A Review of the Olympus E-M1 Mkll Micro Four Thirds Camera by David Thorpe

It is the most expensive Micro Four Thirds camera body ever. It is packed with features including 60fps sequence shooting rate and a sensor packed with phase detection focusing points. Is it overpriced or just what you have to pay for such a capable camera?
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Sound post production by Charles Walkowski at www.walkowski.co.uk
See my M43 blog at m43blog.dthorpe.net/

[@awalzem]

It really bums me out that David is gone. This is a 6 year old video, and I've seen it before, and yet here I am, watching it again. Really I am thinking about buying a second hand Em1 mark II just now, but it's his quite, understated wisdom, and the unusual cadence of his speaking voice that brings me back to these videos.

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

As usual a superb and useable review from David. This video was produced 4 years ago and I’ve just bought a used example which is even better due to firmware updates. But David’s appraisal is still the ideal starting point for this superb piece of kit.

[@davebellamy4867]

I'm thinking about the EM1 Mark ii in 2022. There are 53 for sale on MPB! However, I was disappointed with an EM1 that I got there weeks ago that turned out to have some kind of viewfinder damage and which I sent back and got a refund. The high resolution modes plus the pro capture and the focus stacking (especially) make the EM1 Mark ii attractive as an upgrade from the EM1 Mark ii.

[@remembershooting2064]

@@davebellamy4867 I just picked one up from the same site and absolutely delighted with it. Feels like it will last me many years.

[@CheshireRing]

Quality review. David's extensive experience of photography illuminates his analysis, enabling him to concentrate on what matters, rather than simply listing all the features with superfluous comment.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I'm glad you find the review informative - thanks for the kind words.

[@darrendavenport3334]

CheshireRing yes, the arduous tasks he has encountered has elevated him to a lofty position within the photo community and the fortitude of life itself ...

[@haroldsession1658]

I miss him and his reviews.. There are only a few people that I trust giving reviews and he was one of them

[@justininfrance]

At last, the review we have all been waiting for, by somebody who actually knows what they're talking about. Thanks David!

[@muntublackson4757]

damn right!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

You are very welcome, Saurat. And thank you!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

:-)

[@Doctor_Manhattan777]

i totally agree with you!!!

[@headwerkn]

The new OM-1 MkII videos are starting to drop and how I wish David was still here to give us his no-BS real world take on it. Still the gold standard for M43 reviews.

[@deanrobertnoble138]

After watching David’s videos, i find i’ve already liked them. I just wish i could like them more than once. RIP David, you continue to help us all with such awesome videos; i continue to watch them many, many times. Thankyou!

[@StewartBairdPhoto]

I always love your reviews - so real, balanced and with a twist.... I know in the end the Mark 2 will woo me to upgrade; its just so good.

[@benlister74]

I own a panny gx8, have no intention off buying any other camera and still I watch your review from start to end! Great video, great narration and great b-roll. Keep up the good work David and thanks.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks very much, Ben!

[@AminTheMystic]

Who cares? You are some shitty little photographer without much money. A deadbeat.

[@LexTNeville]

There's no mystery about you Amin. You are plain to see.

[@michaelweinstein3056]

Amin's a garbage person

[@MarkoKoskenoja]

Great review and insights. I am one of those value minded purchasers you referenced who bought a Panasonic G85 based on your review - I'm very happy with it.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Not a lot to be unhappy with with the G80, is there?

[@davebellamy4867]

Fabulous review. A cut above the others I've seen.

[@VikramSudera]

Great review David. Thanks for taking the time to make it.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks for the kind words, Vikram.

[@wipeoutking]

As usual, yours are some of the best, most focused, and most reasonable reviews on the web. Thanks for another real life review by a real live person.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks!

[@Smoothblue90]

Excellent review. Thank you. The shots of the bicyclists are very helpful. The shots of the birds in flight are wonderful.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks - glad you enjoyed it!

[@psu1889]

David another great review. Being apart of the Olympus family it's easy to get only one sided reviews. It's refreshing to see a concise no non sense honest review. Your review of the 40-150 2.8 pro has really pushed me towards that lens and this review is no different. So many cameras so little money. Keep up the good work.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks! As you say, so many cameras and never enough money. In a funny way, I'd hate to be able to just go out and buy any camera I wanted, though. The waiting and wanting that makes you value the cameras much more when you get them. That's my sermon for the day done!

[@AhmadThabet-qw1kc]

One of the very thorough and most comprehensive technical reviews, I have ever seen, so far. Totally reliable and heavy duty Camera from Olympus in the Micro Four Thirds range. Many Thanks & Best Regards !

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thank you, Ahmed and regards to you too. An excellent heavy duty camera, I agree.

[@vhc7764]

Great review David...thank you.

[@Revangelistautube]

Your voice is one of the most pleasant in the you tube camera reviewer community... In addition to very interesting points you always bring out..

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks Robert, I'm not sure I agree about my voice but I'm glad you like it and the videos!

[@mightymo2224]

There is similar voice in you tube, check the : Armand the watch guy. Very informative as well.

[@jamiermathlin]

excellent review David, well done and many thanks ! I currently have one on order to go with my current EM1, have ordered the 300mm f4 to go with it, so our feathered friends, watch out !

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

That'll be a monster combination. With the combined stabilization you'll probably be able to handhold it at 1/8th shutter speed. You'll need a hammer and nails to keep the birds still for 1/8 of a second, though!

[@jamiermathlin]

Hi David, have received my EM-1 mkii now and wow, what an amazing camera, it is so fast! also the 80mp RAW hi-res mode is incredible. you should do another video just about that, the resolution and sharpness make my Sony A7Rii with primes look soft !

