Olympus claims to have improved the three-year-old 5-axis image stabilisation to make it the ‘world’s most powerful IS’, to deliver ‘startling image quality’.
This was made possible using a better algorithm and by installing a new motion sensor, explained Olympus officials at a briefing in central London earlier this month.
Olympus claims that the enhancement is equivalent to 5 stops of shutter speed.
The newcomer also borrows the TruePic VII processor from the flagship OM-D E-M1.
Designed to be a ‘fully proofed portable system’, Olympus has added ‘freezeproof’ to the camera’s weather resistance.
Tweaks also include a headphone socket on the grip.
Asked why the camera does not include 4K video, an Olympus Europe spokesman explained that a suitable imaging processor was not available when the camera was developed.
However, Olympus added that such a 4K-equipped Olympus camera ‘will happen’, but that ‘90%’ of the E-M5 Mark II’s target audience of enthusiast photographers would not contemplate 4K.
The OM-D E-M5 Mark II features a 16-million-pixel Live MOS imaging sensor.
However, by combining eight shots into one, and using the sensor-shift IS, ‘the E-M5 Mark II delivers a 40MP image with breathtaking levels of detail and radiance.’
To help focusing on moving subjects when using a long zoom, Olympus will also release a Dot sight (EE-1), an accessory that can be attached to the camera hotshoe.
The camera features a 2.36-million-dot EVF and a 1.04-million-dot vari-angle monitor, and is due out later this month, priced £899.99 body only.
Kit options will include a new 14-150mm f/4-5.6 II lens, costing £1,249.99.
Keen to signal its commitment to an expanded lens range, Olympus has also announced the development of an 8mm f/1.8 ‘pro’ fisheye – a ‘weather-sealed’ lens expected to arrive in the summer, along with a new 7-14mm f/2.8 zoom.
Also on the horizon is a 300mm f/4 lens.
