Is the OM System OM1ii worth the upgrade? FULL review!

[@MicroFourNerds]

The G9ii vs Om1ii video is online now, watch it next here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIe1c2mpjb55d8Usi=MOLwNxvLnozdmIDk

[@AMissile]

TWO SECONDS into this video and I’m already laughing because of the body cap lens! Never change Emily, you absolute nutter! ❤

[@MicroFourNerds]

😂

[@lacsarlacsar3566]

the 9mm BCL is one of my fave lens.

[@ryejack]

LOL "It's a crime against anyone with eyes. It makes babies cry". This almost made me spit out my coffee. Love it! haha Great review btw!

[@gregfeeler6910]

Thank you for this fair and informative review. It seems the pattern now on KZbin for any new OM System camera to get dumped on by a certain segment of "haters" who dismiss real progress and make criticisms which are both dishonest and unfair. Then, time passes, and reviews come which we should have seen at the product release rationally discussing the true capabilities and features. This happen with the OM-5 which is now being lauded as one of the best travel cameras available (I can concur as I have one), and here you do an excellent job of showing the stunning OM-1 Mk II features. Imagine, we live in an age where MFT cameras are as good or better than any other camera for video or wildlife photography. Too bad it's a dead system (joke!). However, the most important thing you said is that OM System is finding "their people" and building class leading cameras for them rather then make more "do anything" (but nothing exceptionally well) cameras in a market with too many of those already. 99% of the "geniuses" bashing OM System on KZbin have no understanding of just how brilliant that is. It is what will ensure that OM System thrives where Olympus was floundering. AND, consider that a camera built for the rugged outdoor life is just going to work brilliantly in the rain shooting street photography, or weddings, or whatever, and last longer. Thanks, again.

[@FierceSleepingDog]

Well said!!!

[@djmouglie]

Well she said it was the best at that price point.. and that is true. But if money is no object I think you can find better in other systems.

[@gregfeeler6910]

@@djmouglie Possibly, or probably, in some aspects, but I don't know off-hand which ones they are, and all would be some FF system which has no appeal for me due to it's unnecessarily larger system profile, although such a product may be a good fit for some. Having said that, it still remans that the OM-1 Mk II has the best IBIS in the industry and the most advanced and comprehensive suite of computational photography technology of any camera at any price, and the new Graduated ND filter is unique to this camera. In the larger perspective and as a professional technology manager, advanced tech often has no place to go but deep into the area of diminishing returns: providing smaller improvements in niche areas for every smaller populations. Still, there is much to be said - especially from the stand point of brand building - to having the bragging rights to the "best" or "most advanced" tech. For me, as an avid Olympus shooter, I bristle at the haters who have unfairly dumped on OM System and products like the OM-1 Mk II. I have a couple of OM -1 Mk I's which do more than I need, so I'm waiting for the Mk III 🙂 In the meantime it feels good to see such excellent products receive the recognition they deserve.

[@FierceSleepingDog]

@@djmouglie Name those systems.

[@sweden_ove2074]

Well said. OM System have its audience, quite true. I support the decision to promote it as the worlds outstanding best camera for wild life stills. But it is so much more, its an outstanding camera system for many other profiles. Its in my opinion mot only an excellent street photo camera, its the best military photo camera. Now when it is recognized as the best birding system, it is time to evolve the commercial and functions to make it respected as the best street photo system. To go there, i think of release of upgraded OM-5, E-M10mk4, and super stylish PEN-F2 and PEN-M (PM-3). They (all four) need more body colour style, some better vlogging functions, updated menu system and as much as possible of the OM-1mk2 AF stability. That would reclaime the streets for OM System and for MFT.

[@w0lfyovi294]

I'm not touching this camera until it's under 1.500 £ on the used market.

[@MorkusReX]

That's already the price of a brand new in Israel.

[@Hemlck]

Hmmmm...sounds like stuff added that could be done with a firmware upgrade...shame

[@djmouglie]

It depends if its a new processor and those things require more cpu to handle

[@MicroFourNerds]

So what do you think of the om1ii? Lots more videos to come from this trip!

[@sebastien6483]

It's impressive. My eyeball has been an OM 20mm f1.4 for more than two years but I'm still stuck on the idea of Panasonic bodies for some reason. I need to try my hand at renting one. I've never done this.

[@mitchellwnorowski6747]

My progression has been em10 iii, em1 ii, om-5 now g9ii bought during trade in special best bang for buck.

[@FierceSleepingDog]

Love my OM-1. Very versatile. I'll upgrade eventually.