[@srhphoto1]

Great review David, I really enjoy your style and no nonsense delivery. Really pleased to see some real world testing of the continuous AF ability of the camera, particularly with the randomly flying and direction changing gulls. It will be interesting to see how close the GH5 can get to it. One things for sure - there's some serious performance available to us m4/3 shooters these days! Simon.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Hi Simon - yes, performance is increasing all the time. The GH5 looks as if it will be an interesting camera, especially by comparison to thethis Olympus. The Panasonic will come in for less criticism pf its price, probably, because for the video guys a camera with its specs is cheap. Glad you liked the review!

[@tonkatoytruck]

After seeing the updates to the EM10 MkIII, I can not wait for the new EM5 MkIII to come out. It should be as close to perfect to what I want in a 43 camera. Hope you get a chance to compare all 3 of these (or at least 2) in the future. I really like your reviews and can appreciate how much hard work you put into them. Compellingly beautiful.

[@keithfarquhar9819]

love your reviews, help me to buy wisely. It's true , you have a great voice. I actually imitated you for a voice over the other day in France! so thanks for that too!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I can't see what there is to like about my voice but I'm very happy that others like it. I'm very flattered at being imitated - especially in France which I've considered my second home since I first went there age 16. Thanks, Keith!

[@dice3809]

Finally! great review again!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks - it took me longer than usual because the C-AF is quite hard to evaluate and the large number of new attributes.

[@karls5795]

Many thanks again, I found your take on the Oly E-M1 II to be very insightful.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

hanks Karl, that pleases me a lot!

[@antonoat]

Fantastic review, extremely helpful, thank you.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Music to my ears, thank you AoToGo!

[@riddlergorshin]

Hi David, thanks for this video and all your others too.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks, Paul - I'm glad you enjoy them.

[@ChrisWilliams-nf8kl]

One of the longer videos you've done, Lemmy. After watching it, I thought 'didn't really tell me anything I didn't expect'. But on reflection it's probably because it's so measured, so balanced, so nuanced a review that it's just natural that it would chime so well with my expectations and reveal truths that I 'knew' because the veracity is so natural. In my characteristic long-winded way, that's me saying congratulations on another great review and, unsurprisingly, I agree with your outlook. I'm an EM1 user and the sort of photographer I am means its successor - and the high price tag - is not the camera for me. I am a bit more stoked about the potential of the upcoming GH5 - I look forward to hearing your opinions on that when it appears.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, a bit too long in my opinion. It's mainly because there is much new on the camera but also because knowing that most who buy this will buy it for its C-AF capability, I felt I needed to show it fairly comprehensively rather than just say it, given the premium they are paying. The GH5 looks to be a very interesting camera. Funny enough, the new My Menu option is the thing that is interesting me most at the moment. For a long time now, the S-AF capability of Panasonics has been state of the art so I don't see how they can improve it, or if they did what difference it would make. C-AF is less interesting to me personally but I know that not the case for everyone so I look forward to giving to a workout.

[@MrBadtoad1]

Hi David many thanks for your time with all these reviews i have the em5 mk2 and more than happy with all Olympus equipment so happy i moved from canon your reviews make a difference thank you!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I'm happy to hear that, Mo. Thanks for telling me!

[@supergeodotca]

As many have said below, great review! Your reviews are the best with respect to micro 4/3 cameras IMHO. Many thanks David.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks! I must get my doors widened :-)

[@supergeodotca]

All that is missing is the transcripts of your videos :) . All kidding aside, keep the great unique format of presenting your videos coming. Cheers from Canada

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

The transcripts are all being collated at this moment for a lecture at The London Library entitled "The Greatest Artist - Thorpe or Shakespeare?" To be read by Sir Ian McKellan. I confidently expect to win :-) Best wishes from London - and I'm glad you like the vids

[@johnsamuelmcelroy]

This is by far the most informative and useful review on this camera I've seen. I've been on the fence whether to upgrade from the original EM1 to the Mark II for birds in flight or to go the the Nikon D500 and keep my EM1 for everything else. That however would mean two seperate systems and the added costs involved. Your review has swayed me to stick to one system. I'm very impressed with your pictures of the gulls in flight. Thanks for the great review!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks, John. When I was shooting away at them, I was expecting, from experience, a very low hit rate but I found myself able to select interesting shots for the video rather than just sharp ones. I'm sure there will be cases where the DSLR would be more effective but by the same token, there will be just as many cases where the Olympus E-M1 Mkll will be better than the DSLR. This camera with the 40-150mm Pro zoom is a dream machine, actually.

[@keithk5759]

Almost 3 years later and still an excellent review. Thanks! Back in 2017 one of your biggest issues with the mark ii was the price. I just bought a very good used EM-1 mark ii for $900. Considering that the mark ii once retailed for $2000, I think these are now a great bargain. New models now sell for $1299 plus tax in the US.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

The prices just seem to keep rising. I'm sure that's why camera sales are down. As I said in the video, for most of the time for most photographers, work form a Mark II or Mark III will be little different.

[@jimebbage]

Blindingly Ace and informatively wry critique..Thank you.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks for that, Verdi.

[@DmitryBrodsky007]

Great review David. And one that truly made me decide I don't need EM1M2

[@davidthorpe7732]

Thanks, Dmitry! I'd never want to put anyone off from buying what they wanted but when you say you don't _need_ the E-M1 II, you've made a thought out decision. I'm glad to have contributed to it.

[@johnrenton3463]

Yet another thoughtful and thought provoking review David, you certainly get to the heart of the price v. performance debate. Looking forward to you getting your hands on the GH5 - I expect you are too :-)

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks John- yes I really fancy the GH5. It looks as if it'll be cheaper than the Olympus too.

