The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II carries an approximately 150,000-actuation mechanical shutter rating. Like all Olympus bodies, ORF files do not store a confirmed shutter-count tag — check via the camera menu or ExifTool MakerNote data for the most reliable reading.
Check Shutter Count →The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II (2015) is a compact, weather-sealed Micro Four Thirds camera that brought pro-level 5-axis IBIS, a fully articulating touchscreen, and IP53-rated splash and dustproof construction to a mid-range body. It sits between the entry-level E-M10 series and the professional E-M1 series, and was widely used by travel and street photographers throughout its production life. The mechanical shutter is rated at approximately 150,000 actuations.
Key features include 5-axis IBIS (rated up to 5 stops at launch), 40 MP High Resolution Shot (tripod), a fully articulating rear LCD touchscreen, and 1080/60p video. At 469 g body-only it was one of the lightest weather-sealed ILCs available when released.
| Model | Release | Sensor | Rated Shutter Life | RAW Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II | 2015 | 16.1 MP M4/3 | ~150,000 | ORF |
| Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III (successor) | 2019 | 20.4 MP M4/3 | ~150,000 | ORF |
| Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II (flagship) | 2016 | 20.4 MP M4/3 | 200,000 | ORF |
| OM System OM-5 (modern equivalent) | 2022 | 20.4 MP M4/3 | ~200,000 | ORF |
exiftool -ShutterCount yourfile.ORF. ExifTool reads from Olympus MakerNote tags and typically returns a count on E-M5 Mark II firmware, though Olympus does not officially document this tag.Released in 2015, the E-M5 Mark II has been on the used market for many years. Bodies with high shutter counts are common — factor the 150,000-actuation rating and the camera's age into your price negotiation.
| Actuation Count | % of Rated Life | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 8,000 | 0 – 5 % | Very low use — near new |
| 8,000 – 45,000 | 5 – 30 % | Low use |
| 45,000 – 95,000 | 30 – 65 % | Moderate use — normal for active shooters |
| 95,000 – 130,000 | 65 – 85 % | High use — negotiate price |
| 130,000 + | 85 %+ | Near or past rated life |
The E-M5 Mark II mechanical shutter is rated at approximately 150,000 actuations — the same as the original E-M5 and the E-M5 Mark III, and below the E-M1 series (200,000). This rating is standard for mid-range Micro Four Thirds bodies.
The OM System OM-5 (2022) offers a newer 20.4 MP sensor, updated subject-recognition AI, confirmed IP53 sealing, and an estimated 200,000-actuation shutter rating. If budget allows, the OM-5 is the more future-proof choice. A well-priced E-M5 Mark II with a low shutter count remains a capable travel camera, especially if you already own Micro Four Thirds lenses.
The E-M5 Mark II's fully articulating screen (vs. the tilt-only screens on Mark III and OM-5) was popular with video shooters and vloggers. Bodies advertised with heavy video use may have a lower mechanical shutter count than equivalent-age stills cameras, since 1080p video uses the electronic shutter exclusively.
Check: IBIS operation (test with slow shutter at long focal lengths), sensor cleanliness (shoot plain sky at f/16), rubber seal integrity around all port covers and card door, EVF clarity and any burn-in, and the fully articulating LCD hinge condition — the more complex hinge is a wear point on older bodies. Verify the BLS-50 battery holds adequate charge.