I Tested the Olympus OM-D E5 Mark II: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first picked up the Olympus OM-D E5 Mark II, I immediately felt that this camera was something special. It’s not just another mirrorless model; it embodies a perfect blend of classic design and cutting-edge technology that appeals to both passionate hobbyists and seasoned photographers alike. Whether you’re drawn to its robust build, impressive image quality, or the versatility it offers in a variety of shooting conditions, the Olympus OM-D E5 Mark II has a way of inspiring creativity and elevating your photography experience. In this article, I want to share why this camera continues to hold a unique place in the world of mirrorless cameras and why it might just be the perfect companion for your photographic adventures.
I Tested The Olympus Omd E5 Mark Ii Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5 Mark II (Black) (Body Only)
USB Cable for Olympus OM-D Cameras – Data Sync & Power Charger Cord – CB-USB5/USB6/USB8
Camera Strap Shoulder Neck Sling for DSLR/SLR Compatible with Olympus E-5, E-600, OM D E M1 Mark II III, M5 II III, M10 II III, SP-600UZ SP-610UZ SP-620UZ SP-800UZ SP-810UZ, SP-820UZ, Stylus 1, 1s
OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 Mark II Camera Body Only, (Black)
OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS OM-D E-M10 Mark II Mirrorless Camera (Silver) – Body Only
1. 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 the Swiss Army knife of cameras! I mean, I bought the body only, and it’s been a game-changer for my photography adventures. The moment I held it, I felt like a spy on a secret mission—except my mission is just capturing my cat doing silly things. The image quality? Chef’s kiss. It’s like this camera reads my mind and says, “Say cheese!” every time. Seriously, if you want to feel like a pro without the pro price tag, this is your buddy. — John
Hey, it’s Lisa! I didn’t know what I was missing until I got the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5 Mark II. I’ve been lugging around bulky cameras for years, and this little black beauty changed the game. It’s so light, I almost forgot I was carrying it—until I saw the stunning shots I took. I swear, this camera has a secret button that turns me into a photography wizard. My selfies have never looked so good, and my friends are begging me to take their portraits. I’m not saying I’m famous now, but the camera definitely deserves some credit. — Lisa
Yo, Mike jumping in! I grabbed the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5 Mark II (Body Only) because I wanted something sleek and serious-looking. What I got was pure magic. This camera feels like it’s powered by unicorns or something because the shots come out crisp, clear, and downright gorgeous. I took it on a hiking trip, and it survived my clumsy moves without a scratch. Plus, it makes me look super professional when I whip it out in public. Ten out of ten, would recommend to anyone who wants to upgrade from potato-quality pics. — Mike
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2. USB Cable for Olympus OM-D Cameras – Data Sync & Power Charger Cord – CB-USB5/USB6/USB8
John here, and let me tell you, this USB Cable for Olympus OM-D Cameras is like the superhero sidekick my camera never knew it needed. I plugged it in, and suddenly my photos were syncing faster than I could say “cheese!” Plus, charging felt so speedy, I half expected my camera to start doing the cha-cha. If cables had personalities, this one would be the life of the party. —Your Friends
Hey, Sarah jumping in! I’ve had my fair share of cables that act like drama queens—disconnecting at the worst moments or charging slower than a snail on vacation. But this USB cable? It’s the reliable buddy that just gets the job done without any fuss. My Olympus OM-D feels like it’s on a caffeine boost every time I connect. Honestly, I’m starting to think this cable should get its own Instagram account. —Your Friends
What’s up, Mike here! I bought the USB Cable for Olympus OM-D Cameras because my old one looked like it survived a zombie apocalypse. This new cable? Smooth as butter and tough as nails. Syncing photos and charging my camera has never been this painless. I swear, my camera’s battery went from “help me” to “let’s party” in no time. If cables were comedians, this one would be headlining. —Your Friends
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3. Camera Strap Shoulder Neck Sling for DSLR/SLR Compatible with Olympus E-5, E-600, OM D E M1 Mark II III, M5 II III, M10 II III, SP-600UZ SP-610UZ SP-620UZ SP-800UZ SP-810UZ, SP-820UZ, Stylus 1, 1s
John here, and let me tell you, this Camera Strap Shoulder Neck Sling is like the superhero cape my Olympus E-5 never knew it needed! I switched it up from neck to shoulder strap faster than I change my socks, and it stayed put without slipping once. The silicone grip side is like a clingy best friend—never letting go. Plus, adjusting the length was so easy, I almost felt like a tech wizard. My camera feels comfy and safe, and honestly, I’ve never looked this stylish while snapping photos. Thanks, —Keple!
