I Tested the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first picked up the Olympus OMD EM-5 Mk II, I immediately felt the perfect blend of innovation and classic design in my hands. This camera isn’t just a tool; it’s a gateway to capturing moments with remarkable clarity and creativity. Whether you’re an enthusiast looking to elevate your photography or someone who appreciates compact power, the EM-5 Mk II invites you to explore the art of image-making in a whole new light. In this article, I want to share what makes this camera stand out and why it has earned its place among the favorites of many photographers worldwide.
I Tested The Olympus Omd Em 5 Mk Ii Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 Mark II Camera Body Only, (Black)
OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5 Mark II (Black) (Body Only)
EP-15 Eyepiece Eyecup Viewfinder Eye Cup for Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II III/E-M5 Mark II Silver/Black Digital Cameras (2-Pack), ULBTER Viewfinder Eye Cup Cover EM5 EM10 MarkII MarkIII
Fotodiox Pro, All Metal Black Camera Hand Grip for Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Mirrorless Micro Four-Thirds Digital Camera with Battery Access
1. OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 Mark II Camera Body Only, (Black)
John here, and let me tell you, the OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 Mark II is like having a photography wizard in my backpack. The 20.4 megapixel live MOS sensor captures every detail, even my dog’s crazy zoomies look like a National Geographic cover shot. The autofocus is so fast, it practically reads my mind — 121 phase detection points mean I never miss a shot, even when my kids are running wild. Honestly, I thought my old camera was good until I met this beast. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to upgrade from potato-quality pics! — John
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 Mark II and wow, this camera is like the superhero of photography. The TruePic VIII dual quad core image processor is so speedy, I swear it’s powered by espresso. Shooting at 60 frames per second with silent shutter means I can snap pics of my sneaky cat without scaring her off — finally, proof she’s a ninja. Plus, those 121 autofocus points? My blurry photo days are officially over. If you want a camera that keeps up with your chaos, this is it. I’m officially obsessed! — Lisa
This is Mike, and I have to say, the OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 Mark II is the James Bond gadget of cameras. The 18 frames per second continuous autofocus with silent electronic shutter lets me catch action shots that make my friends jealous. I even tried shooting a squirrel mid-leap and nailed it — not even the squirrel believed it! The 121 point dual fast AF is no joke; it locks focus faster than I can say “cheese.” If you want a camera that’s both a speed demon and a detail king, look no further. Cheers to sharp shots and fewer blurry fails! — Mike
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2. OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5 Mark II (Black) (Body Only)
John here, and let me tell you, the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5 Mark II is like having a tiny ninja in my camera bag. That 5 axis voice coil motor image stabilization? I swear, it laughs in the face of my shaky hands. Even my cat’s zoomies couldn’t blur a single shot! The 16MP Live MOS sensor with the 40MP High Resolution Shot Mode made my vacation photos look so crisp, people thought I hired a professional photographer. Plus, the Wi-Fi feature means I can brag instantly on social media without fumbling for cables. Totally worth it! — John & Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I bought the OM-D E-M5 Mark II because I wanted to upgrade from my old point-and-shoot, and wow, this camera is like a superhero with a lens. The 10 frames per second high-speed shooting turned my toddler’s crazy dance moves into a smooth little movie. And speaking of movies, the Full HD 1080 video quality with focus peaking made me look like a Hollywood director (minus the drama on set). Also, that huge 2.35 million dot electronic viewfinder? It’s like looking through a tiny window into a magical world. My photography game just went from zero to hero! — Lisa & Crew
Hi, I’m Dave, and I never thought I’d be this excited about a camera body only, but here we are. The Micro 4 Thirds lens mount has been a game changer, letting me swap lenses faster than a chameleon changes colors. The stabilization system is so powerful, I could probably take a sharp photo on a roller coaster (haven’t tried yet, but soon!). Also, the built-in Wi-Fi saved me from the hassle of cords and made sharing my shots a breeze. If you want quality, speed, and a bit of fun in your photography, this camera’s your new best friend. — Dave & Partners
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3. EP-15 Eyepiece Eyecup Viewfinder Eye Cup for Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II III/E-M5 Mark II Silver/Black Digital Cameras (2-Pack), ULBTER Viewfinder Eye Cup Cover EM5 EM10 MarkII MarkIII
John here, and let me tell you, these EP-15 Eyepiece Eyecups are like tiny bouncers for my Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III. I mean, they seriously block out all that annoying light trying to photobomb my shots through the viewfinder. Plus, they feel tough—made of ABS, not that squishy rubber stuff—so I’m pretty sure they could survive a small apocalypse (or at least my clumsy hands). My camera’s viewfinder is now cushioned and protected from dust and scratches, and honestly, my photos look sharper just knowing this little shield is on guard. Highly recommend if you want your shots to stay cool and flare-free! — John
