wonderfully satisfying about watching your videos. They are mature, factual and loaded full of detail. Might I say you even kind of remind me a little of the famous Rick Steves who does travel journalism?? Anyways, thank you from all of us in the photo community for keeping the hobby interesting, educational and new... Keep up the great work sir!
What a kind note - thank you so very much for taking the time to comment, greatly appreciated.
Best review so far; intelligent no bs approach. I would love to see and updated review of the mk2 in 2023.
Thanks. Olympus Canada no longer loans cameras to reviewers, so I'm not able to view the Mk2
Once again, this review proves why you are the king of the reviewers! You have no idea how happy I get when my phone notifies me you've posted a new video. Thanks Maarten!!
What a pleasure to read your kind words, thanks for commenting.
WOW not only a great review AND a camera tutorial for existing owners!!!
It's like two videos in one! Thanks for your kind words.
Maarten, thank you for another thorough and excellent walk-through.
Always my pleasure, thank you for your kind words.
Hi,, Just a quick note of support for your UA-cam camera reviews,, I am impressed at their clarity and revelation detail.. I can only imagine the hours that go into fiddling with knobs and scrolling through menus.. As a fellow photography enthusiast And Dutchman "Born in Rotterdam but living in Ireland" I recognise the attention to details.. Keep up the good work!! Hans
I'm always when viewers appreciate the work involved for these projects - thanks for the kind words.
Great review as always! I was debating for months between this one, the A6500 and the X-T2. Now that I own this one, I have no doubt it's as close to the perfect all around camera as one can get. And the lenses are second to none.
I appreciate the kind words, thank you.
Hi Maarten one of the best reviews of the E-M1 Mark 2 I have seen! Great explanation of not only the features but how to find them in the menus. I now thanks to you turn on and off my camera by the lever on the right, so much more ergonomic. I also own the XT2 and much as I love that camera I find the AF in low light better and faster on the Olympus. Also the Image Stabilisation is sublime!
That is very kind of you to comment - thanks! And I most certainly agree with your thoughts about Olympus' stabilization - it is excellent for both video and stills.
loved this!! being mostly a canon man in the studio. i got this camera when it came out. I'm super impressed with it. wanted something smaller with fast burst for my action sports and hiking trips. Just a everyday kinda camera. don't like saying this but when I was a teen I use to be a full fame snob. Just canon fanboy. over the years learning and playing with a lot of the top brand cameras. came to appreciate all of them. this Olympus is starting to become my favorite. thanks for showing me a few things I didn't take the time to look up 😉
Thanks for sharing your kind words and your enthusiasm - which are clearly warranted for this camera.
A great review. Olympus really knows how to get the most out of m43.
I appreciate the kind words, always nice to hear from you.
Great review Maarten! This is my go-to travel camera right now :) Switched from full frame and haven't looked back!
Thanks for your kind words, and taking the time to comment.
No problem! See you soon at the next Travel Massive!
Always nice to chat ... see you there!
The amount of detail in this review is astounding.
Thank you! I appreciate the kind words.
My favourite use for the rear lever is to set 1 for single autofocus and 2 for continuous. The control pad can then be set for, left to set focus points, right touchscreen, down for ISO and white balance.
Good tip, thanks.
Another great and very dense review ! Thank you again, Maartens! I liked very much the idea of enlightening by you and the two candles!
Thanks, always happy to read my viewers' kind words.
Yet another amazing review! Detailed but with practical information as well.
Thanks! A pleasure to read your kind words.
Very nice pace and sync of audio and video content very nice thank you
So nice of you to say, thanks for commenting.
I can always depend on your honest and detailed reviews. Thank you!
Thanks, I appreciate your kind words.
Really good and extensive review. Thanks!
That's kind of you to say, thanks for commenting.
I have to agree with everyone, your review is thorough and not bias.
That's very kind of you to say, thanks for commenting.
The best decision ive made.
And stress enough how Amazing this camera is and i used the FF cameras all my life (well most of my life ;)
Thanks for the kind words, and for sharing your thoughts.
just about to sell my fuji cameras to buy an em1 m2.
@@iamneallyons4263 I would recommend that you don't sell anything until you've spent a few days with the new camera.
@@MaartenHeilbron i have spent a friday-monday with the EM1 mark2 and the 12-40 pro lens in my possession this past week, its a really nice piece of kit i feel - robust, lightening quick AF and very good tracking etc.
@@iamneallyons4263 Thanks for adding this detail. I'm really nervous about someone making a brand switch before a good test.