[@gregfeeler6910]

I think it's a well done refinement to the ground breaking OM-1 Mk I. The best products are almost never the ("Mk I") versions, but rather the second or third or fourth, etc. models which are enhanced and tweaked to "perfection". Look at the Fuji X100 - it's taken Fuji SIX iterations to final add IBIS. 🙂

[@benejpocock]

Mine has just replaced a Fuji X-H2. I’d been running both systems side by side for a few months and I’ve finally realised I can live without Fuji film sims. I’ve gone from an air show one weekend to camping/hiking in the Lake District the next, and the OM-1.2, with the 12-40 and 40-150 f2.8 duo are just absolutely killing it for me. Lightweight, compact, weather sealed. I’m also really appreciating the 20MB RAW files too!

[@d-entrecasteaux]

Very good review. Thank you! Apparently the MK2 version keeps focusing whilst zooming - the MK1 doesn't. The only improvement I would like for the MK1 apart from 4K 120P is stickier AF in ProCap when birds fly directly at the camera but I'll wait until OM System releases another AF improvement firmware for the MK1 due autumn 2024 before upgrading. Thanks again -very helpful!

[@josech]

This is by far the best review I’ve watched, and I have watched a lot of them. Personally, I decided that instead of upgrading from my OM-1 to the mark II, to downgrade to a E-M1X (not planing to sell my OM-1, just added the E-M1X). Of all cameras I’ve used, the PEN F is still my favorite, and for a long time I’ve been curious about the E-M1X experience to be the most similar in a fast and weather sealed body. By experience I mean how does it feel, and something that I’ve learned over the years, how does it sound matters as well. When got the OM-1 I was super excited about the 50 FPS, but after a while I got tired of ending with so many shots at the end of day (I do birds for the most part). I did set the OM-1 to 25 FPS max, still, shooting mechanical in the E-M1X feels better even at lower rate. At the end of the day the OM-1 is like the modern car. Might be faster, have better performance, get the job done with technology, but missing on the driving experience. I am not saying this is a bad thing at all, and I am sure at some point will end upgrading - most likely to a mark III. I am just making the point that technology and performance quite often comes at the expense of user experience that cannot be measured in hit rate or megapixels.

[@FierceSleepingDog]

I've been curious about the E-M1X as well...some excellent used copies now below $800 at MPB. It's a tank.

[@brianmckeever5280]

It's embarrassing, but I have the OM-1, a G9 and a G9ii. Thank you for the insights on the OM-1 mk ii. I have been taking the OM-1 and a G9 or G9ii just to have the Lumix 100-400 on a native body. I use the 12-100 F4 on the OM-1 most the time, but just got the 7-14 F2.8 for some extra-wide experimentation. I love the handling of the OM-1. The original G9 is still my favorite handling camera. If the G9ii handled like the G9, I would not even have the OM-1 probably.

[@TL-xw6fh]

All I want is a Pen F II with a 20MP BSI stack sensor. Is that so difficult to ask for, OM Systems?

[@michaeljenner1795]

I love your honesty. You're entertaining with great information, a breath of fresh air.

[@MicroFourNerds]

Thanks so much 😊

[@Katira-KR7]

Now they just have to put everything in a PenF body please.

[@MicroFourNerds]

Yes please haha

[@zeroken]

Not worth it if you already own the OM-1. The human AI just doesn't work well on backlit subjects; you will get completely out-of-focus images when you use human AI. I have mentioned this issue to OMDS customer service, but they don't have any useful feedback to fix it. That means you only get the Live GND for the high price tag, which is totally not worth the upgrade. If I had a second chance, I would choose the GH7 to upgrade from my OM-1. Now, I just hope they will notice the issue and fix it in the next firmware.

[@MrBadeshi]

Worth upgrade from em1 MK2?

[@stuartcarden1371]

I intend to buy the OM-1 without doubt...but in about 10 years. I'm still rocking the E-M10 IIIs, so I'm a little behind the time 😅

[@thedarkslide]

16:45 Nikon: hold my beer - and dumps the Nikon Z6III for a measly $100 more than what the OM1II costs. The ONLY thing the OM1 still has over its closest competitors in terms of the wildlife niche is the pro-capture in RAW. I still have the E-M1III, I got tons of Zuiko Pro glass, including the excellent 300mm f4, the 2x converter, the 100-400, 12-100, 25, 8 and all of the non-pro primes. And I would probably choose the Z6III over the OM1II at that price point, accepting the hassle of swapping systems.

[@JezdziecBezNicka]

I've upgraded to mark ii, and really appreciate all the improvements. They don't sound impressive on paper, but once you start using the camera, the whole package really comes together. The G9ii looked really enticing when it came out, but I really can't live without a stacked sensor anymore :D

[@jangarcia1338]

Best OM1 mkii review on KZbin. You did an amazing job and I can clearly see how you've been improving over the years. You've created an amazing channel. PD: been watching you since you had the Pen F I think it was and the A7 original.

[@MicroFourNerds]

Ah amazing! Thanks so much ☺️

[@davidblack2632]

Great video. Your experiences matches my experiences. I upgraded from the OM-1 to the OM-1 MkII back in late February . I am glad I did. I love your photos.