[@WilSantanaMusic]

Great review!. Thank you!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thank you, Wil!

[@supernova1976]

You are not being harsh at all, spot on review very nicely done.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks! I do feel that Olympus could make more of the focusing of they had a custom point facility. On the Panasonics, if I'm photographing cyclists I use a single line of half a dozen focus points horizontally central. It makes a big difference, plus if someone else frames things differently, they can alter to suit.

[@supernova1976]

Absolutely, this is basics we got used to it and it makes a huge difference in certain circumstances.

[@gerardg1950]

Great, informative as always.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks!

[@yelapa999]

I do love me some Poppa Chubby. Nice, illustrative pics of him. And jolly good overview.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks! He's good isn't he? He comes round occasionally and I always go to see him.

[@danieldougan269]

The video autofocus is significantly improved with the latest firmware. Definitely worth an updated look!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

What will they do for a Mark III if they keep updating the firmware? Hard to top.

[@xenonozhid3383]

I've been waiting on your views before making a purchase commitment on this camera - thank you.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I'm sure you'll be pleased with it - it takes a bit of time to set it up and a bit more to master using the C-AF to its best - but well worth it!

[@xenonozhid3383]

Thank you.

[@jimslens]

I bought your "...Menu System Simplified" book for this camera on Amazon. Found it by accident. Thank you for taking the trouble to publish this series of self-help books on the Olympus menu systems.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

You are very welcome, Jim. Glad you find it helpful.

[@simianinc]

looking forward to your GH5 review with anticipation, followed by the head-to-head with this one!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, I'm looking forward to that too. Given the cost of the two cameras, I'll need a security guard with me when I take them both out!

[@keithspillett7312]

Great review as always...

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks, Keith!

[@neumlephotodude]

Very good review. Can't wait when you might compare this against the GH5. I am looking into upgrading from my GX7 for gaining improved C-AF and continues shooting, eye autofocus but want to keep the camera body as small as possible or in the range of the size of the the GX7.

[@scottj9773]

Many thanks David....your reviews seduced me away from Canon into firstly a GX7 which I was stunned by its image quality from what looked like a hipster toy. I sold it on to a nice lady on the eve of her international trip and now have GX85 with two primes and the 12-35mm 2.8 which you reviewed. Keep up the good work - really appreciate your thoughtful approach and hands on shooting tests versus the "product cheerleaders" that flood this platform. Cheers from downunder

[@johnhaynes9910]

As ever an entertaining and well balanced review.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks John!

[@UMS9695]

Enjoyed the review. Quite different from the run of the mill reviews!!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thank you, Mahesh!

[@tschuetze]

One of the best reviews i have ever seen for a camera. on one hand "thanks" on the other "f***" - i want that stuff!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Well, thank you or I'm sorry, depending on your point of view :-) Thanks for the kind words!

[@myv84x45]

Great narration as always David Thanks for another awesome video Do you think the Focal point issue will be addressed with a firmware update ? I hope so Best regards, Rick

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks Rick - yes, I read somewhere that Olympus are aware and will address it. I really like Olympus's policy of firmware upgrades to improve and add new features.

[@CVCC]

Thank You David :)

[@Marticulate]

As always, a fantastic review with real information. As a professional photographer who shoots on the Micro Four Thirds system, these reviews are extremely useful, thanks. I'm tempted to stay with Panasonic and the GH5 though as I can't swallow the convoluted Olympus menu system.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, I agree. I'm used to the Olympus menu system now but still find myself scanning it for something quite simple but which is buried. It needs a complete rewrite. It seems to have been implemented by an engineer rather than a photographer. That's where Panasonic greater breadth of products comes into play, I suppose. Imagine a micro wave cooker with a menu written by Olympus!

[@hyeng8270]

Thanks for your painstaking review. The care you have taken in evaluating the camera, as well as the production quality of this video makes it a pleasure to watch, besides being educational! Some reviewers put their egos before the subject of their review, but definitely not you. Thanks again!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks you very much, Hye - and for telling me. Much appreciated.

[@hyeng8270]

Since coming across this review, I have viewed some of your older reviews. I find them all informative, interesting, and entertaining! (my wife is beginning to wonder about me :) I note that you liked some of the Olympus lenses, particularly so with the 45mm prime as well as the Pro 40 to 150 zoom. You also like the Panasonic 42.5mm. Now With all the recent additions such as the Olympus 12 ~ 100mm F4, I wonder if you were to start from scratch today, (and cost is not a consideration), what lenses will you carry to cover "all situations"?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

@claude 819 I'm getting messages from you but cannot reply since they do not appear on the video.

[@conradososa6238]

Best micro four thirds reviews as always

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thank you, Conrad!

[@conradososa6238]

David Thorpe in looking for a replacement to the original Olympus em5, do you have any recommendations apart from the em1 in the video ?

[@TachibanaKyosuke]

Conrado Sosa I'm in the exact same position with the original E-M5. What do you have in mind?

[@conradososa6238]

Tachibana Kyosuke I was thinking either stick with Olympus may just move up the the mark II or the pen f maybe Panasonic G85 but I don't have any of their lenses I'm not sure really

[@TachibanaKyosuke]

For me I would like an upgrade video and also want to stick with Olympus. I wish they release E-M5 MK III with 4K soon..

[@AndrewLXiong]

Great review and very helpful...thank you. Had this camera for several months now and still continually learning to use it; Just curious what would you recommend for the best lens adaptor for this camera to work with Canon lens, which i also have a few coming from a DSLR user and trying to make the best use of both systems. Thanks

[@guyjordan8201]

Diminishing returns is the right concept. While many, a very many, are content with the camera the comes with their phones, some demand cutting edge products to make them perform like a pro. We all have biases and limits; your review defines the OMDEM1M2 in that framework. Nicely done.

