Olympus OM-D EM-5 MKII Underwater Photo & Video Review - First Look

[BoltSnap]

Is this feature important and/or useable for the underwater photographer?

40 Megapixel Image - With a 16 MP Sensor

 

[Storker]

You need a tripod and a non-moving subject to avoid blur, so I'll go out on a limb here and say "no".

 

[BoltSnap]

You need a tripod and a non-moving subject to avoid blur, so I'll go out on a limb here and say "no".

That's what I thought, so I don't know why it is mentioned in a place for U/W photography

 

[Storker]

Methinks the whole MkII hype is caused by the ubiquitous "need" for upgrades. The "MkI" E-M5 is still a pretty awesome camera, and AFAIK the only things the MKII bring are a slightly redesigned body and the 40MPx function.

I'm still using my trusty, antiquated Nikon D300 for topside shooting. I know it's a 7+ year old camera model, but it hasn't gotten any worse than it was back then when it was cutting edge. I still get fantastic IQ at ISO 200-400, decent IQ at ISO 800-1600, unbeatable ergonomics, still one of the best AF functions and 8fps with the battery grip. I hardly ever need more than that.

 

[Interceptor121]

It is good that there are better options for video however having looked at the stills captured on dpreview I have to say the video mode of this model is lagging behind any Panasonic 4:3 and far behind Sony RX100 and Panasonic LX100 a great deal
The stills captures from video look marginally better than the OMD-EM10 so despite features Olympus still does not know how to do video

I am sure that for stills this is a super camera though not sure how much better than the original EM5 as the multiexposure mode does not work with flash?

 

[Buster1dog]

Front right side control dial on the PT-EP13 protrudes a tad far to seat the Precision 4" dome as you can see in the top down picture of the housing.
There is a slimmed down button replacement kit AOI-RK01 from AOI.
Would this work for the Precision 4" dome on the PT-EP13?

 

[Sanpaku]

Is this feature important and/or useable for the underwater photographer?

40 Megapixel Image - With a 16 MP Sensor

Given that the only m4/3 lenses with effective resolution held back by the 16 MP sensor are perhaps the telephoto 42.5mm f/1.2 and the 75mm f/1.8, rather than the landscape 12mm f/2 and 15mm f/1.7, I'm dubious that the 40 MP mode has much practical value on land besides marketing and bragging rights.

High bandwidth 1080 60p and the new screen seem really nice. Alas, I have sunk costs in an E-M5, Nauticam housing and its port shared by the 7-14mm f/4 and 12-35 f/2.8 (a nice UW combo), so I may await the Mk III or Mk IV.

 

[Buster1dog]

We believe the Zen 9-18 semi-dome port should fit the new PT-013 housing _without_ any adapter as Olympus has gone back to the standard flat port that they have used on the PEN series of housings. The PT-013 doesn't have the larger bayonet locking ring, etc like the other OMD housings.

The PT-013 is only available with the flat port. and it should work great with the 60mm macro lens.

Right now if you buy any Oly OMD camera, PEN E-PL7, etc you can buy lenses and good discounts; ie the 9-18 at $200 off and the 60 macro for $100 off.

The YS-03 will work fine, but you may need to consider a better arm and tray, as the ones that come with it are going to be too small really.

I agree with Scott - the Oly EM-5 Bundle is a better buy overall and then put the money into lenses and a better strobe. You'll have a better investment long term. You're going to get 90% of what the new camera has to offer at least for stills. The lens discounts apply to it as well, making it an even better buy for those on a budget.

Will any of the mini domes designed for the 8mm panasonic fit the pt ep13 housing without changing the front control dial on the housing?

 

[backscatter_rob]

The only option that I know of is to change the control knob. This is an easy user installable upgrade.