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OM System Announces OM-1 Mark II
30 January 2024
OM System has announced the OM-1 Mark II, its new flagship Micro Four Thirds camera, featuring the world's first Live Graduated ND photography function, according to the company.
The ND feature employs computational photography to replicate the effects of a half ND filter, allowing you to adjust filter steps and types in real-time through the EVF or rear LCD.
The OM-1 Mark II also features an IP53-class splash and dustproof design in a robust body built to withstand freezing temperatures down to -10C. It provides up to 8.5 steps of 5-axis in-body image stabilization, a 20-megapixel stacked BSI Live MOS sensor and the latest TruePic X image processor.
The company also introduced the M.Zuiko 150-600mm F5.0-6.3 IS, a super telephoto zoom lens, and a refreshed design of the wide-angle M.Zuiko 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 II.
HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights of the M1 Mark II include:
- 20-megapixel stacked BSI Live MOS MFT sensor
- DCI/UHD 4K 60p 14-Bit video recording
- 10 fps, 120 fps with electronic shutter
- Cross quad pixel phase-detection autofocus
- 5.76m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder
- 3.0-inch 1.62m-dot swivel touchscreen LCD
- 5-axis in-body image stabilization
- High-res shot, Live ND & Composite modes
- IP53 weather-sealed, freezeproof design
SPECIFICATIONS
Specifications for the new flagship include:
OM-1 MARK II SPECIFICATIONS Sensor 20.4 Megapixel 4/3"-Type stacked BSI Live MOS MFT sensor
Crop Factor: 2x
Aspect Ratio: 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9Bit Depth 12-Bit Lens Mount Micro Four Thirds File Formats Raw, JPEG Storage Dual Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) Viewfinder 5.76m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder
21mm eye point
100 percent coverage
1.48x magnification
-4 to +2 diopter adjustmentMonitor 33.0-inch 1.62m-dot swivel touchscreen LCD Shutter Mechanical Shutter:
- 1/8000 to 60 Seconds
Electronic Front Curtain Shutter:
- 1/320 to 60 Seconds
Electronic Shutter:
- 1/32000 to 60 Seconds
Bulb mode, Time modeFrame Rate Mechanical Shutter: Up to 10 fps ISO ISO 200 to 102,400 Autofocus Yes Live View Yes Image Stabilization 5-axis sensor-shift Flash TTL, PC terminal, hot shoe
No built-in flash
Maximum Sync Speed: 1/250 secondMovie H.264/MOV/MPEG-4 AVC:
- 4096 x 2160 at 24.00/25/30.00/50/60.00 fps
- 3840 x 2160 at 24.00/25/30.00/50/60.00 fps
- 1920 x 1080 at 24.00/25/30.00/50/60.00 fps
Built-in stereo micConnectivity 2.4/5-Ghz WiFi
Micro-HDMI, 1/8" TRS stereo input
USB-C input/output, Micro-USBPower BLX-1 rechargeable lithium-ion battery Dimensions 5.3 x 3.6 x 2.9 inches Weight 1.1 lb. PRICE, AVAILABILITY
OM System said the OM-1 Mark II will be available beginning in late February for $2,399.99 (body only) and $2,999.99 with the M. Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f2.8 Pro II lens.
Adorama and B&H are both now accepting pre-orders.
Introducing the Flagship OM System OM-1 Mark II
The First in the World to Feature Live Graduated ND
BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- OM Digital Solutions Corp. has introduced its new flagship OM System OM-1 Mark II. This Micro Four Thirds System standard-compliant interchangeable lens camera introduces a new global standard with the world's first Live GND (Graduated ND) photography function. This groundbreaking feature harnesses computational photography to replicate the effects of a half ND filter, allowing users to adjust filter steps and types in real-time through the EVF or rear LCD, expanding creative possibilities. You can reserve your very own OM System OM-1 Mark II, ready to reveal the wonders of nature, by pre-ordering now. Look for it in stores by late February.
Crafted to withstand the most rugged outdoor conditions2, the OM System OM-1 Mark II boasts an IP53-class splash & dustproof design, coupled with a robust body built to withstand freezing temperatures down to -10∞C. This flagship model integrates cutting-edge technology, featuring up to 8.5 steps of 5-axis in-body image stabilization, a 20 Megapixel stacked BSI Live MOS sensor and the latest TruePic X image processor, symbolizing the birth of a new flagship model bearing the OM System brand.
Experience expanded imaging capabilities beyond traditional sensor limitations with 50-MB Handheld High Res Shot (approx.) and 80-MB Tripod High Res Shot functions (approx.), minimizing noise for Raw shots while delivering exceptional clarity. The OM-1 Mark II's advanced AWB algorithm ensures precise color reproduction, adapting seamlessly to diverse lighting conditions for accurate color tones in every frame.
The AI Detection AF, developed using deep learning technologies, recognizes a wide spectrum of subjects, including birds, animals, cars and more, now includes humans, enhancing autofocusing for exceptional clarity, even under the most challenging conditions.
