Ergonomics
We reviewed the EM-5 Mark II using an Olympus 40-150 mm 1:4-5.6 R (80-300 mm equivalent) lens. Once you are familiar with the user interface, the camera is fairly easy to use, though newcomers may find the menus complicated and too lengthy. Users with large hands may find that their index finger does not go naturally on to the shutter release button, but with a little getting-used-to-it, it no longer is a concern. The shutter release button is quite large and has a slightly rounded top, which makes it easy to roll-over the index finger without jerking the camera. This reminds me of the ‘soft-release’ accessory of the yester years that we, sadly, cannot use with modern cameras since they don’t have the needed threading in the shutter release button. The electronic viewfinder does a pretty good job.
Note: A Korean company, Gariz, does make screw-in/stick-on type ‘soft release’ for various camera models.
Performance
Overall, we were happy with the performance of the OM-D EM-5 Mark II. Pictures shot in bright light exhibited enough detail in shadows as well as highlights, indicating good dynamic range. We could not review the Raw files since we did not have the required Photoshop plug-in. Auto White Balance performed well in most lighting situations in our tests and colours were pleasing.
Autofocus was very quick with subjects in good light and slightly slower in less-than-good light. We could track a medium-sized subject moving at medium speed with relative ease. Do keep in mind that we were using an inexpensive and slow lens. With fast lenses, I am sure that AF could be faster. In terms of digital noise, the performance was very satisfactory. At low ISOs, no complaints at all. We then enlarged few images at 100% screen size. At ISO 25,600, noise was visible but considering that the sensor size is much smaller (17.3 x 13 mm) compared to a 35mm frame (36 x 24 mm), we would say the performance was really good. Also keep in mind that not very often would we use ISO 25,600!
The overall video performance was okay but was not as impressive as we have seen with the Panasonic GH4. Thanks to its 5-axis image stabilization, the smoothness in the videos is noticeable, even when hand-holding the camera.
We now come to the highlight of the ‘
EM-5 Mark II – the High Resolution mode. As mentioned earlier, when this mode is enabled, the camera takes eight shots within a span of approximately one second, moving the imaging sensor in various directions by 0.5 pixels between shots. The eight shots are then combined by the soft ware within the camera to provide a 40 megapixel equivalent file. The picture that you see here has a file size of 228.4 MB with picture dimensions of 7296 x 5472 pixels. As you can see, the 100% and 150% segment of the photo still retains good sharpness.
We suggest you keep an extra fully charged battery since the battery life is restricted.
Value for Money
The Olympus OM-D EM-5 Mark II body is available at an MRP of Rs.74,990. We feel the price is justified. |SP
FINAL SCORE 81%
Design and Build Quality 17/20
Key Features 18/20
Ergonomics 15/20
Performance
Autofocus 4/5
Metering 4/5
Noise Control 4/5
Sharpness 4/5
LCD/EVF 4/5
Auto WB 3/5
Sub-Total 23/30
Value for Money 8/10
PLUS
• Good build quality
• 5-axis Image Stabilizer
• Good image quality (but that also depends on the lens)
• High resolution mode
• Good video quality
• Built-in Wi-Fi
• Articulated screen
• Good JPEG quality right out of the box
MINUS
• Complicated user interface
• Somewhat inconvenient to open the articulated screen from its closed position
• Too many custom settings – complicates the camera
• Battery life
VERDICT
Th e OM-D EM-5 Mark II is a technological marvel in its own right, but manufacturers should realize that not every user is a computer geek. Th ough not perfect (which camera is?), it off ers more bells and whistles than most of us would care to use or know how to use. Th e overwhelming number of features, with their own complexity of use, will defi nitely weigh heavily on the average user, but for the accomplished photographer who understands the importance and the capabilities of the features, the EM-5 Mark II is a great camera to own. Best Buy!
