OM System (formerly Olympus) revealed the OM-1 Mark II with many of the same specifications as its predecessor, but several significant improvements. These include improved autofocus, especially on the AI side, as well as other quality of life improvements in stabilization, handling, and more.
The company has finalized the OM System rebranding, as there is no trace of the Olympus logo as seen on the OM-1. That said, the cameras are much the same inside. As before, it comes with a 20-megapixel (MP) stacked Micro Four Thirds sensor and a TruePix
These speeds haven't changed, but OM System has improved the camera's built-in RAM, enabling new features. Autofocus now has a “Human Detection” option that goes beyond just faces and eyes, like before. The company says autofocus is also faster and more accurate (with and without subject detection), making it better for sports, wildlife and more.
It also has a deeper buffer, meaning you can shoot 256 RAW images at 50fps before it fills up, around double that of the OM-1 – ideal for high-speed shooting. 'action. And while the previous model allowed blackout-free shooting at the highest frame rates, it now also operates at slower speeds (12.5 fps and 16 fps) for photographers who prefer to work at this way.
The company has also used updated algorithms to improve in-body image stabilization by up to 8.5 stops with supported lenses, better than any other camera on the market (Canon's latest models feature of 8 stabilization stops). And it now supports 14-bit RAW for high-resolution multishot mode, both in 80MP tripod and 50MP handheld modes, to improve dynamic range.
A new feature called Graduated Neutral Density (GND) builds on the previous model's Live ND (LND) mode. The latter is not a true ND filter, but mixes several short shots to simulate one. The graduated version allows you to take a gradient exposure from any angle, while also controlling the midpoint and whether the edge is soft, medium or hard.
The body and control layout are pretty much the same as before, but OM System has rubberized the control dials so they have a more tactile feel and work better when using gloves. This should come in handy, since the OM-1 is popular for bird and wildlife photography in all kinds of weather conditions.
Beyond that, the specs and features are largely the same. You still shoot 4K video at up to 60fps, in 8-bit or 10-bit modes (1080p at 240fps). And the OM-1 can output 12-bit Apple ProRes RAW video at up to 60 fps to an Atomos Ninja V or Ninja V+ external recorder without any pixel binning.
It comes with a 5.76 million-dot OLED viewfinder at 120Hz, as before, as well as a fully articulating screen. There are two UHS II SD card slots, but no CFexpress option. The battery delivers 500 shots per charge, but this increases to 1010 in “Quick Standby” mode. Finally, you still get a small FL LM3 flash, designed primarily for filling or use with external flashes.
The OM-1 Mark II arrives at the end of February for $2,400 (body only) And $3,000 in a kit with the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 zoom lens (24-80mm full-frame equivalent).
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