[@davidthorpe7732]

Thanks, Guy.

[@CVCC]

best review on this camera I've seen, bravo! Question, how would you rate the image quality for stills against the 5ii, gh4, and the g85? Just marginally better?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks for the kind words! I'd be against the extra pixels if they meant an increase in noise as so often is the case but with the Olympus (and the GX8) there isn't so you have something for nothing. Image quality compared to the GX8 is more or less the same, better than the GH4 by a useful margin and marginally better than the G85 simply because of the extra pixels. The E-M5ll, again better but only because of the extra pixels. Viewed on a tablet or large monitor, you'd be hard pushed to see any difference between any of them without pixel peeping. So, to answer your question directly, as you say, marginally better. I'm talking about RAW here, since JPGs can be whatever you want.

[@inert11]

Great review

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Glad you think so, thanks!

[@arthurrmcphee]

Excellent review! I remember back in the day when it was up to the photographer to maintain focus and hand in sharp images to their editors. ;) It's a great camera!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, I remember that too. So, if you get a fuzzy today, I wonder if the editor would accept "it wasn't me, it was the camera". If your editors were anything like mine (and they are all the same in my experience) you'd need earplugs before hearing the reply :-)

[@arthurrmcphee]

Lol, I believe they may have been even the same ones! :)))) technology today gives at least a chance to make an excuse.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Talking of excuses, I used to do a bit of work for Brides magazine and heard a nice little story about Tony Snowden. He did a big fashion shoot for Brides in an exotic garden, using those massive oriental (I think) rhubarb plant leaves that grow in swamps. He wrapped the leaves around them etc. Shot it on Kodachrome and underexposed everything by 4 stops, totally unusable. His fault entirely, just an awful mistake and of course he should have checked the camera. Great embarrassment at the magazine and they didn't want to tell him. One of their darkroom guys said he had an idea and used a purple toner on the trannies. It gave a beautiful ethereal effect and they published them. The first Snowden knew was when he saw the magazine. I can imagine how he felt, knowing he messed up and no-one wanted to tell him. He had a crate of champagne sent round to the darkroom with a note telling the guys that they hadn't just saved his bacon, they'd made the job better than it would have been had he not messed up. Mark of a good bloke, I'd say.

[@maximme]

good job David What mic are you using? have you tried a lavalier mic. Thie current one isn't picking you up very well....

[@georgepenrose7407]

I get it. If you like flying birds, or sport, and there are only so many photos you can take of each, but for me its more about improvements in image quality and there is very little, so happy to stay with my EM5 mk2 and my EM1.

[@Dustinrhoades]

your reviews are the Ducati motorcycle of the camera review world, David

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Now that is praise - thanks Dustin!

[@LaurenceRoach]

Brilliant narration

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks very much, Laurence.

[@Cagey7531]

This review has actually been a solid review for the Panny G80 too :)

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I hadn't thought of it that way but, yes, you are right.

[@jaffarbh]

Thanks David for another great video. I feel it is safe to assume that the E-M1 MkII is a great still camera that shoots decent video. The GH4 (and GH5) is a great video camera that shoots decent photos. Each company targets different customers.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, they do, especially with their top end models. That shouldn't mask the fact that the E-M1 Mkll is a highly competent video camera and the GH4(5) a highly competent stills one, though. It is just great to have the choice.

[@chepo1956]

Awesome review David. Has any of the firmware updates improved the Olympus? I have a certain attatchment with Olympus since I still own their OM4-T film camera. It seems like a very capable camera despite it's compact size. Any way, I really enjoyed your review.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Glad you liked the review, Jose. Olympus have a good upgrade policy and they continue to improve their wares for some while after introducing them. Yes, they are very capable and some of the most advanced cameras available these days.

[@stanaron]

Hi David, great video. Quick question regarding the video capabilities of he EM1 mkII Does the 4K crop into the sensor like it does on the GH4? or is it a full sensor image (though in 16/9, so leaving the top and bottom of the sensor out, of course) And secondly, what is the time limit when recording in 4K? is it 30 minutes like other olympus cameras do in HD? is it even less like on other cameras, or does it just keep recording until you either stop it or it runs out of space or battery? Thanks a lot and keep the videos coming, your channel is a huge help every time i'm shopping for a new camera

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Hi Stan - it crops in to native resolution so the field of view is narrowed noticeably. There's no limit on video time other than battery life or card capacity for US market cameras bit the usual 29m odd one for European models.

[@XuEdward]

Hey David! Love your videos. I just watched one of your old video about your gears on different occasions. I'd like to know what you are using right now? Maybe make a video about it. :D

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Hi - glad you like the vids. I mean to make a video about it, maybe an updated why I use Micro Four Thirds. I have a selection of cameras, largely because I review them. So I make choices! A mainstay is my GX80/85 with 12-32 and 35-100 mini zooms. Otherwise, for serious photography, I pick up my G80/85 or Olympus E-M1 Mk2. I don't do sports, so both cameras fill the bill equally and I uses the Olympus 12-40 and 40-150 f/2.8 zooms with them, with a Panasonic 7-14mm in the bag. For the pure fun of using a camera, I use the GX80/85 with Olympus's 17mm f/1.8. That is probably my favourite thing, a sort of digital take on a film Leica with Canon 35mm f/2.

