Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

Manufacturer: Olympus
Type: camera
Sensor: Micro Four Thirds (MFT), 20.4MP Live MOS (no low-pass filter)
Processor: TruePic VIII (dual quad core — four CPU cores + four image processing cores, 3.5x faster than TruePic VII)
Autofocus: 121-point all cross-type on-chip phase detection + contrast detection (Dual FAST AF)
Burst rate: 60 fps (electronic shutter, AF/AE lock) / 18 fps (electronic shutter, C-AF) / 15 fps (mechanical shutter, C-AF)
Video: Cinema 4K (DCI, 4096x2060) at 24p, UHD 4K (3840x2160), up to 237 Mbps
Image stabilization: 5-axis in-body, 5.5 stops (body only), 6.5 stops with 5-Axis Sync IS
Year introduced: 2016 (announced November 2, shipped late December)
Body price: $1,999.99 USD
Successor: OM-D E-M1 Mark III (February 2020, $1,799.99)

Overview

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, announced on November 2, 2016, was Olympus’s flagship Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera and represented a major step forward for MFT underwater photography. Building on the success of the OM-D E-M5 series that had established Micro Four Thirds as a viable underwater format, the E-M1 Mark II brought professional-grade specifications to a compact body that was particularly well-suited to travel-oriented underwater photographers (^[1]).

The camera’s new 20.4-megapixel Live MOS sensor delivered 25% higher resolution than the original E-M1, with the absence of a low-pass filter further enhancing image quality. The TruePic VIII processor — featuring a dual quad core system with four CPU cores and four image processing cores — achieved processing speeds approximately 3.5 times faster than its predecessor. These technologies combined to deliver full-resolution RAW images at up to 60 frames per second with AF/AE lock, and 18 fps with continuous AF/AE tracking (^[2]).

For underwater photographers, the E-M1 Mark II addressed several long-standing MFT limitations. The autofocus system featured 121 cross-type on-chip phase detection points covering 75-80% of the frame, dramatically improving AF accuracy and tracking compared to the original E-M1 — which had been criticized for poor autofocus performance with moving subjects (^[3]). Forum users who had struggled with the E-M1’s AF when shooting subjects like skeleton shrimp on moving seaweed noted the Mark II’s vastly improved tracking capability (^[4]). Battery life — another perennial mirrorless weakness — improved 37% with the new BLH-1 battery, delivering approximately 440 shots per CIPA charge (^[5]).

The camera’s “2x2” dial and button structure doubled the functionality of control dials and assignable buttons: with a flick of the 2x2 lever, dials could be reassigned from shutter speed/aperture to ISO/exposure compensation, providing the easiest way to access frequently used settings directly — a feature Nauticam specifically highlighted as beneficial for underwater use (^[6]).

Key Camera Features for Underwater Use

Pro Capture Mode

Pro Capture Mode provided lag-free shooting using the silent electronic shutter, buffering a running series of JPEG/RAW images when the shutter was pressed halfway. Fully pressing the shutter captured that moment’s image plus up to 14 previous frames (increased to 35 frames in Firmware Version 2.0). While not compatible with strobes, this feature was potentially useful with video lights or ambient light underwater (^[7], ^[8]).

Focus Stacking and Bracketing

Focus Stacking Mode captured eight shots at different focal positions and composited them into a single image entirely in focus — particularly valuable for macro photography where depth of field was extremely shallow. Compatible with seven M.Zuiko lenses at launch (expanded to eight with firmware 2.0 adding the 12-100mm f/4.0 IS PRO). Focus Bracketing Mode allowed up to 999 shots with different focal points for manual compositing (^[9], ^[10]).

50MP High-Res Shot Mode

Using the 5-axis stabilization system to shift the sensor in half-pixel increments over eight shots, the camera could produce 50-megapixel equivalent JPEG or 80-megapixel RAW images — providing detail rivaling full-frame DSLRs. This required a tripod and was primarily useful for still subjects, but the TruePic VIII processor could suppress blur from gentle motion (^[11]).

