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OM System OM-5 Mark II First Look Review

When it launched in October 2022, the original OM-5 was the second Micro Four Thirds camera branded under OM System, and it was super popular thanks to its combination of portable size and great features for photography and video content creation. Now just 2.5 years later, the second generation camera for beginners and enthusiasts has launched with a number of incremental updates.

OM System OM-5 II Hands-on Video Review

Our OM System OM-5 Mark II first look review includes a hands-on video by our very own Gareth Evans, who captured sample images and video clips during his time with the camera. We also include a specs comparison table and a look at what’s new, so that you can decide whether the updated camera is perfect for your needs.

So without further ado, let’s jump in with the various kits, colours and prices available for the second-generation OM System OM-5 Mark II.

OM System OM-5 Mark II Price, Lens Kits and Body Colours

There are no fewer than 10 OM-5 Mark II options available at launch, which was on 17th June 2025. These include classic black and silver variants, which can be purchased with two optional zoom lenses or two prime lens kits. This caters to any newcomer as well as someone upgrading who wants to hit the ground running with a body and lens at once.

The table below shows all of the launch options and prices, which points to another great value mid-range Micro Four Thirds camera from OM System. We’ve also included the approximate weight of each kit, highlighting just how portable this system is.

This is probably a good time to remind ourselves that the Micro Four Thirds sensor gives a 2.0x crop factor, effectively doubling the focal range of the lens. This means that we can have a 35mm or 50mm (equivalent) prime kit weighing under 600g, or a versatile zoom lens kit at around 700g, which really is very lightweight, and perfect for travel and handheld shooting.

That leads us neatly into what this camera is for, which we explore next.

Sample No EXIF data

What is the OM System OM-5 Mark II best for?

Despite being OM System’s entry to mid-level camera the OM-5 Mark II is well rounded with plenty of photography and video features for newcomers, as well as more experienced enthusiasts. It improves on the first generation in key ways, while keeping the core strengths that made the first version so popular:

1. A redesigned more comfortable grip
2. Updated menu system
3. New video profiles
4. Added computational photography button

Thanks to its compact size, IP53 weather sealing, and in-body stabilisation, the OM-5 Mark II is particularly well suited to outdoor content creation such as travel, landscape photography, wildlife and everyday content (street, portraits and snapshots). The updated user interface and dedicated computational photography button make it easy to access advanced tools like Handheld High Res Shot, Live ND, and Focus Stacking.

Sample image using Live Comp

Video performance is on par with the original with 4K 30p recording, while adding dedicated OM-Cinema 1 and 2 colour profiles for immediate results straight out of camera. The body also includes vertical video support and acts as a plug-and-play USB webcam without the need for software tools.

In real-world use, the OM-5 Mark II is ideal for:

• Photographers who want a compact, weather-sealed system primarily for outdoor use
• Travel, street and landscape shooters who appreciate good image quality without weight
• Hybrid creators who need both stills and 4K video from a lightweight kit
• Users upgrading up from a compact camera or smartphone
• Anyone looking to simplify advanced techniques with one-button access to creative modes

It’s a capable all-rounder for multi-purpose photography and video content, without the size or complexity of higher-end models. It covers most needs, making it a great choice for anyone developing their skills, looking to grow a channel, or build their subscriber base.

Next let’s check out everything that’s new.

Sample image using Tripod High Res Mode

What’s New in the OM-5 Mark II?

While the OM-5 Mark II keeps a lot of features that made the original model so popular, the newer body does add a series of incremental updates that make it more comfortable to use, easier to operate, and better suited for video content.

The most noticeable change to handling is the redesigned grip, which is deeper and more ergonomic, offering a more secure and comfortable hold, which is particularly useful when using longer MFT lenses, and shooting handheld.

This is joined by an updated user interface with OM System’s newer menu design found in the OM-1 Mark II and OM-3 camera, which helps to make adjustments quicker and navigation much more intuitive.

For video content, there are new OM-Cinema 1 and 2 profiles that deliver cinematic colour straight out of camera, without the need to colour grade in post. Additionally a Handheld Assist mode provides additional stabilisation information for video shooting, and a new Night Vision LCD mode makes it easier to compose in extremely dark environments.

