OM Digital Solutions has released details of its new, second-generation mid-range mirrorless camera, the OM-5 Mark II, which is designed for adventure photographers.
The three colour options for the new OM-5 Mark II camera, which is shown here in front view with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 pro lens, one of two kit options offered. (Source: OM Digital Solutions.)
The new camera will be offered in three colours: black, silver and sand beige. It boasts a robust body with a magnesium-alloy frame and glass-reinforced polycarbonate cladding that supports IP53-rated weather sealing. While the OM-5 Mark II is marginally larger than the original OM-5, it’s not by much, with a weight increase of only four grams and a body measuring 125.3 x 85.2 x 52 mm, which is only 2.3 mm deeper, thanks to its deeper hand grip. It is also designed to operate in freezing temperatures, providing dependable performance in cold climates. It also features the same 20-megapixel Live MOS sensor with on-chip phase detection AF and TruePic IX processor as its predecessor, along with class-leading in-body 5-axis sync IS image stabilisation, which delivers up to a 3.5 step advantage over flagship smartphones that typically use 2-axis stabilisation. ISO sensitivity, white balance settings and focus modes are the same as in the OM-5. The EVF and monitor specs are also unchanged and the Super Sonic Wave Filter vibrates the sensor more than 30,000 times per second on startup to shake off dust particles before they can settle.
A few features have been updated and potential buyers will doubtless welcome most of the changes, starting with a revamped menu system based on the system used in the OM-1 cameras. Also welcome is the new CP button, first introduced in the OM-3, which provides one-touch access to ‘computational’ functions like Live ND, Live GND, High Res Shot, HDR, Focus Stacking and multiple Exposure modes, making them quicker and easier to use. The OM-5 Mark II offers 22 distinct Scene Modes, including options like Beach & Snow, Nature Macro, and Handheld Starlight. These modes automatically adjust parameters such as shutter speed, aperture, and ISO to suit the chosen scene. A new addition is the Night Vision function, which artificially boosts the brightness of the live view so users find it easier to frame shots after dark, when they’re capturing night scenes with star patterns or shooting stars and in other dimly-lit environments. Hand Held Assist is another new feature, which outlines the main subject in a shot and provides direct feedback on the stability of hand-held exposures in real time. The Pro Capture function is designed for recording spontaneous events by starting recording when the shutter button is half-pressed and continuing for a short period after. Users can choose from frame rates of up to 30 fps with the S-AF mode or up to 10 fps with C-AF. Face and eye priority AF have been improved with better detection capabilities that can detect faces and eyes even when they’re small, turned to the side, or partially obscured. Users can also manually select which face to prioritise when multiple people are in the frame.
On the video front, while resolution and frame rate options are largely unchanged, new video picture modes – OM-Cinema1 and OM-Cinema2 – apply a ‘cinematic flavour’ to footage. OM-Cinema1 adds warmth to shadows and is recommended for depicting natural landscapes of mountains and forests, while OM-Cinema2 reduces contrast and is recommended for depicting the sea, sky and portraits. Vertical video recording is also supported in the new camera, allowing users to create content tailored for mobile and social platforms. Users can also use the camera as a webcam via its USB-C interface, without requiring extra software. A red frame indicator is displayed during recording, while a front-facing recording lamp shows when the camera is live. The new USB Type-C interface replaces the original OM-5’s Micro-B port and also provides users with the ability to recharge the battery via a simple cable connection.
The OM-5 Mark II is due to arrive in local stores on Friday 20 June, 2025. The body alone is priced at AU$1699 (RRP), while the two kit options bundle the camera with a M.Zuiko Digital ED12-45mm f/4 PRO lens for AU$2199 or a M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm f/4-5.6 II lens for AU$2099. Purchasers who buy the camera before 31 July 2025 can qualify for an ‘Adventure bonus’ of a pair of 8×42 EXPS I binoculars via a redemption form at explore.omsystem.com/promotions.
Click here to read our review of an early production unit of the new camera.