[@dasaen]

I thought this camera was so ridiculous. Then I start looking at the actual specs and speed and it makes a lot of sense for people that want to do high speed and long reach. Like if you take pictures of racing, planes, some sports where really high fps is preferred and rolling shutter is a problem. It is trying to compete with other stacked sensor cameras, and those are definitely more expensive.

[@castielvargastv7931]

I really dont know why anyone would buy a olympus om1 as long as lumix exists. A om1 costs as much as a gh7 and it can do much less

[@JoeMaranophotography]

Insane amounts of jealousy seeing that 150-400 and even the OM1ii and the fact you have a G9ii as well. For every 100 shots you had in focus there know that I had maybe 5 with my original G9 lol

[@MicroFourNerds]

That Big White is something else. I'm going to be so sad to give it back 😂

[@JoeMaranophotography]

@@MicroFourNerds I'm sad because I'll never have it :( I need to get my hands on a G9ii because I had thoughts of going to the dark side with Sony or Canon lol

[@MicroFourNerds]

@JoeMaranophotography ooo I thought you'd upgraded!! You definitely should get one if you can, and I think they've come down in price a bit too.

[@JoeMaranophotography]

@MicroFourNerds Well I have a grand total of £150 in the fund lol Just one of those things where trips and family holidays have taken priority so it's hard to justify atm. I have a feeling it might be a black friday purchase as they always tend to reduce them then

[@Merjia]

This was a fantastic review, but even more than that; goddamn these shots were incredible. WOW.

[@Silentwisher]

Love your videos. ❤ It’s so good to hear that the engineers are making these a little more simple. More camera companies need to relearn themselves the KISS (keep it simple stupid) concept. Nothing wrong with refinement options but most people don’t need the zillion options. We just need it to be in focus haha. 😅

[@RobertSagan-p9f]

Fantastic content. I thoroughly enjoy the OM1.2. I agree that the upgrades are significant…just not in all areas. I do find it to be versatile also excelling at landscape, event, and action photography while doing admirable at video. Glad to see OM Systems & Pany are continuing to grow and strengthen m4/3. Cheers

[@TheFalleg]

Better than the review is the images you take, FANTASTIC!!! Keep MFT alive

[@josephweaving6458]

in the niche with very deep pockets😂

[@angeloplayforone]

Emily, great review video as always. Very informative.

[@sweden_ove2074]

Thank you for this video. I know you really absolutelly love Lumix, and that gives this video highest credibility. You convinced me that the AF is as good as i hoped. I will probably upgrade this fall. Unfortunatelly I have to make my second repair to the front wheel on my mark 1, and that is also a reason for upgrade.

[@Dave-Caramel]

I wished more people on YT would compare the OM-1 MK II to the Fujifilm X-H2 or X-H2S for wildlife. Also I wished that more people would show actual footage of macro of living and moving insects like ants with the OM-1 II - or is the OM-1 and MK II THE bird photography cam and not anymore THE macro cam?

[@realBronko]

I always enjoy watching your well-made videos but i am slightly disappointed. For bird and wildlife photographers, it’s a decent test, but unfortunately not for those who don’t fit into that niche - sorry. I miss a more extensive test regarding eye detection. Somehow, no one really tests or compares it thoroughly. Are there more videos on this topic in the pipeline?

[@MicroFourNerds]

Got a comparison with the g9ii coming next 😊 Eye detection for humans do you mean?

[@realBronko]

@@MicroFourNerds Yes, I meant human eye detection, of course. I didn’t express myself quite clearly, sorry. I own the OM-1 and I’m not satisfied with the autofocus, especially for family photos with children. My Sony´s handle this better. It would be very interesting to see how far OM Systems has progressed in this area. This would also provide insight into the performance of upcoming new models if the Mark 2 can now compete with its rivals in terms of AF. Personally, I don’t need full frame and can consider finally replacing my main system with MFT.

[@richardfink7666]

@@realBronko The OM1II is better. The "human af" was the reason to swap the OM1 for the OM1II.

[@Greg-fi3op]

Saved my $$$ for a possible OM5 (mark2) or similar with all the things OM left out.. I’ll give it until Christmas 2024 or I’ll buy a Canon R8 body only with a 35-Micro lens Greg

[@mipmipmipmipmip-v5x]

That seems a very specific use case

[@allenschneider1847]

I'm seriously considering the OM1ii or the Fugi XT5. Do you like Micro 4/3rds better than ASPC?

[@formermpc10]

The OM-1 has been very unreliable. Based on the frequent discounts the upgrade isn't selling well. Influencers love it but you can't trust them.

