The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is a 20MP Micro Four Thirds camera aimed at enthusiast photographers, but could be a good option for beginners that want a system to grow into. It features the same sensor, AF system and 4K video capture as the flagship E-M1 II and E-M1 X, in a considerably smaller, lighter package.
It's the first in the E-M5 line to offer on-sensor phase detect autofocus, which includes both face and eye detection modes. The updated AF system is complemented by a 10 fps max burst rate in AF-C. The camera also gets a new image stabilization system, an updated EVF and some small ergonomic improvements.
Key takeaways
- 20MP Four Thirds sensor
- 121-point hybrid autofocus system
- 50MP high-res shot mode
- 10 fps burst shooting with AF-C
- Cinema [DCI] and UHD 4K video
- Up 6.5EV of image stabilization [CIPA-rating] with supported lenses
- 2.36M-dot OLED viewfinder with 60 fps refresh rate
- Extensive direct controls and articulating touchscreen
- Weather-sealed body
- In-camera USB charging
- 1/8000 sec mechanical shutter speed
The E-M5 III will be available at the end of November for a body-only price of $1,199.99, CAN $1,499.99 in either black or silver. It will also be available kitted with the weather-sealed Olympus 14-150mm F4-5.6 II for $1,799.99, CAN $2,249.99.
What's new and how it compares
The E-M5 III is Olympus's smallest, lightest 20MP camera. Here's what else is new and how it stacks up against its peers.
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Body and controls
The rear of the E-M5 III is largely unchanged, but some significant changes have been made to both the camera's top plate and the EVF.
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Shooting experience
Photo editor Dan Bracaglia spent 48 hours shooting in the deserts of Southern, Utah, E-M5 III in hand.
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Image quality
The E-M5 III is capable of some excellent image quality, up there with the best that Micro Four Thirds can produce today.
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Autofocus and performance
While the E-M5 III comes with an autofocus system that shares its spec with higher-end models, we were a bit disappointed with its performance.
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Video
With incredible stabilization, a mic input, an articulating touchscreen and good quality files, the E-M5 III is a good candidate for video shooting.
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Conclusion
We find the E-M5 III to be a fantastic companion for travel and general photography, producing excellent images under a wide range of scenarios.
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Sample gallery
Curious what kind of files the E-M5 III produces? Have a look at our vast sample gallery.
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