Elevating high-speed shooting performance, the OM-1 Mark II's enhanced memory allows for an increased number of sequential shots. With Pro Capture, users can seize fleeting moments at up to 120 fps during AF/AE lock and approximately 50 fps during AF/AE tracking.
From improved grip surfaces to vertical video support, the OM-1 Mark II caters to user comfort and convenience. Additionally, it supports UVC/UAC connections to PCs for webcam use, catering to modern connectivity needs and an intuitive experience.
Complemented by accessories like the HLD-10 Power Battery Holder and the RM-WR1 Wireless Remote Control, this flagship model offers added functionality and convenience. The OM Workspace image editing software and OM Capture camera control software offer advanced editing features and seamless camera control, ensuring a comprehensive and refined photography experience.
Features & Technology Detail
High-quality images thanks to a stacked BSI Live MOS sensor and TruePic X image processor
The OM System OM-1 Mark II integrates a cutting-edge 20 Megapixel Stacked BSI Live MOS sensor alongside the advanced TruePic X image processor. This dynamic duo, coupled with renowned high-resolution M.ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses, deliver the highest quality images ever produced by an OM System camera. An enhanced AWB algorithm delivers vivid color reproduction, even in challenging lighting conditions like mixed lighting, ensuring precise color tones across a variety of light sources for stunning photographs.
Additionally, the OM-1 Mark II features powerful 5-axis in-body image stabilization, improving compensation up to 8.5 steps with the body alone, as well as 5-axis sync IS5, further broadening opportunities for hand-held shooting by allowing the user to capture steady shots while maintaining agility and mobility.
The first in the world to enable users to control half ND filter effects while simultaneously reviewing GND steps and respective types
Introducing the world's first Live GND (Graduated ND) shooting function, a groundbreaking technology that utilizes computational photography to replicate the effects of using a half ND, accurately controlling brightness and darkness within the image to create stunning output. Through Live GND shooting, users can seamlessly adjust filter steps (GND2, GND4 or GND8) and types (Soft, Medium or Hard) in real-time through the EVF or rear LCD. This innovative approach allows for precise customization of the effect's position and angle, empowering photographers to craft their envisioned images effortlessly. Without the need for physical filters attached to the lens, this feature enables photographers to leverage half ND effects, even with lenses lacking filter threads, significantly expanding creative expression in genres such as landscape photography. Elevating capabilities further, the OM-1 Mark II enhances the upper limit for step numbers in the popular Live ND shooting to ND128, allowing the camera to handle scenarios requiring larger step numbers.
The OM-1 Mark II introduces powerful imaging capabilities with functions like the approximately 50-MB Handheld High Res Shot and approximately 80-MB Tripod High Res Shot. These functions generate high-resolution images that surpass sensor limitations by merging multiple images and reducing noise by nearly two ISO sensitivity steps. They enable Raw recording at 14 bits for exquisite high-resolution shots. Complementing these features are convenient computational photography functions such as Live Composite, selectively illuminating brightened areas and Focus Stacking, controlling the depth of field for precise subject focus and depth of field.
Advanced AI Detection AF now includes human recognition
Developed using deep learning technologies, the AI Detection AF has been enhanced to recognize an extensive array of subjects, including humans, formula racing cars, motorcycles, airplanes, helicopters, trains, birds and common animals such as dogs and cats. This integration seamlessly enhances the well-established Face Priority / Eye Priority AF, significantly refining autofocus capabilities. It excels accurately identifying subjects, even when individuals are in profile, facing away or obscured by hidden facial features.
The AI Detection AF harnesses the rapid computational prowess of the TruePic X image processor, providing instantaneous real-time detection of subjects' movements. It accurately tracks subjects within the frame, ensuring they remain in focus without any loss and extends its capability to follow intricate details like driver's helmets or the eyes of birds and other animals, something not possible with human operation. It offers the capability to detect and track up to eight subjects, granting users the flexibility to select their preferred target for creating compelling images.
Enhancements have been made to usability, allowing for easy configuration of subject detection settings within the Super Control Panel. This streamlined feature empowers stress-free shooting experiences, providing users with greater control over their photographic endeavors.
Enhanced memory capacity allows a significantly greater number of sequential shots possible, resulting in improved high-speed shooting performance
The OM-1 Mark II features Pro Capture, initiating recording at the halfway press of the shutter button (1st release), recording and storing previous frames from the moment the shutter button is fully pressed (2nd release). This ensures users never miss fleeting moments due to human reaction time, enabling high-speed sequential shooting at up to 120 fps during AF/AE lock and approximately 50 fps during AF/AE tracking, ensuring the capture of fast-moving subjects.
