Olympus's second-gen OM-D mid-range body with 40MP high-res mode and outstanding IBIS.
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II was released in February 2015 as Olympus's mid-tier professional MFT body, upgrading the original E-M5's 4-stop IBIS to a 5-axis system rated at 5 stops — enabling handheld shooting in conditions not practical with the original. A High-Resolution Shot mode captures 40MP images through eight sequential sensor-shifted exposures merged internally, providing medium-format resolution for static subjects in controlled conditions. Dust and splash resistance with freeze protection to -10°C is built in.
The 16MP MFT Live MOS sensor pairs with the TruePic VII processor. Burst shooting runs at 10fps with AFS and 5fps with AFC. The 5-axis IBIS provides 5 stops of stabilisation for stills and video. Dust and splash resistance requires pairing with a weather-sealed MFT lens for full system protection. Battery life approximately 310 shots using the BLN-1, body weight approximately 469g with battery and card, single SD/SDHC/SDXC slot.
The E-M5 Mark II's practical strengths are the 5-stop IBIS and High-Resolution Shot mode. The IBIS upgrade from 4 to 5 stops provides meaningful handheld stability improvement for low-light stills and video. The 40MP High-Resolution Shot mode requires a tripod and static subject — any movement between the eight exposures produces artefacts — but delivers landscape and architectural detail that the 16MP base sensor alone cannot resolve. The compact mid-tier body size makes it a practical outdoor and travel camera.
On the used market the E-M5 Mark II is affordable as a capable MFT platform. Condition checks: IBIS operation, weather sealing at the body seams and ports, BLN-1 battery health — the BLN-1 is shared with the E-M1 and E-M5 original for spares compatibility. The E-M5 Mark III (2019) provides a 20MP sensor and Phase Detect AF. Compatible with all Micro Four Thirds lenses from Olympus, OM System, and Panasonic.