The popular Olympus OM-D range is continuing apace as the firm recently launched a successor to its budget model the E-M10.
The new camera, the E-M10 Mark II is no great overhaul, but simply takes what went before a refines it to make a sleeker and smoother proposition at the same competitive price that should prove eminently tempting for mirrorless users.
With confirmation through that the camera is still on track, despite a few teething troubles in Japan, we’ve put together a quick rundown of what’s new…
1. Upgraded Image Stabilisation
The original E-M10 boasted only 3-axis image stabilisation, which was something of a step down from its bigger brothers in the series which came packing a 5-axis version. The Mark II implements the 5-axis version, which should greatly bolster its low-light shooting potential.
2. New EVF
Say goodbye to the 1.44-million-dot viewfinder on the E-M10 and say hello to a new 2.35-million-dot version on the Mark II.
3. 4K timelapse
Take note – the E-M10 doesn’t shoot full 4K video. What it does do, however, is shoot 4K timelapse images that can be turned into videos. Previously on the E-M10, this functionality was only available in Full HD.
4. A little burst of speed
The E-M10 Mark II now shoots at a maximum burst rate of 8.5fps, slightly edging out its predecessor which could reach a maximum of 8fps.
5. Touchscreen focusing
The arrival of an AF Targeting Pad means you can put the E-M10’s touchscreen to what is arguably a touchscreen’s best use – selecting your focus point.
6. Focus bracketing
For anyone who dabbles in macro this feature is something to get excited about. Focus bracketing allows users to take quick successive images with small focus differentials. This unlocks possibilities for techniques such as focus stacking.
7. Silent shutter mode
A boon for street shooters, the silent electronic shutter on the E-M10 II allows for unobtrusive picture-taking. Ideal for capturing those candid moments.
8. High speed video
With a maximum video frame rate of 120fps, the Olympus O-MD E-M10 should be able to capture some lovely slow-motion video.
9. New battery and efficiency mode
The new battery inside the E-M10 Mark II is a BLS-50. The camera is newly equipped for Olympus’s “Quick Sleep” mode from the E-M5 Mark II, which automatically puts the camera to sleep mode whenever the Super Control Panel is displayed and there is no user activity for more than three seconds. Olympus claims this can potentially allow the user to squeeze 750 more shots out of a single charge.