Equipped with expanded buffer memory, the OM System OM-1 Mark II allows retrospective capture of approximately 99 in Pro Capture mode -- an increase from the predecessor OM-1's 70 frames. In sequential shooting, the OM-1 Mark II can capture approximately 219 frames in JPEG format or 213 frames in Raw shooting at approximately 120 fps, a dramatic improvement in high-speed shooting capability from the OM-1's approximately 92 frames each.
IP53-class dustproof and splashproof performance for shooting in challenging environments, accompanied by a dependable reliable dust reduction system
The OM System OM-1 Mark II features strategic sealing in appropriate locations across its robust, lightweight magnesium alloy body, providing IP53-class dustproof and splashproof performance. This construction ensures reliable operation even in harsh conditions, maintaining functionality in temperatures as low as -10∞C, allowing shooting in the most demanding environments.
Its viewfinder is a 5.76 million dot organic EL, offering high resolution and an easy-to-see viewfinder magnification of 0.83x, a minimal display delay of 05 seconds and a high-speed display performance of 120 fps. This delivers clarity akin to an optical viewfinder while allowing users to view subjects even in lowlight scenarios and preview the image before activating the shutter, characteristic advantages of electronic viewfinders. Additionally, it features an anti-fogging coating that prevents fog formation, ensuring a clear field of view, even when shooting in rainy conditions.
The OM-1 Mark II incorporates a reliable dust reduction system that prevents the accumulation of dust particles, either from internal components or during lens changes, on the image sensor surface. This robust system dramatically reduces the presence of dust and debris in captured images, contributing to sustained system reliability.
Other features
- Enhanced right-hand menu usability by assigning the trash barrel button as a menu shortcut, particularly beneficial when using a telephoto lens.
- AF/AE tracking high-speed sequential shooting (SH2) settings now include options for 12.5 fps and 16.7 fps.
- When shooting continuously at 25 fps or lower, the minimum shutter speed is set at 1/160 sec.
- Improved finger grip on dial surfaces utilizing elastomer processes.
- Compatibility with UVC (USB Video Class) / UAC (USB Audio Class), allowing seamless connection to a PC for use as a webcam.
- Offers support for convenient vertical video capture, ideal for social media platforms and similar applications.
Software and applications to support shooting and editing functionalities
OM Workspace image editing software, Version 2.3
The updated Olympus Workspace image editing software offers advanced Raw processing and editing capabilities. When connected to the OM-1 Mark II, it enables USB Raw Data Edit features, facilitating processing settings applicable both on the camera and during post-editing, such as tone curve adjustments and dehazing. In addition, it incorporates an AI Noise Reduction function specifically designed for Raw processing, resulting in clearer and enhanced images when applied to Raw files captured with a supported camera.10
OM Capture camera control software, Version 3.1
This software serves as a comprehensive camera control for computers, catering to the needs of studio photography. Facilitating seamless image transfer via WiFi, it is a powerful assistant in studio shooting workflows. It supports high-speed communication capabilities within the 5 GHz band and is fully compatible with OM-1 Mark II operations. Additionally, it allows power supply via USB while controlling the camera.
OM Image Share smartphone app (OI.Share)
This smartphone app establishes a WiFi connection to the camera, enabling the transfer of shooting data and remote operation. With the OM-1 Mark II, OI.Share can be used to update the firmware on the camera body and allows users to back up and restore camera settings.
Separately available accessories
BLX-1 Lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery (bundled/sold separately); MSRP: $99.99; $129.99 One BLX-1 battery is included with the OM-1 Mark II; Price displayed is when sold separately. This high-capacity lithium-ion battery offers 2,280 mAh. It has a recharge cycle of approximately 500 times (based on CIPA tests).
BCX-1 Lithium-ion Battery Charger; MSRP: $149.99; $189.99 The BCX-1 charges up to two BLX-1 batteries simultaneously.
HLD-10 Power Battery Holder; MSRP: $349.99; $449.99 A durable power battery holder that delivers IP53-class dustproof and splashproof protection when attached to the OM-1 Mark II, providing the same controls in both the vertical and horizontal orientations. When using two BLX-1 Lithium-ion Rechargeable Batteries in the camera and the HLD-10, approximately 950 shots (based on CIPA tests) can be captured. When attached to the OM-1 Mark II, the BLX-1 Lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery within the HLD-10 can be charged for added convenience.
RM-WR1 Wireless Remote Control; MSRP: $99.99; $129.99 This wireless remote-control features IP57 class8 splash & dust proof construction, enabling remote shooting (within a 5 m range from the camera body) in any environment when connected to the OM-1 Mark II. It incorporates an energy-efficient design employing BluetoothÆ Low Energy for communication, enabling video start and stop functions. Additionally, this accessory doubles as a wired remote control when connected using the included cable.
Pricing & availability for OM System OM-1 Mark II
The OM-1 Mark II (body only) will be available beginning in late February with a suggested retail price of $2,399.99 and $3,199.99. The OM-1 Mark II (kit), which includes the M. Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f2.8 PRO II Lens, will be available at a suggested retail price of $2,999.99 and $3,999.99.