CameraReview

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

Olympus · Mirrorless · 20 MP · Micro Four Thirds · 4K video

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

Score Breakdown

Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.

Optics 60
Video 91
Features 83
Storage & Battery 35
65
SCORE /100
Buying Options
What We Like
Not yet summarised.
Worth Knowing
−Only 10 fps with AF tracking
−Complicated Olympus menus
−No headphone out
−No video log profile for dynamic range or colors
−An average battery life

General

BrandOlympus
ModelOM-D E-M5 Mark III
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2019
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
October 17, 2019
Camera typeMirrorless
Camera size125 x 85 x 50 mm
Camera weight414 g

Optics

60/100
About the Optics

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III receives a score of 65/100, reflecting its place in the competitive mirrorless camera market. Although not the newest model in the market, the E-M5 Mark III’s specifications still hold up well against its competitors, offering good value for its price. The camera’s size and weight make it user-friendly, and its performance is suitable for various photography needs.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Overview and Optics

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III earns a score of 60/100 for its optics. With 20 megapixels, a shooting speed of 30, and a CMOS sensor, this camera provides satisfactory performance in the market. The TruePic VIII processor and a DXOMARK score of 55 for the sensor contribute to the camera’s capabilities.

The Micro Four Thirds sensor size, Micro 4/3 lens mount, and 4:3 aspect ratio are standard features in this category. The image stabilization ensures sharp and steady shots, making it suitable for various photography scenarios.

Considering the specifications, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III offers decent optics performance. However, it may not outshine competitors in the market.

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
20 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
5184 x 3888
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
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
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Micro Four Thirds
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
30 fps045
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
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
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
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
20030200
Max ISO
ⓘ
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.
64003003280000
Min 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.
6430200
Max 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.
256003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
6044080
Max 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.
800080032000
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.
1210300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Yes
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
Viewfinder dots236000009900000

Video

91/100
About the Video

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III boasts a video score of 91 out of 100. This high score is due to its impressive video capabilities, including a maximum resolution of 4K and video dimensions of 4096 x 2160. Additionally, the camera offers a maximum video frame rate of 120fps, allowing for smooth slow-motion footage.

In today’s competitive market, the E-M5 Mark III stands out with its built-in time-lapse functionality, providing users with creative options for capturing stunning visuals. This feature sets it apart from other cameras in its class, making it a strong contender for those interested in video production.

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III’s video capabilities make it a top choice for those seeking high-quality performance. With its impressive specifications and user-friendly features, it is a reliable and versatile camera for both casual and professional videographers.

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Yes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
4K
Max video format
ⓘ
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
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.
120 fps
Timelapse 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.
Yes
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

Features

83/100
About the Features

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III receives a feature score of 83/100. Boasting a 3-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 1,040,000 dots, it provides clear and detailed image previews. The flip screen adds versatility for various shooting angles.

In the competitive camera market, the E-M5 Mark III holds its own. Its lack of GPS is compensated by the inclusion of WIFI and Bluetooth capabilities, allowing seamless connectivity and easy photo sharing.

Taking all features into account, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III offers a strong combination of performance and functionality. Its score of 83/100 reflects its impressive capabilities and solid position in the market.

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
No
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.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes
Screen typeLCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Yes
Screen size3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
10400001150001500000
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.
Yes
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Yes
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Yes

Storage & Battery

35/100
About the Storage & Battery

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III receives a storage and battery score of 35/100. This camera comes with a single memory card slot, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, with UHS-II compatibility. In terms of battery life, it can capture up to 310 shots using the BLS-50 battery. The camera also supports USB charging.

When compared to other cameras in the market, the E-M5 Mark III’s storage and battery capabilities may not be the most impressive. The single card slot and moderate battery life may be sufficient for casual users, but professionals might require more. Despite these limitations, the camera’s USB charging feature adds a level of convenience for on-the-go usage.

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III’s storage and battery aspects may not be its strongest points, but it still offers a reliable performance for photographers who can work within its constraints.

Memory cardSD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible)
Dual memory card slotsNo
Battery typeBLS-50
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
310 shots1505000
USB chargingYes