Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Mirrorless MFT (Micro Four Thirds) Camera Body, Black {16.1MP} without FL-LM3 Flash

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II: weather-sealed MFT body with 40MP multi-shot mode.

The E-M5 Mark II runs a 16.1MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, but that number undersells what the camera can actually do. Its High Res mode composites eight sequential exposures into a 40MP file, roughly 100MB raw, by shifting the sensor in precise increments to sample full color at every pixel position, eliminating the gaps inherent in a standard Bayer array. The trade-off is real: you need a tripod, a static subject, and ISO stays between 200 and 1600 with a minimum aperture of f/8. Work within those constraints, and the output is genuinely different from anything a single-shot 16MP file produces.

The 5-axis in-body stabilization is rated at 5 stops by CIPA, and real-world use backs up that claim well enough that handheld shots at 1/8 sec become routine than heroic. The 81-point AF system, with touchscreen-selectable points and face/eye detection, handles portraits and moderate action at around 4fps with a hit rate that reviewers measured above 75% on moving subjects. Video tops out at 1080p with up to 77Mbps All-Intra recording at 24/25/30p, and the camera includes a microphone input with adjustable gain, a meaningful addition for anyone doing location audio. LiveTime and LiveComp modes make long-exposure work genuinely accessible without guesswork, letting you watch the exposure build in real time and stop it exactly where you want it. For a body this size and weight, that's a serious toolkit.

Who It's For

Product and still-life photographers get the most out of the High Res mode's 40MP output and full-color sampling, provided they're working with controlled light and a stable tripod. Travel and documentary shooters benefit from the weather-sealed magnesium body paired with 5-axis stabilization, which together handle unpredictable conditions without requiring fast glass to compensate for low light. Portrait photographers working at a measured pace will find the eye-detection AF and 81-point system precise enough to trust at wide apertures. Location videographers shooting in tight quarters will appreciate the microphone input, focus peaking, and stabilized 1080p footage that holds up without a rig.

Key Features

• 16.1MP Micro Four Thirds sensor with 40MP High Res multi-shot mode
• 5-axis in-body image stabilization rated 5 stops CIPA
• 81-point autofocus system with face and eye detection
• 1080p video up to 77Mbps All-Intra recording with external mic input
• LiveTime and LiveComp long-exposure modes for tripod work
• Weather-sealed magnesium alloy body with flip-out rear screen

FAQ

What's the deal with the 40MP mode if the sensor is only 16.1MP?

High Res mode composites eight sequential exposures by shifting the sensor in precise increments, capturing full color information at each pixel position instead of relying on a Bayer filter pattern. Output is a genuine 40MP file, roughly 100MB raw, but requires a tripod, static subject, and ISO between 200–1600.

Can I use High Res mode handheld or for moving subjects?

No. The eight-shot composite is sensitive to any motion during the sequence. Olympus designed it for product and landscape work where subjects stay still. If you need handheld shooting, the standard 16.1MP mode with 5-axis stabilization handles 1/8 sec reliably.

How good is the 5-axis image stabilization in practice?

Rated at 5 stops by CIPA and backs up in real use. Handheld shots at 1/8 sec become routine, and reviewers found usable results down to 1/5 sec in low light. Paired with fast Micro Four Thirds lenses, it makes handheld work in caves and dimly lit spaces genuinely practical.

What's the autofocus like for tracking moving subjects?

The 81-point AF system with face/eye detection tracks subjects around the frame at around 4fps with a measured hit rate above 75% on moving subjects. Default release priority settings cause missed shots, so disable that setting in the menu for better consistency. Eye-detection AF is fast and reliable for portraits.

Does it shoot video, and how good is it?

1080p only, but with up to 77Mbps All-Intra recording at 24/25/30p and a microphone input with adjustable gain. The 5-axis stabilization, flip-out screen, and focus peaking make 1080p work feel credible rather than an afterthought. No 4K, no flat profiles for color grading.

What's LiveTime mode and why is it useful?

Long-exposure mode accessed from the shutter dial (past Bulb in manual mode) that shows the exposure building in real time on the LCD or viewfinder. You frame the shot, hit shutter once to start, watch the image brighten, then hit shutter again to stop. Eliminates guesswork and mimics darkroom paper development.

Is the camera really weather-sealed?

Yes. The build quality and sealing are solid enough to handle damp cave environments and incidental splashes, though water drips won't test it indefinitely. Tested reviewers felt confident taking it into challenging conditions without worry.