E-M1II preview by Luminous Landscape: “Yes, I will buy it. Somewhat reluctantly…”

e-m1ii

Luminous Landscape posted their E-M1II preview and writes:

No question — this a great camera.  It’s loaded with features that some people might never use.  However, if one takes the time to become familiar with the camera and its many features, then a photographer would find this to be a very versatile camera that can produce nice images in a small, lightweight camera.
Yes, I will buy it.  Somewhat reluctantly because of the price, but I am vested in the lenses, and this camera will just make my investment that much better.Plus, it will be a nice Christmas gift for my wife (Don’t tell her). I hope that we see some firmware upgrades in the future to fix the minor but important concerns I have pointed out.  

Digitalrev writes:

This isn’t a camera that every M4/3 shooter needs, but it’s a fantastic option for professionals to upgrade into. While US$2,000 makes sense for existing M4/3 shooters that are interested in the sheer speed and power of the camera, this won’t convert any photographers using other mounts to the system. 

Imaging Resource posted the in depth image quality analysis. Comparing with the E-M1 at Base ISO they write:

The resolution advantage of the 20-megapixel E-M1 Mark II is apparent here compared to its 16-megapixel predecessor by virtue of the larger scale of the images on the left, but the E-M1 II also resolves more fine detail while showing similar if not slightly lower noise levels. Detail in our tricky red-leaf fabric pattern is less defined from the E-M1 II, though, due to what looks to be stronger noise reduction, however another reason is the increased resolution renders more of fine thread pattern which tends to break up the leaf pattern a bit more. The E-M1 II also appears to apply slightly stronger default sharpening, as well as slightly higher contrast and saturation than the E-M1, but in other respects, both cameras offer very similar image quality at base ISO.

Olympus E-M1II preorders:
In USA at BHphoto, Amazon, GetOlympus and Adorama.
In Europe at ParkCameras. WexUK. Digitech.ch.

 

Olympus 25mm f/1.2 PRO lens review by Imaging Resource: “a superb, pro-quality lens”

25mmpro

Imaging Resource published the full review of the new 25mm f/1.2 PRO lens:

This is a premium lens, with a premium price. Fortunately, it’s worth every penny, providing optical performance worthy of the price tag. Generally, you know if you need a lens with this huge aperture size, and it’s not for the feint of heart: the razor-thin depth of field that’s presented when shooting at ƒ/1.2 demands a strict technique. But when used well, the results are exquisite.

25mm f/1.2 PRO at BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon, GetOlympus. Amazon.de.

This one is impressive: E-M1II takes sharp 15 seconds handheld photos!

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Olympus E-M1II preorders at BHphoto, Amazon, GetOlympus and Adorama.

Take a close look at the image above and now try to realize that this handehld photo shot on the new E-m1II has a 15seconds exposure!

bildschirmfoto-2016-11-03-um-20-54-00

Vasiliev who made this picture sent me that message:

“Hi :) Saw you mentioned Camerajabber article about 2 seconds handheld on Olympus E-M1 Mark II. How about 15 seconds handheld, and not on the 12-100, but using the 25mm f/1.2, without in-lens IS?))) I posted few samples in my Livejournal blog and in Instagram, you can check it (in Russian, but Google may help):
 And one more killing feature: had a lookbook/fashion shoot today, and during it I’ve done 7756 photos outdoors (-2C) and in studio, and after 4.5 hours of total shooting 28% of BLH-1 battery were still there:
https://instagram.com/p/BMT1bMlg2Hu/

Thanks Vasiliev for sharing this! It is indeed absolutely impressive!

Olympus E-M1II preorders:
In USA at BHphoto, Amazon, GetOlympus and Adorama.
In Europe at ParkCameras. WexUK. Digitech.ch.

Olympus E-M1II accessoires:
HLD-9 Power Battery Holder at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama and GetOlympus.
BLH-1 Lithium-Ion Battery at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama and GetOlympus.
BCH-1 Battery Charger at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama and GetOlympus.
AC-5 AC Adapter at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama and GetOlympus.
CBG-12 System Backpack at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama and GetOlympus.
CB-USB11 USB Cable at BHphoto, Amazon and Adorama.
CC-1 USB Cable Holder at BHphoto and Adorama.
RM-CB2 Release Cable at BHphoto, Amazon and Adorama.
PT-EP14 Underwater Housing at BHphoto, Adorama and GetOlympus.
PPO-EP03 Underwater Macro Lens Port at BHphoto, Adorama and GetOlympus.
Underwater Diffuser Plate at BHphoto, Adorama and GetOlympus.
O-Ring at BHphoto and Adorama.
LCD Hood at BHphoto and Adorama.
STF-8 Twin Flash at BHphoto, Adorama and GetOlympus.

