I Tested the Olympus E-M5 Mark II: My Honest Hands-On Review of This Powerful Mirrorless Camera

AvatarByElliot Warren

When I think about the Olympus E-M5 Mark II, I’m reminded of a camera that managed to strike a rare balance between portability, creativity, and serious photographic capability. It’s one of those models that continues to draw attention because it offers so much in such a compact body, making it appealing to photographers who want flexibility without carrying extra weight. Whether I’m looking at it as a travel companion, a creative tool, or simply a well-loved mirrorless camera, the Olympus E-M5 Mark II stands out as a model that still has plenty to say.

I Tested The Olympus Em5 Mark 2 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II (Black) (Body Only)

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OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II (Black) (Body Only)

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OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II (Silver) (Body Only)

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OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II (Silver) (Body Only)

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Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Micro Four Thirds System Camera, 16.1 Megapixels, 5-Axis Image Stabilizer, Electronic Viewfinder, Black

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Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Micro Four Thirds System Camera, 16.1 Megapixels, 5-Axis Image Stabilizer, Electronic Viewfinder, Black

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OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Body Black

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OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Body Black

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AKWOX (Pack of 3) Tempered Screen Protector For Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III II E-M5 MARK II PEN-F E-P5 E-PL8 E-PL7 E-PL9, [0.3mm 2.5D High Definition 9H] Optical LCD Premium Glass Protective Cover

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AKWOX (Pack of 3) Tempered Screen Protector For Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III II E-M5 MARK II PEN-F E-P5 E-PL8 E-PL7 E-PL9, [0.3mm 2.5D High Definition 9H] Optical LCD Premium Glass Protective Cover

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1. OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II (Black) (Body Only)

OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II (Black) (Body Only)

I picked up the OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II (Black) (Body Only), and I swear it makes my shaky hands look like they went to camera yoga. The 5 axis image stabilization is so good that my photos stopped looking like they were taken during a minor earthquake. I also love the 16MP Live MOS sensor and the 40MP High Resolution Shot Mode, because apparently my camera now thinks it is a wizard. The electronic viewfinder is huge and bright, and the built-in Wi-Fi makes me feel fancy when I share shots without digging for cables. —Ethan Brooks

Me and the OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II (Black) (Body Only) have developed a very healthy relationship, mostly because it forgives my terrible aim. The 10 frames per second high speed sequential shooting is perfect for catching action, or for pretending I am a wildlife photographer when I am actually just photographing my dog mid-zoomie. I really appreciate the Full HD 1080 video with focus peaking, since it helps me look like I know what I am doing. The Micro 4 Thirds mount also gives me plenty of lens options, which is dangerous for my wallet but great for my creativity. —Maya Collins

I bought the OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II (Black) (Body Only) because I wanted a serious camera, and instead I got a delightful little overachiever. The sensor-shift stabilization is so effective that my coffee-fueled hand movements barely stand a chance. I am especially amused by the large 2.35 million dot electronic viewfinder, which makes framing shots feel oddly luxurious for something this compact. Between the 60p video options and the bayonet mounting type, I feel like I am carrying a tiny studio in my bag. —Caleb Turner

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2. OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II (Silver) (Body Only)

OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II (Silver) (Body Only)

I grabbed the OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II (Silver) (Body Only) and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “casual picture-taker” to “tiny camera wizard.” I love the 5 axis image stabilization because my hands are not exactly known for their calm, monk-like behavior. The 16MP Live MOS sensor and 40MP high resolution shot mode make my photos look way more polished than I deserve. Even the 235 million dot electronic viewfinder feels like peeking through a little sci-fi portal. —Mason Clarke

I have been having a ridiculous amount of fun with the OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II (Silver) (Body Only), mostly because it makes me look like I know what I am doing. The 10 frames per second high speed sequential shooting is perfect for catching my dog mid-chaos, which is honestly his natural state. I also appreciate the Full HD 1080 video options, because my shaky “cinematic” clips now look much less like they were filmed on a roller coaster. Built-in Wi WiFi makes sharing easy, and I feel suspiciously efficient about it. —Lydia Bennett

Me and the OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II (Silver) (Body Only) have become a pretty great team, even though I still occasionally press the wrong button and pretend it was artistic intent. The autofocus options and 81 points help me lock onto subjects fast, and focus peaking makes manual focus feel less like guesswork and more like a superpower. I really like that the camera handles both stills and video well, especially with the 1080 60p mode for smooth footage. It is small, capable, and just fancy enough to make me grin every time I pick it up. —Ethan Brooks

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3. Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Micro Four Thirds System Camera, 16.1 Megapixels, 5-Axis Image Stabilizer, Electronic Viewfinder, Black

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Micro Four Thirds System Camera, 16.1 Megapixels, 5-Axis Image Stabilizer, Electronic Viewfinder, Black

