The Olympus E-M5 Mark III is a 20.4MP Micro Four Thirds camera that was released in 2019. It is a compact and feature-packed camera that is aimed at enthusiast photographers, but could also 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.
The E-M5 Mark III has excellent in-body stabilization, some terrific and innovative shooting features, and a great range of lenses. It may have a smaller sensor than its APS-C rivals, but it hits the sweet spot for size, weight, handling and features. However, its autofocus just can’t keep up with the competition and the overly complex user interface could use updating.
Overall, the Olympus E-M5 Mark III is a solid choice for photographers who value portability and versatility. It is a great option for travel photography, street photography, and vlogging. In this review, we will take a closer look at the camera’s features, performance, and image quality to help you decide if it is the right camera for you.
Key Specifications of the Olympus E-M5 Mark III
The Olympus E-M5 Mark III is a compact and feature-packed camera aimed at enthusiast photographers who want a system to grow into. It features a 20.4MP MFT Live MOS sensor, the same AF system and 4K video capture as the flagship E-M1 II and E-M1 X, in a considerably smaller, lighter package. Here are some of the key specifications of the camera:
| Sensor | 20.4MP MFT Live MOS |
| Image Processor | TruePic VIII |
| ISO Range | 200-25,600 (expandable to 64-25,600) |
| AF System | 121-point all cross-type phase detection AF |
| Image Stabilization | 5-axis in-body image stabilization (up to 6.5 stops of compensation) |
| Video | 4K UHD at 30fps, 1080p Full HD at up to 120fps |
| Viewfinder | 2.36M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder |
| Screen | 3.0-inch tilting touchscreen LCD (1.04M-dot) |
| Burst Shooting | 10fps (mechanical shutter), 30fps (electronic shutter) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, Micro HDMI |
| Battery Life | 310 shots per charge (CIPA rating) |
The E-M5 Mark III has a weather-sealed body and is compatible with Olympus’ extensive range of lenses, including the high-quality M.Zuiko PRO lenses. It also has a range of shooting modes and features, including Live Composite, Live Time, and Focus Stacking, which allow photographers to capture creative and unique images. Overall, the Olympus E-M5 Mark III is a versatile and capable camera that offers excellent image quality, advanced features, and portability.
An Overview of the Features
The Olympus E-M5 Mark III is a compact and feature-packed camera that is designed for enthusiast and professional photographers. It boasts a 20.4MP sensor, the same AF system as the flagship E-M1 II and E-M1 X, and 4K video capture capabilities. The camera is considerably smaller and lighter than its flagship counterparts, making it a great option for photographers on the go.
The E-M5 Mark III has a weather-sealed body with a 2.36M-dot EVF and tilting touchscreen display. It also features excellent in-body stabilization, which is a great feature for photographers who want to capture sharp images in low light or at slow shutter speeds. The camera has a variety of shooting modes, including high-speed 1080/120p video capture and an extensive amount of Art Filters, which allow users to stylize their photos without a computer.
The camera’s autofocus system is fast and accurate, thanks to its 121-point AF system that covers most of the frame. The camera also has a Face/Eye Priority AF mode that is perfect for portrait photography. The camera’s burst mode allows users to capture up to 10 frames per second in RAW and JPEG formats, making it a great option for action and sports photography.
Other notable features of the E-M5 Mark III include built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, which allows users to quickly and easily transfer images to a smartphone or tablet. The camera also has a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, as well as a microphone input for capturing high-quality audio during video recording.
Pros
The Olympus E-M5 Mark III is a compact and feature-packed camera that offers several benefits to photographers. Here are some of the pros of this camera:
- Image Stabilization: The E-M5 Mark III has a 5-axis in-body image stabilization system that provides up to 5.5 stops of compensation. This feature helps photographers to capture sharp images in low light conditions without the need for a tripod.
- Fast Autofocus: The E-M5 Mark III has a fast and reliable autofocus system that uses 121 cross-type phase detection points. This feature allows photographers to capture sharp images of moving subjects with ease.
- 4K Video: The E-M5 Mark III can record 4K video at 30 frames per second. This feature allows photographers to capture high-quality video footage with excellent detail and color reproduction.
- Compact Size: The E-M5 Mark III is considerably smaller and lighter than other cameras in its class. This feature makes it an ideal camera for photographers who want a portable and easy-to-carry camera system.