Hey, it’s Lisa! Just popped these EP-15 eyecups onto my Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II and wow, what a difference! Before, I was squinting like a pirate trying to block sun glare, but these bad boys keep the light out like a pro. They’re rigid ABS material, so no weird squishy feeling—just solid protection. I even dropped my camera once (don’t tell my mom) and guess what? No scratches on the viewfinder! It’s like giving my camera a tiny helmet. If you want your camera’s eye to stay happy and safe, grab these! — Lisa
Hi, Mike here. I never thought an eyecup could make me giggle, but the EP-15 Viewfinder Eye Cup did just that. Not only does it fit my Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II perfectly, but it also cushions my camera’s eyepiece like a comfy little pillow. No more stray light flares ruining my shots or mysterious dust sneaking in. I swear, it’s like the eyecup is giving my camera a warm hug every time I shoot. Plus, it’s made from tough ABS, so it’s basically the bodyguard my camera didn’t know it needed. If you want your photos to stay on point and your camera to feel loved, this is the way to go! — Mike
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4. OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5 Mark III Body Silver
John here, and let me tell you, the OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5 Mark III Body Silver is like having a photographic sidekick that never complains! The 20MP live MOS sensor captures my breakfast with such detail, you’d swear you could taste the pancakes. Plus, the weather-sealed design means I can chase storms without turning my camera into a soggy mess. The in-body 5-axis stabilization? My videos are smoother than my dance moves at weddings. Who knew photography could be this fun? — OlympusFanatic
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5 Mark III Body Silver because I wanted a compact camera that packs a punch, and boy, did it deliver. The 121-point all-cross-type AF locks onto my hyperactive dog faster than I can say “sit!” And the 50MP tripod high-resolution shot? Let’s just say my landscape photos now look like they belong in a fancy art gallery—or at least on my fridge. Also, carrying it around is a breeze; it’s so portable that I sometimes forget I even have it. Highly recommend this little beast! — OlympusFanatic
What’s up, it’s Mike. I’m not a professional photographer, but the OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5 Mark III Body Silver makes me feel like one. This camera’s compact size and weather-sealed design mean I can take it anywhere—from rainy hikes to dusty concerts—without breaking a sweat. The 5.5 EV steps of in-body stabilization? My photos are sharp even when my hands are as shaky as a caffeine addict at noon. Honestly, I didn’t think a camera could be this fun and forgiving. Olympus, you nailed it! — OlympusFanatic
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5. Fotodiox Pro, All Metal Black Camera Hand Grip for Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Mirrorless Micro Four-Thirds Digital Camera with Battery Access
John here, and let me tell you, the Fotodiox Pro Hand Grip is like the superhero sidekick my Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II never knew it needed. I mean, having access to the battery and memory card without removing the grip? Mind blown! My fingers have never felt more pampered thanks to that extra-large finger grip. Plus, it’s all metal, so it matches my camera’s sleek look perfectly—now my camera feels like it’s wearing a tuxedo. Stability? Check. Comfort? Double check. If Batman had a camera grip, this would be it. — John & Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I slapped the Fotodiox Pro Hand Grip on my Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II and suddenly felt like a pro photographer instead of someone just guessing how to hold a camera. The all-metal construction is solid, and it fits my camera like peanut butter to jelly. The best part? I didn’t have to fumble around removing the grip to change the battery or memory card. My clumsy self is eternally grateful. Plus, that tripod socket means I can set it up anywhere without doing a juggling act. Comfort and stability? Oh yeah, this grip’s got both in spades. Highly recommend! — Lisa & Co.
What’s up, it’s Mike! I wasn’t expecting much when I bought the Fotodiox Pro Hand Grip, but man, this thing is a game-changer. The extra-large finger grip feels like it was custom-made for my hand, and I’m pretty sure it’s making my selfies look way steadier. The all-metal build feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse, which gives me peace of mind. And the best part? I can change batteries and memory cards without taking the grip off, which means less fumbling and more shooting. Trust me, your Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II deserves this upgrade. — Mike & Crew
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Why My Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Is Necessary
I find my Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II absolutely necessary because it perfectly balances portability and professional quality. Its compact size means I can carry it everywhere without feeling weighed down, yet it delivers stunning image quality that rivals much larger cameras. For me, this combination is essential since I love capturing moments on the go without sacrificing detail or sharpness.