[@XuEdward]

Thanks for the reply! Would definitely look forward to your updated video. It's interesting that it seems like you don't use many prime lenses. What lens would you suggest for portraits to beginners like me? I also have the GX80 currently with a 25mm lens. P.S. Are adaptors for full-frame lens worth it? I am very beginner and struggle with MF :( Cheers!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I do use primes, the 17mm and 45mm f/1/8 Olympus models. I use zooms a lot simply because the quality is so good nowadays and I'm often not sure what I'll be photographing when i go out so i like to have maximum versatility. A 7-14, 12-40, 40-150 and 1.4 times converter covers everything I would want to do in one small bag. For portraits, beginners or experts ,I'd suggest the 45mm Olympus, not only sharp and compact but a bargain too. Manual focus with a fast FF lens over 50mm is pretty straightforward, it is in or it is out of focus. But it does take practise and with the eye priority focus of modern cameras, you'd be pushed to improve on auto-focus. Some of the FF lenses give lovely results on Micro Four Thirds, though. Given that an adapter is cheap and so are some of the old FF lenses, it's worth giving it a try, even if just for fun.

[@XuEdward]

45mm does look like a very suitable lens for my situation. Maybe I'll give FF lens a try :D

[@Itgeneticscouk]

Another great review David - being an OMD EM1mk i and mkii owner - I would say this is pretty spot on. There are some benefits - but they come at a price.....

[@freddie8812]

I totally agree but man do I love it!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Since you know both cameras, I'm Gratified that you agree with my review overall. I always just say what I think and then worry that I've badly misjudged. Yes, the benefits come at a price and the price is about the only downside of the Mkll.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

If that is the price of the camera you want, you buy it and you love it, it's the best buy there is. I go a great deal on whether I like the feel and vibe of a camera - the more I like to pick up a camera the more pictures I take. That's what it is all about.

[@Itgeneticscouk]

Isn't it just! For me - only having had the EM1 for a short while I did wrestle as to whether I should upgrade. But in the end - it won me over. I like taking motorsport images and some wildlife and the fast shooting speed won me over. plus I was a little frustrated on the EM1(i)'s autofocus shortfalls. This is a definite upgrade. The points you identified were on the money.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Wildlife and motor sport would be two areas of interest that would make the camera come into its own. That makes it worth buying, for sure.

[@rbp917]

Excellent review, wish you would review some of the other format standard cameras, d810, 5D, A7.....most what I find on those are from people who are informative, but not always impartial. I'm curious how much time you spend preparing to make such a well executed video.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks! I stick with Micro Four Thirds because first of all it is a system that I myself use and enjoy for its combination of attributes but also because I can get to know it thoroughly and rely on my own knowledge rather than a spec sheet and cursory tests. Although I can sometimes borrow lenses from ePHOTOzine, I buy camera bodies myself because while a couple of weeks is ok to put a lens through its paces, it's not enough for a camera body. Making the videos, I picked up the E-M1 Mkll just before Christmas and spent January using it. This one took longer than most because of the new features. I like to finish up in a position where the camera feels natural and familiar to me so that I can let my instincts inform my opinion. Basically, just see what I do with it. As an example, I found that this was not a camera picked up and bunged in my bag if I was going out for a drink with friends and might shoot a few pix on the way. That's the GX80. The E-M1 Mkll isn't the sort of camera to be used casually! So, 3 or 4 weeks shooting and playing with the camera, then a couple of days writing the script and three or so days putting together the video and shooting extra pix as necessary. None of this is full time, of course but I put in a good few hours each day. It sounds tedious but cliche or not, it's a labour of love.

[@rbp917]

David Thorpe thanks, I will probably never buy a 4/3 camera, but I will keep watching your videos.

[@jonsnih492]

Nice review as always, Dave. Olympus claims the sensor has better coating. Are there improvements in less flares and CA, especially with Panasonic lenses mounted on the E-M1II? Are you going to review the new PL zoom series? Take care!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks! With my Panasonic 7-14mm, noted for its purple fringing, there is plenty on the Olympus and virtually none on a Panasonic body so that doesn't seem much different to me. Olympus lenses just don't have the purple fringing at root. Flare, it's hard to say but I don't think the sensor has much influence on that - some lenses flare and/or have purple fringing and some don't, so any new coating would be marginal in effect. I have a 12-60mm PL zoom at the moment which I'll review after the GH5.

[@bachisquiri]

thank you

[@Serenoj69]

David thanks for a good review! The best review for those who want to shoot action. You are not an action shooter but you do provide the best examples here. Some points: I am not a pixelpeeper, I shot this cam for landscapes for 5 days in a row and this was at the start of January before DxO came with its results. I simply noted time and time again that it looked a clearly better than the GH4 I also had with me. Not that the difference was huge, it was better. Better indoors too at higher ISO for noise. There is no builtin noisereduction algorithm used as DxO excludes this by the way they test i. In their explanation they tell us how it works. Anyways: at screensize not pixelpeeped the Oly visible looks better in every way and DxO has shown this to be true. Another point is critique. That considers Hires. I wrote a long story here but let's keep it short. Hires is very nice and does work just fine for by far the most landscapes. It worked clamped handheld down to a pole too and it is because it is of its 3,5 faster excecution of High Res that even let me shoot handheld without any thing other than my hands to stabilise it. But that is far more miss than hit. Moving things are not a problem mostly when these are branches or twigs, but moving cars animals and people are. Shoot Hires with RAW. Failed: rename the ORI to ORF and you have a good single shot pic. Of course a good pic hinges on composition, using the cam in the rioght way, right exposure etc so the 20 MP file will be great ifyou did a great job there. it will breathtaking with Hires mode though.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, I can see that it would be better than the GH4 when examined critically. With the GX8 comparison (for the same 20Mp comparison), it looked little different, except that the Olympus RAW had the appearance of having a bit of noise reduction applied where the Panasonic had a tad more detail. I don't do critical work generally, so for my purposes they are pretty much the same. Olympus jpg is prettier, though!

[@kevindongkai]

I know you have received enough praising comment. But I have to add another one. Great review! Always trust your insight and recommendation. Thank you so much!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

It baffles me, Kai but I'm always happy to get it! Thank you.

[@KevinSaruwatari]

Thanks David! I appreciate your insights on how the C-AF feels in use compared to other Olympus models and in particular, compared to Panasonic. I can understand your explanation better than numbers, jargon and under explained samples I've seen elsewhere. Just for kicks, I used my old E-PL5 today on kids playing hockey and wondered if Olympus has changed their selection grid interface. Beyond being slower than my GX8, I noticed how ineffective it was a choosing the spot I wanted focus on compared to adjusting the size of the focus box on my Panasonic. The in-slightly out-in focus images I see in many sequences from this camera makes a lot more sense to me now. Based on it's numbers, I've been trying to figure out how much the GH5's C-AF will outperform my GX8. It looks like it will be a lot. Looking forward to seeing your take on that camera!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

The focusing on modern cameras is so fine that controlling where it focuses seems to be almost as important as how it focuses. In some of the cycle shots at f/2.8 and 150mm, they are only a few metres away and focusing on the body renders the face slightly off focus. The only way around that is to stop down more but what is remarkable is that it is so fine. I'll be interested to see if or by how much the GH5 focusing improves on the GX8. In my experience, the only time the GX8 falters in C-AF is when the subjects changes direction, a situation in which the Olympus is much better though not perfect. In many cases now, I find the GX8 single shot focus acquisition so fast that I can use that. The problem with all these things is pinning it down so that you can compare like with like. I'm really looking forward to the GH5 - especially to the My Menu facility. That sound like a real step forward in usability to me.

[@KevinSaruwatari]

I agree on using single AF. I configure for AFF and I find it locks on better than AFC. I'd like to see the GH5 change that. It sounds like it is extrapolating object directional movements now. I didn't really think about the difference in Oly and Panny AF areas before. Oly confirms focus when any box in the selected grid has sharp contrast. The Panny AF box seems to look for the busiest spot within it's border and confirms focus when it has sharp contrast in that region. My feeling using both is my Panny is correct more often than my Oly but there is an age difference.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

On single AF I think the Panasonic still has the edge. Impossible to know whether it is the technology or the more flexible focusing points. In my very dimly lit blues club, I can set the Panasonic's focus point at a size that eliminates hunting but compromises the fineness of focus as little as possible.

[@leftboot13]

Awesome review David! I watched the Pen F review as well and am torn. I shoot everything from studio to wildlife but no video. I use triggers so the lack of a pc port doesnt bother me. Is it really worth over 2 times the money? I am not a gadget person so there seem so much I wouldn't use. Thanks again!

[@davidthorpe7732]

Thanks Ryan! The PDAF/C-AF and high speed shooting of the EM are certainly better than the Pen F and it has a bigger EVF too. If the wildlife you mention isn't the sort that moves randomly and fast, birds, say, or if those aren't the kind of wildlife shots you do, then it is hard to see any reason to prefer the EM over the Pen. The EM isn't worth twice the money unless you want C-AF to the highest standard that Micro Four Thirds can currently achieve, the possibility of a battery grip and various niche things which may or may not be if interest. It _is_ worth the money in the sense that it is the best. Performance to the highest standard possible will never be good value, though but that doesn't mean it isn't worth it. In terms of image quality the two cameras are pretty much identical - probably the same sensor, actually. From what you say and what I can see, I'd have thought the Pen F was the best buy for you. And maybe an extra lens with the money you save? :-)

[@jcurtis4082]

Beautiful composition as always. I'll be keeping my Mk I model for the time being however. Have you ever considered creating a video on your processes of storyboarding and assembling a finished product like this one? Are you doing this all on your own? I'm inspired to do more technical video work in education at a higher level than at the present time. Cheers!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Hi Jeff - thanks! Yes, me and me alone. I take the pictures and make the video and write the scripts and speak them and wash up the bottles for that matter! I hadn't considered a video on the subject - interesting thought. Re the E-M1, i wouldn't see any pressing reason to get the new one. unless the dual SDs or improved C-AF or something were crucial. Speaking professionally, Micro Four Thirds cameras four years ago did all I need to do. My personal thing is pretty casual photography, just photographing things that interest me or say something to me, animate or inanimate. An E-M1 or for that matter E-M10 Mkll or G7/G80 are more than up to my needs. I love buying the new cameras as they come along (and selling them!) and seeing what they'll do almost as a separate issue from photography itself.

[@jcurtis4082]

Thanks David! Yes, I'm pretty casual too, mostly trying to provoke thought and positive dialog on social media. But I do use some of my macro work in teaching. And a little video (one-shot-wonders style) for technical instruction.

[@thegadgetdude]

Great review! Looks like a great if expensive micro four thirds. Personally looking forward to the GH5 airing more on video than stills myself but this looks like a photographers best micro four thirds option at the moment.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, a good camera. I'm really looking forward to getting a GH5 because it will probably consolidate all the strides forward Panasonic have made with shutter and stabilization. Cheaper then the E-M1 Mkll as well.

[@thegadgetdude]

Definitely, i recommended the GX85 to a friend with the recent £200 panasonic cashback and I'm really jelous of the magnetic shutter systems and the IBIS that i don't have with the GH4. Most importantly for me though there is no longer an extra crop factor with 4K (2.3x!) shooting for the GH5 as there is with a GH4. Noticed there is no flash on the GH5 now, wonder if panasonic will bundle a little flash. EIther way I'm happy with the GH4 and GM1 for now.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Ill be surprised if Panasonic do bundle a flash because they don't with the GX8. They certainly ought to. I'm very fond of the little GM1, put the 12-32mm on and you hardly know you've got it with you.