- Excellent Build Quality: The E-M5 Mark III has a weather-sealed body that is dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof. This feature allows photographers to use the camera in a variety of challenging conditions without worrying about damage to the camera.
Overall, the Olympus E-M5 Mark III is an excellent camera that offers several benefits to photographers. Its compact size, fast autofocus, and image stabilization system make it an ideal camera for travel and street photography
. Additionally, its 4K video recording capabilities and excellent build quality make it a versatile camera for a wide range of photography and videography applications.
Cons
Despite its many strengths, the Olympus E-M5 Mark III is not without its flaws. Here are a few cons to consider before making a purchase:
- Autofocus performance: While the autofocus system on the E-M5 Mark III shares its specs with higher-end models, some reviewers have noted that its performance can be a bit disappointing. In particular, the camera may struggle to keep up with fast-moving subjects in certain situations.
- Video quality: While the E-M5 Mark III is capable of shooting 4K video, some reviewers have found that the footage can be a bit soft and lacking in detail. Additionally, the camera lacks some of the advanced video features found on other models in its price range.
- Battery life: While the E-M5 Mark III’s battery life is decent, it may not be sufficient for extended shooting sessions. Some users have reported needing to carry multiple batteries in order to get through a full day of shooting.
- Price: While the E-M5 Mark III is not the most expensive camera on the market, it is still priced at a premium compared to some of its competitors. This may make it less accessible for budget-conscious photographers.
Despite these cons, the Olympus E-M5 Mark III remains a highly capable camera that offers a lot of value for its price. Ultimately, whether or not it is the right camera for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
How to Make the Best Out of Your Olympus E-M5 Mark III
The Olympus E-M5 Mark III is a powerful camera that can produce stunning images when used correctly. Here are a few tips to help you make the most out of your camera:
- Experiment with different shooting modes: The E-M5 Mark III has a variety of shooting modes, including aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual. Experimenting with these modes can help you find the best settings for different shooting scenarios.
- Take advantage of the in-body image stabilization: The E-M5 Mark III features a 5-axis image stabilization system that can help you capture sharp images even in low light conditions. Make sure to turn on the image stabilization feature when shooting handheld.
- Use the touch screen: The E-M5 Mark III features a touch screen that can be used to select focus points, adjust settings, and even take photos. Take advantage of this feature to make shooting easier and more intuitive.
- Customize your settings: The E-M5 Mark III allows you to customize many of its settings, including button functions and menu layouts. Take some time to customize the camera to your preferences to make shooting more efficient and enjoyable.
- Experiment with different lenses: The E-M5 Mark III is compatible with a wide range of lenses, including Olympus’ high-quality M.Zuiko lenses. Experimenting with different lenses can help you achieve different looks and styles in your photos.
By following these tips, you can make the most out of your Olympus E-M5 Mark III and capture stunning images that you’ll be proud to share.
Alternatives to the Olympus E-M5 Mark III
While the Olympus E-M5 Mark III is a great camera, it may not be the perfect fit for everyone. Here are a few alternatives to consider:
Panasonic Lumix GX9
The Panasonic Lumix GX9 is a compact and lightweight camera that offers excellent image quality and a range of advanced features. It has a 20.3-megapixel sensor, 5-axis image stabilization, and a tilting touchscreen. It also has a built-in viewfinder and 4K video capabilities. However, it does not have weather sealing and the battery life is not as good as the E-M5 Mark III.
Fujifilm X-T30
The Fujifilm X-T30 is a stylish and powerful camera that offers excellent image quality and a range of advanced features. It has a 26.1-megapixel sensor, 4K video capabilities, and a fast autofocus system. It also has a tilting touchscreen and a built-in viewfinder. However, it does not have in-body image stabilization and the battery life is not as good as the E-M5 Mark III.
Sony Alpha A6600
The Sony Alpha A6600 is a high-end camera that offers excellent image quality and a range of advanced features. It has a 24.2-megapixel sensor, 5-axis image stabilization, and a fast autofocus system. It also has a tilting touchscreen, a built-in viewfinder, and 4K video capabilities. However, it is more expensive than the E-M5 Mark III and the menu system can be confusing for some users.
Ultimately, the choice of camera will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as image quality, features, size and weight, and price when making your decision.