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OM System OM-1 Mark II: With Built-In Digital Graduated ND Filter

OM System releases a new and updated version of its OM-1 camera with a second iteration: OM-1 Mark II. Among the new features, we find faster autofocus and an adjustable in-camera digital graduated ND filter.

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OM Digital Solutions – formerly Olympus – continues to develop cameras for wildlife and nature photography. This time they are releasing a new, improved version of the two-year-old OM System OM-1 which was rated "top class" in our test. 

Several features are recognized from the Mark I, with a durable camera body and built-in image stabilization, while the new OM System Mark II includes several new features. Among other things, the camera's autofocus has been improved by recognizing subjects such as humans, birds, and animals. 

Perhaps the most innovative feature that OM System is the first to offer is the ability to use a digital graduated neutral density filter (graduated ND filter) that allows you to adjust how it affects the image's light intensity in the same way as a regular physical graduated ND filter. With this feature, you as a photographer can see in real-time how the image will turn out by adjusting placement, gradient transition, and strength, selectable between GND2–GND8 in third-stop increments. The function works for images taken in RAW format. The camera also has ND filters up to ND128.

The OM System OM-1 Mark II is available from mid-February 2024. The recommended retail price is 27,990 Swedish kronor including VAT.

Press release: Introducing the Flagship OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II Interchangeable Lens Camera The First in the World to Feature Live Graduated ND Revealing wonder. It’s in our Nature

London, 30 January 2024 - OM Digital Solutions Corporation is excited to introduce the new flagship OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II. This Micro Four Thirds System standard-compliant interchangeable lens camera introduces a new global standard with the world’s first1 Live GND (Graduated ND) photography function. This groundbreaking feature utilises computational photography to replicate the effects of a half ND filter, allowing users to adjust filter steps and types in real-time through the EVF or rear LCD, expanding creative possibilities. Scheduled for release in February 2024, the OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II is poised to reveal the wonders of nature.

Crafted to withstand the most rugged outdoor conditions2, the OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II boasts an IP53-class splash & dustproof design, coupled with a robust body built to withstand freezing temperatures down to -10°C. This flagship model integrates cutting-edge technology, featuring up to 8.5 steps3 of 5-axis in-body image stabilisation, a 20 Megapixel4 stacked BSI Live MOS sensor, and the latest TruePic X image processor, symbolising the birth of a new flagship model bearing the OM SYSTEM brand.

Experience expanded imaging capabilities beyond traditional sensor limitations with 50M Handheld High Res Shot (approx.) and 80M Tripod High Res Shot functions (approx.), minimising noise for RAW shots while delivering exceptional clarity. The OM-1 Mark II's advanced AWB algorithm ensures precise colour reproduction, adapting seamlessly to diverse lighting conditions for accurate colour tones in every frame.

The AI Detection AF, developed using deep learning technologies, recognises a wide spectrum of subjects, including birds, animals, cars and more, now includes humans, enhancing autofocusing for exceptional clarity, even under the most challenging conditions.

Elevating high-speed shooting performance, the OM-1 Mark II's enhanced memory allows for an increased number of sequential shots. With Pro Capture, users can seize fleeting moments at up to 120 fps during AF/AE lock and approximately 50 fps during AF/AE tracking.

From improved grip surfaces to vertical video support, the OM-1 Mark II caters to user comfort and convenience. Additionally, it supports UVC/UAC connections to PCs for webcam use, catering to modern connectivity needs and an intuitive experience.

Complemented by accessories like the HLD-10 Power Battery Holder and the RM-WR1 Wireless Remote Control, this flagship model offers added functionality and convenience. The OM Workspace image editing software and OM Capture camera control software offer advanced editing features and seamless camera control, ensuring a comprehensive and refined photography experience.

 

OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II Features & Technology Detail

 High-quality images thanks to a stacked BSI Live MOS sensor and TruePic X image processor

The OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II integrates a cutting-edge 20 Megapixel Stacked BSI Live MOS sensor alongside the advanced TruePic X image processor. This dynamic duo, coupled with renowned high-resolution M.ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses, deliver the highest quality images ever produced by an OM SYSTEM camera. An enhanced AWB algorithm delivers vivid colour reproduction, even in challenging lighting conditions like mixed lighting, ensuring precise colour tones across a variety of light sources for stunning photographs.

 Additionally, the OM-1 Mark II features powerful 5-axis in-body image stabilisation, improving compensation up to 8.5 steps with the body alone, as well as 5-axis sync IS5, further broadening opportunities for hand-held shooting by allowing the user to capture steady shots while maintaining agility and mobility.

