Olympus OM-D E-M5 III Review | 108 Data compared

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is a portable 20MP Micro Four Thirds camera delivering flagship-level performance with class-leading in-body image stabilization (IBIS), top-tier weather-sealing, and high-quality 4K video. Key advantages include a responsive 121-point phase-detect autofocus system, excellent JPEG color science, and specialized computational modes like Live Composite. Conversely, the review notes that continuous autofocus tracking and face detection lag behind APS-C competitors, coupled with poor multi-face handling and a complex menu system. Additionally, the switch to a composite plastic construction makes its premium price point a potential drawback, notes DPReview.

The Amateur Photographer review of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III highlights the camera as a highly portable, enthusiast-level mirrorless system, specifically praising its effective 5-axis in-body image stabilization and robust weather-sealing. Additional strengths include a lightweight, compact design, a user-friendly control layout, and excellent direct-from-camera JPEG output. Conversely, the review notes drawbacks, including the absence of a dedicated autofocus joystick and a grip that may feel cramped to users with larger hands. Performance-wise, it notes that RAW image quality falls behind competing models and criticizes the complex menu system for burying advanced features.

The Photo Review assessment highlights the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III as a highly responsive Micro Four Thirds camera, praised for its excellent still image quality, fast processing speeds, and superior autofocus system. It also features robust, high-speed sequential shooting capabilities that slightly exceeded specified burst rates. Conversely, the review notes the camera failed to meet its full specified buffer capacity, experiencing significantly slower shooting speeds after 21 raw frames, alongside slow buffer clearing times. Furthermore, the construction is noted as being lighter and predominantly plastic, resulting in a less robust feel compared to premium alternatives.

The Olympus OMD EM5 III is a compact micro four-thirds mirrorless camera that improves upon its predecessor by swapping the traditional metal construction for a lighter, 414-gram polycarbonate shell and introducing an upgraded 20MP sensor derived from the EM1 II. It handles remarkably well due to an enhanced, protruding thumb rest, tactile buttons, and robust control dials. A standout feature is the addition of phase-detection autofocus, which delivers incredibly snappy single AF and tracking that accurately logs onto faces and moving targets. Additionally, the camera's class-leading in-body image stabilization (IBIS) allows for handheld shots at shutter speeds as low as 1 second, while its high-resolution mode outputs incredibly detailed 80MP RAW files with a noticeable 2-stop noise reduction advantage. Despite its stellar handling and features, the camera has several physical and performance drawbacks. On the body itself, a full battery grip is no longer offered as an optional accessory, and the repositioned power lever eliminates the ability to turn the camera on using a single hand. The autofocus system lacks a built-in menu feature to let the user select a...

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III undergoes a grueling six-day wilderness adventure test in New Zealand to evaluate its performance for professional-grade adventure travel photography. The reviewer praises the mirrorless camera for its incredibly lightweight build, intuitive button layout, and enhanced handgrip, making it comfortable enough to wear around the neck while hiking. Despite transitioning to a plastic construction, the camera body retains its legendary, robust weather sealing, completely surviving punishing torrential rain, ice, and heavy impacts. Photographers will also benefit from an exceptionally fast autofocus system for stills and the brand's class-leading in-body image stabilization, which allows for smooth handheld shooting without the need for heavy gimbals or tripods. However, this pre-production field test also exposes notable drawbacks, particularly regarding software stability and physical interface customization. The camera suffers from occasional software glitches, such as the total disappearance of the focus points and the on-screen histogram, both requiring a full power cycle to fix. Additionally, videographers might face issues with the autofocus system, as it struggles with continuous tracking and locking when shooting video in lower light settings. Advanced...

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is a highly capable, mid-range Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera that packs the flagship performance of the larger E-M1 Mark II into a significantly smaller, lighter, and more affordable body. Testing in Maui, Hawaii, revealed that its standout feature is the upgraded autofocus system, which now includes 121 cross-type phase-detection points that dramatically reduce focus hunting in low-light environments and macro shooting scenarios. Additionally, it features a 20.4 MP sensor, highly effective 5.5-stop 5-axis image stabilisation (up to 6.5 stops with compatible lenses), and crisp 4K Cinema video recording capabilities. Its integration into a vast ecosystem of high-quality, native Micro Four Thirds lenses makes it an incredibly cost-effective setup for underwater photographers compared to crop-sensor competitors. Pros and Cons at a Glance Pro: Flagship autofocus with 121 phase-detection points. Pro: Lightweight body weighing only 414 grams. Pro: Class-leading stabilization for photos and video. Pro: Affordable system due to cheaper native lenses. Con: Smaller sensor limits extreme cropping. Con: Higher noise at high ISO compared to APS-C. Con: Mediocre battery life rated at 310 shots....

The Olympus OMD EM5 Mark III is a highly versatile mid-range mirrorless camera that balances immense portability with advanced photo and video capabilities. Upgraded with a 20-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor inherited from the higher-end EM1 II, this model introduces 121 cross-type phase-detect autofocus points that vastly improve refocusing tracking for both stills and video recording. The camera stands out for its class-leading 5.5-stop body-based image stabilization (up to 6.5 stops with Sync IS lenses), allowing for handheld long exposures of several seconds and incredibly smooth handheld video. Additional strong points include an uncropped 4K video functionality (including Cinema 4K), a fully-articulated side-hinged touchscreen that accommodates forward-facing vlogging without obstructing the hotshoe, and a robust weather-sealed construction. However, the camera makes several compromises that potential buyers should consider. To reduce the body weight down to 414g, Olympus transitioned to a polycarbonate plastic outer shell, which sacrifices the premium metal construction felt in its predecessor. It also features a smaller viewfinder with reduced magnification, uses a downsized battery pack (BLS-50) rated for a modest 310 shots per charge, and has removed...

The DPReview field test of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III in Arches National Park highlights the camera's compact, lightweight construction, and robust IPX1-rated weather sealing as ideal for hiking, alongside effective 5-axis in-body image stabilization and a 121-point autofocus system. Pros include its portability, excellent color output from the 20MP sensor, and superior stabilization for handheld shooting in harsh, windy environments. Conversely, the review identifies limitations in ergonomics, noting the lack of a deep handgrip for large lenses, no dedicated AF joystick, and lower battery stamina compared to professional models. Further, the 50MP High-Res shot mode requires a tripod, making it less versatile for handheld use compared to higher-end models.

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III, as analyzed by DPReview, is a compact, weather-sealed camera that brings high-end features like a 20.4-megapixel sensor, 121-point on-sensor phase-detect autofocus, and robust 5-axis image stabilization into a lightweight body. Key advantages include its portability, fast 30 fps shooting, and excellent, versatile handling for travel photography. Conversely, the camera's compact design and shift toward a composite frame result in a less premium, smaller grip that can feel cramped for users with larger hands. Other noted compromises include the absence of a joystick for focus point control, lack of a built-in flash, and slightly behind-competitor low-light performance.

The RTINGS comparison highlights that the OM SYSTEM OM-5 is a minor, iterative update to the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III, sharing the same 20.4 MP sensor and lightweight, weather-sealed construction. Key advantages for both include portability and robust design, while the OM-5 offers improved computational features like Starry Sky AF and Live ND, though image quality remains identical. Cons include the continued use of a plasticky, less durable chassis and outdated micro-USB ports on both models, coupled with autofocus tracking that lags behind modern competitors. Because the OM-5 offers only marginal performance gains for a higher price, the E-M5 Mark III is cited as offering superior value, rendering the upgrade unnecessary for most users. Reddit ·r/