SPECIAL
“Low-light performance is solid, with clean results up to ISO 3200 and usable footage at ISO and usable footage at ISO 6400”
The benefits are huge, especially for filmmakers travelling light. The OM-5 Mark II delivers rich detail and vibrant colour, especially in Cinema 4K – footage is crisp and natural with minimal false colour. At HD, sharpness is less impressive, so shooting in 4K and downscaling is the smart move if you don’t need faster frame rates. Low-light performance is solid, with clean results up to ISO 3200 and usable footage at ISO 6400 – a strong showing for Micro Four Thirds. The main limitations come in the camera’s frame rates and flexibility for colour grading. The 4K tops out at 30fps, with no 10-bit or Log
But the OM-5 Mark II’s secret weapon is the stabilisation system, which combines mechanical sensor- shift IBIS with digital stabilisation. With compatible OM System lenses, it employs lens-based correction too. As a result, footage can mimic gimbals, tripods or sliders – all without lugging that extra gear. Walk slowly and hold it steadily with a gimbal. With practice, this stabilisation enables fluid tracking shots and handheld set-ups that would be impossible otherwise. It allows you to go significantly lower on the shutter speed for stills as well. enough, and your footage can look as though it’s been shot
profiles available. OM System offers two flat colour profiles, but they lack the flexibility of genuine log curves. There’s no zebras function either, and exposure tools like highlight/ shadow warnings disappear in video mode. Auto ISO is also only available in some of the modes, while manual exposure is limited in others. Autofocus is fast and accurate for most scenarios, with tap-to-focus and subject tracking both working well. You can’t customise the speed of refocusing, which might frustrate video users, though face detection is on-board and generally responsive. There aren’t any subject detection modes – for that, or 10-bit video and Log shooting, you’ll need to upgrade to a pricier OM model. Manual focus with electronically controlled lenses can feel vague, but with focus peaking and the abundance of Micro Four Thirds glass – plus loads of adapters for Canon and vintage lenses – there’s no shortage of choice. Native Micro Four Thirds lenses tend to be smaller and less expensive too. A small, lightweight video and stills camera that boasts great image quality, the OM-5 Mark II also looks great in retro black or chrome, and the limited-edition sandy beige reflects its outdoor credentials.
BRIDGING THE GAP The OM-5 Mark II may still only have a small 20.4-megapixel sensor, but performs like it has a much larger one
THE VERDICT
Handling: 8 Small and light to hold, now with improved menus and better grip Value for money: 7 Decent spec and a weather-sealed, rugged build but doesn’t have any massive improvements A great small camera with impressive stills and video but limited frame rates Pros: Class-leading image stabilisation and 4K quality Cons: Limited frame rate options in video and stills when using C-AF PRO MOVIEMAKER OVERALL RATING: 8/10
S5 or Micro Four Thirds Panasonic Lumix GH6 for the same money. But for compact hybrid shooting, it’s a rock- solid companion ready for the wild.
The new OM System OM-5 Mark II isn’t without limitations – especially in frame rates and log support – but what it does offer is remarkable for its size. For travel filmmakers, vloggers and outdoor photographers who want gimbal-like footage without the extra kit, it’s a serious tool. Add in tough weather sealing, USB-C charging and computational tools, and it’s clear that this is more than just a refresh. The OM-5 Mark II won’t replace a larger full-frame mirrorless in ultimate quality and, at £1099/$1200, it’s not the cheapest option. You can get a previous- gen full-frame like a Panasonic Lumix
More information
omsystem.com
HOW IT RATES Features: 8
Shoots 4K but with limited frame rates, has an articulated screen and new menus Performance: 8 Detailed 4K footage, and the image stabilisation is simply one of the best
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