Another great review/tutorial Maarten.
That's very kind of you to say, thanks for commenting.
Years later, this is still relevant and useful as used prices for these are now quite favorable (for those who are buying, anyway).
Always nice to know my videos are useful and appreciated, thanks!
For sure, I just purchased one, haven't received it yet, but getting ready!
Looks like time for a refresh with the updates since this video..... and a great one it IS!!!!! Tons of useful info!!!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for your kind words.
My firmware is 3.0
@@nikinsolanki1230 Are there significant changes from the version used in the review?
@@MaartenHeilbron , someone review about em1 m ii firmware 3.4 /3.5 problem in image stabilization. I'm holding thats news and confused.
@@nikinsolanki1230 I have no update on that. I no longer have this camera.
What I mostly appreciate with micro 4/3 cameras is that they have significantly smaller lenses than APS-C or full frame cameras. After all the main advantage of mirrorless cameras is their small size.
Micro 4/3 mirrorless cameras introduced in 2008 and since then there is a variety of really good lenses from various manufacturers. Slowly and steadily the gap with the variety of lenses between mirrorless cameras and dSLR cameras is closing.
I prefer more the 4:3 aspect ratio than old and classic 3:2 of APS-C and full frame cameras. 4:3 is the aspect ratio of the iPhone cameras and most smartphones.
The 2 second shutter speed with handheld shooting and sensor stabilization is amazing. I can't believe it is true. The hands must be very steady. Very useful for night photography with very low ISO.
This camera is really good but it is very pricey. A similar price of full frame dSLR and mirrorless cameras.
Size is the advantage of many mirrorless cameras, certainly not all. By the time you're using a full frame, both body and lens are pretty close in size and weight. Although the selection of lenses is increasing, some of the inherent deficiencies of M4/3 remain - as the small sensor size makes it difficult to create the kind of background blur that is available in full frame. Typically they also require more light for a good exposure.
I do agree with you on aspect ratios, and that is an advantage of M4/3, which tend to be much more "flexible" with available aspect ratios.
Maarten Heilbron Thank you very much for the reply. I really appreciate your work.
always my pleasure, thanks.
As always a very full and detailed review. i have been considering this camera as a breakaway from a dslr (which i find just too heavy) but as I photograph mostly cycling I still have reservations about rolling shutter (for still photography) so I need more convincing.
First, you don't need to use the electronic shutter which eliminates the possibility for stills - for video, as I demonstrate, the EM1-II is nearly free of image shear.
The In-Body Image Stabilisation on the Olympus OM-D cameras is truly amazing. Whatever else anyone might think about this camera, the IS much better than any other camera.
I am in full agreement with your comment - it's very impressive.
I don't know well of Olympus camera, can you let me know which is the high end and low end, EMD 1 II, EMD 10 ii, EMD 5 ii, Pen F
How's the image stabilizer compare to Sony A7/A6500?
I don't really know - maybe best to judge based on price?
The image stabilization is the best I've seen on any camera.
I hope you found an answer but if you did not, EM1's are flag ships that offer phase detect and contrast AF. EM5's are pro-sumer that offer contrast detect AF. EM10's are entry level with contrast AF. Pen's are pocket ILC's modeled after the old Olympus range finder camera from film days.
Excellent. Great pace and thorough! Many thanks..
Thanks, I appreciate the kind words.
I have the EM10 Mark 2 and yeah...I dont see why they included the color creator. Before I played with it, I thought it could change colors, like the hue option in Photoshop where it selects certain colors. But putting one color over the entire image makes no sense to me either.
oh and as a side note, the data rate in video appears to be disappointing. On the EM10 2, it's 77mbps in ALL I and Ive been able to reach that amount (and one time over, I dont know how) and yes, as you indicated, the 100mbps, and the 237 don't seem accurate. And thank you very much for filming a busy scene to test that out.
Well, I'd always rather have an option than not - there's always someone who will find a use for it.
Actually the scene that ran at 170Mbits is the forest scene where Paul and Kim are walking away along the path. But I scoured through all my footage and the next highest was 140 - the rest were around or under 100.
As I say, variable bit rate, but ... most other manufacturers deliver the stated bit rate fairly accurately, I felt this was misleading at best. I did ask Olympus and their only reply was to state I should be using UHSII - but in my tests, that made no difference.
Hi Maarten, excellent review! Quick question, if you had to decide the best camera for your needs, which one would you choose, the OlympusE-M10 Mark II of the Fuji X-T2? Why?