Video Capabilities

The E-M1 Mark II supported Digital Cinema Standard 4K (DCI, 4096x2060) at 24p with up to 237 Mbps bitrate, along with UHD 4K. The sensor’s read speed was three times faster than the previous model, suppressing rolling shutter distortion. A video-specific “Flat” picture mode was ideal for color grading. The camera paired 5-axis in-body image stabilization with electronic stabilization for handheld 4K video capture. With Firmware Version 2.0, Olympus released a LUT file for DaVinci Resolve color grading (^[12], ^[13]).

Flash Sync

The flash sync speed was 1/250 second — down from 1/320 on the original E-M1. Some community members noted this as a downside, though it was still better than contemporary Panasonic models (^[14]).

Housing Availability

Olympus PT-EP14

• Available: November 2016 at $1,299.99 USD ($1,599.99 CAD)
• Depth rating: 60 meters
• Features: Compatible with the PPO-EP03 Macro Lens Port for 60mm and 30mm macro lenses, plus the PPO-EP01 port with PMLA-EP01 adapter for the 12-50mm lens
• Notes: Olympus was one of the few camera manufacturers still producing their own underwater housings by this era. The housing featured an angled hot shoe space designed for Olympus strobes, which third-party TTL triggers like the TRT o-TURTLE 45 were specifically redesigned to accommodate (^[15], ^[16])

Nauticam NA-EM1II

• Available: Shipping from January 2017 at $1,900 USD
• Depth rating: 100 meters
• Weight: 1.95 kg
• Dimensions: 305mm x 175mm x 116mm (with handles and mounting balls)
• Model number: 17811
• Features: Integrated handles with stainless steel support brackets, ergonomic shutter release lever on housing body, thumb lever for AF, port locking lever, dual fiber optic sync ports, vacuum monitoring and leak detection system (with optional M14 Vacuum Valve), rubberized zoom/focus knob, port-mounted vacuum reset button, locking camera mounting tray, compatible with Nauticam 45-degree and 180-degree magnifying viewfinders
• Notes: Nauticam’s 17th mirrorless housing design and a refinement of five and a half years of MFT housing development. Described as providing “the same operational feel as any Nauticam DSLR housing” thanks to integrated handles and ergonomic controls. Nauticam emphasized this was “a professional grade underwater housing, supporting the pro-level E-M1 II camera body to its full potential.” The NA-EM1II was first shown publicly at the BOOT 2017 show in Dusseldorf, where Nauticam’s Ryan Canon and Edward Lai presented it alongside the Sony a6500 housing (^[17], ^[18])

Subal

• Announced: December 2016
• Features: New Subal locking system, Type 3 port compatibility, special camera sled for precise mounting, electric or optical strobe triggering, three viewfinder options (standard, GS 180, 45-degree). Hard-coated and corrosion-treated aluminum alloy with three layers of powder coating
• Weight: Approximately 1.3 kg (without port and handles)
• Dimensions: Approximately 234 x 160 x 108 mm (without port and handles)
• Notes: Release date and price were to be confirmed at announcement (^[19])

Aquatica AE-M1 Mk II

• Available: Shipping from June 15, 2017 at $1,599 USD
• Depth rating: 90m or 130m (factory installed, no extra charge)
• Weight: 6.1 lb / 2.8 kg (with grips)
• Housing dimensions: 210mm x 160mm x 110mm
• Features: Lever controls for REC and Fn2 buttons, menu navigation buttons moved closer to housing edge, self-position finding lever controls, magnetic camera locking saddle using neodymium magnets, built-in Surveyor moisture and vacuum monitoring sensor, LED flash trigger included with optical version (powered by lithium coin cell batteries, 15,000+ flashes per set), compatible with Aqua View Finder (straight or 45-degree), Amphibico’s proven rotary cam latching system
• Connector options: Dual optical (#36000-OPT), Nikonos (#36000-NK), or Ikelite (#36000-IKE)
• Notes: Aquatica emphasized a lower profile and more compact design to take advantage of the MFT format. The housing also showed at ADEX 2017 in Singapore (^[20], ^[21])

EasyDive Leo 3 Wi

• Compatibility: The EasyDive Leo 3 Wi universal mirrorless housing supported the E-M1 Mark II via USB controls with firmware upgrades. Shown at ADEX 2017 (^[22])

