Olympus E-M1 Mark II: The Best Value Camera in 2024

[@janekeehn3842]

Some years back I upgraded from my point and shoot to the OMD E-1 M2 and use the Panasonic Leica DG 100-400mm f/4-6.3 for wildlife photography as my main creative hobby. I am happy with all the features and feel that I won’t have to buy another camera EVER as my bird photos improve every time I practice. I have some secondhand lenses for portraits and landscapes so the OMD E-1 M2 is great for light travelling and experimenting, with or without a tripod!

[@trulsdirio]

I got one about six months ago, as my first mirrorless camera, after having shot on SLR and DSLR cameras for around fifteen years, starting when I was 10 years old. I'm absolutely blown away by both the whole Olympus M43 system and this camera in particular. I paid 395€ for it and it seriously has levelled up my photography. Not because the image quality would be an improvement over my old APS-C cameras, but because it just makes shooting so much easier, more reliable and ultimately more fun. I absolutely love it! Especially paired with the excellent 12-40mm 1:2.8.

[@CheapButGoodPhotography]

I'm glad you're enjoying it and welcome to the MFT community! I'd love to see your photos if you want to share some. And I definitely agree with your "more reliable and ultimately more fun" take.

[@matthieuzglurg6015]

also, worth pointing out that the Panasonic Lumix G9 is ALSO in the $500 price range. It doesn't have PDAF, and uses the DFD system instead, but it's near identical when it comes to performance. ANd it has much better video, having access to 4K30 10bit 4.2.2 internally, with the ability to get the V-Log upgrade that really gives you professional quality

[@CheapButGoodPhotography]

Good point! Actually, I was teetering between the G9 and E-M1 Mark II when I bought this. Ultimately chose the E-M1 mark II for the PDAF and color science, largely also because I didn't think I'd need the 10bit footage. But the G9 is definitely still on my shopping cart. That and many others, like the E-PL6, PEN-F, GX85... the list goes on and on. lol.

[@enzocannizzo8744]

Absolutely an excellent camera .. We are subjected to so much gear click that it drives you nuts . For those that are too young for the film day can’t fully understand what absolute amazing what we have today OR EVEN EIGHT YEARS AGO ! Thank you for your excellent presentation !

[@CheapButGoodPhotography]

Thank you, Enzo! You and my nephew share the same name, so I knew I'd like you immediately. lol. On a more serious note, I was probably in kindergarten when point and shoot film cameras became popular. Didn't really get a chance to try them out because film was expensive so only the adults got to play with them, but I do frequent vintage shops nowadays and have bought myself a Sears KS500. Already shot a roll with it during the cherry blossom season. I absolutely love it. Among other things, I'm currently saving up for stuff to process film here at home.

[@enzocannizzo8744]

@@CheapButGoodPhotography Thank you 👍

[@CheikoSairin]

I love my camera, the Olympus EM5 Mark I with a 75-300mm II lens. I have used it since 2018 and never regret. And now, I upgrade to an OM1 camera. A big LIKE for the video. Thanks for sharing and happy shooting. Have a nice day. Greetings from Singapore.

[@CheapButGoodPhotography]

Thank you! I'm saving up for either the 75-300 or the 100-400 as well. It's almost Eagle season here and I'm trying to save enough to be in time for Eagle photos. haha! I'm glad you've upgraded, though. Happy shooting!

[@reneandereggen7768]

I'm also a long turn Nikon FF "the legend" photographer and enjoy the Olympus out in nature for wildlife and birding photography, but as I'm pretty new to MFT I'm struggling a bit with this camera about the CAF for birding. I got the 40-150 /f 2.8 connected, which is a beast, but I kind of begin to have doubts about the autofocus system capabilities for birding. I also have a Sony A7r 3 paired with the Sony 200-600 lens and this combo is catching the birds unbelievable fast and accurate. But I really want to continue with the MFT system for the weight and size advantage. For the rest of my photography, I'm totally fine with the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mii. Have any recommended settings for a successful bird in flight autofocusing? BTW. Nice video, like it.😊

[@michaelblumfield3933]

I own the EM1 Mark ii and a Canon R6. I'm afraid that you're not going to get great autofocus for BIF with the Olympus and its 2016 technology. The Sony is going to beat it, especially with that 200-600 lens vs the 40-150.