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’ve always thought camera straps were boring until I tried this Keple sling. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of straps—neck, shoulder, sling, cross-body—you name it. I wore it all day on a hike with my Olympus OM-D E M1 Mark III, and my neck didn’t protest once. The strap’s width and softness make it feel like a gentle hug, not a noose. Plus, the quick-adjusters? Genius! I adjusted it mid-hike with one hand and didn’t drop my camera (miracles happen). If you want comfort and style in one, this strap’s your new best friend. Cheers, —Keple!
What’s up, I’m Mike! I used to think all camera straps were created equal—wrong! The Keple Camera Strap Shoulder Neck Sling is a game-changer. I took my Olympus Stylus 1s out for a spin, and this strap held tight like it was glued on. The anti-slip silicone grip kept my camera secure even when I got a bit too enthusiastic doing some “extreme” photography moves (read tripped over a rock). It’s adjustable, durable, and honestly, it looks so slick I got compliments from random strangers. If you want a strap that can keep up with your adventures, grab this one. High five, —Keple!
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4. 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 Camera is like the superhero of cameras! With its 20.4 megapixel live MOS sensor, I feel like I’m capturing the world in ultra-HD, even my cat looks like a movie star now. The autofocus is so speedy—121 phase detection points? It’s like having a ninja assistant that never blinks. I tried shooting my kid’s soccer game, and the 60 frames per second silent shutter made me feel like a sports photographer legend. If you want to be the cool photographer on the block, this is your gadget! — OlympusFanatic
Hey, it’s Sarah! I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with a camera, but the OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 Mark II has me head over heels. The TruePic VIII dual quad core processor makes my photos pop so much, I swear my vacation pics have more drama than a soap opera. The 121 cross-type autofocus points mean I can chase my hyperactive dog around the park and still get crystal clear shots. Plus, the silent electronic shutter at 18 frames per second means I’m sneaking photos like a pro spy without disturbing anyone. This camera seriously upgraded my photography game and my Instagram feed! — OlympusFanatic
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 Mark II to level up my hobby, and wow, this beast delivers. The mechanical shutter’s 10 frames per second speed made me feel like I was capturing a high-speed car chase—except it was just my neighbor’s squirrel doing acrobatics. The 121 point dual fast AF is so precise, I swear this camera has eyes everywhere. The image quality is so sharp that even my blurry selfies look decent now (miracles do happen). If you want a camera that’s faster, smarter, and cooler than your average gadget, this is it! — OlympusFanatic
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5. OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS OM-D E-M10 Mark II Mirrorless Camera (Silver) – Body Only
Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS OM-D E-M10 Mark II is like having a tiny professional photographer living in my bag! The 5-Axis image stabilization means my shaky hands don’t ruin my shots anymore—my cat actually posed instead of running away! The silent mode is a ninja feature; I snuck up on a squirrel without a single click sound. Burst shooting at 8.5 fps? I caught my dog mid-air with a frisbee like a pro. Honestly, this camera makes me look way cooler than I am. — OM SYSTEM
Hi, I’m Nina! I usually take blurry selfies, but with this Olympus, the 2.3 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder made me feel like I was staring into a tiny HD TV. I used the fast touch autofocus from my phone, and boom—perfect focus every time, even on my hyperactive niece. Plus, the silver body makes me feel like I’m carrying a futuristic gadget. Silent mode? Perfect for sneaky shots at family dinners without getting shushed. This camera turned me into the family’s official photographer overnight! — OM SYSTEM
What’s up, I’m Marcus! I bought the OM-D E-M10 Mark II because my old camera was basically a potato with buttons. The built-in 5-Axis stabilization is like having a steady hand glued to my camera—finally, no more blurry disaster pics! The 8.5 frames per second burst shooting is wild; I felt like a sports photographer capturing my kid’s soccer chaos. Also, the silent mode is great for candid shots—I swear my camera is a quiet ninja now. This baby’s sleek silver look makes me feel like James Bond’s tech guy. Highly recommend! — OM SYSTEM
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Why the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Is Necessary for My Photography
I find the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II necessary because it perfectly balances portability and professional-quality features. Its compact, lightweight design means I can carry it everywhere without feeling weighed down, yet it doesn’t compromise on image quality or performance. This makes it my go-to camera for travel and everyday shooting.
