
Camera manufacturer Olympus announced the new OM-D E-M1 MK II camera today complete with a 4K 30p 20 megapixel sensor in a small “weatherproof” form factor. Details below.
The new OM-D E-M1 MK II camera seems to be aimed at the adventure shooter group. With a small 1.3 pound body and weatherproofing that Olympus says will withstand dust, splashing and freezing, this is a camera that is meant to survive more than just those little “oops” moments.
With the addition of the MK II, the OM-D E-M1 now includes 4K video recording options up to 30fps in 4K mode (3840 x 2160) and up to 24fps in Cinema 4K (4096×2160). Recording is available in .mov or .avi at a maximum bit rate of 237 Mbps. The 5-axis internal stabilization should also make for very steady handheld shooting. You can also internally shoot timelapses at 4K/5fps without a remote shutter trigger.
Main Features of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 MK II at a Glance:
- New 20 Megapixel Live MOS Sensor
- 4K Video up to 30fps (3840×2160) and Cinema 4K upto 24fps (4096×2160)
- .MOV or .AVI Codec
- 3.0 Articulating Touch Monitor
- 121 Point Dual Auto Focus
- Pre-Record Feature
- 5-Axis Image Stabilization
- Dual SD Card Slot (UHS II Compatible)
- Weatherproofing: dust, splash and freezeproof
- Weight: 1.3 pounds.
For stills shooters, Olympus has clearly prioritized auto focus features during the last two years of design and R&D work. This time around, Olympus promises very speedy 18 frames per second sequential shooting in RAW while in continuous AF mode.
The “Pro Capture” feature is similar to other pre-record features we’ve seen on more video focused cameras, and Olympus promises you’ll be able to capture up-to 14 frames prior to fully pressing down the shutter button.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5LXNHnbOew&feature=youtu.be
The only feature that doesn’t seem quite in line with their adventurer focused design is the 3.0″ touch screen. Having a touch screen out in the wilderness seems problematic and a recipe for a very dirty screen.
No new camera announcement is complete without at least a few additional lenses to round out your kit, and Olympus did not disappoint. Three new pro lenses were also announced today:
New Lenses:
- M.ZUIKO Digital ED 25mm f1.2 PRO lens
- M.ZUIKO Digital ED 30mm f3.5 Macro lens
- M.ZUIKO Digital ED 12-100mm f4.0 PRO lens
All the lenses are weatherproofed to protect against dust, freezing and water.
Pricing has yet to be announced.
Price: TBD
Availability: TBD
What do you think of the new OM-D EM-1 MK II? Comment below.