Olympus E-M5 Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Micro Four Thirds System Review

A classic, weather-sealed Micro Four Thirds camera with a best-in-class sensor for its size, but dated autofocus and video. At its low price point (around $500), it's a unique steal for stills shooters. At its high price, look elsewhere.

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II is a bit of a time capsule. It's a Micro Four Thirds camera from 2015 that still has a cult following, and for good reason. It packs a classic, rangefinder-style body that's weather-sealed, a best-in-class sensor for its size, and a unique 5-axis stabilization system that was ahead of its time.

But let's be real: this is a stills-first camera from another era. Its video chops are limited to 1080p, the autofocus can't keep up with modern systems, and the battery life is just okay. You're buying it for a specific, tactile shooting experience, not for bleeding-edge tech.

The 16MP sensor is the star here. For a Micro Four Thirds chip, it's one of the best on the market, delivering sharp, detailed images with great color. The 10fps mechanical burst is solid for its class, but the autofocus system is a weak spot that lags behind most modern cameras, making it less ideal for fast action. The 5-axis stabilization is impressive for stills, but it's about average by today's standards.

Here's the wild part: this camera's price swings from a steal at $497 to a head-scratcher at $2000. At the low end, it's fantastic value for a weather-sealed body with this sensor and build. At the high end, you're paying for nostalgia, not performance. Our advice? Hunt for the deals. If you can find it under $600, it's a compelling pick for a certain type of photographer.

Stacked against modern rivals, it's not a direct fight. The Sony a7 IV or Canon R6 Mark II will run circles around it for autofocus and video. Even its spiritual successor, the OM System OM-1, is in a different league. But if you're comparing it to other older, compact systems, the E-M5 Mark II's build and sensor give it an edge. Think of it as a premium alternative to an entry-level DSLR from the same era, but in a much nicer package.

Skip this if you need reliable autofocus for sports, pets, or kids. Its tracking is a real letdown. Also, if you're a hybrid shooter who wants crisp 4K video, this isn't your camera. Look at a used Sony a6xxx series instead.

Buy this if you're a hobbyist or enthusiast who values a compact, weather-sealed body for travel and street photography, and you prioritize still image quality over video or fast autofocus. It's a joy to use with manual focus lenses. Just don't expect it to keep up with your kid's soccer game.