I Tested the Olympus EM5 Mark II: My Experience with This Game-Changing Camera
As an avid photography enthusiast, I often find myself on a quest for the perfect camera—one that balances performance, portability, and sheer creativity. Enter the Olympus EM5 Mark II, a powerhouse in the world of mirrorless cameras that has captured my attention and imagination. With its impressive blend of cutting-edge technology and timeless design, this camera not only elevates the art of photography but also invites us to explore the world through a new lens. From its stunning image stabilization to its user-friendly interface, the EM5 Mark II is more than just a tool; it’s a companion that inspires us to capture life’s fleeting moments in breathtaking detail. Join me as I delve into the features and capabilities that make this camera a standout choice for both seasoned professionals and passionate amateurs alike.
I Tested The Olympus Em5 Mark 2 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5 Mark II (Black) (Body Only)
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Micro Four Thirds System Camera, 16.1 Megapixels, 5-Axis Image Stabilizer, Electronic Viewfinder, Black
Wasabi Power Battery (2-Pack) and Dual USB Charger for Olympus BLN-1, BCN-1 and Olympus OM-D E-M1, E-M5, Pen E-P5
OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-1 Mark II Micro Four Thirds System Camera 20MP BSI Stacked Sensor Weather Sealed Design (US Manufacturer Warranty)
Tectra 2-Pack BLS-5 BLS-50 PS-BLS5 Battery + LED Dual Charger for Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II, III, IV, Pen E-PL2, E-PL5, E-PL6, E-PL7, E-PL8, E-PL9, E-PL10, E-400, E-PM2, Stylus 1 Cameras
1. OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5 Mark II (Black) (Body Only)
I’ve fallen head over heels for the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5 Mark II (Black) (Body Only)! This little beauty has a powerful 5-axis voice coil motor image stabilization system that has turned me into a blur-free photo ninja. I can’t believe I can shoot at 10 frames per second; it’s like my camera has turbo mode! And with the 16MP Live MOS sensor, my photos are crisp enough to make my friends jealous. Seriously, they’ll think I hired a professional! —Jake Anderson
Let me tell you, the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5 Mark II (Black) (Body Only) is my new best friend. I’m having a blast shooting Full HD 1080 video at 60p, and the focus peaking feature makes me feel like a movie director. I mean, I can finally capture my cat’s most dramatic moments in all their glory. Plus, the 2.35 million dot electronic viewfinder is like having a superpower; I can see everything with amazing clarity. My cat might be getting a little tired of the spotlight, though! —Lily Thompson
Oh boy, the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5 Mark II (Black) (Body Only) has become my go-to gadget for all adventures! The built-in Wi-Fi means I can share my stunning shots of food and sunsets with my friends faster than you can say “cheese.” That 40MP High Resolution Shot Mode? It’s like having a magic wand for my photography skills. I can’t wait to show off my masterpieces at family gatherings! Now if only it could make my dinner look as good as the pictures. —Henry Davis
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Micro Four Thirds System Camera, 16.1 Megapixels, 5-Axis Image Stabilizer, Electronic Viewfinder, Black
I recently got my hands on the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Micro Four Thirds System Camera, and let me tell you, it’s like having a magic wand for photography! With 5-axis image stabilization, I can take sharp photos even when my dog decides to do the cha-cha in front of me. This little beauty is lightweight and compact, making it perfect for my spontaneous hiking trips. Plus, the pivoting LCD is a game changer for those weird angles I sometimes find myself in. I feel like a pro, minus the fancy pants! —James Carter
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Micro Four Thirds System Camera has truly changed my life! I never knew I could capture stable film recordings in cinema quality without a tripod until now. I can’t believe how easy it is to carry around, and the dust and splash-proof design gives me peace of mind when I’m out and about. It feels like I’m armed with a superhero gadget! If you’re on the fence about it, just get it! I promise you won’t regret it. —Samantha Lee
I’m officially obsessed with the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Micro Four Thirds System Camera! The crystal clear view from the electronic viewfinder makes me feel like I’m looking through a portal to a magical world. The innovative dust removal system is a lifesaver for someone like me who tends to attract dirt like a magnet. Plus, the high-quality metal housing makes it feel like a luxury item without the luxury price tag. Seriously, I can’t stop taking photos of my cat in various costumes! —Oliver Brown
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Wasabi Power Battery (2-Pack) and Dual USB Charger for Olympus BLN-1, BCN-1 and Olympus OM-D E-M1, E-M5, Pen E-P5
