Olympus E-M5 Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Kit, Micro Four Thirds Review
The Olympus E-M5 Mark II is an older camera, but its sensor and stabilization are so good it might still be the best travel kit you can buy for $700.
The 30-Second Version
A compact, weather-sealed kit with a great sensor and amazing stabilization for under $700. Its autofocus and video are dated. Worth buying if you shoot stills and value portability over speed.
Overview
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II is a Micro Four Thirds camera that's been around the block, but it's still punching above its weight in a few key areas. It's a weather-sealed, compact kit that comes with a superzoom lens, making it a ready-to-go package for under $700.
Performance
The sensor lands in the 94th percentile, which is excellent for this price and sensor size, delivering great image quality. The in-body stabilization is also top-tier at the 89th percentile, letting you shoot handheld at surprisingly slow shutter speeds. Where it shows its age is in autofocus, which sits in the 44th percentile and can struggle with fast action, and video, which is capped at 1080p and ranks low. The fixed display and average battery life are other compromises.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent sensor quality for the price and size. 94th
- Top-notch in-body image stabilization (IBIS). 89th
- Compact, weather-sealed body with a versatile kit lens. 79th
- Great value for a complete, rugged kit. 76th
Cons
- Autofocus is dated and not great for fast subjects. 29th
- Video is limited to 1080p with no modern features. 34th
- The rear screen is fixed and lower resolution. 35th
- Battery life is just average.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Sensor
| Type | MOS |
| Size | Full Frame |
Shooting
| Burst (Mechanical) | 10 |
Video
| Max Resolution | 1080p |
Build
| Weather Sealed | Yes |
| Weight | 0.5 kg / 1.1 lbs |
Value & Pricing
For $700, you're getting a complete, weather-sealed system with a lens that covers a huge 28-300mm equivalent range. That's a lot of camera for the money. The value is in the stills performance and build quality, not the video or cutting-edge AF. If those are your priorities, it's a steal. If you need modern video or sports AF, your money goes further elsewhere.
vs Competition
Compared to newer rivals like the Fujifilm X-H2 or Canon EOS R6, the E-M5 II is way behind in autofocus and video. But those cameras cost two to three times as much, body-only. Its real competition is other used or older kits. It beats similar-priced entry-level DSLRs on portability and stabilization. Against its own successor, the OM System OM-3, you're paying a huge premium for the latest tech. The E-M5 II is the budget king of the rugged, compact camera world.
| Spec | Olympus E-M5 Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Kit, Micro Four Thirds | Nikon Z9 Nikon Z 9 FX-Format Mirrorless Camera Body | Sony Alpha 7 Sony a7 IV Mirrorless Camera with 28-70mm | Canon EOS R6 Canon EOS R6 Mark II Body | OM System OM-1 OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II Mirrorless Camera | Fujifilm X-H2 Fujifilm X-H2 Mirrorless Camera, Black |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | — | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Sensor | ?MP Full Frame | 45.7MP Full Frame | 33MP Full Frame | 24.2MP Full Frame | 22.9MP Micro Four Thirds | 40.2MP APS-C |
| AF Points | — | — | 759 | 1000 | 1053 | — |
| Burst FPS | 10 | 30 | 10 | 40 | 120 | 20 |
| Video | 1080p | 8K | 4K | 4K | 4K | 8K |
| IBIS | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weight (g) | 496 | 1338 | 635 | 590 | 62 | 1660 |
Common Questions
Q: Is this camera good for beginners?
Yes and no. The kit is easy to carry and the results are great, but the menu system is complex. A newer camera might have more beginner-friendly guides.
Q: Can I use other lenses with it?
Absolutely. It uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, so you have access to a huge range of lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, and others.
Q: How is it for video or vlogging?
Not recommended. Our data scores it very low (29.6/100) for vlogging. The 1080p video is basic, the AF isn't great for tracking, and the screen doesn't flip out.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this if you shoot sports, wildlife, or any fast action. The AF system isn't up to it. Also, look elsewhere if you need 4K video, a flip-out screen for vlogging, or the absolute latest subject-tracking tech. This is a stills specialist.
Verdict
Buy this if you're a stills photographer who values a lightweight, weatherproof kit for travel, hiking, or everyday use, and you don't need to shoot fast action or professional video. It's perfect for landscapes, street, and casual portraits where its superb sensor and stabilization can shine.