[@craigb8379]

Thank you for your review. This is perhaps the most helpful I've seen. Most reviewers who are not in the system don't really get it and can't really discuss the new features against the mk 1. For those in the system already, we need practical experienced advice as to the real value of the features and you've delivered that in spades. The burst mode BIF looks amazing in its accuracy, and the reorganised AF menus and functionality make so much more sense. I hope that they bring that reorganisation to the mk 1 even though they said the improved human detection won't be offered. Your video and images from the trip look epic, even with (or because of) the conditions. Was that part of an organised tour. If so, what did you think and could you share the details? Cheers, Craig

[@MicroFourNerds]

Thanks Craig so glad you found it helpful! The trip wasn't part of a tour, just me and my dad (who is also a photographer) organised it. I've been to the Faroe Islands twice now, so I thought it might be helpful for people if I make a "photographer's guide" sort of blog post with all my favourite spots. I'm writing it at the moment and it should be on my website soon 😊

[@craigb8379]

@@MicroFourNerds Hi Emily, Thanks for the info. The Faroe Islands look like an amazing destination, from the few videos I've seen. Cheers, Craig

[@chcomes]

The puffin pics were lovely!

[@allenschneider1847]

Is there any way to have the "super menu" come up in "list format" on the right side of the screen so you can simply scroll down through it? That's how my Olympus Styles menu works and I really like that.

[@EdProsser]

Blooming heck! Those birds shots are incredible - and that AF performance is impressive. Also - Osmo as your talking head cam?

[@MicroFourNerds]

Yes! For most of this trip actually, I'm in love haha

[@FierceSleepingDog]

I really like your honest videos. Thanks.

[@metalmaster6667]

Actually I just bought it thanks to your Video❤

[@allenschneider1847]

Do any of the lenses for OM 1 have the aperture ring on the lense (similar to Fugi)?

[@fernandoguerrero2895]

It would be great if you could make a video about how you edit/color grade the OM log video. The official lut has a bad reputation about the colors

[@MicroFourNerds]

For this stuff I've been really quite lazy and not even applied a LUT, I couldn't get it to look nice like you say. I just ramped up saturation and contrast, and played with the tone curves a bit. Looks OK I think!! But I much prefer Lumix V-log for colour grading

[@frankinblackpool]

Lumix vLog and Davinci Resolve are a killer combination. There is absolutely no need for a utility LUT to get the best out of this when filming.

[@tappersreviews4677]

I have an EM1 III that I bought for $1300 a few years ago. I would be interested in upgrading, but the pricing for the new OM cameras is too expensive for a hobbyist like myself, i.e. OM1 II is $2400 on B&H right now. Sad the Pen-F is apparently abandoned - would've liked a new version to replace my old Em5 II with damaged sensor.

[@JamesMincey]

Great review as always! Also, the cut to "hat continuity" made me literally lol 😂

[@alexpurcell2012]

Excellent video, as always 🙌

[@grantrobertdavies]

Great Video :) I'd love to try one for myself :) They are on special in Australia right now!!! LOL

[@J-Young_photography]

How does the Panny 100-400mm II perform under OMs 1/2 vs G92? I am thinking about buying OM1-2 but buy Panny 100-400 2

[@Altt]

I'm so tempted to buy this one, but I'm afraid to make the leap! It's the absolute most I'm willing to spend on a body. I really want one with good video as well, and I'm disappointed to hear you say it's not the best, but ANYTHING is going to be better than my D7200 for video.

[@moisescugat3948]

Laser focused on birds, AND LANDSCAPE!! LiveND, LiveGND, HH HRes, SEALING, stabilization... who else gives you these??

[@edwarddebruyn8717]

Nice and well explained, thank you. Photographing mostly butterfly's and insects ( Older OM1 with 300mm +/- TC1.4). For insects flying off from flowers I'm using procapture SH2 and using birth detection and seems to work. But would it be better just to use C-AF + tracking ? Think butterfly's are even more erratic compared to puffins...difficult subjects

[@StuartAnderton]

Aren’t most of these software changes which could be added to the OM1 with an update?

[@MicroFourNerds]

I hope a fair few are, id love to see some of this on the original OM1! but I imagine a lot of the updates need more processing power hardware-wise

[@zoltanvarga1967]