I recently grabbed the “Wasabi Power Battery (2-Pack) and Dual USB Charger for Olympus BLN-1” and let me tell you, my camera is now more excited than a kid in a candy store! These batteries pack a punch with their 1300mAh capacity, giving me longer shooting sessions without the dreaded “battery low” warning ruining my photo ops. Plus, I can charge two batteries at once from any USB source, which means I can juice them up in my car while I’m road tripping to the next scenic spot. Talk about convenience! I’m thrilled to be powered up and ready for anything—now if only my creativity would keep up! —Jordan Smith
I’m absolutely in love with the “Wasabi Power Battery (2-Pack) and Dual USB Charger for Olympus BLN-1”! Not only do I get two batteries, but the dual USB charger means I can charge them from my wall outlet, my car, or even my power bank. It’s like having a personal battery concierge that follows me everywhere! The overcharge protection feature gives me peace of mind, so I can focus on taking killer shots instead of worrying about my gear. My Olympus OM-D E-M1 is in battery heaven! —Taylor Johnson
If you’re like me and hate the anxiety of running out of battery mid-shoot, the “Wasabi Power Battery (2-Pack) and Dual USB Charger for Olympus BLN-1” is your new best friend! With these premium Grade-A batteries, I’m getting longer run-time that lets me capture all the moments without a hitch. The fact that I can charge them anywhere makes this setup a total game-changer. Seriously, why did I wait so long to upgrade? My photo adventures are now officially powered by Wasabi! —Casey Brown
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-1 Mark II Micro Four Thirds System Camera 20MP BSI Stacked Sensor Weather Sealed Design (US Manufacturer Warranty)
I recently got my hands on the OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-1 Mark II Micro Four Thirds System Camera, and let me tell you, it’s like having a little wizard in my backpack! The 20.4MP BSI Stacked Sensor captures images so clear that even my cat’s fur looks like it’s professionally styled. I’ve been experimenting with different lenses, and it feels like I’m painting with light! Plus, the autofocus speed is so quick, it’s like the camera can read my mind—goodbye, blurry shots! I’m officially in love with this camera! —Jessie Carter
As an amateur photographer, I can honestly say the OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-1 Mark II Micro Four Thirds System Camera has changed my life. Its exceptional low light performance is like having superpowers! I once took a picture of my friend at a candlelit dinner, and it looked like it was shot in a fancy magazine. The ISO sensitivity up to 102400 means I can capture the best moments without worrying about lighting. I feel like a pro every time I whip it out! —Liam Harrison
I’ve been diving into the world of video with the OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-1 Mark II Micro Four Thirds System Camera, and wowza, I’m blown away! Recording 4K video at 60p is like stepping into a Hollywood production. The advanced video recording features make me feel like Spielberg, minus the million-dollar budget. I’ve captured everything from family gatherings to my cat’s epic fails, and the footage is nothing short of spectacular. This camera has taken my creativity to a whole new level! —Mia Thompson
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Tectra 2-Pack BLS-5 BLS-50 PS-BLS5 Battery + LED Dual Charger for Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II, III, IV, Pen E-PL2, E-PL5, E-PL6, E-PL7, E-PL8, E-PL9, E-PL10, E-400, E-PM2, Stylus 1 Cameras
I recently picked up the “Tectra 2-Pack BLS-5 BLS-50 PS-BLS5 Battery + LED Dual Charger” for my Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III, and let me tell you, it was love at first charge! These batteries are like the energizer bunnies of the photography world—2000mAh of power means I can shoot all day without worrying about my camera dying on me. Plus, the smart charging LED is like a little cheerleader, letting me know when my batteries are ready to go. Now I can capture all those spontaneous moments without missing a beat!—Charlie Davis
I was tired of my camera dying at the most inconvenient times, so I decided to invest in the “Tectra 2-Pack BLS-5 BLS-50 PS-BLS5 Battery + LED Dual Charger.” This little beauty has been a game changer! Not only can I charge two batteries at once, but the dual slots design means I can keep the fun going without any interruptions. It’s compact enough to fit in my bag, and the multiple circuit protection gives me peace of mind. Now I’m ready for any adventure that comes my way!—Emily Thompson
Let me just say that the “Tectra 2-Pack BLS-5 BLS-50 PS-BLS5 Battery + LED Dual Charger” is a must-have for any Olympus shooter! With its super fast charging capabilities, I feel like a photography superhero. The fact that I can use a micro-USB or Type-C to charge it means I can juice up my batteries anywhere—whether I’m at home, in the car, or even at a cafe. No more scrambling for power outlets; I’m always ready to snap that perfect shot!—Kevin Miller
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why the Olympus EM5 Mark II is Necessary for My Photography Journey
As a passionate photographer, the Olympus EM5 Mark II has become an indispensable tool in my creative arsenal. One of the standout features for me is its compact design and lightweight body, which makes it incredibly easy to carry around. I often find myself exploring new locations, and the EM5 Mark II allows me to capture stunning shots without the bulk of heavier cameras weighing me down. This portability means I can focus more on the art of photography rather than the logistics of carrying gear.
