OM System OM-D E-M1 → OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II
Is the upgrade worth it? Every change on the spec sheet, and an honest read on who should bother.
The bottom line
The OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II is the direct successor to your OM System OM-D E-M1, released 3 years later. Across the full spec sheet it improves 11 items and steps back on 2. The changes that matter most: burst jumps from 10fps to 18fps; resolution rises from 16.3MP to 20.4MP; 4K video arrives. The OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II lists at $1,999 (the OM System OM-D E-M1 launched at $1,299, and older bodies typically sell for well under launch price on the used market). If several of the gains below map to how you shoot, this is a substantial step up; if none do, your current body keeps doing everything it does today.
Upgrade to the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II if…
- ✓You shoot action, sports or wildlife — 18fps burst plus dedicated subject-tracking AF keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 10fps would drop frames.
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings 10-bit internal colour, Log for gradable footage and both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio.
- ✓You need backup-while-you-shoot reliability — dual card slots (the other has one) matter for paid work like weddings and events.
Stick with the OM System OM-D E-M1 if…
- •You're budget-conscious — it launched at $1,299, about $700 less, freeing money for lenses.
- •You value portability — at 443g (15.6 oz) it's noticeably lighter than the 574g (1.27 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- •None of the headline changes map to what you actually shoot — the camera you own doesn't get worse when a successor launches.
What changed (21 items)
↑ 11 improved · ↓ 2 stepped back · → changed without a clear better/worse
| Spec | OM System OM-D E-M1 | OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II |
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| →Image Processor | TruePic VII | TruePic VIII |
| ↑Effective Resolution | 16.3 MP | 20.4 MP |
| Exposure Control | ||
| →ISO Range (Extended) | 100 – 25600 | 64 – 102400 |
| →Electronic Shutter | 1/16000 | 1/32000 |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| ↑Continuous Shooting | 10 fps | 18 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| →Max Resolution | 1080p | 4K |
| ↑10-bit Internal | No | Yes |
| ↑Headphone Jack | No | Yes |
| ↑Mic Input | No | Yes |
| Focus | ||
| ↑Phase Detect Points | 81 | 121 |
| ↑Eye AF | No | Yes |
| ↑Animal AF | No | Yes |
| Monitor | ||
| ↑Touch Screen | No | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| →Bluetooth | v4.0 | v4.2 |
| →Memory Card Slots | 1x SD UHS-I | 2x SD (1x UHS-II) |
| General | ||
| ↓Price (MSRP) | $1,299 | $1,999 |
| →Dimensions | 130.4×93.5×63.1 mm | 134.1×91.9×66.9 mm |
| ↓Weight | 443g (15.6 oz) | 574g (1.27 lb) |
| ↑Battery Life (EVF) | 350 shots | 440 shots |
| ↑Battery Life (LCD) | 350 shots | 440 shots |
| →Battery Type | BLN-1 | BLH-1 |
What stayed the same (25 items)
Everything below is identical on both bodies — if these are what you buy a camera for, the OM System OM-D E-M1 already has them.
Ready to buy?
OM System OM-D E-M1 (keep or buy used)
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OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II
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Frequently asked
Is it worth upgrading from the OM System OM-D E-M1 to the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II?
The OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II is the direct successor to your OM System OM-D E-M1, released 3 years later. Across the full spec sheet it improves 11 items and steps back on 2. The changes that matter most: burst jumps from 10fps to 18fps; resolution rises from 16.3MP to 20.4MP; 4K video arrives. The OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II lists at $1,999 (the OM System OM-D E-M1 launched at $1,299, and older bodies typically sell for well under launch price on the used market). If several of the gains below map to how you shoot, this is a substantial step up; if none do, your current body keeps doing everything it does today.
What are the biggest improvements of the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II over the OM System OM-D E-M1?
Across the spec sheet the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II improves 11 items. The most significant: 18fps burst plus dedicated subject-tracking AF keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 10fps would drop frames. it brings 10-bit internal colour, Log for gradable footage and both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio. dual card slots (the other has one) matter for paid work like weddings and events.
What does the OM System OM-D E-M1 still do just as well as the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II?
25 spec items are identical between the two, including sensor type (Live MOS), sensor size (Micro Four Thirds), lens mount (Micro Four Thirds), iso range (native) (200 – 25600), mechanical shutter (1/8000), flash sync speed (1/250). If those cover your needs, the older body remains fully capable.
Does the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II give anything up compared to the OM System OM-D E-M1?
Yes — 2 items on the spec sheet move the other way: price (msrp) ($1,299 → $1,999), weight (443g (15.6 oz) → 574g (1.27 lb)).
Full side-by-side spec table →OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II full specs →