Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mk II • First Impressions

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mk II
M. Zuiko 12-40mm

Here we go... a little review of my new E-M1 Mkii.  Camera landed at my front door a few weeks back, really haven't had the chance to put it through any real tests.  But as far as initial observations, this camera is built.  Still very impressed by its inherited features, but the new additions can't go unmentioned.  The buffed grip and enhanced ergonomics, the oscillating screen is a gem, and that dual card slot though.  And of course let's highlight the new battery; packs more juice for those long day shoots out on the street.  Overall, the size isn't noticeably larger and stays true to the mirrorless form factor... small.

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mk II
M. Zuiko 17mm

The warm AWB DNA is beautiful.  There's an option to adjust this off, but not my preference.  I absolutely love the warm tone the sensor brings out.  The AF speed is insane, sometimes too fast.  Don't sleep on the back focus when in AF mode, last thing you want are a series of unfocused shots because that shutter will just fly.  

Details on details on details.  Yes we're talking m43, but the focal plane wide open is perfection.  For street and action captures, you can't go wrong with this bad boy, even wide open... at 1/32000 (haven't found it necessary, yet)

Looking forward to the weekend with Josh Rose out in LA to put this camera to the test.  And if you're asking if I would recommend this new Olympus camera, it would be a hell yes.  Price is steep in comparison to the m43 cameras out there currently, but in my opinion, it was worth the wait and every penny spent.  

Explore • Old Quebec • Canada

Olympus OM-D E-M1
M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8

It's already been two days out here in Canada and only now am I getting the chance to post up some of our explorations. The wife and I have been so excited to take this trip and I still can't believe we're here.  

We took a red-eye flight out of San Diego, one stopover in Toronto, and we out here in Old Quebec, Canada.  Our hotel has a beautiful view of the St. Lawrence River, less than a minute away from the boardwalk.  

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Olympus OM-D E-M1
M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8

I couldn't wait to get lost and get some photos with the E-M1.  With the recently announced Mark II, I can feel the refueled excitement back in the Olympus community.  I, too, am so stoked for this release, I've committed to using this bad boy for the next 8 days.  

Olympus OM-D E-M1
M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8

Whenever I shoot with an OM-D camera, first thought that comes to mind is color and detail.  Seriously, those warm, green tones right from the camera paired with it's quick auto focus equal an amazing image.  

Olympus OM-D E-M1
M. Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8

Now the E-M1 and lowlight.  Honestly, for my particular taste, it performs perfect for my use, even at handheld.  I'm not a fan of bringing around tripods, but rarely am I out shooting in those types of settings these days.  Wifey and I went out for a night stroll and the ambient light around the city was enough to help capture details of our surroundings.  

The E-M1 still gets the job done.  Sure, only now are we seeing a refresh with the Mark II.  But I applaud Olympus for taking care of their OM-D users.  They've done a solid job keeping OM-D owners happy with numerous firmware updates these past 3 years.  Even with this last update, I couldn't believe the features added to the camera.  And let's be completely honest, there are so many other systems out there these days that refresh constantly, there's not enough time to breathe and a new model will be out.