OM announces $1,699 OM-5 Mark II

OM System has announced the OM-5 Mark II, coming two and a half years (or so) after the OM-5 mirrorless camera, with a series of iterative rather than groundbreaking, updates.

The standout feature is probably the addition of a a USB-C port which allows both power delivery and high-speed transfer of photos and video.

Additionally, the new port also makes it possible to use portable power banks to charge the camera on the go, which is a nice addition.

Like the OM-3 from earlier this year, the OM-5 Mark II features a Computational Photography button on the camera’s top plate next to the shutter release button.

According to OM, the button gives direct access to the High-Res Shot, Live ND, Focus Stacking, HDR, and Multiple Exposure modes without having to enter the menu.

Two new creative shooting modes were designed specifically to aid low-light shooters. Night Vision mode brings out the details of a scene shrouded in darkness, clearly displaying both the night sky and the foreground and simplifying composition. The other new mode, Hand Held Assist, allows users to gauge the stability of handheld long exposures in real time.

Also first introduced in the OM-3, are two new creative video profiles, OM Cinema 1 and OM Cinema 2, which offer a cinematic look to video footage without requiring special processing or grading.

Finally, there's a new more pronounced grip that should improve ergonomics for a more secure hold.

These features aside, it's a little disappointing that the OM-5 II still uses the same 20MP MFT sensor as its predecessor, in addition to an almost identical body design and the same 2.36-million dot EVF and fully articulating back panel as before. That said, it does come in a rather fetching sand livery that looks great. 

All this aside, it does feel like OM could have pushed for some more revolutionary upgrades with the OM II, but we'll wait until we get hold of one before making a final call on it. 

The OM System OM-5 Mark II is available from 20 June, starting at $1,699.

You can find out more on the OM System website.