Unveiled: Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Camera

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Following a similar upgrade path as the E-M5 Mark II, Olympus has again refined one of its OM-D Micro Four Thirds cameras, with the OM-D E-M10 Mark II. Similar to the E-M5 Mark II's series of enhancements, the sleekest-of-the-bunch E-M10 Mark II gains 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization, a modest boost in continuous shooting speed, a higher-resolution OLED electronic viewfinder, and some additional updates in handling and shooting capabilities.

Featuring the tried and true 16.1MP 4/3 Live MOS sensor, along with the TruePic VII image processor, the E-M10 Mark II is capable of recording high-resolution stills and full HD 1080p video, with a top sensitivity of ISO 25600. Continuous shooting up to 8.5 fps is possible, for up to 22 12-bit raw files or 36 JPEGs in a single burst, or a 4 fps shooting rate can be used for infinite bursts up to the capacity of the SDHC/SDXC card in use.

The sensor and processor also avail a range of frame rates for full HD recording, including up to 60p and down to 24p. A choice of 77 Mbps All-I or 52 Mbps IPB compressions is available, and support for 720p/60 and 480p/120 formats is also supported. Additionally, a Clips feature can be used to record short 1- to 8-second-duration movies, which are ideal for quick sharing and incorporating into highlight reels.

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Benefitting both stills and movie recording, the E-M10 Mark II's most notable upgrade is the inclusion of 5-axis sensor-shift type image stabilization, which succeeds the E-M10's 3-axis iteration. This stabilization system works with any lens in use and compensates for a range of movements—vertical and horizontal angle rotation, vertical and horizontal shift, and roll—to realize steady imagery when working in difficult lighting conditions. This system can also be used when framing imagery by simply half-pressing the shutter button for steadier compositions.

Also designed to maintain a high degree of sharpness, FAST AF is an 81-area contrast-detection system designed to quickly and accurately acquire focus. Besides standard single and continuous AF modes, face and eye-detection subject tracking modes can be used to lock focus on moving subjects. For manual-focus users, focus peaking and manual focus assist functions help to more easily determine in-focus areas of the image for faster, more accurate control.

Besides the imaging capabilities of the E-M10 Mark II, the camera also retains its classically inspired design and compact form factor. The OLED EVF ups its resolution to 2.36-million dots, up from 1.44-million, and the increased 0.62x equivalent magnification offers a brighter, clearer, and more detailed means for eye-level compositions. On the rear of the body is a 3.0" 1.04-million dot touchscreen LCD, which can tilt 85° upward and 45° downward to suit working from high and low angles. The touchscreen monitor, in addition to intuitive menu and settings navigation, also functions as an AF Targeting Pad for tracing your thumb to move the focus point when working with the viewfinder.

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Rounding out the range of features, this new camera, of course, also has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity for wireless image sharing and remote camera control from mobile devices. A new electronic shutter function permits absolutely silent operation, along with shutter speeds up to 1/16,000 second for working in quiet settings. Live Bulb and Live Time settings are ideally suited for creative long exposures and a unique Live Composite mode lets you watch a long exposure gradually build up over time, making it ideal for star trail photos. Also benefitting extended duration shooting, in-camera time lapses can be created, with intervals ranging from 1 second to 24 hours, for up to 999 total frames, and then be composited into a 4K movie for seamless playback.

The OM-D E-M10 Mark II is available as a body only, in black or silver, or in a kit with the M.ZUIKO Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ lens and a black or silver body. Also announced alongside the Micro Four Thirds camera is a matching ECG-3 External Metal Grip, which adds a larger right-hand grip to the camera for increased control and improved handling while shooting. Its leatherette finish matches that of the E-M10 Mark II, and a release lever permits quick access to the battery and memory card compartment.