Olympus E-M OM-D 5 Mark II Kit Review

The sensor is in the 94th percentile, making this a compact powerhouse for stills. But the video is dated (30th percentile), the AF is middling (44th percentile), and it's terrible for vlogging. At $2600, it's a niche choice for photographers who value build and sensor over modern features.

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II lands in a weird spot. It's a camera that feels like a classic, with a sensor that's in the 94th percentile for its class and a build quality that's in the 82nd. That's impressive for a Micro Four Thirds body. But then you look at the rest of the spec sheet, and it's a mixed bag. It's a 500g, weather-sealed kit that's best suited for general photography, scoring around 50/100 in those categories, but it's a total non-starter for vlogging with a score of 16.8. It's a specialist's tool, not a jack-of-all-trades.

Performance is a tale of two halves. The sensor is the star, punching into the 94th percentile. That means you're getting image quality that's genuinely competitive with larger sensors in its price bracket. The 10fps mechanical burst is solid too, sitting in the 74th percentile. But the supporting cast isn't as strong. The autofocus is in the 44th percentile, which is fine for static scenes but won't keep up with fast action. The video specs are frankly dated, landing in the 30th percentile with only 1080p and no stabilization. And the fixed display, in the 35th percentile, feels limiting for creative angles.

At $2600 for this kit, the value proposition is tricky. You're paying for that exceptional sensor and the premium, weather-sealed build with a pro-grade lens. For a dedicated photographer who values those two things above all else, it could be worth it. But you're also paying for a camera with dated video, middling AF, and a fixed screen. Compared to modern all-rounders at similar prices, you're getting a more specialized, arguably more niche tool.

Compared to its top competitors, the E-M5 Mark II is a different beast. The Nikon Z9 and Canon R6 Mark II are full-frame powerhouses with vastly better video and AF, but they're also heavier and more expensive. The Fujifilm X-H2 offers similar build quality and a better display, but with a larger APS-C sensor. The most direct comparison might be the newer OM System OM-1 Mark II, which is the spiritual successor. It would likely crush the E-M5 II in AF, stabilization, and video, but it also costs more. This camera is for someone who wants the Micro Four Thirds compactness and that specific sensor quality, and is willing to trade modern conveniences for it.

Skip this camera if you're a hybrid shooter or content creator. Its vlogging score is a pitiful 16.8/100, and its video specs are in the 30th percentile. Also, if you need cutting-edge autofocus (44th percentile) for action, or a tilting screen (35th percentile display score) for creative compositions, you'll be frustrated. This is a stills photographer's tool, not an all-rounder.

We'd recommend this camera only to a specific buyer: a photographer who prioritizes sensor quality and a tough, compact build above everything else, including modern video features and cutting-edge autofocus. Its scores in photography categories are decent, but its weaknesses are glaring. If you need a balanced tool for both photos and video, or if you shoot fast-moving subjects, look at the competitors. This is a classic that's still great at what it was designed for, but it hasn't evolved.