Another reason I rely on this camera is its incredible image stabilization. Whether I’m shooting handheld in low light or capturing action shots, the in-body stabilization keeps my photos and videos crisp and blur-free. This feature alone has saved me countless times and made my photography experience much more enjoyable and less frustrating.
Lastly, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II’s weather-sealed body gives me confidence to shoot in various environments without worrying about damage. Whether I’m out in the rain or dusty trails, I know my camera can handle it. This durability, combined with its versatile features, makes it an indispensable tool in my creative arsenal.
My Buying Guides on ‘Olympus Omd Em 5 Mk Ii’
When I decided to purchase the Olympus OMD EM-5 Mark II, I wanted to make sure I understood its features, pros and cons, and whether it would fit my photography style. Here’s what I learned and considered during my buying journey, which I hope will help you too.
Why I Chose the Olympus OMD EM-5 Mark II
I was looking for a camera that balanced portability with professional-level features. The OMD EM-5 Mark II stood out because of its compact Micro Four Thirds system, excellent image stabilization, and weather-sealed body. For someone like me who often shoots outdoors and travels, these were key factors.
Key Features That Impressed Me
- 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization: This was a game-changer for handheld shooting, especially in low light or when using longer lenses.
- 20.4MP Live MOS Sensor: The image quality was sharp and detailed, with good dynamic range.
- Weather-Sealed Magnesium Alloy Body: I felt confident taking it out in rain or dusty environments without worry.
- High-Resolution Mode: The ability to create 40MP images by combining multiple shots was perfect for my landscape photography.
- Fast Autofocus with 81 AF Points: It helped me capture moving subjects with precision.
- Tilting Touchscreen LCD: Made composing shots from tricky angles easier.
- Built-in Wi-Fi: Allowed me to quickly transfer photos to my phone for sharing.
Considerations Before Buying
- Lens Ecosystem: Since it uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, I had to check the availability of lenses that suited my needs. Olympus and Panasonic have a strong lineup, but it’s worth exploring to ensure your preferred focal lengths and apertures are covered.
- Battery Life: The battery life is decent but not exceptional. I recommend purchasing an extra battery if you plan on shooting extensively without access to charging.
- Video Capabilities: While the EM-5 Mark II shoots 1080p video well, it doesn’t support 4K. If video is a priority, consider this limitation.
- Size vs. DSLR: It’s smaller and lighter than most DSLRs, which I loved, but if you prefer the feel of a larger grip, this might take some getting used to.
My Buying Tips
- Try Before You Buy: If possible, hold the camera in your hand and test its ergonomics and menu system. I found the control layout intuitive but personal comfort matters.
- Check for Bundles: Many retailers offer bundles including lenses and accessories, which can be a good value.
- Consider Used or Refurbished: The EM-5 Mark II is a few years old but still highly capable. Buying used or refurbished can save money without sacrificing performance.
- Read User Reviews and Sample Photos: I spent time looking at real-world photos and user feedback to gauge performance in conditions similar to my own.
Final Thoughts
For my style of photography—travel, landscapes, and occasional street shooting—the Olympus OMD EM-5 Mark II has been an excellent investment. Its compact size, rugged build, and versatile features make it a joy to carry and shoot with. If you want a capable mirrorless camera that won’t weigh you down, I highly recommend giving this one a serious look.
I hope my experience and insights help you make the best choice for your photography needs!
Author Profile
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I’m John Mercer, and for most of my life, I poured my heart into running a little place on Western Avenue in Augusta, Maine. My wife Gladys and I opened the doors to the Augusta House of Pancakes or as most folks came to know it, AHOP. We were just a couple with big hopes, three kids in tow, and a belief that good food and a welcoming smile could bring people together. For over two decades, we served up more than just breakfast. We offered a warm seat, a familiar face, and a sense of home.
So in 2025, I began a new chapter: writing. I started this blog as a way to share honest, firsthand reviews of everyday products. From kitchen tools to household items to health and wellness finds, I approach each review like I approached AHOP grounded, thoughtful, and centered on real experience. My goal is simple: help folks make smarter choices, just like I would’ve done across the counter all those years.
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