OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS OM-D E-M10 Mark II Mirrorless Camera with 14-42mm II R Lens (Black)

I have been a long time Olympus user, and was disappointed to see the clear shift the company made away from DSLRs to the newer micro 4/3 mirrorless technology. I own the E-600 DSLR and it introduced features back in 2009 that larger name brand DSLRs still dont have today. Olympus has always been on the cutting edge of technology to me, and the new OM-D E-M10 Mark II follows that tradition.I was looking for a newer camera, and one that was small enough to carry with me everywhere, including taking it to work in downtown Chicago, that would also allow me the ability to shoot in RAW format, have interchangeable lenses, and have an abundance of creative tools and features to take advantage of. Being a loyal Olympus user (shooting with Olympus cameras over 20 years) and reading on line reviews of newer cameras, I opted for the OM-D E-M10 Mark II.I have used the camera extensively now over the last 5 weeks, and many features stand out and are worthy of mention in this review. First of all, one of the main selling points to me was the new 5-Axis Image Stabilization. I was skeptical of this feature at first as far as performing as well as I had read, but I was more than pleasantly impressed. I was able to take hand held photos inside some of Chicago's cathedrals at shutter speeds of 1/8th second and even slower, and the photos are totally crisp from edge to edge. Very impressive and powerful feature for me, as I am not one to lug along my tripod everywhere I go.Another stellar feature is the large and super bright electronic view finder. In bright sun or dimly lit buildings, the viewfinder is so bright and clear that I never have to squint to try and see the camera settings or hunt for focus points, etc. Speaking of focus points, the 81 point AF system really allows precise focusing at any area within the frame, really a neat system. You have the ability to use the touch screen to both select the focus point and release the shutter, or you can use the control knobs to select the points (or touch screen) and then use the shutter button to lock focus and release the shutter. The capabilities here really cater to any type of user, whether one prefers a more modern approach to shooting or the more traditional style.The OM-D E-M10 Mark II also comes with a full set of scene modes and fun art filters, to add neat effects to your images and also to help set proper camera settings for different situations, such as Portrait, Landscape, etc. for those who prefer to let the camera select its exposure settings.Style wise, the E-M10 II looks a lot like the old OM-1 35mm film camera, which I also own and still use. Even the on/off lever is the same, which is a neat way to pay homage to the long and storied history of fine Olympus cameras. Couple this vintage look with new technology such as wifi, for transferring images to your smartphone or tablet, and also the ability to control the camera from your mobile device via the Olympus app, you really have a perfect all around professional quality camera.The camera is NOT weather sealed, so that is one pro feature left out of this model, but you have that option in other OM-D models should your needs require this level of protection from the elements.Lastly, via an available adapter, one can use any 4/3 mount lens on the E-M10 mark II, so I will still have the ability then to use all of my existing Olympus 4/3 lenses, which is another huge plus. I did purchase the kit, which came with the 14-42MM f3.5-5.6 EZ lens, and then spent another $99 (what a bargain!!) for the 40-150MM f4.0-5.6 M. Zuiko zoom lens, so I am set with Micro Four Thirds lenses for most daily shooting situations. The lightness and compact design of these lenses and camera body have saved my back from having to lug around multiple heavy lenses. I highly recommend this camera, and it has become my new everyday system.

I have been in the photo industry for 16 years. I have shot every camera system and over the past 5 years have shot Olympus, Sony, and Fuji mirrorless systems. I know all these systems incredibly intimately. Olympus got me started in the mirrorless world and after using all those systems I have come back to Olympus in the past year. Sold all my other cameras which were amazing and I am glad to be back with these retro beauties. I shoot weddings, commercial, and family portraits with these cameras and despite what sensor size mongers will say, these cameras rock! So you get an idea, when I shoot a wedding I have the OMD EM1 with the 40-150 f2.8 on one shoulder and the OMD EM10 ii with the Panaleica 15mm f1.7 on the other. I love this combo and I must say I am thrilled with the EM10 ii. The EM1 goodness goes without saying but EM10 ii truly holds it's own. This is not a spec review but I can tell you that as a pro this camera has been exceptional. Results are impeccable, Olympus sharpness can't be beat, no one can touch Olympus's Ibis, and the RAW files are unbelievably versatile. And this is coming from a guy who shot Sony full frame and Nikon full frame. This is the perfect second camera and the only place it has ever fallen short is extremely and and I mean extremely low light accuracy. The EM1's phase and contrast system has it beat. Love the size and for the price this is the best bang for your buck. Buy this camera, be happy, and after thousands of images shot on it I have had no issues. In fact, I bought a second one as my walk around camera. Hope this review helps!Update 1/27/17 - I love these cameras so much that I sold my OMD-EM1 and bought another EM10 ii. I now shoot two EM10 ii's professionally and have one as my walk about. They are compact powerhouses that give you the best of the EM1 but even more compact. I have rain covers for the lack of weather sealing and the metal grips make these a joy to hold. I have thousands upon thousands of images pumped through these cameras and they are amazingly reliable workhorses. Check out the night shots taken below. Wonderful bokeh, clarity and detail. Professional quality in a cheap package that has helped me get rid of my GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome.)