Inon Accessories for PT-EP14

• Announced: July 2017
• Compatible lenses/ports: Full compatibility listing for Inon conversion lenses and lighting products with the E-M1 Mark II in the Olympus PT-EP14 housing, including close-up lenses (UCL-67 M67, UCL-165M67, UCL-330), the UFL-M150 ZM80 Micro Fisheye Lens, Dome Port EP02 (for Olympus 8mm f/1.8 Fisheye PRO), Dome Port for Olympus (for Four Thirds 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye via MMF-3 adapter), and MRS50 Port (for Four Thirds 50mm f/2.0 Macro via MMF-3)
• Strobe compatibility: S-TTL Auto mode supported with Z-240, D-2000, and S-2000 strobes via Optical D Cable. LED flashlights (LF2700-W, LF800-N, LF1100-W, LF1400-S, LF1000-S, LE700-W, LE700-S, LE350) also compatible
• Arm systems: Grip Base M1, D Holder, Shoe Base, Grip Base D4 (^[23])

Strobe Triggering Solutions

Strobe triggering was a key consideration for E-M1 Mark II underwater photographers, with multiple approaches available:

Built-in FL-LM3 Flash (Optical TTL)

The camera’s included FL-LM3 clip-on flash provided optical TTL triggering for Inon Z-240, D-2000, S-2000, and Sea & Sea YS-D1/YS-D2 strobes via fiber optic cables. However, this method limited continuous shooting to 2-3 fps and consumed camera battery power (^[24]). Community member Adam Hanlon explained that the built-in flash provided a pre-flash for TTL metering and could not recycle fast enough to deliver full-power output afterward (^[25]).

Nauticam Mini Flash Trigger (26306)

Nauticam’s dedicated flash trigger for Olympus could trigger external strobes over fiber optic at up to 10 fps, powered by onboard coin-style lithium batteries with thousands of flashes per set. This bypassed the FL-LM3’s recycling limitations (^[26]).

TRT-Electronics o-TURTLE

TRT-Electronics released the o-TURTLE TTL optical flash trigger, a hot shoe-mounted device with separate LED board for fiber optic triggering. It supported front or rear curtain sync, eliminated flash overheating problems, extended battery life, and enabled full-scale power optical sync in TTL mode. Tested with E-M1 Mark II among other Olympus bodies. A variant, the o-TURTLE 45, was designed to fit the angled hot shoe space in Olympus PT-series housings. Priced at EUR 429 (^[27], ^[28]).

Ikelite RC1 TTL Receiver

Ikelite’s RC1 TTL receiver (available late August 2018) provided fiber optic TTL flash triggering with Ikelite DS strobes. Compatible with the E-M1 Mark II with FL-LM3 flash in Olympus or Nauticam housings, using the camera’s RC flash mode for accurate automatic TTL exposure (^[29]).

Ikelite DL3 DS-Link TTL Converter

Ikelite released an external TTL converter for Olympus and Panasonic cameras in June 2019, available with Nikonos N5 ($395) or Ikelite ICS-5 ($350) connectors. Compatible with E-M1 Mark II and Ikelite DS-series strobes (^[30]).

DIY LED Trigger

Community member “vsc” created a documented modification of the FL-LM3 flash, substituting LEDs for the xenon tube to preserve TTL functionality while reducing cycle time and battery consumption. The modification preserved pre-flash behavior and enabled triggering at the camera’s frame rate, though alignment between the LED and fiber optic cable in the housing required careful attention. Published as an Instructables guide (^[31]).

Lens Ecosystem

The MFT lens ecosystem was a major selling point for the system, with high-quality options from both Olympus and Panasonic:

Macro Lenses

• Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro — The primary macro lens for MFT underwater. With the Nauticam CMC (Compact Macro Converter), it became a “super macro monster” capable of filling the frame with subjects only 8mm wide (^[32])
• Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro — Shorter working distance but wider field of view, preferred by some community members for mixed macro/medium subjects like cuttlefish and sea dragons. Compatible with Focus Stacking (^[33])
• Panasonic Leica DG Macro Elmarit 45mm f/2.8 — An alternative macro option (^[34])

