OM System OM-5 Mark II review

What is the OM System OM-5 Mark II and who is it for?

When you can’t ignore the call of the great outdoors, weight and weatherproofing are often just as important as megapixels when it comes to choosing a camera. That’s where the new OM System OM-5 Mark II makes its mark. It’s a refresh of the popular OM-5. In this iteration, it improves handling, adds creative shortcuts and enhances video options, while preserving the winning formula of a light, rugged, go-anywhere camera.

What are the key features of the OM System OM-5 Mark II?

Battery and design

The OM-5 Mark II tips the scales at just 418g with battery and card, making it one of the lightest weather-sealed mirrorless bodies available. Add a small Micro Four Thirds lens or two and you’ll have a set-up you can carry all day without feeling weighed down, whether you’re trekking a mountain path or exploring a new city. Durability is another big selling point, and with its IP53 rating, the camera shrugs off rain, dust and even sub-zero temperatures down to -10°C. That sort of reassurance is usually the preserve of much larger and more expensive models, but here it is, packaged in a compact body that slips easily into a small shoulder bag.

The camera itself looks the part too. Available in classic black, silver or a limited-edition sandy beige, it’s styled with the same retro-modern aesthetic that photographers have long associated with the OM brand. But that styling is backed up by practicality – it’s tough, light, discreet and designed to be used in any conditions.

Sensor, image quality and stabilisation

On paper, the OM-5 Mark II’s sensor appears unchanged, as it’s the same 20.4-megapixel BSI unit used in the original OM-5. But paired with improved processing and stabilisation, it remains highly capable. The colours are vibrant, noise control is impressive up to ISO 3200 – and usable beyond that – and the dynamic range is strong enough to cope with a wide range of shooting conditions. 

For stills shooters, the real jewel in the crown is the five-axis in-body image stabilisation, which now delivers up to 7.5 stops of compensation with supported lenses. That opens up possibilities for handheld shooting at shutter speeds you would never normally attempt and allows travel photographers to leave the tripod at home without compromising on sharpness.

Handling and controls

The handling has also been refined. The grip is a little deeper, which makes it more secure in the hand, especially with longer lenses. The addition of USB-C charging means you can easily top up power from a portable battery while on the move, something that makes a real difference on longer trips. The updated menu system, borrowed from the flagship OM-1, is far more intuitive than before, which helps when diving into the camera’s many customisation options.

Computational Photography

Perhaps the most useful update is the new Computational Photography button, which gives instant access to OM’s clever in-camera modes. These include HDR for capturing detail in skies and shadows, focus stacking for macro depth, High-Resolution Shot mode, which produces detailed 50-megapixel files and Live ND, which mimics neutral-density filters to blur water or moving clouds. This means you can leave the bagful of filters at home and still enjoy similar creative results with a single button press. These work surprisingly well, although nothing can truly match a camera locked down to a tripod with a high-quality ND filter attached.

Video

Although this is very much a stills-led camera, video hasn’t been ignored. The OM-5 Mark II records DCI 4K up to 30p, as well as options for slow motion up to 120fps in HD. The fully articulating touchscreen is great for vlogging, and the addition of a headphone jack makes it possible to monitor sound too. However, colour grading options are more limited than in higher-end OM models. There is no Log profile or 10-bit capture, exposure aids are sparse and frame rates top out at 30p in 4K. For everyday travel clips, family films or behind-the-scenes footage, though, quality is clean and sharp, especially combined with the camera’s stabilisation system, which is still among the best in the business.

Autofocus and lens

Autofocus performance is quick and confident for most scenarios. Face and eye detection are accurate and tracking works well for everyday action, although the advanced AI detection modes are reserved for the flagship models. For stills, the system is fast enough to keep pace with travel, landscape, portrait and street photography. And, of course, the strength of a Micro Four Thirds system lies in lens choice. With a huge range of small, lightweight primes and zooms available – plus the ability to use vintage glass via adapters – the OM-5 Mark II sits at the centre of a flexible, affordable ecosystem.

Conclusion

The OM-5 Mark II isn’t the fastest or most advanced camera in the OM line-up. Instead, it strikes a balance between portability, image quality and creative flexibility few rivals can get close to. It’s a stills-first tool that delivers great results straight out of camera, with stabilisation that encourages new ways of shooting and computational tricks that unlock creative options without extra gear.

For photographers who value compact size, weather-sealed reliability and the freedom to shoot anywhere, it’s an ideal companion. Whether you’re heading out on a long-haul adventure or a walk to the park, the OM-5 Mark II makes it easier than ever to travel light and come home with lasting images.

OM System OM-5 Mark II price and availability

The OM System OM-5 Mark II is available to buy, with a starting price of £1099.

For more information, visit the OM System website.