Thanks for the kind words. The X-T2. I like the physical controls, the menus (although to be fair, it's probably due to familiarity than easy of use), the optional battery grip, the excellent video performance. The sensor size is a minor factor, but the Fuji lenses are a big one, the selection is good and quality is excellent. In particular (although I use the 16-55), the 16-50 kit is hands down the best kit lens from any manufacturer. You may be able to tell in the review that I was slightly frustrated by some of the claims Olympus makes that aren't really accurate.
A great review Maart. This camera's a real tempter and I love the live bulb mode, I wonder if that feature is unique to Olympus?
As far as I know - I've only seen that feature on Olympus models.
Fantastic review (like the others), it is almost a 25 minute mini-class on this camera! Really useful and I am ready to sell off my D300s and all that heavy glass. Already own the e-m5 mark II with two PRO lenses, which is a great camera too.
It was a pleasure to read your kind words, thanks for sharing our enthusiasm for this camera.
So the 1080p 60fps bit rate is about 52Mbps at the highest? How did these clips look to you and how did they hold up with grading i wonder?
Most of the competition provides better results.
Thank you for the review. It's really great!
Did you record the narration using the camera's sound input? Were the candle-light shots recorded using a lapel microphone into the camera's input? I'm trying to assess the sound quality as well. Thanks again.
Thanks for the kind words. All the behind the scenes details are here: heilbron.com/em1_2/
All narration is recorded using a Rode NT USB directly into an iMac running Final Cut X. The Rodelink wireless kit (used for on-camera scenes) is plugged directly into the camera (GH% or EM1-mkII) I only used the internal mic for background audio.
I own the original EM1 but amdebating between this camera & the Panasonic G9. Your thoughts which is better?
I hope to review the G9 in January, can't really judge until then.
Question buddy, is the overall focusing system on the current DSLR's from canon and Nikon much faster then the AF on the mirrorless and SLT cameras?.....And which system do you like better?
REPLY
The speed of focus is more dependant on the technology used by the camera manufacturer and the state of their firmware development. At the moment, the focus speed crown is flipping between Nikon and Sony's high end models. I shoot a lot of video, as a result, I prefer mirrorless. For what I do, currently Sony and Fuji provide the results I'm looking for, which is a reliable autofocus system that identifies faces and doesn't wobble in and out while shooting and a method to change the focus smoothly while recording.
i use sony a99/2, a99, a77/2,a77, how would their focusing rate vs nikon d750?......i shoot stills....
Those are comparisons I have not done. Maybe dpreview has.
i can understand why you like mirrorless doing video, but i was told that Canon and nikons focusing system is much faster and surer than sony's doing stills.........
Based on my experience, and the experience of reviewers I trust, I would not judge that to be a true statement.
A helpfully detailed, yet common-sensical, review. I very much enjoyed your gorgeous pix as I listened to your voiceover. An exemplary review. I wonder if you could help me decide between this olympus and the panasonic g9. Have you used the lumix 12-35mm 2.8 and the Olympus 12-44 2.8?
It was a pleasure to read your kind words, thanks. I've not yet had the chance to review the G9 - but hope to soon.
I just discovered your very helpful review of the GH5. I wonder, between the Olympus OM-D E-M1 II and Panasonic GH5, which would you recommend for a trip to Europe that will involve much indoor photography of churches, museums, etc? My main focus (so to speak) is still photography, not so much video, though I'd like decent video capability as well. I appreciate any insight you can provide...
I'm sure the Em1-II would serve you well, I enjoyed shooting with it, the stabilization is amazing. My only caveat is that some of the claims Olympus makes are a little exaggerated.
much appreciated. thanks. i just ordered one!
so glad I could be of assistance
Hope you will publish a video on just the video settings for MarkII-us old still photographers find video perplexing
I intended to, but ran out of time. Maybe I can borrow the EM-1mkII for a couple of days in the fall to do this.
i only have one wish for this camera. i hope it has 120p on video recording for a slowmo. also how's the AF in video. does it have eye auto focus continuous like the Sony?
The highest frame rate is 60fps. AF in video works, but focus modes are limited. There is eye autofocus.
Very very very good review i am on the fence between Em1 mark 2, D500, GH5. I have owned a em5 and loved it i have also owned a d7100 and enjoyed that as well. I do very little sports (my son is in college now) but i do a lot of low light and portrait hobby photography. I do like video but photo work is my desire and one day i hope to start doing some wedding work. Which of these 3 would you select as the best all around camera?
