OM System OM-D E-M1 vs OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II
The bottom line
Same line, different generation: the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II (2016) moves ahead on burst speed (18fps vs 10fps), resolution (20.4MP vs 16.3MP) and subject-detection AF. The OM System OM-D E-M1 is still the value pick at $1,299 ($1,999 for the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the OM System OM-D E-M1 gives you most of the experience for less.
Choose 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.
Choose 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.
Where they differ
- ›Video: the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 30p, 10-bit internal and Log.
- ›Price: the OM System OM-D E-M1 launched at $1,299, $700 under the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Card slots: the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II has dual slots for instant backup — the reliability paid work depends on.
- ›Burst: the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II shoots 18fps to the OM System OM-D E-M1's 10fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
- ›Weight: the OM System OM-D E-M1 is 443g (15.6 oz) vs 574g (1.27 lb) — 131g you'll feel on a long day out.
- ›Resolution: 20.4MP on the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II vs 16.3MP — more detail and crop room, at the cost of larger files.
Frequently asked
Is the OM System OM-D E-M1 or the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II better?
Same line, different generation: the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II (2016) moves ahead on burst speed (18fps vs 10fps), resolution (20.4MP vs 16.3MP) and subject-detection AF. The OM System OM-D E-M1 is still the value pick at $1,299 ($1,999 for the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the OM System OM-D E-M1 gives you most of the experience for less.
Who should choose the OM System OM-D E-M1?
Choose the OM System OM-D E-M1 if you're budget-conscious — it launched at $1,299, about $700 less, freeing money for lenses. Choose it if 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.
Who should choose the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II?
Choose 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. Choose it if you shoot video seriously — it brings 10-bit internal colour, Log for gradable footage and both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio. Choose it if you need backup-while-you-shoot reliability — dual card slots (the other has one) matter for paid work like weddings and events.
What is the main difference between the OM System OM-D E-M1 and the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II?
Video: the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 30p, 10-bit internal and Log.
Own the OM System OM-D E-M1? Read the dedicated upgrade guide →
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | Live MOS | Live MOS |
| Sensor Size | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Image Processor | TruePic VII | TruePic VIII |
| Effective Resolution | 16.3 MP | 20.4 MP |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 200 – 25600 | 200 – 25600 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | 100 – 25600 | 64 – 102400 |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/16000 | 1/32000 |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 | 1/250 |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 10 fps | 18 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 1080p | 4K |
| 8K Recording | − | − |
| 4K Recording | − | Up to 30p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 60p | Up to 60p |
| 10-bit Internal | No | Yes |
| Recording Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Log Profiles | − | OM-Log400 |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | Stereo |
| Headphone Jack | No | Yes |
| Mic Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Micro (Type D) | Micro (Type D) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | 81 | 121 |
| Contrast Detect Points | − | − |
| Low Light AF | -2 EV | -2 EV |
| Eye AF | No | Yes |
| Animal AF | No | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | No | No |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 2.36M dots | 2.36M dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.74x | 0.74x |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3" | 3" |
| LCD Resolution | 1.04M dots | 1.04M dots |
| LCD Type | Tilting | Tilting |
| Touch Screen | No | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | v4.0 | v4.2 |
| USB | Micro USB 3.0 | Micro USB 3.0 |
| Memory Card Slots | 1x SD UHS-I | 2x SD (1x UHS-II) |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,299 | $1,999 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | Magnesium Alloy |
| Dimensions | 130.4×93.5×63.1 mm | 134.1×91.9×66.9 mm |
| Weight | 443g (15.6 oz) | 574g (1.27 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 350 shots | 440 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 350 shots | 440 shots |
| Battery Type | BLN-1 | BLH-1 |
