OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II, 9-18mm and 150-600mm Lenses Announced

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OM SYSTEM is entering 2024 with a trio of significant announcements for its Micro Four Thirds mirrorless system. These include the unveiling of a new flagship camera, the OM-1 Mark II, an updated M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4-5.6 II wide-angle zoom lens, and a versatile super-telephoto zoom lens, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm f/5-6.3 IS.

The OM-1 Mark II introduces major updates in the realm of computational photography. Notably, it debuts the innovative Live Graduated ND function, a first for the system. Additionally, the camera boasts a rugged build designed to excel in outdoor photography settings.

In a parallel commitment to outdoor and nature photography, OM SYSTEM showcases two lenses that serve as solid optics choices for landscape and wildlife subjects. The updated M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4-5.6 II wide-angle zoom lens and the versatile super-telephoto zoom M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm f/5-6.3 IS lens underline the brand’s dedication to providing quality solutions for diverse photographic scenarios.

Pre-order links:

OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II body: $2,399 at B&H, Adorama.

OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II with 12-40mm f/2.8 Lens: $2,999 at B&H, Adorama.

OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm f/5-6.3 IS Lens: $2,699 at B&H, Adorama.

OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4-5.6 II Lens: $699 at B&H, Adorama.

Read more at B&H.

OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II

The OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II marks a significant milestone as the brand’s latest flagship camera, representing a blend of advanced computational imaging capabilities and an unmistakable outdoorsy design, making it the first entirely original camera released under the OM SYSTEM name. Retaining some core specifications from its predecessor, such as the 20MP stacked BSI Live MOS sensor and the TruePic X processor, the OM-1 Mark II achieves the highest image quality in an OM SYSTEM body to date.

Noteworthy improvements include the 5-axis in-body image stabilization system, now capable of compensating for up to 8.5 stops of shake in-camera and supporting sync IS for IS-enabled lenses. The Live GND shooting feature allows users to switch between GND 2, 4, and 8 density values with Soft, Medium, and Hard edge effects, offering landscape photographers flexibility in exposure balancing without the need for large graduated ND filters.

Key Features

  • 20MP Stacked BSI Live MOS MFT Sensor
  • DCI/UHD 4K 60p 14-Bit Video Recording
  • 10 fps Shooting, 120 fps with E. Shutter
  • Cross Quad Pixel Phase-Detection AF
  • 5.76m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder
  • 3.0″ 1.62m-Dot Swivel Touchscreen LCD
  • 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization
  • High-Res Shot, Live ND & Composite Modes
  • IP53 Weather-Sealed & Freezeproof Design
  • Dual UHS-II SD Card Slots

The camera continues to offer computational modes, such as the 80MP Tripod High Res Shot and 50MP Handheld High Res Shot modes, as well as Live Composite and Focus Stacking. Pro Capture mode is supported, with an enhanced buffer allowing for approximately 99 frames before releasing the shutter. The camera maintains its impressive continuous shooting speeds of 120 fps with fixed AF/AE or 50 fps with AF/AE tracking.

An enhancement over the original model, the OM-1 Mark II introduces improved AI Detection AF, enhancing subject recognition for various subjects, including humans, vehicles, animals, and more. This feature ensures faster and more accurate subject tracking, catering to photographers capturing dynamic scenes.

The physical construction of the OM-1 Mark II distinguishes it further, featuring a durable, IP53-rated system that is dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof down to 14°F. Ergonomic improvements provide a better finger grip on dial surfaces, while the 5.76m-dot OLED viewfinder with 0.83x magnification and anti-fog coating enhances the shooting experience with a realistic 120-fps refresh rate.

In summary, the OM-1 Mark II stands as a robust upgrade to a distinctive camera system, tailored for wildlife and outdoor photography enthusiasts. The Micro Four Thirds format benefits wildlife and birding photographers, while computational imaging features like Live GND and Live ND appeal to creative landscape photographers seeking precise exposure control. The rugged build ensures reliable performance in challenging outdoor conditions, making the OM-1 Mark II a compelling choice for a diverse range of photographers.

M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4-5.6 II

The first of the two new lenses is the M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4-5.6 II zoom, offering an ultra-wide 18-36mm-equivalent range and prioritizing a compact, lightweight design coupled with impressive close-focusing capabilities. Clearly designed with landscape and nature photographers in mind, this lens is a compelling choice for those embarking on backpacking or hiking adventures to capture expansive views. With a retractable barrel measuring just under 2″ in length and weighing a mere 5.4 oz, it epitomizes portability. The lens has undergone a redesign from its previous Olympus-branded iteration, featuring a new color scheme, updated knurling, and now includes a petal-shaped lens hood.

Key Features

  • Micro Four Thirds | f/4-5.6 to f22
  • 18-36mm (Full-Frame Equivalent)
  • Movie & Still Compatible AF System
  • Compact & Lightweight

Performance-wise, the lens incorporates two DSA (Dual Super Aspherical) elements and extra-low dispersion glass to minimize distortion, maintain sharpness, and ensure accurate color reproduction. Despite its ultra-wide classification, this lens offers versatility, boasting a constant minimum focusing distance of 9.8″ and a maximum magnification of 0.2x at the long end. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for wide-angle close-up shooting, allowing photographers to exaggerate foreground subjects and infuse scenes with visual depth and drama. Whether capturing expansive landscapes or engaging in detailed close-up photography, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4-5.6 II proves to be a reliable and flexible companion for photographers seeking a balance between performance and portability.

M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm f/5-6.3 IS

OM Digital Solutions Corporation is excited to introduce the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 150-600mm F5.0-6.3 IS lens, representing a breakthrough in super telephoto zoom technology within the Micro Four Thirds System standard. This lens boasts an expansive focal length of up to 1200mm equivalent on its own and an impressive 2400mm equivalent when paired with the optional M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 2x Teleconverter MC-20. This combination not only redefines versatility but also ensures unparalleled imaging excellence. Scheduled for release in late February 2024, the lens is designed to be compatible with the 5-axis sync IS when used with the new OM-1 Mark II, delivering up to 7 shutter speed steps of image stabilization. Even when used independently, it provides up to 6 shutter speed steps of image stabilization, ensuring sharp clarity at extreme distances and eliminating the need for a tripod, allowing photographers to capture decisive moments on the go.

Designed with durability in mind, the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 150-600mm F5.0-6.3 IS lens features IPX1 splash and dust-proof performance, coupled with a fluorine coating, making it a reliable companion in the most challenging environments. Its compact and lightweight design provides photographers with unmatched mobility, facilitating quick and agile maneuverability while pursuing elusive subjects. The OM SYSTEM M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 150-600mm F5.0-6.3 IS lens marks a new era in photographic excellence. By empowering photographers with unprecedented reach, resilience, and performance, it transcends boundaries and captures the extraordinary.

This 150-600mm lens is specifically tailored for wildlife and sports photography, offering an extended reach and impressive zoom capabilities that allow photographers to capture subjects from a distance without compromising image quality.

Via: B&H.