Wide-Angle and Fisheye Lenses

• Panasonic Lumix G Fisheye 8mm f/3.5 — Nauticam described this as providing “the best CFWA (close focus wide angle) option on the planet,” focusing close and razor sharp behind a small dome port (^[35])
• Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 8mm f/1.8 Fisheye PRO — Faster professional alternative. Firmware 2.0 added in-body fisheye correction for use as a wide-angle lens (^[36])
• Panasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm f/4.0 — Rectilinear lens offering 114-degree to 75-degree field of view, ideal for people, sharks, and wrecks where fisheye distortion was unwanted (^[37])
• Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO — Faster professional rectilinear wide-angle (^[38])
• Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye (via Metabones adapter) — Used by some E-M1 Mark II owners for versatile fisheye zoom capability behind Nauticam 140mm mini-dome (^[39])

Versatile Zoom Lenses

• Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 EZ — “The ultimate jack of all trades tool” with a unique macro mode allowing dolphins and nudibranchs on the same dive. Also paired with the Nauticam WWL-1 wet wide lens for wide-angle capability (^[40])
• Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO — Professional standard zoom used behind dome ports for mid-range and wide-angle work (^[41])

Wet Lenses

• Nauticam WWL-1 (Wet Wide Lens) — Paired with the 14-42mm or 12-50mm zoom lenses for “full zoom through ultra wide angle” with corner sharpness exceeding even good MFT wide-angle lenses behind dome ports. Mounted via quick-change bayonet system allowing one-handed mounting and removal (^[42])
• Nauticam CMC-1 and CMC-2 (Compact Macro Converter) — Flip-on super macro capability enabling “ultra wide, mid-range and macro imaging capability, all on the same dive” (^[43])

Reviews & Media Coverage

No in-depth underwater field review of the E-M1 Mark II was published on Wetpixel, though the camera received extensive coverage through housing announcements and industry reporting. UwP Magazine issue 95 (March/April 2017) featured reviews of both the camera and the NA-EM1II housing, along with a review of the Turtle TTL trigger (^[44]).

The Nauticam housing was prominently displayed at BOOT 2017 in Dusseldorf alongside the Sony a6500 housing, with Nauticam noting that “both new cameras feature much better focusing systems than have previously been available in mirrorless cameras, particularly for focus tracking and acquisition” (^[45]). The Wetpixel Live episode “Full Frame vs Cropped” (July 2020), featuring Alex Mustard and Adam Hanlon, discussed the E-M1 Mark II in the context of MFT systems as a strong option for underwater photography, with community members noting the significant housing cost advantage (Nauticam NA-EM1II at $1,900 vs. NA-5DIV at $3,800) (^[46]). Episode 10, “Best Lens Choices for Underwater Photographers with Micro 4/3 Cameras,” provided guidance on lens selection for the E-M1 Mark II and other MFT bodies (^[47]). Episode 147, “Downsizing Advice,” discussed scenarios where photographers considered moving to MFT systems like the E-M1 Mark II for travel and weight savings (^[48]).

Community Discussion

Full Frame vs. MFT Debate

The E-M1 Mark II was frequently at the center of the “full frame vs. cropped sensor” debate among underwater photographers. In a representative thread, a user deciding between the E-M1 Mark II and Canon 5D Mark IV was advised that the MFT system offered compelling advantages for underwater use: compactness and lighter weight (a fraction of full-frame setups), travel-friendliness (entire UW rig fitting in carry-on luggage), superior mirrorless video experience with the angled viewfinder, “stupendous” IBIS for macro video, 2x magnification advantage for macro photography, and significantly lower system cost. One experienced user summarized: “I don’t think you really gain anything with full frame (higher useable ISO, and some more resolution) that comes even close to what you gain with the smaller mirrorless system” (^[49]).

MFT System Loyalty

Despite periodic questions about whether photographers were abandoning Micro Four Thirds, community responses consistently showed a committed user base. Members cited the format’s advantages: smaller size and drag, lightweight ports and lenses, travel convenience, the rich MFT lens ecosystem from both Olympus and Panasonic, fiber optic TTL compatibility (eliminating electrical sync cables), and lower overall system cost. One local UW photography club reported approximately 75% of members using MFT in Olympus and Nauticam housings (^[50]).

