There are many reasons why the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is perfect for first-time and seasoned users. It’s small, lightweight, and is weatherproof. This is packed with updated specs like the Live Composite Mode and some of the timeless Olympus features. It offers enhanced autofocus and image stabilization for sharper and true to life images indoors or outdoors. A few flaws were hardly noticeable and easy to overlook because of the camera’s many impressive features. This review will help you find out if this compact Olympus camera is for you.
Overview
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is a Micro Four Thirds compact camera with 20MP capabilities developed for beginners and experts alike. It comes with the same sensor, 4K video capture capabilities, and autofocus system found in an E-M1 II and an E-M1 X but it’s quite smaller and lighter.
The E-M5 Mark III is the first one in its class to have a phase-detect AF. This is a unique feature that detects faces and eyes. This updated autofocus system also comes with 10 frames per second maximum burst rate AF-C. You’ll also notice an improved image stabilization system, enhanced EVF, and other ergonomic updates on its overall design.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Key Features and Benefits
The following are the specs and features of the E-M5 Mark III are looking up to:
E-M5 Mark III Body and Various Controls
The E-M5 Mark III is weatherproof and completely moisture-free as it conforms to IPX1 standards. You can shoot in the rain or moisture-rich environments. Camera controls are found all over the camera body and these help access major adjustments without going through the LCD.
This camera has a smaller EVF compared to the E-M5 II but it has switched to OLED making the screen more accessible and easy to navigate. If you’re new to using a DSLR, starting with the E-M5 Mark III can be too overwhelming! There’s just too much to take in just one sitting; we recommend practicing daily to understand every switch and button. This camera also comes with a bundled flash, good weather sealing, and a screen that can tilt and rotate.
E-M5 Mark III Image Quality
Because the E-M5 Mark III and the Mark II have the same sensor and processor, it is not surprising as both have the same image quality. Expect perfect image quality compared with other Micro Four Thirds. It has good color rendering and JPEG noise reduction leading to sharp, impressive-quality images.
The E-M5 Mark III has an electronic shutter that’s well-designed and is enabled as a default feature. This helps improved shutter speeds and sharper images. This camera comes with updated shutter modes compared to its predecessors. No need to enable the anti-shock mode for a single drive as well as sequential low mechanical modes and moves to a full-mechanical shutter higher than 1/320 seconds. But if the Sequential High mode is enabled, this will use the full-mechanical shutter with all shutter speeds.
E-M5 Mark III Autofocus
The E-M5 Mark III has the same autofocus system as with the E-M5 Mark II and the EM1X line. It will produce good AF performance as long as you keep the AF area on your subject.
Autofocus is not as good as the competition but tweaking AF-C sensitivity and using an electronic shutter will improve image quality. An Fn switch allows for faster access to different AF modes. Face and eye detection are very limited especially when there are many faces in focus. You can’t choose which face to focus on because it will choose for you.
E-M5 Mark III Taking Videos
The E-M5 Mark III is a smaller version of the E-M5 Mark II when it comes to video recording plus a few additional features. The E-M5 Mark III can capture high-quality DCI 4K/ 24p and good UHD 4K/30p videos. Expect great full HD 1080 video capture.
Moving images and natural subjects are easy to record thanks to its great digital and sensor-shift image stabilization feature. Taking videos on autofocus settings for one subject works great but can be a challenge for multiple subjects.
Some optional features about the camera is that it has no headphone socket, only a microphone jack. There are also no built-in separate exposure settings for photos and video recordings.
Pros
- Easy to carry, small and compact size
- Comes with the latest MFT sensor
- With improved body stabilization
- Good weatherproofing
- Up to 30 frames per minute raw capture feature
- With external flash
- With a well-designed lens system
Cons
- Additional aperture lenses are large, bulky, and costly
- With a smaller image sensor that limits the depth of field control and resolution
- Non-USB-C charging port
- Some exterior parts made of plastic
Verdict
The Olympus OM-D E-MS has a lot of features and updated technology packed in a small and compact body. It’s small and lightweight but it comes with features and specs that you won’t find in other mirror-less models. It is suited for beginners and seasoned camera users although its features can be overwhelming for a first-timer. There are also some flaws but overall, its many advantages can sway a person’s decision.
FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Camera