🧭 First Insights — OM SYSTEM OM‑5 Mark II

Launched just yesterday, June 17th 2025, the OM System OM‑5 Mark II quietly stepped into the spotlight.
At first, I was tempted to post something right away — like all the familiar Olympus ambassadors and reviewers did (think RED35, MFN and others). But I figured: let the usual suspects have their say in the usual review style… and then I’ll chime in.

Surprisingly, the launch stayed relatively calm. No major backlash about missing features or “lack of progress.” In fact, it was… well, quite well-received.

And here’s the thing — as I’ve said before on OSP:
A Mk II or Mk III doesn’t have to mean “flagship specs for half the price.” A next-gen version should mostly reflect real-world feedback: better ergonomics, smarter button layouts, improved grip, refined menus — small, meaningful upgrades that matter to the people actually using it.

And that’s exactly what the OM‑5 Mark II seems to be: an evolution based on a proven model.

🔍 So what’s new?

• Improved grip: not huge, but yes — better, especially for smaller hands or long shooting sessions.
• Modern menu system: borrowed from the OM‑1/OM‑3 — much easier to navigate and customize.
• USB‑C: now included (and legally required in many places), and frankly, about time.
• New IP53-rated body: weather-sealed, freeze-resistant — still ultra-compact and travel‑ready.
• Stabilization: up to 7.5 stops with Sync‑IS — handheld shooting is smoother than ever.
• Computational tricks: High Res Shot, Live ND, Live Composite, HDR, Focus stacking — still here and still impressive.
• Burst & AF: 30 fps Pro Capture, 121‑point phase detect — same as its predecessor, but still fast.
• DCI 4K video with OM Log400 and unlimited record time — now with vertical video support.

🍂 And the cherry on top?

You can now get the OM‑5 Mark II in… sand color.
I know — it’s just a color. But it’s nice to see OM System finally embrace the idea of offering style options — especially for those of us who spend a lot of time out in the wild. A splash of earthy tone doesn’t hurt.

So, is it exciting?
I think so — not groundbreaking, but a thoughtful update that shows OM System is listening to its users. For travel, landscape, and outdoor creators, this may well be the compact workhorse to watch in 2025 – And let’s not forget, almost €700 cheaper than the next model, the om-3.

Thanks for reading!
– Marc

P.S.

🎨 OM‑5 Mk II — Bonus LUT for Color Grading

OM System also released a 3D LUT file for DaVinci Resolve, designed to match the OM‑5 Mark II’s color science.
It’s ideal if you’re shooting OM‑Log400 and want a clean, accurate starting point for grading in Resolve — especially helpful for hybrid shooters working across stills and video.

Download it directly via the official product page — drop it into Resolve’s LUT folder, and you’re good to go – https://support.jp.omsystem.com/en/support/imsg/digicamera/download/software/3dlut/3dlut.html

Header picture courtesy of OM System – https://explore.omsystem.com/be/nl/om-5-mark-ii-body-sand-beige

This article was written by Marc R.
While I primarily speak Dutch and have some knowledge of English and a little French, ChatGPT helps ensure my writing is grammatically correct. I often mix Dutch and English in my drafts, and ChatGPT steps in to translate and correct.