Another welcome addition is a new dedicated computational photography button, which was first seen in the retro-chic OM-3. This gives you faster access to OM System’s suite of creative computational photography tools such as Live ND, High Res Shot, and Focus Stacking, making these advanced modes more accessible in the field. We’ve included examples of some of these, which can be vert useful in real-world situations, allowing you to get better results out of every frame.

Sample image with Live ND filters

These upgrades improve on the OM-5, with a body that is still incredibly compact, weather-sealed to IP53 standards, and now just a little more user-friendly for hybrid creators.

A quick note about the weather sealing rating. IP53 means the camera can safely be used in light rain, damp and freezing conditions, or dusty environments, such as found when shooting outdoors. The attached lens doesn't necessarily need the same level of protection, as long as it contributes to the overall rating. Note that IP53 does not guarantee protection against heavy rain, high-pressure water jets, or submersion in water, but it certainly is a good measure of performance, which we appreciate.

Any attached lens is equally important as the camera body, so let’s explore some of the kit lenses next.

Diagram shows extensive weather sealing

OM System OM-5 Mark II Kit Lenses Overview

• M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO Lens - This compact, weather-sealed zoom offers a 24-90mm equivalent range with a constant f/4 aperture. It delivers edge-to-edge sharpness, a close minimum focus distance of 12cm at the wide end, and is a great match for the OM-5 Mark II’s IP53 sealing. This is a good option for subjects such as travel, portraits, close-ups and general shooting.
• M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm f/4-5.6 II lens - This is a lightweight all-in-one telephoto zoom with a versatile 28-300mm equivalent range for photographers who want zoom reach without needing to change lenses. It’s also weather-sealed, making it ideal for outdoor use, travel, sports and general content creation, as well as closer wildlife, larger birds and action.
• M.Zuiko Digital 17mm F/1.8 II Lens - This popular wide-angle prime offers a 34mm equivalent field of view, and is essentially a 35mm prime. It’s very compact and lightweight, and perfect for street, environmental portraiture, and low-light photography, especially when you want to be agile and discreet.
• M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F/1.8 II Lens - This is another compact standard prime with a 50mm equivalent field of view, which is ideal for portraits, lifestyle, and everyday photography. It also features a bright f/1.8 aperture, fast and silent autofocus, and the updated styling of the latest OM System lenses.

aside from these kits, MFT users find a huge variety of options for every style of photo and video content creation. Notably, lenses are gradually being updated by OM System to include updates such as enhanced image stabilisation, newer lens coatings and improved weather sealing.

You can explore the full range of Micro Four Thirds Lenses from OM System and Olympus, as well as Panasonic, Samyang, Sigma and Voigtlander.

OM-5 Vs OM-5 Mark II Specs comparison

The OM-5 Mark II retains the 20.4 MP sensor and processor combination, IP53 weather sealing, and 5‑axis stabilisation of the original, while adding usability improvements like a deeper grip, updated menu, and a dedicated computational photo dial.

The second-generation is still exceptionally lightweight, weather-sealed and great for beginners, as well as more established outdoor content creators, and perfect for high resolution stills, 4K video, and using OM System’s computational photography features.

The camera comes as body-only or with a choice of four lenses, updating OM System’s Micro Four Thirds lineup with incremental upgrades for adventurous creators who enjoy a lighter kit than equivalent full-frame or APS-C systems.

Shop for the OM-5 Mark II Black or OM-5 Mark II Silver today, or explore the entire range of options in our OM System MFT range to find your perfect match.

Don’t forget that if you’re upgrading and want to sell your old camera equipment we can provide a fast and free trade-in quote.

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By Nick Dautlich on 17/06/2025

Nick Dautlich

Senior Content Writer and Product Reviewer

Nick Dautlich is the Senior Content Writer and Product Reviewer at Park Cameras, with over 15 years of photography experience. A Sony Imaging Professional and expert reviewer, Nick has worked with major brands such as Canon, Sony and Nikon. His work is also featured on Vanguard World UK’s website, Capture Landscapes, and Shutter Evolve. Nick’s photography includes National Trust projects and magazine covers and he is passionate about landscapes and storytelling. Nick also enjoys hiking and teaching his children about nature. Learn more on his profile page.