Buyer's Guide to the
Best OM System OM-1 Mark II Underwater Housings
The OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II Mirrorless Camera is the highly anticipated successor to the popular OM-1 camera. Built with the needs of professional photographers in mind, this camera combines advanced technology, exceptional image quality, and rugged durability.
Underwater photography enthusiasts understand the importance of reliable and high-quality equipment when capturing the beauty of the underwater world. One of the key components of any underwater photography setup is the housing that protects the camera from water damage. Here we will delve into the world of OM System OM-1 Mark II underwater housings, listing the top options available on the market. Whether you are a professional photographer or an avid hobbyist, finding the right housing for your OM System OM-1 Mark II camera is essential for capturing stunning underwater images.
OM System (Olympus) OM-1 Mark II Underwater Housing Options
Marelux Olympus OM-1 Mark II Underwater Housing
*Superb Ergonomics, Durable, High-end Innovative Features*
Marelux continues to grow in the underwater housing market, and the Marelux OM System OM-1 Mark II Underwater Housing will follow on from their previous popular housings for other camera models. Their high-end housings made from premium anodized aluminum designs are priced more competitively than their counterparts.
Aside from giving their housings a premium feel, the anodized aluminum makes them extremely tough and scratch-resistant, which is something adventure-loving photographers will love. And for an extra $200, you can order your housing in some custom color options.
A unique feature of Marelux housings, in general, is their ultra-wide port openings. In most cases, you can remove the port, change lenses, and even install the camera through the port opening. This saves you the time and hassle of disassembling the housing whenever you want to change lenses.
The housing is compatible with a vacuum value, but unfortunately, it's sold separately, as is the manual optical flash trigger.
Nauticam OM System OM-1 Mark II Underwater Housing
*Excellent Ergonomics, User-friendly, Durable*
The Nauticam OM System OM-1 Mark II underwater housing has excellent ergonomics and first-class build quality. When it comes to underwater housing designs, Nauticam is a brand that is constantly pushing the boundaries to create the best user experience for underwater photographers. The Nauticam OM System OM-1 housing is no exception. Crafted from high-quality aluminum, this housing offers durability and reliability in any underwater environment.
Key Features of the Nauticam OM System OM-1 Mark II Underwater Housing
-
Patented Port Locking System: Nauticam's unique port locking system ensures easy and secure mounting of the port without the need for twisting or threading actions. This lever-operated system provides peace of mind, knowing that your dome port will never twist, even when used with long extension rings.
-
Housing Locking Latch: The secure single rotating housing latch allows for quick and easy battery or media changes without compromising the integrity of the housing. This feature is especially useful during fast-paced underwater shoots.
-
Mission Control Ergonomics: Nauticam always prioritizes ergonomics in their housing designs. The controls on the OM System OM-1 housing are strategically placed for easy access and intuitive operation. The Mission Control philosophy ensures that every function is within reach, allowing for a seamless shooting experience.
-
Stainless Steel Handle Brackets: Stiffening handle brackets are included with the housing to eliminate any flex or wobble when using big strobes. These brackets also provide multiple attachment points for lanyards or other accessories, giving you the flexibility to customize your setup according to your needs.
-
Vacuum Check and Leak Detection System: The Nauticam OM System OM-1 housing comes equipped with Nauticam's Vacuum Check and Leak Detection System. By combining this system with the M14 Vacuum Valve II, you can constantly monitor the seal integrity of the housing. The color-coded LED system provides visual feedback, ensuring that your housing remains watertight throughout your dive.
Ikelite OM System OM-1 Mark II 200DLM/B Underwater Housing
*Light, Polycarbonate with Great Ergonomics, User-friendly, Durable*
The Ikelite 200DLM/B OM System OM-1 Mark II underwater housing is made from durable polycarbonate material, making it lightweight, easy to transport and use and immune to any form of corrosion that may become an issue with aluminum housings. Its lower cost compared to some of the other underwater housings on our list is a bonus that is a result of its construction from polycarbonate rather than aluminum. It's not only less expensive, but it also includes a vacuum valve right out of the box, saving aspiring underwater photographers even more money. However, you will need to buy the vacuum pump separately. Your camera will be protected from water damage thanks to the vacuum system, Ikelite's revolutionary dry lock (DL) port system, and a glass back that allows you to see any leaks.
