OM System OM-5 Mark II Review: The Ultimate Adventure Travel Camera
Check out my full video HERE
Looking for a rugged, compact camera that doesn’t skimp on quality? The OM System OM-5 Mark II might just be the perfect travel and adventure photography camera. In this post, I’m breaking down what makes this lightweight mirrorless standout, especially for outdoor creators and travelers who want pro-level features without carrying a full-frame tank around.
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🔄 What's New with the OM-5 Mark II?
First off, yes, it’s compact. But don’t let the size fool you.
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New Colorway: Fresh and clean. The new OM-5 II color almost perfectly matches the cardboard box it ships in. It’s subtle but adds personality, perfect for the adventurous photographer.
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Same Great Build: Very similar to the original OM-5 in design, but with noticeable upgrades under the hood.
Despite being aimed at the mid-range market, it feels high-end in hand. The magnesium alloy build is solid and weather-sealed with an IP53 rating, which means rain, dust, and cold aren’t going to slow you down.
👉 Get the OM System OM-5 Mark II here
👉 Check out the 12–45mm f/4 PRO lens (used in this review)
📸 Image Quality & Sensor
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Sensor: 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor
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File Format: JPEG and RAW (Lightroom support coming soon)
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Photo Quality: Incredibly sharp JPEGs straight out of the camera—even when cropping in
Micro Four Thirds might not match full-frame depth of field, but it punches way above its weight in detail, sharpness, and usability—especially for travel.
🧠 Computational Photography Features
This is where the OM-5 Mark II gets fun.
Right next to the shutter button is a dedicated computational photography button, unlocking several powerful features:
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Handheld High-Res Mode: Capture up to 50MP without a tripod
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Tripod High-Res: Get stunning 80MP shots with added stability
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Live ND Filter: Simulate long exposures without bulky filters—perfect for waterfalls or city lights
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Focus Stacking: Great for macro or landscape shots
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Multiple Exposure Mode: Combine creative frames in-camera
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Pro Capture Mode: Buffers images as you half-press the shutter—ideal for unpredictable action shots at up to 30fps
🎥 Video Specs & IBIS Performance
The OM-5 Mark II shines in video too—especially for a lightweight hybrid camera.
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4K at 30fps + Cinema 4K at 24fps
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1080p at 120fps for smooth slow motion
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OM-Log400: For better colors and dynamic range in post
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Unlimited recording (no annoying time limits)
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Mic input for better audio (but the internal mic’s surprisingly decent)
📷 IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) is absolutely next-level here. Even without lens stabilization, footage remains super smooth. Coming from Sony and Canon, the OM5’s IBIS blew me away.
⚖️ Portability vs Full-Frame Cameras
This is where Micro Four Thirds really flexes.
I compared the OM-5 Mark II with my Sony A7S III + 35mm f/1.8 side-by-side with the OM 17mm f/1.8—a nearly equivalent field of view and aperture. The size and weight difference? Night and day.
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OM-5 Kit: Half the size, significantly lighter
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Easier to pack for hikes, trips, and travel
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More budget-friendly lenses across the system
If you’re constantly on the go, this makes a real difference.
👉 Shop the OM 17mm f/1.8
👉 Compare lightweight MFT travel lenses here
💭 Final Thoughts
If you’re someone who travels, hikes, explores, and wants a camera that won’t slow you down—but still delivers high-quality images and video—the OM System OM-5 Mark II is a serious contender.
✅ Ultra-compact and lightweight
✅ Pro-level image stabilization
✅ Full-featured video specs
✅ Weather-sealed and adventure-ready
✅ Creative computational photography tools
It’s one of the most versatile, creator-focused cameras I’ve tested in this size.