I'm completing my GH5 review - and I kind of like all three of them ... hard call. I'm kind of video heavy, so would likely take the GH5 from that bunch ... but I think for general purpose (and if weight is not an issue and you are prepared to invest in some of Nikon's lovely glass) I'd take the D500. I don't mean to rank the EM1-II as my last choice, but during the review, I never felt really comfortable with it - the menu often confounded me and finding and implementing a feature never became easy.
Any thoughts on the gh5 image quality thus far? Is it remotely close to the d500?
By the way how was the low light performance with the em1 mark2?
Low light on the EM1mkII is demonstrated in the last shot in the video. GH5 image quality is very good - but am waiting for the data rate upgrade to 400Mbits to decide.
I think i will take your advice and go with the d500 i think for the money now it's a great deal. i was thinking of going with a g85 for my video purposes have you done a review of the g85?
I have not yet reviewed the G85. It is on my todo list for this summer.
You've intrigued me with this camera.
I've seen several of your videos, tx-2 vs. the 20, a6500 v. 6300, and the t-20 in depth.
A subscriber you have earned.
I noticed you thanked Olympus Canada Viking Cruises.
Did Olympus send you this camera for free?
Thanks for your kind words, and your question - I do provide details in the description provided with each video, and often on my blog in behind the scenes notes also. In this case, the camera was on loan from Olympus Canada (and has now been returned). Viking Cruises sponsored my trip on the Hlin, but we did pay our airfare, and most of the optional excursions.
Seems a remarkably capable machine, but come on Maarten, no prevaricating, you know these cameras well, which one would you chose if you were starting from scratch, the EM1ii, XT2 or A6500?
If I were going on a shoot, and all three were on the table in front of me, it would likely depend on the lens - but if the X-T2 had the 16-55, that would be my choice.
***** A wise choice. Thanks Maarten.
always my pleasure
7:09 - "metering can be tied to the auto focus target area" - where is the setting for this? Thanks.
Check the manual p. 118 - it's the E3 custom setting.
@@MaartenHeilbron I checked the manual and my camera. It seems like you are talking about spot metering. Yes, in that case, the metering is linked to the focus target. I misinterpreted your comment and I thought you were referring to a metering option that is available in newer Sony cameras. I found that the Sony ZV-1 allows evaluative metering to be linked to face detect focus whereby camera automatically meters on face when there is face detect in frame, or entire scene otherwise. Think I was too excited at the possibility that my old E-M1 II may also have this capability. Thanks.
@@yusuihang Sorry to disappoint - but that's something I do all the time. I read/hear about a feature and my imagination improves it beyond reality.
Maarten Heilbron,
Did you ever review the original OM-D E-M1?
Thank you. 🙂
I did not.
Maarten Heilbron,
I did scroll through the video thumbnails listed on your channel, but a shadow of doubt remained.
Many thanks for putting me out of my misery. 🤪
Sorry to disappoint.
My biggest gripe with mft is the the 4:3 aspect ratio.
Optimizing images for 16:9 displays results in cropping quite a fair amount which at higher ISO makes the grain more visible.
The small lenses are however a huge boon.
No sensor is optimized for 16x9 - but smaller sensors (with high megapixel counts) will show the effect of the crop sooner.
from the recent videos by UA-cam Channel : "Michael The Maven", where he made comparison of video test footages from both EM1 Mark II & GH5 side-by-side, it was clear that Panasonic GH5 video renders deeper, vivid, saturated colors than Olympus EM1II having pale, bland, muted colors. . . . and since i am not a video guy, which of the two would be a better Stills camera ? . . The EM1II has better Stabilisation. How did you like the colors in RAW & JPEG Files from EM1MII ? . . . . or would you suggest PEN-F or EM10II or EM5II or Panasonic GX85 ? . .
Having recently used both, I think that your observation (even if done at the default settings) is both a question of preference and settings. I'm sure if you wanted a flatter look the GH5 can provide that, and if you wanted a more saturated look, you could achieve that with the EM1-II.
I found that I preferred the RAW files, and did spend some time making the adjustments to the photos used in the review - that's fairly typical for most cameras, although I find Fuji and Nikon to provide better in-camera JPEGs than others. I have not reviewed any of the other models you mention, so can't really judge.
thanks Marteen
always my pleasure
This machine takes very good quality photo's, which I did not expect. I am a E-M5 owner by the way. Is it also the lens that contributes?
The 12-100 is a very nice lens - but of course, the camera/sensor/processor plays a significant role.
