OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II Announced – A Rugged, Compact Micro Four Thirds Flagship

Camera News

by Omri Keren LapidotJanuary 30^th, 2024

OM SYSTEM announced a new flagship camera – the OM-1 Mark II. The new camera represents OM SYSTEM’s parting with the Olympus brand name. It includes some unique traits and features including stacked CMOS, IP53 sealing, 8.5 stops of synced mechanical stabilization, enhanced subject detection, and 4K UHD/DCI up to 60P.

OM SYSTEM, formerly known as Olympus, produced some intriguing cameras over the years. From a video perspective, they were always somewhat like a square peg in a round hole. While it seems as if Olympus/OM SYSTEM never aimed their cameras at the video segment, some stars aligned, making some pretty unique offers. The new OM-1 Mark II follows that same path. While its initial spec-list may not impress when compared with other flagship models, it has some nice tricks up its sleeve.

Main video specs

The new OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II is capable of various 4K settings. these include UHD and DCI, H.265 and H.264, Long GOP, and All-I (FHD only) internal 10-bit recordings. The camera’s internal bitrate tops at 202Mbps, and the frame rate tops at 60P for 4K. This 60P limitation raises some questions considering the stills frame rate of 120fps (RAW files), though at this speed capture it’s limited to approximately 90+ frames. The high-speed recording mode can get you up to 240P in FHD. The camera can also export ProRes RAW 4:4:4 12bit to an Atomos recorder. Like most hybrid cameras these days, no arbitrary record time limitation is applied. While these numbers are nothing new, the cameras around them do provide some significant added value.

Beyond the numbers

Olympus was famous for its camera’s rugged construction, and OM SYSTEM continues with that line. The OM-1 Mark II is IP rated to IP53, which translates to all but immune to dust, and resistant to water falling or spraying directly onto the camera (see specific test methodology).

The OM-1 Mark II also uses a modern Stacked CMOS. This means very fast read speeds, which translates to negligible rolling shutter effect, and potentially better scene recognition. This sensor sits on an excellent mechanical stabilizer. For stills, it provides up to 8 stops of stabilization, and optically stabilized lenses may get up to 8.5 stops. Bear in mind that good stills stabilization doesn’t necessarily translate to smooth video stabilization, but OM SYSTEM provided decent performance in previous generations.

Oh, it’s also a capable stills camera

The OM-1 Mark II is heard toward the rugged outdoors. These environments usually dictate minimal carry, so it’s a good thing to have one camera to do both video and stills. When it comes to stills, it’s among the fastest cameras out there, with up to 120fps with single-shot autofocus or 50fps with continuous, pre-capture, and various subject recognition autofocus tracking methods. The OM-1 Mark II also inherits its predecessor’s unique computational imaging abilities. The camera can create high-resolution files with tripod-based multi-shots up to 80 megapixels. It can also create computationally stacked hand-held multi-shots of 50 megapixels, and there’s also an “Internal ND” mode.

No, not quite the internal ND you want…

As a video shooter, even the slightest hint of an internal ND in a compact hybrid camera is enough to ignite a spark of excitement. Sadly, this is not the case here. The OM-1 Mark II uses computational stacking to mimic the effect of an ND filter on long exposures. This will create the signature smearing characteristics without the need for actual filters. The OM-1 Mark II has the option to apply the effect to specific parts of the frame, much like a graduated ND filter. But only for stills.

Who the OM-1 Mark II is for

If you’ve read this far it’s probably clear who will benefit from this camera. The OM-1 Mark II OM SYSTEM aims at outdoor stills shooters, with a slight lean towards hybrid. Being part of the Micro Four Thirds ecosystem this rugged camera enjoys the company of equally rugged and fairly compact lenses, so if you count every gram (or ounce) going into your backpack for the next expedition or weekend excursion, this one may fit the bill.

Alternatives

At $2,398, the OM-1 is currently the most expensive Micro Four Thirds hybrid camera on the market. Its closest competitor is arguably the Panasonic LUMIX G9 II, which costs $1,898. Though maybe not as rugged, the LUMIX provides excellent build quality, better video overall, and slightly higher resolution stills.

If you are fully into video, the Pansonic Lumix GH6 provides a much more complete specification set but will omit phase-detection autofocus and is not as rugged it as compact as the OM-1 Mark II. Also, it is significantly more affordable.

At this price level, one should also consider some APS-C contenders. The FUJIFILM X-H2S is the closest competition, as it offers a similar Stacked CMOS sensor, very capable autofocusing, professional build quality, and more at roughly the same price. Though it’s not as fast as a stills camera, topped at “only” 40fps, its video capabilities vastly outperform the OM-1 Mark II with open gate 6K recording, internal ProRes, 4K 120P, and more.

And let’s not forget CineD’s Mirrorless Camera of the Year 2022 – the FUJIFILM X-H2. This camera forgives some extreme abilities for an arguably better-balanced product. As for myself, I’d easily take 40-megapixel stills and 8K video capability over 120fps and computational imagery, but your mileage may vary here. Oh, and it’s $550 cheaper.

Price and availability

The OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II is available for preorder for $2,398 and is estimated to ship in the USA on Feb 26th, 2024.

Do you see yourself using the unique features of the OM-1 Mark II in your workflow? Will you consider adding it to your Micro Four Thirds system as an outdoor camera? Let us know in the comments.