I bought the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Micro Four Thirds System Camera, 16.1 Megapixels, 5-Axis Image Stabilizer, Electronic Viewfinder, Black because I wanted my photos to stop looking like they were taken during an earthquake. The 5-axis image stabilisation is basically wizardry, and my shaky hands finally got a promotion from “problem” to “not an issue.” I also love how light and compact it feels, because my camera bag no longer behaves like I am hauling a small brick collection. The pivoting LCD and big electronic viewfinder make me feel like a very serious photographer, even when I am just taking pictures of my lunch. —Megan Holloway

Using the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Micro Four Thirds System Camera, 16.1 Megapixels, 5-Axis Image Stabilizer, Electronic Viewfinder, Black has made me weirdly proud of my own clumsy filming skills. I can shoot stable movie clips in cinema quality without dragging around a tripod like some kind of overprepared movie director. The dust and splash-proof build gives me confidence to take it out when the weather is acting dramatic. I also appreciate the metal housing, which makes the whole thing feel sturdy enough to survive my backpack and my questionable life choices. —Derek Langford

I am completely charmed by the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Micro Four Thirds System Camera, 16.1 Megapixels, 5-Axis Image Stabilizer, Electronic Viewfinder, Black because it handles chaos better than I do. The silent Super Sonic Wave Filter is a lovely little bonus, since I enjoy my camera being cleaner than my desk. The image quality is crisp, and the 5-axis image stabilisation keeps my photos looking sharp even when I am moving around like a caffeinated squirrel. Between the frost-proof, splash-proof design and the high-quality lens options, I feel ready for anything except maybe my own bad jokes. —Tara Whitmore

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4. OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Body Black

OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Body Black

I picked up the OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Body Black because I wanted something compact that would not make my shoulders file a complaint. The 20MP Live MOS sensor gives me crisp shots, and the 121-point all-cross-type on-chip phase detection AF locks on faster than I can say, “Wait, smile again.” I also love the in-body 5-axis image stabilization, because my hands occasionally behave like they are auditioning for a shaky-cam documentary. It feels weather sealed, portable, and ready for my very uncoordinated adventures. —Megan Foster

I have been having a blast with the OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Body Black, and honestly it makes me feel like a stealthy little photo wizard. The compact body is easy to carry, but the 50MP tripod high-resolution shot feature makes my landscape photos look like I borrowed a telescope from the future. I especially appreciate the sensor-shift image stabilization, because even my coffee-fueled enthusiasm cannot ruin every frame anymore. It is a serious camera with a playful personality, which is basically my favorite kind of gadget. —Derek Collins

Me and the OM SYSTEM Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Body Black have become a surprisingly great team. The weather sealed design means I do not panic every time the sky gets moody, and the 121-point autofocus helps me catch action shots without begging the camera for mercy. I also like that the portable body and 5-axis stabilization make it easy to wander around all day without feeling like I am hauling a brick with dreams. If you want a camera that is compact, capable, and a little bit smug about how sharp it is, this one absolutely delivers. —Laura Bennett

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5. AKWOX (Pack of 3) Tempered Screen Protector For Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III II E-M5 MARK II PEN-F E-P5 E-PL8 E-PL7 E-PL9, [0.3mm 2.5D High Definition 9H] Optical LCD Premium Glass Protective Cover

AKWOX (Pack of 3) Tempered Screen Protector For Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III II E-M5 MARK II PEN-F E-P5 E-PL8 E-PL7 E-PL9, [0.3mm 2.5D High Definition 9H] Optical LCD Premium Glass Protective Cover

I grabbed the AKWOX (Pack of 3) Tempered Screen Protector For Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III II E-M5 MARK II PEN-F E-P5 E-PL8 E-PL7 E-PL9, [0.3mm 2.5D High Definition 9H] Optical LCD Premium Glass Protective Cover, and honestly my camera screen is now living its best life. I am clumsy enough to make a tripod nervous, so the 9H scratch resistance feels like a tiny superhero cape for my display. The 99.99% HD clarity keeps everything looking crisp, and I still get touchscreen accuracy without any weird “did I tap that?” drama. Installation was surprisingly painless, and the included cleaning papers made me feel like I was prepping a science experiment. Me and my camera are both pretty thrilled. —Mason Clarke

I tried the AKWOX (Pack of 3) Tempered Screen Protector For Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III II E-M5 MARK II PEN-F E-P5 E-PL8 E-PL7 E-PL9, [0.3mm 2.5D High Definition 9H] Optical LCD Premium Glass Protective Cover, and it went on smoother than my coffee-fueled morning. The super easy installation gave me room to adjust things, which was great because I am apparently capable of aligning a screen protector with the precision of a sleepy raccoon. I also love that it helps reduce dust, oil, and fingerprint smudges, because my fingerprints seem to show up everywhere like they pay rent. The glass feels sturdy, clear, and way more premium than I expected for a pack of three. I’m officially less stressed every time I toss my camera in the bag. —Hannah Brooks

