Is the Olympus E-M1 Mark II a Good Camera in 2022


The Olympus E-M1 Mark II was released in late 2016. Can a 6-year-old camera hang with the latest and greatest models? You might be surprised by some of the technology Olympus, now OM System was using back then. Micro Four Thirds (MFT) in general has been ahead of its time and often criticized for being so innovative. Many of us photographers are creatures of habit. We find something we like and stick to it.

Olympus E-M1 Mark II (check used prices)

My favorite part of the OM-D E-M1 Mark II is clearly not the name :). It is how fun the camera is to use. The dials and buttons are just where they are needed and pretty much everything is customizable. The Mark II has actually gotten many of the additional Mark III features through firmware updates.

The EM1 Mark III from 2020 added a new processor. This processor seems to be responsible for some of the key differences such as the improved stabilization, slightly better battery life, Live ND filters, and Handheld High Res mode. If you can live without these additions, then you can probably pick up the Mark II for about half the price of the Mark III.

Olympus (OM System) and Micro Four Thirds cameras often get compared with Full Frame. They both take pictures and videos but deliver a different experience. I love photography. That’s why I do it. The importance of having a versatile all-around camera is important to me. I have no problem saying that if I had to pick one camera system to use, it would be Micro Four Thirds.

In my personal experience the older EM1 MKII is still a quite capable professional camera in 2022 and for years to come.

The video is capable as well. Many clips are provided in this video as well as the main camera while I’m talking. You will not get the same codecs and options as the Panasonic cameras provide. The Olympus is capable, but if video is your focus, Panasonic might be the better bet on the MFT ecosystem.

Lenses used in this video

Olympus 12-40mm F2.8 Pro

Panasonic 14-140mm F3.5-5.6

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Til the next time…