🇨🇦/🇺🇸... GREETINGS FROM THE FUTURE! Thanks for the info, Maarten! I've ordered a used one. I THINK that because Olympus was sold... with the accompanying market anxiety... a certain segment of said market switched away from Olympus and so there are a number of great used deals out there.
Great tip, thanks!!
Great. How do you capture on video the camera screen?
Thanks for the kind word. I use an Atomos Shogun.
Great and very informative video. thank you very much. For travel and landscape photography, what would it be your pick between OMD M1 mkII and the Fujifilm XT-2?
I would prefer the Fuji X-T2. I like the manual controls and it feels more comfortable in my hand (although it is a little heavier). Paired with the XF16-55, it's a terrific combination.
Maarten Heilbron thank you so much!!
always my pleasure
With the current price drop, which camera is a better buy E-M1 Mark II or E-M5 Mark III?
I'm really indifferent between these two.
Can you please review the Olympus OMD E-M10 Mark III?
I will add that to my to-do list.
Bought this new for $1250 in Oct '19. I love cameras later in their life cycle. They even say AF is noticeably better now, with latest firmware :)
So nice to hear you've found a camera that brings you pleasure, thanks for commenting.
Does recording externally able to record higher video bit rates?
Yes, although that depends on the external recorder you're using and its abilities.
@@MaartenHeilbron Thank you very much for the info. I didn't find this in google. So glad that you can still reply to this 4 year old video. More power and God bless! Looking forward to more videos from you. You cover almost completely what a viewer needs to know about a camera.
Very good reviews, thanks.
I appreciate your kind words, thanks.
2:58 I want that cake and the choclate - looks delicious
hear you - a reconstructed Gateau St. Honoré at Pâtisserie Confiserie Salon Thé JC Clergue in Colmar (France). Absolutely yummy, would go back anytime - the whole town is charming with a great museum that we missed due to lack of time.
what SD cards are you using in your burst test?
Sandisk UHS II 64GB
Hi Maarten, I have only just stumbled on your channel and looked at this review as I have this camera and was interested in your thoughts. Personally, I love this camera having moved from Canon APS-C cameras just over a year ago. Of course, I don't have the luxury of being able to compare it with systems from multiple manufacturers, my main reason for migrating to M43 was simply to carry less glass. I was puzzled by your problems with focus bracketing as I have the 12-100 lens and it works fine for me PROVIDED I'm not in manual mode or have not selected manual focus using the lens clutch mechanism. This has flummoxed me on a couple of occasions but you must have the focus set to auto for the focus stacking to work.
Thanks for the kind words, I'm glad you found me also. At the time (2 years ago) Olympus confirmed that the lens was not compatible. Maybe there's been a firmware update?
Excellent review
Thank you kindly, always nice to know my work is appreciated.
Quality review. Thank you.
I appreciate your kind words, thanks for commenting.
A man films with candles and no noise - a man knows what he is doing! I don't - therefore i am impressed :)
Thanks, always nice to hear from a viewer who appreciates my work.
Thank you maarten! Em1 mk vs g9... which one would you take home?
That depends on what you want to do. I’ve not had the chance to review the G9 (I’ve asked ...) but think that’s what I would prefer.
@@MaartenHeilbron thank you! Would be awesome to see a comparison review of the two by you! Fingers crossed ;)
@@orshanti Well, unless something changes at Panasonic Canada, that doesn't sound likely.
@@MaartenHeilbron the snow got them frozen deep? ;)
@@orshanti I have no idea - I've asked multiple times, they've said I'm on the list, but no loan.
It’s a great camera. And the zuikos’ lenses pro are amazing. A big photographic system. Everyday more professional photographers coming to Olympus.
While I appreciate your enthusiasm, I'm not sure it's entirely warranted.
Maarten Heilbron i said that more professionals are changing to the Olympus system (Sony too), not all of them.
@@AngelikuS_ That's simply not the case. Pros continue to use Phase One, Hasselblad, Nikon and Canon. Admittedly a few have switched to Sony full frame, but even that is barely a trend.
Maarten Heilbron yeah certainly, many professionals have changed to the mirrorless system, Olympus, Fuji, whatever. But the high % of photographers are in reflex, because they can’t change due to the objetive’s inversion.
@@AngelikuS_ I'm afraid I don't understand, but thanks for commenting.
excellent review thanks
Very kind of you to say, thanks for commenting.
Really helpful thank you.do you think m43 has a future? Am currently agonising how to spend the money from my Nikon full frame gear 😁
Of course micro four thirds has a future. It's got great support from two dedicated manufacturers.