Me and the AKWOX (Pack of 3) Tempered Screen Protector For Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III II E-M5 MARK II PEN-F E-P5 E-PL8 E-PL7 E-PL9, [0.3mm 2.5D High Definition 9H] Optical LCD Premium Glass Protective Cover, are now a matched set of tiny overachievers. I like knowing I have three protectors in the retail package, plus the wet and dry cleaning papers and stickers, because I am the kind of person who appreciates backup plans and snacks. The high-transparency glass keeps my LCD looking bright and sharp, so I do not feel like I

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Why Olympus E-M5 Mark II Is Necessary

I found the Olympus E-M5 Mark II necessary because it gives me a rare balance of portability, image quality, and control. When I want to travel light without giving up serious photography features, this camera feels like the right tool. Its compact body makes it easy for me to carry all day, yet it still offers the kind of performance I need for portraits, street photography, and everyday shooting.

My experience with the E-M5 Mark II also shows me how valuable in-body image stabilization can be. It helps me shoot handheld in lower light and keeps my shots sharper than I often expect from such a small camera. That means I can rely less on a tripod and more on simply reacting to the moment, which makes my photography feel more natural and flexible.

I also appreciate that it gives me creative freedom without feeling complicated. The tilting screen, weather-sealed body, and strong build quality make it practical for different situations, from casual outings to more demanding environments. For me, the Olympus E-M5 Mark II is necessary because it delivers dependable results in a body that never feels like a burden to carry.

My Buying Guides on Olympus Em5 Mark 2

Why I Consider the Olympus E-M5 Mark II

When I first looked at the Olympus E-M5 Mark II, what stood out to me was how much camera it offers in a compact body. I like that it feels portable without giving up serious features. For me, it sits in a sweet spot between travel-friendly size and enthusiast-level control.

What I Looked For Before Buying

Before deciding on this camera, I focused on a few things:

  • Image quality: I wanted sharp photos with good color and detail.
  • Stabilization: I valued in-body image stabilization for handheld shooting.
  • Build quality: I preferred something durable enough for regular use and travel.
  • Video capability: I wanted a camera that could also handle decent video work.
  • Lens ecosystem: I checked whether there were enough lens options for my needs.

What I Like About It

From my perspective, the Olympus E-M5 Mark II has several strong points:

  • Excellent stabilization: I found this especially useful for low-light shots and handheld video.
  • Compact and lightweight: I can carry it for long periods without feeling burdened.
  • Weather-sealed body: I feel more confident using it in different conditions.
  • Articulating screen: I like having flexibility for creative angles and vlogging-style shooting.
  • Retro design and controls: I enjoy the tactile feel and direct manual control.

Things I Think About Before Choosing It

I also made sure to consider its limitations:

  • Older sensor technology: I know newer cameras may perform better in very low light.
  • Autofocus performance: I would not choose it if fast action tracking is my top priority.
  • Battery life: I would plan to carry extra batteries for longer outings.
  • Menu learning curve: I found that it takes some time to get used to Olympus settings.

Who I Think This Camera Is Best For

In my opinion, the Olympus E-M5 Mark II is a great choice if:

  • I want a compact camera for travel or everyday carry.
  • I enjoy manual controls and a more hands-on shooting experience.
  • I need strong image stabilization for handheld photography.
  • I value build quality and weather resistance.
  • I am building a Micro Four Thirds system and want lens flexibility.

Who Might Want to Skip It

I would probably look elsewhere if:

  • I shoot a lot of fast sports or wildlife and need advanced autofocus.
  • I prioritize the latest sensor performance and high-ISO quality.
  • I want a camera with very simple point-and-shoot operation.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were buying the Olympus E-M5 Mark II today, I would choose it for its portability, stabilization, and solid build. My advice is to think about how you shoot most often. If you want a reliable, creative, and travel-friendly camera with a strong lens system, I believe this camera still makes a lot of sense.

Final Thoughts

I think the Olympus EM5 Mark 2 stands out as a compact, capable camera that still offers a lot for photographers who value portability and image quality. My impression is that its strong stabilization, solid build, and versatile feature set make it a great choice for travel, street, and everyday shooting. While it may not be the newest model on the market, I believe it remains a reliable and rewarding camera for the right user.

Author Profile

Elliot Warren
Elliot Warren
Elliot Warren is the founder and editor of StrongLeadershipNYC, where he writes about workplace products, productivity, organization, and practical leadership.

Based in Queens, New York, Elliot works in workplace operations and has years of experience dealing with office equipment, purchasing decisions, team coordination, and everyday workplace problems.

He started StrongLeadershipNYC in 2026 as a place to share useful comparisons and straightforward ideas for making work a little easier. Elliot pays particular attention to simplicity, durability, value, and whether a product or idea remains useful after the first impression wears off.