Top of the bill is a new high-speed autofocus and continuous shooting system that allows 18fps with continuous autofocus. With focus fixed the camera can manage fully 60 frames per second in full resolution raw format. The focus system now covers a greater area of the frame, with 121 points, all of which are cross-type on-chip phase detection.

A new AF algorithm is designed to do a much better job of tracking the subject, and can display clusters of in-focus points covering the subject.

A Pro capture mode will start recording frames when the shutter button is half-pressed, and then stops when the shutter button is fully pressed. In this more it can capture 14 frames before the shutter button is pressed.

The EVF runs at 120fps with a 6ms reaction time. The camera is dust, splash and freeze-proof. Olympus says the biggest reliability improvements have been internal – there’s a new larger battery that charges faster, and the grip is designed to give a more secure hold with larger lenses. The camera now has twin SD card slots which are UHS-II compatible.

The camera has a 20MP Live MOS sensor designed for lower power consumption, lower noise and higher dynamic range.Olympus claims 1 stop improved noise performance. The TruePic VIII processor has dual quad cores, one for autofocus the other for imaging, Meanwhile Olympus’s already class-leading 5-axis IS has been improved to give 6.5 stops stabilisation.

Cinema 4K is available at 30P and 237Mbps. The camera’s 50Mp high resolution composite mode now prevents image blurring from moving subjects.

Olympus has also released three new lenses. The M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.2 PRO is a high-speed normal prime that has an angle of view equivalent to a 50mm lens on full frame. Olympus says it offers the highest image quality of any of the company’s lenses. It uses a single element for autofocus, promises excellent bokeh, and is weatherproof.

The M.Zuiko Digital 12-100mm f/4 PRO is a 24-200mm equivalent superzoom lens that Olympus says will offer unprecedented optical quality for this type of lens. Indeed it’s the world’s first constant aperture superzoom. The minimum focus is just 1.5cm from the front element. Optical OIS with Sync IS technology promises up to 6.5 stops stabilisation with the E-M1 II.

With the camera, the firm has also introduced an Olympus Pro Service option, with 1-day replacement of products that need servicing or repair. It will come in three levels; a free standard level, and two paid versions with increasing levels of support.

Watch our video interview about the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II:

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