[@thegadgetdude]

David Thorpe I do have the 12-32, great value lens, but find myself using the 20mm pancake more often than not. still coat pocketable so I carry it with me everywhere, but with that pleasing bokeh!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

It's the beauty of Micro Four Thirds, not just a pancake but a choice of them!

[@briannickson6631]

Being a doddery oldie, I Have splashed out for this camera mainly because of the amazing image stabilisation and brilliant grip. When you have unsteady hands and slightly arthritic hands, these attributes alone are worth the price (to me anyway). Everything else is a bonus.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

My hands are rather shaky and always have been so stabilization has been a bonus for me too. The technology has gone on getting better and better and I think at 5 to 6 stops now it has made photography possible, enjoyable, and possible again for lots of people with unsteady or arthritic hands. Sometimes when people scorn technology, things like that that get overlooked. Thanks for making that point.

[@dietmarsfotoreisen2773]

Great video, now I do know more than anybody could tell me in the store prior to the purchase, looking now to find a good deal in the world for the body and the 30-150 lens, one question aside from a beginner in photography, can the Mensen from the E330 be used on the OM-D em1mark 2

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks, Dietmar! I don't know the E-330 but I see that it uses the Four Thirds lens mount. Olympus sell adaptors so that their Four Thirds lenses can be used on Micro Four Thirds, so yes, the lenses will fit and work on the E-M1 Mkll . You won't get great focusing performance but it should work. I'm assuming Mensen is lens? I get the translation that it is people in English but that can't be right!

[@kenny75photography2]

Great review, David, I would love to buy the E-M1 Mk II sometime but unfortunately I don't have a spare couple of grand right now myself lol! Think I will stick with my original E-M1 for now.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks! The original E-M1 is almost an E-M1 Mk2 with all the firmware updates it has had. I do like the Olympus policy rather than the Panasonic one of constantly introducing new camera updates. For the kind of photography I do generally, the E-M1 is just as effective as the Mk2 and while the 20Mp sensor is nice to have it doesn't signal any great leap forward in IQ. After all, Panasonic have stuck with 16Mp for their G80/85 and no-one is complaining.

[@kenny75photography2]

Absolutely, I didn't think the 20mp sensor would be that great an upgrade in resolution and wouldn't buy the mark ii based on that alone. I had heard with the lo-pass filter removed the G80 can resolve near the same detail level as a m43 20mp sensor.

[@freddymuggs3902]

That was excellent!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Glad you thought so - thanks Freddy!

[@triplestrafe]

could you review a can of tuna? like, my goodness, your insight and you've voice is amazing!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

What can I say? Except, too late, I've eaten the tuna :-)

[@triplestrafe]

dang. i heard you don't do beans because of the gas [: anyway, great vid as always!

[@sonvfave]

I would love the Oly em1-2 vs Pan 5? the new one at the similar price point...

[@stephankurda7397]

Hello David, thanx a lot for your informative review. Would you say, that the EM-1 MK2 ist significant better at ISO 6400 than the MK1?

[@zardosspinosa6944]

Stephan Kurda I dont think so, the max I go up to on the mk1 and the EM5 mk2 is ISO1600, too noisy beyond that.

[@michealardron5195]

Do you have any views on the low light focusing comparison with the om5 mk2 ? Would it be a significant improvement and does it have better pictures at higher ISO ? Thanks for another good review.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks! The low light focusing is definitely better on the new camera and among the best there is in fact. High ISO is better but not to a degree that would make it worth buying the E-M1 Mk2 on that score alone.

[@sylvainpaquette6132]

If you need video idea, it would be nice to see a comparison of panasonic lenses on the em1.2 compared to olympus lenses on the gh5 or g9. I did some test today and it was very interesting.

[@JohnnyMotel99]

Sylvain Paquette Your comment left me wanting to know more....

[@LyndonPatrickSmith]

Great review as always. Did you buy the EM1-II or just borrow for review? Someday I'd like to get this camera, but I bought a Fuji X-T2 instead. It too tracks action like a beast and has those oh so wonderful Fuji colours. That's the problem with the EM1-II price point; it makes it too tempting to switch systems. And this is coming from someone who has owned 5 MFT bodies and many lenses. I still plan on keeping a couple of MFT bodies and some key lenses, mainly for video.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Hi Lyndon, thanks. I bought the E=M1 Mkll. The problem with borrowing them is that you only have a couple of weeks which just isn't enough to get to know a camera and form a solid opinion on it. I then have to sell when I need money towards another camera but I usually have them a year or two. Some I keep indefinitely just because I like working with them. For me, these high cost Micro Four Thirds bodies are a pain because it gets hard to fund them! I agree with you about the being tempted to switch systems. The new Olympus' price point gives it a lot of competition, both DSLR and CSC and while someone who already has an investment in Micro Four Thirds lenses will probably upgrade to an EM1 Mkll, someone buying in from DSLR, say, is offered a lot of choice, Sony, Fuji and all. For them, the Micro Four Thirds option at this price point looks less obvious. Something like the G80/85 is a much more tempting proposition, having all the advantages of Micro Four Thirds at not much more than a third of the price. But the overriding advantage for me is the availability of such a choice of lenses from cheap to expensive, from little to big(ger), more important than the camera bodies themselves.

