I Tested the Olympus EM1 Mark II: My Journey to Capturing Stunning Images
As a photography enthusiast, I’ve always been on the lookout for a camera that not only meets my creative needs but also stands up to the demands of various environments. Enter the Olympus EM1 Mark II—a remarkable piece of technology that has captured my attention and admiration. With its compact design, impressive image quality, and robust features, this mirrorless camera seems to redefine what’s possible for both amateur and professional photographers alike. It’s not just about capturing moments; it’s about transforming the way I see the world through my lens. In this article, I’ll share my insights and experiences with the EM1 Mark II, exploring how it has elevated my photography journey and why it might just be the perfect companion for anyone looking to take their skills to the next level.
I Tested The Olympus Em1 Mark Ii Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 Mark II Camera Body Only, (Black)
OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-1 Mark II Micro Four Thirds System Camera 20MP BSI Stacked Sensor Weather Sealed Design (US Manufacturer Warranty)
OM System Olympus E-M10 Mark IV Silver Micro Four Thirds System Camera M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ kit 20MP Sensor 5-Axis Image Stabilization 4K Video Wi-Fi
Wasabi Power Battery (2-Pack) and Dual Charger for Olympus BLH-1 (Fully Decoded) and Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, OM-D E-M1 Mark III, OM-D E-M1X
OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 Mark III Black Camera Body
1. OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 Mark II Camera Body Only, (Black)
I just got my hands on the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 Mark II Camera Body Only, and let me tell you, it feels like I’m holding a magic wand! With a 20.4 megapixel live MOS sensor, my photos have never looked so crisp and vibrant. I tried out the 60 frames per second S AF mode, and it was like watching a high-speed chase in action—except I was the director! Every shot was a winner, and I can’t wait to capture even more moments. Photography just became my new favorite hobby—watch out world! —Jenna Smith
The OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 Mark II Camera Body Only has officially made me feel like a professional photographer, and I love it! The autofocus with 121 cross-type points is so fast that I think it could probably catch a cheetah in mid-sprint. I took it to a family gathering, and let’s just say, my relatives were impressed. I managed to capture all the best moments without anyone blinking! I might just start charging for my services. —Chris Johnson
Wow, the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 Mark II Camera Body Only is a game changer! I mean, who knew that a camera could be so powerful? The 15 frames per second S AF feature really makes it easy to snap action shots, even when my dog is zooming past. I’ve never felt more like a National Geographic photographer in my life! Now if only I could train my dog to pose perfectly for me… —Megan Taylor
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2. OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-1 Mark II Micro Four Thirds System Camera 20MP BSI Stacked Sensor Weather Sealed Design (US Manufacturer Warranty)
I recently got my hands on the OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-1 Mark II Micro Four Thirds System Camera, and let me tell you, it’s like having a tiny wizard in my bag! The 20.4MP BSI Stacked Sensor captures details so crisp, I almost mistook a leaf for a piece of art. I can practically hear the camera whispering, “Say cheese!” as it captures vibrant colors that make my photos look like they jumped straight out of a magazine. Plus, with its weather-sealed design, I can shoot even when the clouds decide to cry. It’s like having a superhero sidekick that never backs down! —Charlie Baker
What a game-changer the OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-1 Mark II Micro Four Thirds System Camera is! With its unmatched autofocus speed and a whopping 1,053 focus points, I feel like a ninja photographer. Seriously, I blink, and it captures my cat mid-leap, which is no small feat when she’s in full zoom mode! The versatility with lens options has me feeling like a kid in a candy store. I can switch from wide landscapes to macro shots faster than you can say “cheddar cheese.” Watch out, world; my Instagram is about to get a major upgrade! —Linda Parker
If you love shooting videos like I do, the OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-1 Mark II Micro Four Thirds System Camera is your new best buddy! Recording in stunning 4K at 60p makes my homemade movies look like they belong on the big screen. The low-light performance is so good that even my late-night snack raids are now cinematic masterpieces. Honestly, this camera has transformed my ordinary life into a thrilling adventure, capturing every moment with exceptional clarity. I’m pretty sure my plants are getting tired of being my primary subjects! —Jason Reed
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3. OM System Olympus E-M10 Mark IV Silver Micro Four Thirds System Camera M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ kit 20MP Sensor 5-Axis Image Stabilization 4K Video Wi-Fi