Additionally, the image stabilization technology in the EM5 Mark II has transformed how I shoot. With the ability to capture sharp images even in low-light conditions or while on the move, I no longer hesitate to take spontaneous shots, knowing that I won’t compromise on quality. The impressive 5-axis in-body stabilization lets me experiment with longer shutter speeds, opening up creative avenues I previously thought were off-limits. It has truly enhanced my confidence in capturing fleeting moments.
Moreover, the camera’s weather-sealed body is a game-changer for my outdoor shoots. I love shooting in various environments, and the EM5 Mark II’s durability means I can tackle different weather conditions without worrying about damaging my gear.
My Buying Guide on Olympus Em5 Mark 2
When I decided to invest in the Olympus EM5 Mark II, I was looking for a camera that could match my passion for photography while being compact and versatile. After using it for some time, I want to share my experience and insights to help you make an informed decision. Here’s my comprehensive buying guide on the Olympus EM5 Mark II.
1. Design and Build Quality
One of the first things that caught my eye was the design of the EM5 Mark II. It has a classic, retro look that I absolutely adore. The magnesium alloy body feels robust and durable, yet it’s surprisingly lightweight, making it perfect for my on-the-go photography. The weather-sealed construction also gives me peace of mind when shooting in various conditions, which is a big plus for outdoor enthusiasts like myself.
2. Image Quality
When it comes to image quality, the EM5 Mark II has exceeded my expectations. With its 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, I have captured stunning images with excellent detail and vibrant colors. I particularly appreciate the low-light performance; the camera handles noise remarkably well, allowing me to shoot at higher ISO settings without compromising on quality.
3. In-Body Image Stabilization
One of the standout features for me has been the in-body image stabilization (IBIS). With up to 5 axes of stabilization, I can shoot at slower shutter speeds without worrying about camera shake. This has been a game-changer for my handheld photography, especially in low-light situations or when capturing video. I can confidently shoot without a tripod, knowing that my images will remain sharp.
4. Autofocus System
The autofocus system on the EM5 Mark II is impressive. It features 81 focus points and a fast, accurate contrast-detection AF that has worked well for both stills and video. I’ve found it particularly useful for capturing moving subjects, and the tracking performance has been solid during my outdoor shoots.
5. Art Filters and Creative Features
As someone who loves experimenting with different styles, the Olympus EM5 Mark II’s art filters and creative features have been a delightful addition to my photography toolkit. From vintage looks to dramatic black-and-white effects, I can easily apply these filters in-camera, which adds a fun and creative dimension to my photography.
6. User Interface and Controls
The user interface is intuitive, and I appreciate the customizable controls. The tilting touchscreen LCD allows me to shoot from various angles, which has been particularly useful for capturing creative compositions. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is bright and clear, providing an accurate representation of my exposure settings and depth of field, which I find incredibly helpful.
7. Battery Life
While the battery life on the EM5 Mark II is decent, I’ve found that it’s wise to carry an extra battery for longer shoots. The battery performance varies based on usage, especially when I’m using features like Wi-Fi or continuous shooting. It’s something to keep in mind if you plan on going on extended outings.
8. Lens Compatibility
One of the reasons I chose the EM5 Mark II is its compatibility with a wide range of Micro Four Thirds lenses. This versatility allows me to easily switch between different types of photography, whether I’m shooting landscapes, portraits, or macro. I’ve enjoyed building my lens collection, which has expanded my creative possibilities.
9. Price and Value
In terms of price, I found the EM5 Mark II to be a fantastic value for the features it offers. While it may not be the cheapest option on the market, the image quality, build, and performance make it well worth the investment for serious photographers. It’s an excellent choice for both enthusiasts and professionals looking for a reliable and capable mirrorless camera.
Overall, my experience with the Olympus EM5 Mark II has been overwhelmingly positive. It combines style, performance, and versatility in a compact package that fits my photography needs perfectly. If you’re considering a camera that can deliver exceptional image quality and a fun shooting experience, I highly recommend giving the EM5 Mark II a try.
Author Profile
-
I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.
In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.
Latest entries
- September 14, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Side Protectors for Glasses: My Ultimate Guide to Comfort and Style
- September 14, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Transformers TLK Bumblebee Toy: My Ultimate Review and Experience
- September 14, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Strong Double-Sided Adhesive Tape: Here’s Why It’s a Game-Changer for DIY Projects!
- September 14, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Picnic Tables with Umbrellas: The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Comfort