The first1 in the world to enable users to control half ND filter effects while simultaneously reviewing GND steps and respective types

Introducing the world’s first Live GND (Graduated ND) shooting function, a groundbreaking technology that utilises computational photography to replicate the effects of using a half ND, accurately controlling brightness and darkness within the image to create stunning output. Through Live GND shooting, users can seamlessly adjust filter steps (GND2, GND4, or GND8) and types (Soft, Medium, or Hard) in real-time through the EVF or rear LCD. This innovative approach allows for precise customisation of the effect’s position and angle, empowering photographers to craft their envisioned images effortlessly. Without the need for physical filters attached to the lens, this feature enables photographers to leverage half ND effects, even with lenses lacking filter threads, significantly expanding creative expression in genres such as landscape photography. Elevating capabilities further, the OM-1 Mark II enhances the upper limit for step numbers in the popular Live ND shooting to ND128, allowing the camera to handle scenarios requiring larger step numbers.

 

The OM-1 Mark II introduces powerful imaging capabilities with functions like the approximately 50M Handheld High Res Shot and approximately 80M Tripod High Res Shot. These functions generate high-resolution images that surpass sensor limitations by merging multiple images and reducing noise by nearly two ISO sensitivity steps. They enable RAW recording at 14 bits for exquisite high-resolution shots. Complementing these features are convenient computational photography functions such as Live Composite, selectively illuminating brightened areas, and Focus Stacking, controlling the depth of field for precise subject focus and depth of field.

 

Advanced AI Detection AF now includes human recognition

Developed using deep learning technologies, the AI Detection AF has been enhanced to recognise an extensive array of subjects, including humans, formula racing cars, motorcycles, airplanes, helicopters, trains, birds, and common animals such as dogs and cats. This integration seamlessly enhances the well-established Face Priority / Eye Priority AF, significantly refining autofocus capabilities. It excels accurately identifying subjects, even when individuals are in profile, facing away, or obscured by hidden facial features.

 

The AI Detection AF harnesses the rapid computational prowess of the TruePic X image processor, providing instantaneous real-time detection of subjects’ movements. It accurately tracks subjects within the frame, ensuring they remain in focus without any loss, and extends its capability to follow intricate details like driver’s helmets or the eyes of birds and other animals, something not possible with human operation. It offers the capability to detect and track up to eight subjects, granting users the flexibility to select their preferred target for creating compelling images.

Enhancements have been made to usability, allowing for easy configuration of subject detection settings within the Super Control Panel. This streamlined feature empowers stress-free shooting experiences, providing users with greater control over their photographic endeavours.

Enhanced memory capacity allows a significantly greater number of sequential shots possible, resulting in improved high-speed shooting performance

The OM-1 Mark II features Pro Capture, initiating recording at the halfway press of the shutter button (1st release), recording, and storing previous frames from the moment the shutter button is fully pressed (2nd release). This ensures users never miss fleeting moments due to human reaction time, enabling high-speed sequential shooting at up to 120 fps during AF/AE lock and approximately 50 fps during AF/AE tracking, ensuring the capture of fast-moving subjects.

 Equipped with expanded buffer memory, the OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II allows retrospective capture of approximately 99 in Pro Capture mode — an increase from the predecessor OM-1’s 70 frames. In sequential shooting, the OM-1 Mark II can capture approximately 219 frames in JPEG format or 213 frames in RAW shooting at approximately 120 fps, a dramatic improvement in high-speed shooting capability from the OM-1’s approximately 92 frames each.

IP53-class dustproof and splashproof performance for shooting in challenging environments, accompanied by a dependable reliable dust reduction system

The OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II features strategic sealing in appropriate locations across its robust, lightweight magnesium alloy body, providing IP53-class dustproof and splashproof performance. This construction ensures reliable operation even in harsh conditions, maintaining functionality in temperatures as low as -10°C, allowing shooting in the most demanding environments.

Its viewfinder is a 5.76 million dot organic EL (OLED), offering high resolution and an easy-to-see viewfinder magnification of 0.83x, a minimal display delay of 0.005 seconds6, and a high-speed display performance of 120 fps. This delivers clarity akin to an optical viewfinder while allowing users to view subjects even in low-light scenarios and preview the image before activating the shutter, characteristic advantages of electronic viewfinders. Additionally, it features an anti-fogging coating that prevents fog formation, ensuring a clear field of view, even when shooting in rainy conditions.

The OM-1 Mark II incorporates a reliable dust reduction system that prevents the accumulation of dust particles, either from internal components or during lens changes, on the image sensor surface. This robust system dramatically reduces the presence of dust and debris in captured images, contributing to