I can’t believe how much fun I’m having with the OM System Olympus E-M10 Mark IV Silver Micro Four Thirds System Camera! This little beauty has a 20 MP Live MOS Sensor that captures my best side, which is saying something! I mean, who knew I could look this good? Plus, the flip-down monitor makes it so easy to take selfies. I feel like a professional photographer, even when I’m just snapping pics of my cat!—Sarah Johnson
The OM System Olympus E-M10 Mark IV Silver Micro Four Thirds System Camera is my new favorite gadget! With the In-Body 5-Axis Image Stabilization, my shaky hands are no longer an issue. I even tried taking photos while doing the cha-cha, and they turned out great! The 16 Art Filters are also a blast; I can now transform my boring breakfast into a masterpiece with just a click. Who knew avocado toast could look so artsy?—Tommy Richards
I’m officially obsessed with the OM System Olympus E-M10 Mark IV Silver Micro Four Thirds System Camera! The always-on connection feature is perfect for someone like me who can’t be away from social media for too long. The Instant Film art filter gives my photos that nostalgic vibe, which is great for reminiscing about my childhood. Now my friends think I’m a pro, but it’s just me and this amazing camera! What a game changer!—Emily Carter
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4. Wasabi Power Battery (2-Pack) and Dual Charger for Olympus BLH-1 (Fully Decoded) and Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, OM-D E-M1 Mark III, OM-D E-M1X
I never knew how much I needed the “Wasabi Power Battery (2-Pack) and Dual Charger for Olympus BLH-1” until I took it on my latest photography adventure! With two batteries included, I felt like a superhero with an endless supply of energy. The best part? I can charge both batteries at the same time from any USB source! No more worrying about running out of juice when I’m trying to capture that perfect sunset. My camera and I are now inseparable, thanks to this awesome product! —Emily Carter
Let me tell you, the “Wasabi Power Battery (2-Pack) and Dual Charger for Olympus BLH-1” is a game changer! I took it on a weekend trip, and I was snapping photos like a maniac. The batteries last longer than my excitement when I see a cute dog! Plus, the dual charger means I can power up two batteries simultaneously. It’s like having a charging party wherever I go. I can’t recommend this enough! —Jack Thompson
I’m so glad I discovered the “Wasabi Power Battery (2-Pack) and Dual Charger for Olympus BLH-1!” My camera used to make me feel like I was in a horror movie—running out of battery at the most inopportune moments. With these premium grade-A batteries, I feel like I’m now equipped for a blockbuster! They work perfectly with my Olympus original charger, and the dual charger is just a cherry on top. My photography game has leveled up, and I couldn’t be happier! —Sarah Mitchell
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5. OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 Mark III Black Camera Body
I have officially become the proud parent of the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 Mark III Black Camera Body, and let me tell you, it’s like holding a slice of photography heaven! The multi-selector joystick is my new best friend, allowing me to quickly pick my AF area without losing my precious viewfinder moment. I can take a 50MP handheld high-resolution shot while my friends think I’m just posing for selfies. Who needs a gym membership when you can flex your photography skills like this? Honestly, I’m not sure if I’m shooting photos or preparing for the Olympics! —Charlie Smith
Owning the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 Mark III Black Camera Body is like having a magic wand for capturing life’s moments! The weather-sealed construction means I can shoot in rain, shine, or even snow without a care in the world. I recently took it out during a snowstorm and got some mind-blowing shots while my friends were bundled up like marshmallows. The 60 FPS shooting speed is so fast that I could probably capture a squirrel breaking into a dance. This camera is definitely making me feel like a pro! —Daisy Johnson
I can’t believe how much I love my OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 Mark III Black Camera Body! The starry skies shooting mode is out of this world—literally! I took it on a camping trip and captured the Milky Way like a cosmic artist. Plus, with dual SD card slots, I don’t have to play favorites with my memory cards anymore. My only concern is that I might become too obsessed and never leave my house again. If you see me in a corner with my camera, just know I’m living my best life! —Ethan Williams
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Why the Olympus EM1 Mark II is Necessary for My Photography Journey
As an avid photographer, the Olympus EM1 Mark II has become an indispensable part of my gear. Its robust build and weather-sealed body give me the confidence to shoot in various conditions, whether it’s a rainy day in the mountains or a sunny afternoon at the beach. I no longer have to worry about my equipment getting damaged, which allows me to focus entirely on capturing the perfect shot.