Interesting camera, fun, love the IS, I wonder how it compares to the gh5. Thanks for the review
Thanks for the kind words, the IS here is better than the GH% (review in progress)
You have a large dust spot on your sensor just above equator and top middle 1//3 sky.
I hate when that happens!
Your camera reviews are excellent. The only thing I miss in this review is video AF performance. In opposite to Panasonic the Olympus cameras use phase detection AF. I wonder how good it works in real life... (I'm a Panasonic GH5 user now, and am thinking about to buy a second - Olympus - body for my trip to Africa this year)
Thanks for your kind words. If you're looking to improve your focus system, I'd look to Sony (even the A6100 runs rings around this for acquisition and tracking) or Fujifilm (X-T30 likely). Did you install the upgrade to the GH5? I haven't compared side by side, but think the GH5 would be better.
Hi Maarten, thank you for your answer and you suggestion for upgrading my system. My problem is that I invested into three expensive Leica DG lenses now and don't want to change my system another time (previously I was a Canon DSLR shooter with many many lenses, but Canon didn't support 4K full readout for long time). Yes, I have installed the last update on my GH5. I think a second MFT body a la Olympus could be my ideal addition, although not all things are better on Olympus, but the wobble in Video AF is annoying when filming animals changing position from time to time and then stay at one place, where the wobble effect starts again, which is visible at 4K very strongly. Focussing manually is not an option for me, because I have not the skills of a professional to rotate the focus ring always in the right direction - and that looks on the video scene poorly (try and error while recording), and I have not the choice to throw away the whole scene, because the animal doesn't wait to give me a second chance... Ludwig
@@caneosi3231 I would recommend you try using the touch focus to stay with a subject that sometimes moves.
The touch focus doesn't change the wobbling (push & pull) effect at objects that don't move - that's the problem. It's in the nature of Panasonics DFD system for AF.
@@caneosi3231 Then manual focus.
can video be saved as mp4 or just mov.
What's the difference? If you need MP4 (and the camera saves as MOV) just change the extension - or vice versa.
Maarten Heilbron ?
Affirmative.
Can spot-metering be customized with the Fn button ?
I'm sorry, I returned the camera after the review and can't check - maybe there's a note in the manual.
Looks like this is an awesome camera. :) I wish i could afford to invest in more than one system.
That's a common theme ... so many systems have interesting features, but no-one seems to cover them all.
Agreed. On the other hand, if someone were to include all the features from every brand, just imagine the mess of a menu you'd have to get through to create your review. ;) Maybe striking a good balance is the better option. :)
Thanks for the video. :)
always my pleasure, thanks for sharing your thoughts.
FYI, if you buy this camera used, make sure you install the 2021 firmware update.
Indeed, that applies to this and all cameras.
Best reviews...
Thanks for your kind words.
een Super camera, samen met een paar pro Lenzen , nou dan kan je er tegenaan , Ik ben er heel erg blij mee ...
Bedankt voor het delen van uw gedachten.
Thank you for the video sir,
I'm using last 2 years this camera everything is good but c af video is not good really, I'm changing many settings but olympus made c af only for interview based. Not moveble shoots.
Thanks, a pleasure to read your kind words. Yes, that's would be my assessment also. I would not use AF for video.
Thanks marteen sir ...
My pleasure, thanks for your kind words.
Wow! I am going to need a degree from MIT to use the menu! Lol! I sold my Fujixt10 because I just wanted something intuitive and a menu that was easy to get to and quickly changed. Plus, I found the af to be unreliable. Great review!
Hehe, thanks for the kind words and your insight.
Maarten Heilbron
Bent u Nederlander ?
Ik was in Amsterdam geboren. I'm a Canadian citizen, travelling on a Canadian passport.
Ok, leuk !
Fine, but there is so much information that you MUST take notes for it to be effective.
Good point, I'll make a note of that. ;-) And thanks for the kind words, always appreciated.
Is this city Delft? Beautiful!!
We were not in Delft this time (although I agree with you). Which shot are you referring to?
I have just purchased this camera.
Could someone please tell me how to turn it off my brain hurts.....📷..😳
If nothing else seems to work - remove the battery.
Exemplary work, as ever, thanks...
A pleasure to read your kind words, thanks for commenting.
The AF-C tracking doesn't work. It frequently gets confused, slow and practically unreliable. Your review should be more in verifying, testing camera main feature as such rather than iterating the camera advertised features.
