Focusing
With its reliable face detection autofocus, the E-M5 Mark II has no trouble focusing on off-centre subjects. This example was shot using the relatively inexpensive Olympus m.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 lens wide open.
We’ve become used to CSCs offering fast, accurate autofocus, and the E-M5 Mark II is no exception. Its 81-point contrast-detect AF system covers most of the frame, and can automatically switch to face detection when it detects a human subject. At this point it will even detect and focus on the closer eye, which is usually what we want to do. When using the EVF, the focus area can be set using the D-pad on the back of the camera; with the LCD it can be selected by simply tapping the screen.
Traditionally CSCs have not been so great at following moving subjects, but the manufacturers have made great strides here in recent years. The Mark II isn’t top of the class, as it has no phase detection elements on the sensor and therefore can’t match the likes of the Samsung NX1, Sony Alpha 6000 or its big brother the E-M1. Instead it can ‘only’ shoot at 5fps with continuous AF, which will likely satisfy many users. But if you spend a lot of time shooting fast-moving subjects, it might not be your best choice.
For manual focus, both an image-stabilised magnified view and a focus peaking display (that detects and highlights high contrast edges) are on hand to help with critical focusing. The two can be combined, and the latter is nicely customisable, with a choice of highlight colours and intensities. I found peaking worked well both with modern, native primes and older manual focus optics – but magnified view gives the very best accuracy.