Popular Configurations

Community members shared their E-M1 Mark II setups extensively. Common configurations included:

• Macro specialist: Nauticam NA-EM1II + 60mm macro + CMC-1 + Inon Z-240 or Z-330 strobes
• Wide-angle: Nauticam housing + Panasonic 8mm fisheye or Olympus 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO behind Nauticam 140mm or 180mm glass dome
• All-in-one travel: Nauticam housing + WWL-1 on 14-42mm for wide angle + CMC-1 for macro — covering ultra-wide to super-macro on a single dive
• Canon fisheye adapter: Olympus E-M1 Mark II + Canon 8-15mm fisheye via Metabones 1x adapter + Nauticam 140mm mini-dome, used at an Alex Mustard Red Sea workshop with excellent results (^[51], ^[52])

Known Issues

Some Nauticam NA-EM1II users reported a shutter release lever sticking issue where the lever would not fully return to its rest position, causing the camera to behave as if the shutter button was half-pressed. This resulted in unresponsive directional buttons and no image preview. The issue was traced to the return spring or o-ring binding and was resolved through housing service (^[53]).

Firmware History

• Firmware 2.0 (February 28, 2018): Improved Pro Capture Mode (maximum pre-shutter frames increased from 14 to 35), added Focus Stacking support for M.Zuiko 12-100mm f/4.0 IS PRO, added Small AF Target setting to S-AF and C-AF, added in-body fisheye correction for 8mm f/1.8 Fisheye PRO, added 100% magnification ratio for image playback, new Flicker Scan function, improved C-AF performance, improved AF response with back-button focus, improved IS performance for video, new Bleach Bypass Art Filter, Panasonic Leica 200mm f/2.8 compatibility, LUT file release for DaVinci Resolve color grading (^[54])

Context in the Olympus Lineup

The E-M1 Mark II sat at the top of the Olympus MFT lineup alongside the consumer-oriented OM-D E-M5 and E-M10 series. It was succeeded by the OM-D E-M1 Mark III in February 2020, which brought the new TruePic IX processor, improved 7.5-stop image stabilization (vs 5.5 stops), Starry Sky AF, 50MP Handheld High Res Shot (no tripod needed), and Live ND functionality — all at a lower body price of $1,799.99. The Mark III retained the same 20.4MP sensor and 121-point AF system (^[55]). In 2022, the OM System (formerly Olympus) OM-1 would eventually supersede the entire E-M1 line with a stacked sensor design (^[56]).

Timeline

• 2016-09: E-M1 Mark II development announced, generating excitement in the MFT underwater community for its improved AF tracking and larger battery (^[57])
• 2016-11-02: Olympus officially announces the OM-D E-M1 Mark II at $1,999.99, available late December. PT-EP14 housing available from November at $1,299.99 (^[58])
• 2016-12-26: Subal announces housing for E-M1 Mark II with new locking system and Type 3 port compatibility (^[59])
• 2017-01-26: Nauticam ships the NA-EM1II housing at $1,900 USD; shown publicly at BOOT 2017 in Dusseldorf (^[60], ^[61])
• 2017-03: UwP Magazine issue 95 features reviews of the E-M1 Mark II and NA-EM1II housing (^[62])
• 2017-04: EasyDive Leo 3 Wi universal housing shown at ADEX 2017 with E-M1 Mark II compatibility (^[63])
• 2017-06-05: Aquatica announces AE-M1 Mk II housing at $1,599, shipping June 15 (^[64])
• 2017-07-06: Inon announces full compatibility of conversion lenses and lighting products with E-M1 Mark II in PT-EP14 housing (^[65])
• 2017-11: TRT-Electronics ships o-TURTLE and o-TURTLE 45 TTL flash triggers compatible with E-M1 Mark II (^[66], ^[67])
• 2018-02-28: Olympus releases Firmware Version 2.0 with improved Pro Capture, additional Focus Stacking lens support, in-body fisheye correction, and improved C-AF performance (^[68])
• 2018-07: Ikelite announces RC1 TTL receiver compatible with E-M1 Mark II in Olympus or Nauticam housings (^[69])
• 2019-06: Ikelite releases DL3 DS-Link TTL converter for Olympus/Panasonic, compatible with E-M1 Mark II ($350-395) (^[70])
• 2020-02-12: Olympus announces successor OM-D E-M1 Mark III at $1,799.99 (^[71])

References

Wetpixel Live