[@LyndonPatrickSmith]

David Thorpe thanks for the reply. Your logic & choices make sense and are based on loads of experience. The first two EM1-ii's available in my market were sold to the guy who manages the local camera store, and I also value his opinion. I myself have shot a lot of sports with various MFT bodies (G6, EM5ii, GX85, G85) with top notch glass and have never had the hit rate you demonstrated in this review. I agree with your point: if you want to shoot action and wildlife in the MFT ecosystem the EM1ii is the camera to get. And a full frame with similar specs would be triple the price. Thanks again for the excellent review.

[@peteturner3928]

RIP Dave, I bought an E-M1 MkII on the back of this vid.

[@mikecoleridge8982]

After a month of fine tuning I can honestly say that with the Oly Pro lenses it knocks the socks off my GH4 and GX8 for stills. Just wish that it had been a quicker learning process!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

If Olympus would swallow their pride and do complete rejig of the menu, preferably informed by a photographer as Fuji, Panasonic, Nikon et al have, most of the complaints about Olympus in my postbag would go away. Learning to get the best from an olympus would then be much easier. If Panasonic can design a structured, logical menu system, so can Olympus. As you illustrate, Mike, whatever the menu is like, it is worth the time and trouble to learn how to set it up.

[@joshuatatro4503]

@2:25 you mention a bit of filing on the FL-LM3 flash to use it with Panasonic bodies. I would very much like to use it with my GX8 (already have one that came with my E-M5ii) and I'm just curious where one might apply said filing. Thanks in advance! (Also, stellar review, as always!)

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Hi Joshua - quite a few people have mentioned this - I've made a short video about it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/boXRXpR8irCrnqs

[@joshuatatro4503]

I saw! I actually just went for it last night and it's admittedly awesome and quite practical/convenient to boot on the GX8. I'm sure many more people will very much appreciate the advice and video!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Hope so! Thanks Joshua.

[@gerzoc2698]

Just catching this review while considering upgrading to this body. If shooting bands in local pubs and clubs is my No1 style. Is this the best beast for the job? Already have EM-1. Cheers

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

The Mkll is a definite all round improvement on the Mkl and would be great for shooting bands. The G9 is worth a look for the better EVF but if you have been happy with the E-M1 you'll be familiar with it and the Mkll will feel and handle much the same. Some good deals on it now, too, after the new, nearly £3,000 UK model has come out.

[@maypoolqueen9265]

The most Underrated Camera one of The most beautiful camera cons: 1) buttons layout different with em5, so it will be difficult for pros who used em5 as a backup camera. whyyy you do that olympus? 2) hit & miss af servo, need a lot of improvements

[@sski66]

So very nice, I had to watch it twice.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

You have stamina!

[@sski66]

David Thorpe Haha, nice one!

[@sski66]

David Thorpe So David it must be very tempting to keep every 📷 that u review if u like it of course, so just curious are u going to switch to this one or keep your GX8 or both?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I'll keep this one _and_ the GX8. They are so different. Because I'm reviewing all this stuff I have far too many camera bodies at any one time. I know, I know, you feel sorry for me! :-)

[@FahQMan]

Ok so I died laughing when you said “I could see George Cloony toting this camera through a premier and the crowd muttering who’s that with the Olympus”

[@davidthorpe7732]

:-)

[@Dustinrhoades]

Hi David, I know you have that Olympus 60 millimeter macro lens. Would you be willing to tell me how well the new e-m1 Mark II performs with macro subjects using the 60 millimeter lens?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I've used it a lot, the HiRes illustrations in the video were made with it. Those are with stabilization turned off and the camera tripod mounted. On the 50Mp resolution in particular, with the detail so large, a tripod is essential. So, the 60mm works perfectly with the E-M1 Mkll, as it does with every camera I've put it on.

[@E3Zombie]

@4:25 you can set lightroom to import both from one folder, it's in the settings.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Lightroom treats the camera slots as two separate drives as far as I can see. Where's the setting you describe?

[@E3Zombie]

"Treat JPEG Files Next To Raw Files As Separate Photos For photographers who capture raw + JPEG photos on their cameras. Selecting this option imports the JPEG as a standalone photo. If selected, both the raw and the JPEG files are visible and can be edited in Lightroom." In general, hope that helped David :)

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Sorry, I misunderstood you, my fault. I thought you meant to treat the two cards as a single drive or folder. Handy, what you mention. It's been a pain in the past when LR treated the JPG and RAW as a single file. Nice to have the option.

[@murraydavidson2130]

Is that Popa Chubby in the videos? Fantastic live performer, haven't been to one of his gigs for a while. Was he on form?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, popa Chubby. And he he sure was on form!

[@stevehiggins9227]

Hi David, are you planning on updating this review after upgrading to the 3.0 firmware?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

It's difficult to update videos on KZbin, you have to replace them or run them side by side which from past experience I know leads ti much confusion.

[@mtrezaie]

I would like to know your opinion about DxO mark on this camera and others like gx80. For example, on low light iso performance, this camera is scored almost twice the Gx80. This is in the same league as APCS Sony a6500. How do you interpret it? Is it that good, for someone who cares about astrophotography?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I can't do scientific tests like DxO mark do and I wouldn't want to because their findings sometimes seem to contradict reality to me. I'm not saying thy are wrong, obviously, just that they do not reflect real word usage and performance. I don't find the quality of any of the Micro Four Thirds cameras greatly different under my usage. The main way the E-M1 Mkll would be better than the GX80 would be if you sampled it down to 16Mp, which always loses noise. Ditto the GX8, of course. Micro Four Thirds sensors do seem to punch above their weight for their size and come close to matching APS-C sensors. If I were choosing a camera for astrophotography (which I have never tried), I'd go more by the facilities the camera offers to that discipline than the sensor size. However, for any low light scenario, a full frame or bigger sensor will perform better. It's just a matter of whether the inconvenience, weight and expense of the ff system is worth the gain. That's personal in the end.