Although I did not test it under demanding circumstances, it did work for me. Thanks for the tip, I'll do my best to improve my work in the future.
subscribed.. and thank you.
always my pleasure - and thanks for subscribing
to say it doesn't work isn't telling to truth haha. I have had amazing results. so many features to take the guess work out of the camera. it's been crazy reliable for me and a life saver. that's your experience. hope you have a good day. keep on shooting stuff 😁
thanks for adding your thoughts to the conversation - always nice to hear from someone with real world experience.
👍
I appreciate the kind emoji.
Beautiful camera.. Hehehe so what.. Most of this small sensor cameras has mismatch technology intended to whom.. 60 frames ok for birds sports & where the lenses... Than for travel ok y u need 60 frames... Hehehe one pays for things not need... Still the very good smartphone is one needs to be happy with.. Otherwise full frame is the call
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Nice review; this review would be even nicer if you were an actual user as opposed to a reviewer.
Thanks for the kind words. Most of the users in my neighbourhood wouldn't make good reviewers at all. But I think that you probably mean owners. Personally, I find owners to be unreliable as they have an ego-vested interest in liking the camera and are unlikely to find fault. I also find they don't have experience with very many cameras, so don't have a good basis for comparison. That said, the nice thing about UA-cam is that there will be several videos that are better suited to your style.
@@MaartenHeilbron I respectfully disagree. Serious users are motivated to get the camera to work to its fullest; whereas a reviewer may not have the dedication to do so, and leave an issue unaddressed.
I'm astounded, and a little insulted, to read that you don't think my reviews are sufficiently detailed. In my most humble Canadian opinion, my reviews of cameras are more detailed, complete and illustrated with examples and screen captures than any others that I see. I'm also concerned that you describe me as undedicated. In general, it takes me 3-4 weeks of full time work to prepare my reviews. I read the manual cover to cover, I show my viewers every feature, and describe every detail, which I pack in a no-nonsense way into 24 minutes (in this case) of content. I"m left assuming that you did not take the time to actually watch the video. However, in case you did, please let me know which issues I failed to address. I respectfully request that you withdraw your unkind and unfair comments.
@@MaartenHeilbron Don't take my comment so seriously. I just think that a professional user of a camera picks up little details & speed out of necessity that a reviewer might not discover. As a pro user, I would not even take a camera out for a job that I have only used for 3-4 weeks! Your review is wonderful! I only have the E-M1 mk1 at this time. I think your review is more than fine for the average user. I did not say you were "undedicated"; I said or meant that a pro user would perhaps NEED to know the camera even better. In my mind, I was comparing you to a YT provider who is an actual Professional Wedding Photographer & Olympus m4/3 user.
I know -- I sat there with my Mk1 on a 'job' trying to figure something out -- because I was not adequately prepared. Luckily, it was not a "for pay" gig. Reading the manual a few times, and knowing how to do everything on the camera is a good starting point to train yourself on how the camera works. When you are under pressure, like at a wedding (which is what I do), you need to add the time element to your feature access -- so as not to miss a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
BTW: Olympus also has a category that goes even further -- called "Olympus Visionaries".
I think I was comparing this review to those of Joseph Ellis and Peter Forsgard and others -- unfair to you because they only need to know one camera system; whilst you are comparing Olympus to others.
Thank you for your clarification. And to clarify, my reviews don't really speak to professional photographers.
You do understand that the Olympus Visionaries are paid (even if only in free product) to promote Olympus?
OMD EM1
mrhbana min aljil al'afdal lhdha ka'amrih 'urid shira' 'afdal bialtaswir walfidiu
شكرا ، أنا أقدر كلماتك الرقيقة.
Good review, but I prefer a review from an owner rather than a borrower/tester.
Thanks for your kind words, appreciated.
If you are a professional you will not be using Olympus. With the release of the EM1 mk2 we can see the limitations of the M4/3 sensor in terms of development. The image quality on the new camera is only very marginally better than its predecessor and certainly not worth the high cost for this camera. As a travel, landscape and portrait shooter, I have shot Olympus for a number of years. I do not need the 60 frames per second, I am not shooting sports or birds in flight and I am not doing movies. For stills, image quality is what matters most. It is quite interesting to look at the image quality of different cameras on the DP review image quality page. Here's the link here.