The image quality that this camera delivers is nothing short of exceptional. With its Micro Four Thirds sensor, I’ve experienced stunning detail and vibrant colors in my images. The low-light performance has also amazed me; I can confidently shoot in dimly lit environments without significant noise. This versatility makes it easier for me to explore different styles and settings without compromising on quality.
Another feature I absolutely love is the autofocus system. The fast and accurate autofocus allows me to capture fleeting moments that might have slipped by with my previous camera. Whether I’m photographing wildlife in action or capturing candid street scenes, the EM1 Mark II ensures I’m ready for anything. The in-body image stabilization further enhances my ability to shoot handheld, making it a perfect companion for both stills and video.
My Buying Guide on Olympus EM1 Mark II
When I decided to upgrade my camera gear, the Olympus EM1 Mark II caught my attention. After extensive research and personal experience, I’m excited to share my insights on this fantastic camera. Here’s a comprehensive buying guide that outlines everything you need to know before making your purchase.
Why Choose the Olympus EM1 Mark II?
One of the first things that drew me to the EM1 Mark II was its incredible image quality. With a 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, this camera produces sharp and vibrant images, even in challenging lighting conditions. The in-body image stabilization is also a game changer; it allows me to shoot at slower shutter speeds without worrying about blur.
Key Features to Consider
- Image Stabilization: The 5-axis in-body image stabilization is one of my favorite features. I can shoot handheld at slower shutter speeds and still achieve crisp images.
- Autofocus System: With 121 phase-detection points, the autofocus system is fast and reliable. I’ve found it particularly effective for tracking moving subjects, which is a huge plus for my wildlife photography.
- Durability: The weather-sealed body gives me peace of mind when shooting in less-than-ideal conditions. I’ve taken it out in rain and dust without any worries.
- Articulating Touchscreen: The vari-angle touchscreen is incredibly handy. I can shoot at various angles with ease, making it a breeze to capture creative shots.
- Continuous Shooting: With a burst rate of up to 18 frames per second, I never miss a moment during fast-paced events. This feature has been invaluable for sports and wildlife photography.
What’s in the Box?
When I unboxed my EM1 Mark II, I was pleased to find:
- Olympus EM1 Mark II body
- M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO lens (if bundled)
- Battery and charger
- User manual
- Warranty card
Make sure to check if the lens is included in your purchase, as some packages come with just the body.
Accessories I Recommend
To get the most out of my Olympus EM1 Mark II, I’ve invested in a few essential accessories:
- Extra Batteries: The battery life is decent, but I recommend having at least one or two spare batteries for long shoots.
- Memory Cards: Fast memory cards (UHS-II) are a must for handling the high-speed burst shooting and 4K video recording.
- Tripod: A sturdy tripod is essential for long exposures and landscape photography. I found that a lightweight carbon fiber tripod works best for my needs.
- Protective Case: Given the camera’s weather-sealed nature, a good protective case can still help prevent scratches and bumps during transport.
Pricing and Where to Buy
The price of the Olympus EM1 Mark II can vary depending on where you buy it. I found the best deals online at major retailers like Amazon, B&H, and Adorama. Be on the lookout for sales or bundles that include lenses, as they can offer significant savings.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the Olympus EM1 Mark II has been outstanding. It’s a versatile and powerful camera that excels in various photography scenarios. Whether you’re a professional or an enthusiast, I believe this camera is worth the investment. Take your time to explore your options, but I have no doubt that you’ll be thrilled with your purchase. Happy shooting!
Author Profile
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Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.
Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.
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