OM Digital Solutions unveils ‘evolutionary’ OM-1 Mark II

OM-1 Mark II unveiled

Updated model features subtle enhancements and world’s first grad ND functionality

OM Digital Solutions has announced an updated version of its flagship OM-1.

The OM System OM-1 Mark II will be available in February for £2200 body only, or £2700 with a 12-40mm kit lens, and offers both performance and feature upgrades compared to the previous version. It will also be the first model to bear the OM System name on the pentaprism.

The updates are claimed to be evolutionary rather than revolutionary, although one feature – Live GND – is a world’s first, digitally replicating the effects of a graduated neutral density filter.

The filter is available in three strengths – GND 2, 4 and 8 – and three types – soft, medium and hard. Landscape photographers are sure to approve.

Further improvements have been made to the autofocus system, which offers better continuous AF and AI subject detection for a wide range of popular subjects.

Detection of up to eight subjects is also possible, while an individual subject within a group can be selected, then tracked.

In-body image stabilisation is now up to 8.5 stops – a 20% gain over the Mark I model. There are also ergonomic improvements with the input dials now rubberised for a better feel in colder conditions.

The magnesium alloy body retains IP53 class dustproof and splashproof performance and also works down to -10°C.

The Micro Four Thirds sensor and processor in the Mark II remain the same as the previous version with a 20 megapixel stacked BSI Live MOS sensor and TruePic X image processor.

Buffer size has been improved, however, with the camera capable of recording up to 213 Raw frames at 120fps in the Pro Capture mode.

Video specs also stay largely unchanged, with 4K/60p and Full HD/120p available, alongside a new vertical video option.

Further improvements over the original include an improved algorithm for focus stacking, plus a 14-bit Raw option in the Handheld and Tripod Hi Res modes which use sensor shift technology to deliver 50MP and 80MP files respectively.

A new super telephoto zoom has also been announced. The M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 IS offers the 35mm equivalent to a 300-1200mm and is compatible with a 2x teleconverter compatibility as well, boosting the focal length to 2400mm equivalent.

The optic offers IPX1 weather resistance, fluorine coating, up to 7 stops of image stabilisation and costs £2500. It will be available from late February.

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