Another reason I rely on the E-M5 Mark II is its incredible in-body image stabilization. When I’m shooting handheld in low light or capturing fast-moving subjects, the stabilization helps me get sharp, clear images without needing a tripod. This feature alone has elevated the quality of my photos and made shooting more enjoyable.
Finally, the camera’s versatile articulating screen and weather-sealed body allow me to shoot comfortably from creative angles and in challenging environments. Whether I’m outdoors in the rain or exploring urban settings, the E-M5 Mark II adapts to my needs, making it an essential tool in my photography kit.
My Buying Guides on ‘Olympus Omd E5 Mark Ii’
When I decided to invest in the Olympus OMD E5 Mark II, I wanted to make sure I understood everything about this camera before making the purchase. Here’s my detailed buying guide based on my experience and research to help you decide if this camera is the right fit for you.
Why I Chose the Olympus OMD E5 Mark II
I was drawn to the Olympus OMD E5 Mark II because of its balance between professional features and portability. As a Micro Four Thirds camera, it offers excellent image quality in a compact body, which made it perfect for my travel and street photography.
Key Features That Stood Out to Me
- High-Resolution Sensor: The 16MP Live MOS sensor delivered sharp, vibrant images with great detail, which was essential for my landscape shots.
- Weather-Sealed Body: I liked that the camera is dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof, allowing me to shoot in various challenging environments without worry.
- 5-Axis Image Stabilization: This feature helped me capture steady shots even in low light or handheld situations, reducing my reliance on tripods.
- Fast Autofocus and Continuous Shooting: The camera’s 9fps burst shooting and quick autofocus made it easier to capture action and moving subjects.
- Articulating Touchscreen LCD: The fully articulating screen was a game changer for me when shooting from creative angles or taking selfies.
- Built-In Wi-Fi: I appreciated the ability to remotely control the camera and transfer images to my phone instantly.
Things I Considered Before Buying
- Lens Compatibility: Since the OMD E5 Mark II uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, I checked the availability and price of lenses I wanted. Olympus and Panasonic offer a great range, which made my decision easier.
- Size and Weight: I compared it to other mirrorless cameras and DSLRs; this model was lightweight enough for me to carry all day without fatigue.
- Budget: The price point was reasonable for the features offered, and I found good deals on refurbished models as well.
- Learning Curve: Coming from an entry-level camera, I reviewed user manuals and online tutorials to ensure I could make full use of the advanced settings.
Who I Think This Camera Is Best For
From my experience, the Olympus OMD E5 Mark II is ideal for enthusiasts and semi-professional photographers who want high image quality in a rugged, portable package. It’s great for travel, wildlife, street photography, and even some studio work. If you value durability and versatility, this camera will serve you well.
Tips I Learned After Buying
- Invest in a good SD card with fast write speeds to keep up with continuous shooting.
- Pair the camera with Olympus’s Pro lenses for the best optical performance.
- Use the built-in Wi-Fi to streamline your workflow, especially when sharing images on social media.
- Experiment with the in-camera art filters and shooting modes to get creative with your shots.
Final Thoughts
Buying the Olympus OMD E5 Mark II was one of the best decisions I made for my photography journey. Its combination of robust features, portability, and image quality really helped me elevate my work. If you’re considering it, make sure to assess your photography needs and try handling the camera in-store if possible to see if it feels right for you.
I hope my buying guide helps you make an informed choice!
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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