The Ikelite to Canon TTL converter is one of the fastest and most accurate trigger systems out there, which is why many people turn to Ikelite housings.
Key Features of the Ikelite OM System OM-1 Underwater Housing
-
Durable Construction: Ikelite housings are crafted from a specially formulated ABS-PC blend that offers exceptional durability while keeping the weight down. The light color of the housing helps keep your camera cooler when shooting in warm, sunny environments.
-
Flash Triggering Options: The Ikelite OM System OM-1 housing provides various options for flash triggering. You can use the optional Olympus flash inside the housing for accurate TTL flash triggering through the integrated fiber optic bulkheads. For high-speed manual flash triggering, the optional Mini Flash Trigger for Olympus can be used.
-
Premium Professional Optics: Ikelite offers an extensive line of ports for all types of shooting, including wide-angle and macro. Their wet lenses, such as the WWL-1, SMC, and CMC lenses, are also compatible with the housing, allowing for even more creative possibilities.
-
Clear Back Design: One of the standout features of the Ikelite OM System OM-1 housing is its clear back design. This design allows you to easily see if your camera and o-ring seal are dry inside the housing, providing peace of mind during your dives.
About the OM System OM-1 Mark II Micro Four Thirds Camera
The OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II Mirrorless Camera is a highly anticipated release in the world of photography. Designed for professional photographers and advanced enthusiasts, this camera offers a range of features and capabilities that make it a powerful tool for capturing stunning images.
The OM-1 Mark II features a robust magnesium alloy body that is both durable and lightweight. The design is reminiscent of traditional SLR cameras, with a comfortable grip and well-placed controls for easy access and operation. The camera is also weather-sealed to an IP53 standard, making it resistant to dust and splashes of water. This level of weather sealing ensures that the camera can withstand challenging shooting conditions, making it ideal for outdoor photography.
The OM-1 Mark II boasts a 20MP stacked BSI Live MOS sensor and is powered by the TruePic X Dual Quad Core Processor. This combination ensures exceptional image quality, improved low-light performance, and fast processing speeds. The camera offers a maximum resolution of 5184 x 3888 pixels, allowing for highly detailed and sharp images.
The sensor size of the OM-1 Mark II is Four Thirds (17.4 x 13 mm), which provides a crop factor of 2x. While this may limit the ability to achieve shallow depth of field, it enables a more compact and lightweight camera body. The camera supports a wide range of ISO settings, with an expandable range from 80 to 102400. This allows for excellent performance in various lighting conditions, from bright daylight to low-light environments.
In addition to its impressive still image capabilities, the OM-1 Mark II excels in the realm of video recording. It supports DCI/UHD 4K video recording at up to 60p, with 14-bit color depth and multiple compression options. The camera also offers high-speed recording at 120 fps with the electronic shutter, allowing for smooth and detailed slow-motion footage.
In terms of storage, the OM-1 Mark II supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards, with compatibility for UHS-I and UHS-II standards. This provides ample storage space for high-resolution images and 4K videos, ensuring that photographers can capture and store their work without limitations.
The OM-1 Mark II is powered by a high-capacity battery pack that offers an impressive battery life of 520 shots per charge.
Quick Specs:
- 20MP Stacked BSI Live MOS MFT Sensor
- DCI/UHD 4K 60p 14-Bit Video Recording
- 10 fps Shooting, 120 fps with E. Shutter
- Cross Quad Pixel Phase-Detection AF
- 5.76m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder
- 3.0" 1.62m-Dot Swivel Touchscreen LCD
- 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization
- High-Res Shot, Live ND & Composite Modes
- IP53 Weather-Sealed & Freezeproof Design
- Dual UHS-II SD Card Slots
THE NEXT STEPS AFTER YOU PICK YOUR HOUSING: