Beautiful retro design. Pro-level controls. So small . The Olympus OM-D E-M5 was the mirrorless camera for discerning photographers. Three years later, it's finally getting a update in the form of the new E-M5 Mark II.

Image stabilization is second to none

Image quality hasn't improved in the three years since the original EM-5 was released; despite still being very good

The Olympus E-M5 II is a more significant reworking of its predecessor than its looks or choice of sensor seem to suggest. The camera boasts a wealth of additional features and refinements to many of the existing ones have been upgraded.

Very good image quality - good dynamic range and color; Extensive and customizable external controls; Excellent build quality and sense of solidity; Class-leading image stabilization - also available for video recording; Broad set of features to support video shooters; Clip-on flash can be rotated...

Low resolution by contemporary standards; Complex menu system and extensive customization options can be overwhelming; Video output not as detailed as it could be; Default autofocus settings limit camera performance

We knew an update to the popular Olympus OM-D E-M5 was in the offing when the company quietly announced it had stopped making the camera in November 2014. So when the E-M5 Mark II was unveiled on 5 February, nobody was really surprised.

The E-M5 Mark II is one of the best cameras for candid shooting, and certainly the smallest, as long as the lighting is good. Autofocus is quick in most conditions; five-axis image stabilization keeps photos and especially videos steady as you move around, and the alloy body with weather sealing...

Petite; weather-sealed body; Excellent photo and video quality; Five-axis image stabilization; Large articulating LCD with tap-to-focus; Electronic viewfinder

Overly complex interface; No built-in flash; Autofocus sometimes sluggish in low light

A sequel well worth your time.

Olympus has issued an OM-D E-M5 II firmware update, and you can find out how to download and install it at this . At first glance the OM-D E-M5 II firmware update 1.1 looks relatively minor, with just three changes, but two of them are actually quite important.

High quality feel; Impressive 40MP/64MP images; Excellent 5-axis image stabilisation

High Res mode demands a tripod and a still subject; Some fiddly and complex controls; Smaller sensor than some rival CSCs

? NEW: Olympus has issued an OM-D E-M5 II firmware update, and you can find out how to download and install it at this Olympus firmware web page . At first glance the OM-D E-M5 II firmware update 1.1 looks relatively minor, with just three changes, but two of them are actually quite important.

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II is the successor to the E-M5, the first model in the company's OM-D mirrorless camera series.At first glance, the Mark II looks just like its predecessor.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II Review - The Olympus E-M5 Mark II takes over from the popular E-M5 Mark I, and although it looks similar to its predecessor it features a wide range of core enhancements

Excellent operating speed; Great build quality including weather resistance; Full customisation of most controls Great JPEG image quality

Raw image quality doesn't quite match competition; Menu interface somewhat challenging; A few design errors

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II is a compelling camera, with a range of features to suit all aspects of photography, from the video enthusiast, who will benefit from the 5-axis image stabilisation and improved video options, or someone looking for high resolution (stills) photography, the 40 megapixel...

40 megapixel high-resolution shooting mode; 5.5 year warranty! (UK Offer; Excellent image quality; Compact weather-sealed metal body; 5-axis image stabilisation system; 10-11fps continuous shooting; Dual-axis electronic level; High resolution electronic viewfinder; Improved vari-angle 3inch...

High res shooting mode requires a tripod and can't be hand-held; Menu system due a refresh; No auto panoramic stitching built in; Accessory port removed; Short battery life (on default settings