❤yoo Emily I believe everything you say and I love your style! Let me know when you're visiting in the US and if you coming to the capital city, Washington DC I can and I would to have an "eyeball" and we can do photo walk shutter therapy together. By the way Washington DC is a "paradise" for all sorts of photography styles, great for city, portraiture and art photography, pretty much everything is possible and.great place for videography. Look seriously this is not AI.but me a silly Hungarian born American photographer and I'm an Olympus man since 1974, and I can tell you that you look unbelievably professional photographer with those O.M. System camera and please stay with Olympus as long as you can because I tell you this if you hold on to your Olympus gear and take care of it well, by time you'll be ready to retire all your investment will return and on some gears you'll even have monetary gain. Possibly quadruple your initial investment with the right gear but it takes 35-50 years....❤😊 Olympus will be highly sawed after cameras in the second half of the 21 century. And my Olympus God told me so, lol. I'm so obsessed with Olympus and with your videos that it's hurts me when hear you talking about Lumix in the Olympus sentence... Lumix is for kids, therefore it's a toy. On the other hand Olympus and O.M. System is for the professionals and lovers!! I hope so far you like my essay just as much as I love your videos!! I want to thank you for your work and I appreciate it! Patiently waiting for your next show, until then stay cool and keep on creating more great content for us here on KZbin!!!👍💯❤❤❤❤❤ P.s.: you're the best Emily, I love your channel!🎉😊💯👍❤

[@J-Young_photography]

BTW, can you test the OM1-MK2 with the panny 100-400mm mkII.

[@earlteigrob9211]

The word in the forums is that the AF for BIF on the Mark II is actually NOT AS GOOD as on the Mark 1. Crazy!!! Many posters who own both cameras have confirmed this. OM needs to get serious about AF. I believe they have nailed every other aspect of the OM1 cameras...NOW 'FOCUS' ON AF and do whatever it takes to get it as good as the big boys. I believe stellar AF that completes with the 'best in class AF' would dramatically increase sales of the OM1 cameras. Its good now, but can still be a lot better.

[@8thom00]

Thanks Emily. Just a doubt on this bird-focused marketing OM is doing: what happens when light starts to fall off? Asking as I assume that’s when the sensor hits its (theoretical) limits, and I’m afraid they’re pushing the (half-)wrong niche. This is the perfect camera for reportage, in dynamic and tough environmental situations, where you don’t need to freeze the motion at 1/1000s or so and still get away with it even in very low light. A future smaller sibling will be perfect for travel+street… I understand finding a niche, but focusing ALL the marketing around that is giving the wrong message imho.

[@georgegarties3426]

Interested in your experience with the files from the OM-1ii vs the GH9II, in terms of high ISO and dynamic range. Shooting small forest birds often requires high ISO and quite a bit of cropping. Wonder if the larger file and dynamic-range technology in the GH9II is better in that regard than the OM-1ii.

[@liveinaweorg]

They do have it on the 12-100 F/4 by the way - in lens stabilisation I mean. Really enjoyed this. Are you coming on the Manchester photo walk on Saturday with AW?

[@MDMiller60]

Hi Emily. What a fun and informative video. I loved your presentation. I will give you a thumbs up and subscribe.

[@alandunn4459]

GND Filter is the big upgrade on this camera, which will benefit landscape photographers. As a bird photographer, I have never felt my OM-1 mk 1 lacking in any area and therefore won't be upgrading.

[@Daniel-o1l2e]

I think the OM-1 II is a big step out of that wild life niche, since it includes human subject detection. Most photographs involve humans. Beside that the S-AF should be more reliable. I would be really interested in a human eye focus photo shot out between OM-1 II and G9 Ii.

[@kazukinakamura1110]

great review! I'm not into birds.. however.. does anyone know if this camera is good for photographing a figure skater with a long lens? I need to capture my daughter - my current OMD EM1 has terrible autofocus - half the frames are out of focus.

[@vladimirkarphotography]

After 4 years with the em1 mk2, i bought the om1 as i expected a real upgrade.. As a long exposure shooter, i expected to use the Live Nd… but they are limited to 60 sec, as the high res. I wanted the files to be more flexible in post… they were not… Had to switch to FF… unfortunately..

[@Jarrych83]

I'm just hoping for the battery, menu, USB c upgrades to trickle down. Really love the idea of the om5, but want those updates and really don't wanna spend 2k for the om1 and have the larger shape

[@bardoomguy]

wait, are you in the Faroe Islands right now? thought I saw someone here 2-3 days ago in Tórshavn that looked like you

[@RamblingTog]

It's the most expensive upgrade ever

[@pauldunmall6195]

I changed from Canon (an old 7d) to the OM1-mkII I mainly shoot motorsport, and having done a couple of events I can say it works very well, the tracking is very good

[@wildcat1065]

Great real world review. I have just ordered my mk ii as I need that bigger buffer for Procap and the mkii Af in all points active is not as glued to the subject as I would like. Every little helps.

[@sl-rt5kv]

My sense is that while the OM1ii is marketed as a wildlife camera, it actually does a lot of things really well. In that respect, it is rather like the G9ii. If you like the M43 system, either could be a great choice. For those who do occasional video, but care less about wildlife, the G9ii may be the better choice. However, if you like to do occasional wildlife, but care less about video, the Om1ii may be the better choice.

[@JoshCameron]

The images in this video are absolutely insane! Also I don't think I've ever seen burst mode AF to ever have that high of a success rate, also insane!

