OM System OM-5 Mark II First Impressions Review
Summary Verdict
The OM System OM-5 Mark II refines a well-loved formula, introducing a few thoughtful upgrades while keeping the camera compact and easy to carry. It's clearly built with outdoor photography in mind and feels particularly suited to those who want to travel light without compromising on features. The addition of on-chip phase detection autofocusing, USB-C charging, a larger grip and enhanced video functionality make this a more rounded and user-friendly model. It’s a great fit for women photographers who enjoy a balance of creativity and simplicity.
Score: TBC
For
Compact, weatherproof and a better grip
CP (Computational Photography) button adds quick access to creative tools
USB-C charging and power via a power bank
Against
No subject detection autofocusing
No major technological upgrades
What is the OM System OM-5 Mark II?
The OM System OM-5 Mark II is a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera aimed at outdoor-loving photographers who value portability and performance. It follows on from the OM-5 with updates to enhance usability, especially for those upgrading from smartphones or looking for a more compact second body.
OM System OM-5 Mark II Price and Availability
The OM-5 Mark II is available body-only for £1,099 or in a kit with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12–45mm F4.0 PRO lens or the M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm F4.0-5.6 II for £1,499. It launches in mid-July 2025 in black, silver and a limited-edition Sand Beige available exclusively through Wex Photo Video in the UK.
The OM System OM-5 Mark II has a Four Thirds type sensor and the Micro Four Thirds lens mount.
OM System OM-5 II Specifications
Camera type: Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds
Announced: 17th June 2025
Sensor: 20.4MP Four Thirds type Live MOS
Processor: TruePic IX image processor
Stabilisation: 5-Axis in-body stabilisation giving up to 6.5EV compensation (7.5EV with compatible Sync IS lens)
Viewfinder: 2.36-million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder
Screen: 3-inch 1,040,000-dot vari-angle touchscreen
Focusing system: Hybrid AF with on-chip phase detection and contrast detection – 121 cross-type phase detection points
Subject detection: Face and Eye Detection only (no AI subject detection)
Continuous Shooting: Up to 6fps mechanical, 10fps silent with full AF/AE; 30fps Pro Capture and silent H with AF/AE locked at first frame
Weight: 418g including battery and memory card
Dimensions (W x H x D): 125.3 x 85.2 x 52.0mm
The OM System OM-5 II is available in three colours, silver, black and Sand Beige.
Key Features
At its heart, the OM-5 Mark II has a 20.4MP Live MOS sensor paired with the TruePic IX processor. That’s a combination we have seen several times from OM System, most recently from the more advanced OM System OM-3.
OM System’s image stabilisation systems have an excellent reputation and the OM-5 II’s built-in 5-axis image stabilisation offers up to 6.5EV of compensation, or 7.5EV when used with compatible stabilised lenses.
Disappointingly, although there’s Face and Eye Detection, the OM-5 II doesn’t have subject detection AF. Instead, you have to rely on the on-chip phase detection autofocusing with 121 cross-type phase detection points and contrast detection support. In fairness, it performs well in the camera’s predecessor and older cameras in the range, but subject detection has become the norm for new cameras.
What you do get with the OM System OM-5 II is a host of creative features, including High Res Shot, Live ND, Focus Stacking, HDR and Multiple Exposure - although that was available on its predecessor as well.
Live ND mode simulates the effect of using a neutral density filter on the lens, enabling you to capture flowing water, drifting clouds or swaying trees as a blur even in bright daylight, without the need to carry filters.
Live Composite makes shooting long exposures like star trails, fireworks or light painting easy because it shows the developing image in real time. Meanwhile, Pro Capture mode starts buffering images from the moment the shutter button is half-pressed, making it easier to catch fleeting action. New additions such as Night Vision, Starry Sky Autofocus and Handheld Assist make it easier to compose and shoot the night sky without a tripod.
Video creators will appreciate the OM-Cinema1 and OM-Cinema2 profiles, vertical video support and a red recording frame.
OM System OM-5 II has a 3-inch vari-angle screen.
Build and Handling
The OM-5 Mark II retains the compact proportions of the OM System OM-5 but adds a slightly larger grip that’s designed to improve comfort, especially with longer lenses.
The camera weighs just 418g with a battery and memory card, making it ideal for travel.
On the rear of the OM-5 II, there’s a fully-articulated 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, and the OLED electronic viewfinder with 2.36M-dot resolution.
The IP53-certified body is dust, splash and freezeproof to -10°C, which adds reassurance for outdoor shooting in unpredictable weather. In addition, the new Night Vision mode improves visibility when composing in low light, while the USB-C port allows for in-camera charging or powering the camera from a portable battery.
Following on from the OM-3, the OM-5 II has a CP (computational Photography) button to give a quick route to some of its clever creative features including the Handheld High Res Shotm Tripod High Res Shot, Live ND (ND2–16), Focus Stacking, HDR (HDR1 and HDR2) and Multiple Exposure modes.
The CP button on the top of the OM System OM-5 II gives a quick route to its Computational Photography features.
Performance
Given that the OM System OM-5 Mark II uses technology that we’ve seen several times before in the OM System line-up, we can expect to see a good level of detail in images captured at ISO settings below ISO 3200. Had the courier not lost the sample I was supposed to receive, I would have been able to verify that for this review. However, I am promised the camera in the next few days and will update this review as soon as possible.
Early Verdict
The OM System OM-5 Mark II is a welcome update that keeps the spirit of the OM-5 alive while smoothing out a few of its rougher edges. It’s ideal for photographers, especially women, who value compact size, durability and accessible creativity. While not a huge leap in terms of specifications, the improvements to handling, power options and the new computational tools make it more refined and (hopefully) more enjoyable to use.