www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympus-om-d-e-m1-mark-ii/8
You will see that Fujifilm and Sony are still well ahead in downright image quality, although I do accept that they are running bigger sensors. The EM1 mk2 is barely better than the EM1, but Fujifilm XT2 image quality is clearer and cleaner, and is pretty much as good as the full frame Sony A11. And both options are cheaper than the Olympus. Olympus can take good pictures provided you have good light and you keep the ISO down. Portraiture often involves challenging situations and if you shoot RAW at ISO1600 the noise is horrible. I do love the look and feel of Olympus and the PRO lenses are beautiful and a pleasure to use. I am vested in Olympus and I do not have the money to justify changing to another system. I keep reminding myself that I do have a day job, it's only a hobby and it's still about the capture. But if the M4/3 sensor has come to the end of its development, then Olympus will have to come up with something very clever if it is to keep with the competition.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, although you do start off with a rather wide-reaching statement that's not fully justified. I agree that many of the features are not "bread and butter" for a typical (professional) photographer - and image quality is (for most anyway) paramount. I also agree that the M4/3 sensor provides a compromise, but many photographers are willing to take this compromise for lower weight and less expensive lenses. I also agree that the EM1mkII would be a far more interesting camera at a more competitive price point. I appreciate your time and your comments.
However, there are many pro photographers in the world using Olympus EM5 II and EM1 II. This new EM1 II has better ISO that Canon 80D (APSC), and here in Spain the EM1 II costs now 200€ less than at launch (good news).
I think there is not professional camera; professional is who shoot the photo.
Well said, thanks for adding your thoughts.
Juanjo. Thanks for your comments. I decided to go back and have a look at the DP Review image page.
www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympus-om-d-e-m1-mark-ii/8
Although there is the ability to compare 4 cameras at a time, it is more accurate to only look at 2 cameras at any one time as the angle of the screen can create erroneous results particularly with a standard laptop. Also you need to find a good spot for the small magnifying window and I have found bottom left. I highlight the edge of the King card. So K in the middle, black background to the right where you see the noise and then for resolution I use the lines of the hair. I dropped in the EM1 mk11 first and then the Canon 80D. And then I looked at ISO 200, 800 and 1600. At 200 both equal, at 800, Olympus resolves a little better, but has more noise, and the same at 1600, the Olympus with slightly better resolution but more noise. I swapped out the Canon and put in the Fujifilm X-T2, and the Fuji totally cleaned up the Olympus. I swapped out the Olympus and put in the Sony A711 and the Fujifilm does outperform the Sony. I know a camera is more the sum of many parts but when looking at outright sensor performance these results are quite interesting. The comparison between the Olympus EM1 mk11 and the EM5 mk11 which is the camera I have is quite interesting. The EM1 out resolves the EM5 marginally but has more noise at 200, 800 and 1600. Crazy! I do feel DP Review know what they are doing and this is a laboratory test page so I would expect that they have attempted to normalize the variables. Maybe only a science nerd like me would be interested in this.
Thank you for doing this research - interesting results.
Maarten,
I think that your great videos and some personal experience have finally changed my mind about micro-four-thirds.
I am a Nikon user and have been for many years. I have three big heavy Nikon DSLRs. Also a good friend of mine (Tony) is a Nikon user going all the way back to the film days in the late 1960s. Tony moved to Nikon DSLRs in the early 2000s and has created some great images..
A few days ago I did a fashion / glamour shoot (with two stunningly beautiful models) and Tony as the second photographer.
Due to a recent hand injury Tony has had to give up his big heavy Nikon DSLRs. Tony has now switched to a Panasonic GX8 micro-four-thirds camera.
Initially I had expected my big heavy Nikon DSLRs to produce much better images than Tony's micro-four-thirds camera.
But nothing could be further from the truth. The micro-four-thirds cameras have now come of age. Micro-four-thirds can now match Nikon DSLRs.
So I am now saving my pennies. I am planning to sell my Nikon gear and buy an Olympus OM-D EM1 mark 2 plus a series of the best m4-thirds lenses.
Many thanks for this and your other great videos.
Although I'm kind of biased for APS-C and up - only the most demanding professionals would find fault with a four thirds sensor.
I enjoyed this very comprehensive review. But I must say that this is a very complicated camera. Unless you are the type of photographer who would really use of all of these customisation settings, I am not sure who this camera is for.
Maybe (as a Nikon full-frame shooter) who just selects Aperture mode, then ISO and shutter speed, maybe I am old-fashioned !!!
But great video either way.
I appreciate your kind words - and you may be right. I've kept my Canon 50D (the last model before they added video) for exactly that reason (to keep it simple). That said, I don't think Olympus means for everyone to use every feature, each is designed for a specific type of photograph or photographer. And some are fun to play/experiment with.