[@MicroFourNerds]

It's mad isn't it?! When I followed the puffin out to sea and it was still tracking I was shouting "are you kidding?!" to my dad beside me 😂

[@senicaly]

So I am currently trying to decide between the G9ii and the om1 mkii, I own 3 OM lens and 1 pan lens if that matters. What are your thoughts ?

[@b.g.4277]

I have a lot invested in Canon so not looking to jump ship. Hoping they make the R7 Mk II similar to OM1 Mk II, but will have to wait and see.

[@colbywoolsey3113]

The Mark ii is making me so m43 curious! Damn if this economy wasn't garbage because that gal ain't cheap!

[@larrychicco1062]

Always such good reviews from photographers using multiple bodies / brands etc. Make conclusions much more credible.

[@daysofgrace2934]

I like and have the original M1 and M10; I’m happy with bodies so do don’t understand why they change them

[@JimmyTulip1]

Wasnt't that the "could have been an e-mail" camera in your other video? 🤭

[@MicroFourNerds]

It was 😂 I still hope a lot of this trickles down to the original OM1 but I was definitely incorrect about the upgrades to the AF

[@OifelOifel]

So it could have not been an e-mail then? 😉

[@philippedugout2278]

Great camera, zuiko pro Lens are great as well, still have my Em1 M3 but this one is making eyes at me, at 2000€ it will ok. Waiting for next Pen f also

[@yukonchris]

Puffins look like they would benefit from somewhat longer wings. I'm still rocking the original OM-D E-M1. I purchased it new something like eleven years ago and I still pick it up waaaay more often than my Canon EOS R. Getting birds in flight, or even birds on a branch can be a challenge, but that's part of the fun. When I get an awesome shot, it's an accomplishment. That said, I'm getting close to committing to an update. The OM-1 Mk II looks really intriguing. I can't imagine pointing a camera at a bird in flight and nailing focus without performing all manner of physical contortions as part of the process. Very cool!

[@MicroFourNerds]

You're so right about the wings - they sound like little helicopters. So badly designed animals 😂

[@boggisthecat]

I recently updated from the original OM-D E-M1 to the OM1 mark II. The E-M1 is still a very good camera, but with a lot of quite dated capabilities. The OM1 ‘mark I’ is a lot cheaper, so I did a fair bit of anguishing over spending the extra for what some were asserting was a ‘firmware upgrade’. However there are a few people who did get the mark II to compare, and they all decided the cost of that incremental upgrade was worthwhile. I shoot a lot of airsoft, which is people with eye-protection and often full masks. The OM1 mark II tracks them quite well, and AF is much snappier than the E-M1. It’s much easier to use for this type of shooting. (I had moved to using a Lumix ‘superzoom’ instead of the E-M1 as the additional weight and awkwardness wasn’t worthwhile for the technically better shots.) It’s not a cheap purchase, and there are now 135 format systems for around the same cost, as well as the GH7 if you are into video. Best to evaluate what you want to do then decide if it’s worthwhile. If you do shoot a lot of birds or other moving subjects, then it’s probably one of if not the best of options right now.

[@yukonchris]

@@boggisthecat In addition to my Olympus gear, I also own a Canon system built around the EOS R. It's a nice camera but for most situations, I prefer the much older and dated OM-D E-M1. In good light, my experience has been that the much newer 35mm sized sensor of the EOS R offers no real quality advantages. Even in low light, given the way I shoot, I have found the Olympus to be a better performer. Now, if you were hand holding low light shots and relying primarily on ISO (signal amplification) then the larger sensor in the EOS R would have the advantage. However, when I shoot in low light, it is generally very low light and I'm using a tripod with long exposures. In those cases, I will keep the Olympus at ISO 200, or maybe as high as 1600, and the same with the Canon. Exposures for my work can range up to 30 seconds on both cameras. In those situations, I actually get cleaner images from the Olympus. The EOS R, or my copy at least, is prone to excessive sensor noise in the form of hot pixels, and yes, I have tried to map those, etc., etc. but to no real avail. So, basically, except for bokeh at specific fields of view, I don't see any value driven advantage in the larger and heavier 135 type kit. Those cameras and lenses are certainly much more expensive. So, while, like most, I keep looking at other options, when all is said and done, I invariably come back to m43rds and what is the best option in that format.

[@boggisthecat]

@@yukonchris The big advantage of MicroFT (as with FT, but more so) is the smaller and lighter overall system. Weather sealing is also something that most competitors are still lagging behind on. I don’t have a 135 size sensor system to compare to, but would assume that something highly controlled such as studio work would be where you would realise some of the theoretical two-stop advantage. There are also higher pixel count sensors, if that gives an advantage. (People claim this is good for cropping, although if you crop down to around FT size then you just threw out the 135 advantage.)

