Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III vs OM-D E-M5 Mark III Comparison
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
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Brand | Olympus | Olympus | |
Model | OM-D E-M1 Mark III | OM-D E-M5 Mark III | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2020 | 2019 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | February 12, 2020 | October 17, 2019 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III takes the lead with a score of 72/100, while the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III trails behind at 65/100. Both mirrorless cameras share some common features but have differences that set them apart.
The E-M1 Mark III and E-M5 Mark III were released in 2020 and 2019 respectively, with launch prices of $1799 and $1199. Both cameras have similar dimensions, with the E-M1 Mark III measuring 134 x 91 x 69mm and the E-M5 Mark III at 125 x 85 x 50mm. However, the E-M1 Mark III is notably heavier, weighing 580g compared to the E-M5 Mark III’s 414g.
The E-M1 Mark III outperforms the E-M5 Mark III with its higher score, which reflects its superior features and performance. On the other hand, the E-M5 Mark III is a more budget-friendly option and offers a lighter, more compact design. When deciding between these two cameras, consider your priorities and preferences in terms of performance, price, and portability.
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III vs OM-D E-M5 Mark III Overview and Optics
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III outperforms the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III in optics, scoring 68/100 compared to the E-M5 Mark III’s 60/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as 20-megapixel resolution, CMOS sensor type, Micro Four Thirds sensor size, Micro 4/3 lens mount, and image stabilization.
The E-M1 Mark III excels with its shooting speed of 60, which is double the E-M5 Mark III’s shooting speed of 30. This faster shooting speed allows for capturing quick-moving subjects and action scenes more effectively. Additionally, the E-M1 Mark III is equipped with a more advanced TruePic IX processor, compared to the E-M5 Mark III’s TruePic VIII processor. This contributes to better image quality and processing speed. The E-M1 Mark III also boasts a higher DXOMARK sensor score of 80, significantly better than the E-M5 Mark III’s score of 55, indicating superior overall sensor performance.
On the other hand, the E-M5 Mark III does not possess any specific advantages in terms of optics compared to the E-M1 Mark III. The lower score reflects its inferior shooting speed, processor, and sensor performance. However, it still shares the same basic specifications with the E-M1 Mark III, making it a decent option for those seeking a more affordable camera with similar features.
To conclude, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is the superior camera in terms of optics, with its faster shooting speed, advanced processor, and better sensor performance. The E-M5 Mark III, while lacking in certain aspects, still shares some common specifications with the E-M1 Mark III, making it a viable option for those on a budget.
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Optics
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Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
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Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 20 MP | 20 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 5184 x 3888 px | 5184 x 3888 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS | CMOS | |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 17.4 x 13 mm | 17.4 x 13 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 60 fps | 30 fps | |
Lens Mount The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Micro 4/3 | Micro 4/3 | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | TruePic IX | TruePic VIII | |
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  4:3 | 4:3 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 200 | 200 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 25,600 | 6,400 | |
Minimum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 64 | 64 | |
Maximum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 25600 | 25600 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 60 s | 60 s | |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 1/ 8000 s | 1/ 8000 s | |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 121 | 121 | |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   | | |
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Electronic | Electronic | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 2,360,000 dots | 2,360,000 dots |
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III vs OM-D E-M5 Mark III Video Performance
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III emerges as the winner in the video capabilities comparison, with a score of 91/100, outperforming the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III, which scored 83/100. Both cameras share certain specifications, such as a maximum video resolution of 4K and dimensions of 4096 x 2160. Additionally, they both have built-in time-lapse functionality.
The E-M5 Mark III outshines the E-M1 Mark III in terms of video frame rate, offering a maximum of 120fps, whereas the E-M1 Mark III only reaches up to 60fps. This higher frame rate allows the E-M5 Mark III to capture smoother and more detailed slow-motion footage, which is crucial for professional videographers and filmmakers.
On the other hand, the E-M1 Mark III does not have any significant advantages over the E-M5 Mark III in terms of video capabilities. This indicates that the E-M5 Mark III is a better choice for those who prioritize video performance in their camera selection.
To sum up, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is the superior choice for video capabilities due to its higher score and its ability to capture smoother slow-motion footage thanks to its 120fps maximum frame rate. The E-M1 Mark III, while still a capable camera, falls short in this aspect, making the E-M5 Mark III the better option for videographers and filmmakers.
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Video
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Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
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Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  | | |
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  4K | 4K | |
Max Video Dimensions Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 4096 x 2160 px | 4096 x 2160 px | |
Max Video Frame Rate How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 60 p | 120 p | |
Time-Lapse Built In A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  | | |
Video File Format Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MPEG-4, MOV | MPEG-4, MOV |
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III vs OM-D E-M5 Mark III Features and Benefits
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III and the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III both have a feature score of 83/100. These cameras share several specifications, making them similar in terms of features.
Both cameras have a 3-inch screen with a close resolution – the E-M1 Mark III has 1,037,000 dots, while the E-M5 Mark III has 1,040,000 dots. They are both equipped with a touchscreen and a flip screen, making them user-friendly and versatile. Neither of the cameras has GPS, but they both have WIFI and Bluetooth capabilities.
Despite the identical feature scores, the E-M1 Mark III has some advantages over the E-M5 Mark III. The E-M1 Mark III has a slightly lower screen resolution, which may result in a marginal difference in display quality. However, this difference is not significant enough to declare a clear winner between the two cameras based on this specification alone.
On the other hand, the E-M5 Mark III has a slightly higher screen resolution, which could provide a slightly better display quality. However, as mentioned earlier, this difference is minimal and does not significantly impact the overall performance of the cameras.
After analyzing the features of both cameras, it is clear that they share many similarities, and their identical feature scores reflect this. While the E-M5 Mark III has a marginally higher screen resolution, the difference is not substantial enough to declare it a superior camera. Therefore, both the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III and the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III offer comparable features, and the decision to choose one over the other would likely depend on personal preferences and other factors such as price and availability.
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Features
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Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
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Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |   | | |
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External Flash External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  | | |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  | | |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  | | |
Screen Type | TFT LCD | LCD | |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  | | |
Screen Size |  3" | 3" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 1,037,000 dots | 1,040,000 dots | |
Flip Screen A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  | | |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  | | |
Wi-Fi |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III vs OM-D E-M5 Mark III Storage and Battery
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III outperforms the OM-D E-M5 Mark III in storage and battery with a score of 71/100, compared to the latter’s 35/100. Both cameras accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards, and offer USB charging. However, the E-M1 Mark III has two memory card slots, with one slot being UHS-II compatible, while the E-M5 Mark III has only one UHS-II compatible slot.
The E-M1 Mark III also boasts a longer battery life of 420 shots, utilizing the BLH-1 battery. In contrast, the E-M5 Mark III’s battery life is 310 shots, relying on the BLS-50 battery. The longer battery life and additional memory card slot make the E-M1 Mark III superior in terms of storage and battery capabilities.
On the other hand, the E-M5 Mark III’s lower storage and battery score does not offer any advantages. Both cameras share USB charging capabilities, but the E-M5 Mark III falls short in memory card slots and battery life.
Considering the significant difference in scores and the E-M1 Mark III’s advantages in storage and battery life, it is evident that the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is the better choice for photographers requiring extended shooting sessions and additional storage options.
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Storage and Battery
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Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible on one slot) | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | BLH-1 | BLS-50 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 420 shots | 310 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
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Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
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Scores
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Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
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Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
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Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III vs OM-D E-M5 Mark III – Our Verdict
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III or the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III:
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User Scores
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Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
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Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
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