What about the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II ?

Don't trow away your small pots!

Yes it is a very pertinent question in particular with the introduction of the newest pro graded Olympus OM-D E-M1X. We don't know the manufacturer future planning concerning the still available Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II but some could be thinking in vue the recent price decrease of the Mark II that Olympus could be in the process to phase out the inventory of the E-M1 Mark II. True or not I think there is a place for the two models involved.

Let me trace a parallel with two ex-pro analog cameras of a less recent time. Nikon use to offer pro F series modular cameras from the original model F to the autofocus F4 which was a very clever choice for photographers who want to have the flexibility of compactness and the option of adding a sport motorized vertical grip. Later on the manufacturer choose to offer the F5 monobloc model that use the same principle design and handling that we are seing today with the new Olympus OM-D E-M1X.  Although I fully agree about the robustness and the "sport and nature" nature of the ergonomic of the E-M1X, it is certainly not what we can call a compact package.

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II / M.Zuiko 40-150mm F2.8 Pro

So what about the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II? In my book it is still a very competent pro photo device. For photographers on the run, for travel, for reproduction and macro works, for discrete application, etc, the Mark II fills the bill perfectly. If you are a user of small fix focal length lenses, the OM-D E-M1 Mark II represent a logic combo difficult to beat into the MFT planet but I must add that it is not a "pocket" camera obviously (Olympus have already various other models to fulfill that task). My humble advice to new E-M1X owners: don't sell out your E-M1 Mark II (if you have one) and preserve it as a back-up or as an alternative camera for other different picture taking situations.

Even in 2019, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is filling the gap between the specialized "sport and news" E-M1X model and the rest smaller Olympus mirrorless models. And it is a "pro" photo device designed to withstand adverse conditions and intensive use.

We have reached a certain "plateau" in the development of the digital photo equipment and the manufacturers tend to diversify their offer in specific different amateur and professional directions. Because of its specialized clientele, many new camera models will be more expensive compare to the ones introduced during the previous "flash" era of artificial mass photo consumer market. Now we are entering into a more mature one in which most photographers are more carefully considering their buying options before committing into a camera  or lens model or an entire photo system.

If you like to do photography and you are looking for a proved compact pro option, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II may still be one of the finest offer over the market.