[@Vincenzo-bm1up]

17:16 "do you want stabilization on lenses that are not super zooms?" Sure! The M.Zuiko 300mm F4.0 has fantastic stabilization and is no zoom (just "super")!

[@MicroFourNerds]

Lol yes. But still "super" which was more my point - only lens stabilisation on the long lenses in OM System, vs standard focal and longer lenses on Lumix side

[@stephenlee4596]

Has it come to the time when the skill has been taken out of the avian photographers' hands and put it into the camera? In other words, can anyone take great bird pictures as long as they're in the right place?

[@geuskoeman721]

thanks from holland

[@sbeckmesser]

I am not a birder and I have yet to see any coverage of the OM-1-Mk2's abilities to track and follow humans in bad lighting (concerts, nightclubs, nightime street). My OM-1-Mk1 is quite poor at this compared to my Panasonic G9M2. And both of these are outclassed by my Sony A6700 (and by the Sony A7C II I have tried).. So I actually cannot see how an OM-1Mk2 will benefit me as my niche is not what it is optimized for. I am awaiting the promised firmware update to the OM-1-Mk1. And it if doesn't improve human tracking I will probably sell it. I need the $$ for more E-mount glass.

[@richardfink7666]

The OM1II`s "human af" is much better. I don´t use Sony.

[@haroldgraham4441]

I totally agree with you regarding the menu,thanks

[@J.R.Y.]

Incredible photos! Subscribed

[@bigrobotnewstoday1436]

When you showed the 10-bit Vs 8-bit color was that in raw, log, or one of the standard profiles? 10-bit looks so much richer.

[@MicroFourNerds]

Standard profiles. The 8 bit stuff is shocking isn't it. But the 10 bit footage is lovely!

[@sue.Hoo123]

Looking forward to the comparison vid as someone who is “peeking over the fence”. 2 questions, which will probably be covered in that vid. 1. Is the upgraded evf on the OM1 mkii much better than G9ii? 2. How do jpgs compare, as I’m not really into spending time shooting raw and doing post processing. Cheers!

[@MicroFourNerds]

I don't actually cover the evf in that video, to my eye they both look great! For just jpegs, hmmm... pros and cons to both I guess. I love the Olympus/OM System colours straight out of camera (all the bird photos etc in the video have literally just been slightly tweaked with a bit of contrast, opening shadows, etc. Very minimal!) the G9ii has Real Time LUT, so if you did want to edit "in camera" you can do that with that camera. Plus, the G9ii has dynamic range boost, so very pleasing and clean images too

[@amybella]

Nice review! I wished that OM system were able to make a "full frame" camera in this small body. Then pretty much would be game over for the rest of the camera. But I know for some 20.4MP might be enough, but I always find having more MP is better to work with, and also, when I pixel peep, there is a huge difference in IQ from 20.4MP to 60MP, not just the size but overall the picture looks more sharp and better. I use a professional 4K calibrated monitor and the difference is alot. I currently use the EM1-Mark III, I love the camera, to me blows everything away the IBIS is fantastic, features and all the bells and whistles I think its time that OM should give us a higher MP camera.

[@torgeirhansson1096]

The cover of Vogue is 8 megapixels. Just saying. A 14x48 foot billboard is 2 megapixels. Again, just saying.

[@amybella]

@@torgeirhansson1096 Yes I do understand that, but quality on those are not very high quality anyways, even billboards. No matter what case might be, there is no printer that can print the same quality as shot with the camera. If you look closely in any magazine or billboard you can even see the individual pixels with a naked eye, that is not the case with high quality monitors or displays. Its like saying 1080p is enough for content, while it might be enough for most, nothing compares to a 4K or 8K, there is a big difference. Like I said, not just in croping wise, but in IQ.

[@anups7958]

Great video! I have been looking for a review from someone who is primarily a Panny user.

[@TheFuzzyskwerl]

Was hoping it would be the gm5 review 😔🤪

[@railwayvisionwithaayjay4440]

I have the EM1 mk II for macro which I love. I wonder if this would be a worthy upgrade? When I do upgrade I want the difference to be major! :-)

[@larrychicco1062]

The in body stacking is very very hand with high flash sync rates, speed of processing and versatility of settings. You can get shots that become excellent rather than just very good, but it won't be a massive massive jump on existing stacking. This is on my om1 mki experience. But the other often ignored element for macro is the hand held hi res mode. If you're happy with your dof then you can get a super clean hi res composite shot that opens up other possibilities.