Steve Digicams about the E-M1II: “is hands down the best Olympus camera ever made and is well worth your consideration”

e-m1markii

Olympus E-M1II preorders:
In USA at BHphoto, Amazon, GetOlympus and Adorama.
In Europe at ParkCameras. WexUK. Digitech.ch.

Steve Digicams reviewed the E-M1II and writes:

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II produces outstanding images in both the RAW and JPEG formats. The OM-D series has spent the last few years making an argument that their dynamic, contrasty, and crisp images can go head to head with larger image sensors. It’s never been truer than with this new flagship system.
Rugged, handsome, and faster than many DSLRs, Olympus has unleashed its latest flagship Micro Four Thirds camera system, the long awaited OM-D E-M1 Mark II. It combines good ergonomics, 4K video capabilities with excellent still image quality, access the wonderful M.Zuiko PRO lens series, and extended battery life. On the flipside, some might have concerns about the image sensor size, video bit rate, and overall value as the Mark II costs more than the original E-M1. Bottom line: if you’re looking for a fast, compact camera system, or already own an aging OM-D or PEN camera body, the OM-D E-M1 Mark II is Highly Recommended.

Mike Pasini writes:

Two things were clear from our afternoon with the M1 Mark II.
First, the advantages of the Micro Four Thirds format are compelling when matched to a pro-level body. We can’t tell what our dSLRs can do that the M1 Mark II can’t.
Second, Olympus has built out an ecosystem for the M1 Mark II that includes not just interesting optics but wireless and macro flash plus remote control. Again, we can’t compare that ecosystem to those of say Canon, Nikon and Pentax. But if you’re in the market, include Olympus in the discussion.
But what really stuck in our mind after our briefing was how responsive the company has been to its customers, including the four-year plan with free firmware updates. With Olympus you know where you stand.

Imaging Resource added the E-M1II to their Studio comparison tool (Open the RAW files with “Portraitprostudio”. Thanks Lepidi for the tip!)
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II sample video (CameraJabber).
E-M1 Mark II – Erste Eindrücke im Echtbetrieb (Pen And Tell)

Olympus E-M1II preorders:
In USA at BHphoto, Amazon, GetOlympus and Adorama.
In Europe at ParkCameras. WexUK. Digitech.ch.

Olympus E-M1II accessoires:
HLD-9 Power Battery Holder at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama and GetOlympus.
BLH-1 Lithium-Ion Battery at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama and GetOlympus.
BCH-1 Battery Charger at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama and GetOlympus.
AC-5 AC Adapter at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama and GetOlympus.
CBG-12 System Backpack at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama and GetOlympus.
CB-USB11 USB Cable at BHphoto, Amazon and Adorama.
CC-1 USB Cable Holder at BHphoto and Adorama.
RM-CB2 Release Cable at BHphoto, Amazon and Adorama.
PT-EP14 Underwater Housing at BHphoto, Adorama and GetOlympus.
PPO-EP03 Underwater Macro Lens Port at BHphoto, Adorama and GetOlympus.
Underwater Diffuser Plate at BHphoto, Adorama and GetOlympus.
O-Ring at BHphoto and Adorama.
LCD Hood at BHphoto and Adorama.
STF-8 Twin Flash at BHphoto, Adorama and GetOlympus.

Panasonic G85 gets the Gold Award at Dpreview (Update: IS with issues)

g85

The G85 at Amazon.com

Dpreview published the full Panasonic G85 review:

The G85 is an extremely appealing camera for enthusiast photographers. Light-weight and weather-sealed, it offers dual control dials, a fully articulating touchscreen and ample customization. Still image quality is excellent, the same goes for 4K and HD video quality. Autofocus is reliable, even when it comes to subject tracking and 5-axis in body stabilization allows for easy hand-held shooting. Simply put, this camera should fulfill the needs of many with ease.

procon

UPDATE:

Personal View user Hanriverprod reported a major issue witht he G80 image stabilziation system. Just watch the video to learn more about it!

G85 in USA at BHphoto. Adorama. Amazon.
G80-G81 in Europa at Amazon Germany, ParkCameras. WexUK.