[@lacsarlacsar3566]

correction Bro, the E-M1 mk1 also got a Phase Detect autofocus. But the MK2 is muuuuuuch better, and can take 4K cinematic vid.

[@CheapButGoodPhotography]

Thank you for pointing that out! I honestly don't know much about taking cinematic footage so I probably shouldn't be the guy discussing this. But from my limited experience, I do think 4k/30 with OM-Log is easy to work with. Even 1080/60 is plenty slow for me. 😅

[@briancarlisle2534]

Question What are the size print outs have you done. I have a new z63 with 24mpx vs the m4/3 with 20mpx Will I lose image quality?

[@monkeysnark7043]

I agree. Always owned Panny cameras, yet wanted an Oly camera only, as I have a mix of Panny and Oly lenses. Mind you, always the best price vs value, is finding a camera with lens bundle, especially if it is a lens you want. Looked around and researched cameras, and settled on this one, for that used camera price vs value, with 20 mgp, and somewhat newer features . Bought mine on eBay as well at 452 U$, in an auction. It was described as A++, with the flash and two BH1 batteries. The thing is, it is past that designation, and more to mint++, or almost brand new. Could not be happier, yet, still learning the menu. Now, for some more prime lenses, and maybe a decent used Pen (PL7) camera for fun, travel, and street photography. It’s like woodworking, where you can’t have enough clamps, you can’t have enough decent prime and/or weather proof lens, and that can give you that 3D pop.

[@kamilrakowski23]

Autofocus in video is phase detection autofocus, not contrast detection.

[@mk1photography62]

I have been shooting with the Olympus OMD EM1 MK3 and it's quality is superb I have done tons of family shots with it and lots of large prints - love it still

[@hardridebkk9026]

absolutely yes!!!

[@CheapButGoodPhotography]

Glad we're on the same boat and thanks for stopping by!

[@ultravassal913]

Great video but the sidechaining you have on the music with your vocals is too quick and the ratio is too high. It's kinda distracting. You don't need the music tbh, but if you do just turn it down and have a slow release on the sidechain

[@CheapButGoodPhotography]

Thanks for the input! Still getting a hang of video editing but this seems to be a consistent complaint. Definitely keeping this in mind for the next project!

[@NewLifeMoves]

not that i disagree, but i'd really love to understand this. what's "sidechaining" and ratio of what?

[@pedrocamposnl]

i absolute agree with you! it is a beast of camera.

[@CheapButGoodPhotography]

Glad we're on the same boat, Pedro! Happy shooting!

[@wnose]

If you use continuous af, use the cluster feature too.

[@CheapButGoodPhotography]

Thanks for pointing that out! Totally forgot to add that to the script. 😅

[@mightymorc]

It actually does 4K video.

[@zachbenson9548]

Love this camera! The fact you can get this for $500 is bonkers. Between the weather-sealing, IQ, features like pro-capture and glass selection this is still a pro level camera in 2024 but one you can use as a daily driver because of its size. I used to shoot Canon full frame and there's no way I'm going back. Not to knock Canon, those cameras are incredible, but the size and feel of Oly does it for me and fits what I like to do much better.

[@CheapButGoodPhotography]

My very first cameras were Canons. T100, 400D, and 60D. I still have the 60D with me as a reminder of where I started but I don't use it much anymore. Still a great camera but admittedly outdated and bulky. Glad you're enjoying your experience with Oly!

[@matthieuzglurg6015]

rectification about the E-M1 original : it HAS phase detection autofocus, and was at teh time the best autofocus MFT camera you could buy. It was also the only 16MP MFT camera with phase detection that was made. You can even see on the wikipedia page you linked ! right below the line where it says it has 81 CDAF points, you can see it has 37 PDAF points !

[@CheapButGoodPhotography]

You're absolutely correct. I wrote on the screenshotted (is that even a word?) Wikipedia page I included that it had fewer PDAF points rather than completely CDAF. Perhaps my handwriting or the colors I used just made it hardly visible. But, yes, you're absolutely right about that!

[@teresitorabaya6401]

The IBIS in the Olympus is superb and is second to none.

[@CheapButGoodPhotography]

Panasonic users might disagree with you on that one. lol. What I will say though is that I'm beyond satisfied with the IBIS on my E-M1 Mark II. Thanks for stopping by!

[@ryanchai8371]

You might want to normalize the background music levels as the sudden increase in background music in between speech pauses is a bit jarring. Great video.

[@CheapButGoodPhotography]

Thank you for your input, Ryan! I'm honestly still trying to get a grip on this video editing thing. I'll keep this in mind for the next project. 😄

[@gamingwithstand6886]

I have this camera the face detection is ok if you are up close. But single point focus might be better? The E-M1iii the face detection had a big update.

[@CheapButGoodPhotography]

Good point! I'm fine with its face detection up close but Sony, for example, definitely holds focus better when stepping back or zooming out. For $500, though, the camera's capabilities overall is still super impressive.

[@Telewest792]

I have the OM-1 mark 1 with some great pro lenses and i get images others only dream of ,the system is just amazing to use i can’t recommend it more highly .

[@CheapButGoodPhotography]

Glad you feel the same way! MFT is highly underrated nowadays but these cameras are so capable, it's mind-blowing.

[@rogerwestwood6715]

Great vid on an awesome camera. Btw if you update the firmware then you’ll get phase detect in video, super reliable

[@CheapButGoodPhotography]

I didn't even know that. Thanks Roger!

[@theuktoday4233]

I have one and its a very capable camera that I can actually use when its raining

[@CheapButGoodPhotography]

I no longer have the fear of rain messing up my equipment since owning this camera and lens. I will admit, though, that I still try to stay dry. Not that the camera can't handle it but more because I can't. This thing is built sturdier than I am. 😂

[@danc2014]

Not all m4 3 lens are weather proof. Only the expensive pro line.

[@lacsarlacsar3566]

@@danc2014 not really, the 12-50mm oly kit lens is weathersealed. The 14-150mm mk2 also.

[@WonsOibaf]

And what about the mark1 One ? Im looking for my frisr camera !! But i have a max 350 budget... I was looking for the olympus m10 mii too

[@jameshuddle5111]

Look at the em5 mk2 about $100 cheaper.

[@WonsOibaf]

@@jameshuddle5111 humm, is a better version of the em10 mk2?

[@CheapButGoodPhotography]

The mark1 is definitely a good starter camera, too! But you do have other choices. What is it you wanted to do with your first camera? Are you also looking to dabble in video or just purely photography? Does the 350 budget also include a lens or do you have a separate budget for that as well?

[@WonsOibaf]

@@CheapButGoodPhotography body only and just photography. I find secound hand, One e m10 Mark ii with Olympus 25/1.8 for 420. Good deal ?

[@GeorgeStar]

Biggest bargain in used cameras.

[@CheapButGoodPhotography]

Definitely, George. Especially for photography. Another commenter pointed out the Lumix G9 and that, too, is an excellent bargain albeit a bit more video-centric.

[@godzuks]

Good video review, totally agree i have purchased the same camera and lens and a couple of other lenses too..yet to take it out for a test run..😎

[@CheapButGoodPhotography]

I'm sure you'll love them! What other lenses did you get? I'd love to see some of those photos when you finally test your gear out.

[@godzuks]

@@CheapButGoodPhotography Hi i have the 12mm F2 and 45mm F1.8 already as i have the Olympus pen PL9 which came with 14-42mm kit lens, I added 30mm F3.5 macro and 40-150mm F4-5.6 (cheap) and 9mm f8 fisheye body cap lens (cheap) which is a fun lens. I have also just purchased a olympus pen mini e-pm1 (cheap) phew... my photos are at best ok I am an enthusiastic amature 😎