[@railwayvisionwithaayjay4440]

@@larrychicco1062 thank you 🙂

[@hackerockmedia]

Hey Emily, A few years ago, I made the mistake of buying a GH5M2. I came from a G85 and had always admired the GH5, especially because of everything I had seen on KZbin about the original GH5 over the years. The problem is, I think I got it wrong... I'm an enthusiast who occasionally does paid work, and I mostly take portraits of ballet dancers, circus acts, fitness, crossfit events , and that kind of "sports" events, and very little video... Even though it's a big expense that's hard to justify, I've sometimes thought about switching my GH5M2 for an OM-1, OM-1M2 or a G9M2. It's not that I've had problems with the AF, but I suppose a reliable eye-tracking AF would make things easier for me... What do you think? Is it worth the switch? What do you recommend? Thanks in advance!

[@MicroFourNerds]

Yes I think for your needs, the gh5m2 is probably a bit too video-centric! The original OM1 would be a good option, and it's quite small too. The g9ii would also work great if you like the Lumix menus etc, it'll be very similar to your existing camera 😊

[@hackerockmedia]

@@MicroFourNerds Thank you so much for your answer!!! 🤩 👍🏻

[@johnehman8685]

Very good and useful review. Thank you!

[@ericaceous1652]

Excellent video. I still find myself conflicted on the upgrade path from my G9 - I want to eke out every scrap of performance in my wildlife photography, but I also do a lot of travel and people-y type photography - family events, holidays, the occasional wedding, protest marches, gigs and shows etc. Still lots to mull. A question for you if you wouldn't mind, Emily - you've naturally focussed a lot on birds in this video, given your shooting location - would you say that OM's subject detection is much better than Panasonic's (as in G9 II, GH7) when it comes to mammals too?

[@MicroFourNerds]

For mammals, I think they're very very similar in performance. I took the g9ii and the original om1 to Kenya and honestly, they both did me so proud with the larger animals. I think an important difference is the g9ii has "animal" detection (which covers everything including birds) and the om1ii has "bird" and "animal" so they've definitely got some bird-specific tweaks in that camera! For larger animals both will be excellent 👌

[@ericaceous1652]

@@MicroFourNerds much appreciated Emily, thank you. I do recall your Kenya videos, and that you got some fantastic shots while you were there. I actually wonder whether a unified subject detection mode (as in the Panasonic bodies) might suit better in a safari environment - being as one might be shooting a tiger one moment and a bird the next. Thanks again 👍

[@catherinetremerryn]

Brilliantly described, thax

[@gordon3988]

Thank you..very well done! Perhaps some of the AF improvements will make it to the original OM1 firmware update promised for this fall. Curious where you would rank this camera overall now (in your ranking video of a few months ago you had it at the bottom)? OM 1 level or a bit above? Last, yes I’ve heard Puffins can be sneaky!

[@MicroFourNerds]

I think now I've tried it properly, and can see the upgrades in real life, I was definitely a bit too harsh in my original ranking! Like you, i really wish a lot of these updates will trickle down to the OM1. The mkii is definitely above the om1 now in that tier list.

[@gordon3988]

@@MicroFourNerdsnoted…btw I thought the 8 bit here looked fine. Preferred in second example, but that was a slightly different angle.

[@prizepictures1]

Informative and balanced review Emily.

[@HokKan]

Where did you go to photograph these puffins??

[@MicroFourNerds]

Mykines in the Faroe Islands 😊

[@frankinblackpool]

May i ask how you got on with the 150-600mm lens? Not the £7k one because she'd kill me if i even though of one of those.

[@MicroFourNerds]

Haha yes! Full review on the way. It isnt quite as special as the Big White of course... but it really pleasantly surprised me actually! It's a great option if you can get over the absolute size of the thing

[@frankinblackpool]

@@MicroFourNerds I shall look forward to it. Cheers

[@cryptographerchris4856]

Awesome video. I'm sold on this camera for wildlife & birds. I also shoot family parties indoor and outdoor, but don't want 2 different camera bodies and especially don't want to different camera brands. Does this camera do well with people photos?

[@MicroFourNerds]

Yes, it has human tracking as well. It'll do great for people. If it can nail a puffin flying out to sea I guess we're easy in comparison 😁

[@cryptographerchris4856]

@@MicroFourNerds Thanks so much.

[@FieldingSmith]

I wish OMDS would have updated the OM5 like this, but sadly they didn’t. I would live to add an oly body to my mainly pany body kit, but as a non-birder/wildlifer the G9ii is a better all all-a-rounder, and the gx8 wont break if I use it with a shoulder clip. I would really like a smedium body from either company. But neither is delivering.

[@MicroFourNerds]

Honestly, first brand to release a smaller updated photo-centric camera will win my heart 😂 the OM5 was so close, but I just can't abide the older style menus.

[@cmsmart13]

Yeah, I ended up jumping back into photography with an E-M10ii a couple months ago. It’s a great body to dip my toes in, but I’d love to eventually upgrade to something with a similar form factor. The OM-1 line is too big for my use case, so hopefully a lotta these features (especially the menu!) eventually trickle down to the OM-5 line, or even a potential revamp of my camera as an OM-10.