Compact and feature-packed: Our Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III review

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Compact and feature-packed: Our Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III review

12 Dec

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82%

Overall score

Jump to conclusion

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.

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.

Photo editor Dan Bracaglia spent 48 hours shooting in the deserts of Southern, Utah, E-M5 III in hand.

The E-M5 III is capable of some excellent image quality, up there with the best that Micro Four Thirds can produce today.

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.

With incredible stabilization, a mic input, an articulating touchscreen and good quality files, the E-M5 III is a good candidate for video shooting.

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.

Curious what kind of files the E-M5 III produces? Have a look at our vast sample gallery.

360Photography