Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Camera Review [2024]

Are you in the market for a compact, lightweight camera that can capture stunning raw images while hiking or traveling light? Read my Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III camera review to see if it’s a good purchase for you.

This 14.60 oz m 4/3 camera is not for everyone. I purchased it to take photos for our epic Dolomites hiking trips and to do flying dress photos on the mountain tops.

I wanted a lightweight mirrorless and took the advice of some professional bloggers and splurged (with lens, it’s well past $1500).

It’s certainly pricey – but I do really like it because:

• it’s lightweight and inconspicuous
• feels really good in your hand
• adaptive touchscreen viewfinder is amazing
• it’s seriously rugged – waterproof, sits in a fanny pack? Slung over neck is not uncomfy.

However, if you are a pro photographer, you’ll probably want a bigger sensor – maybe not. High ISO is def coming back in style?

After more than a year with it, I’ve got the itch to upgrade from the kit lens. A faster and lower mm to get more wide landscapes.

The autofocus with finger tap on the screen is the shiiz, as is burst mode (it captures movement really well with good light).

Ah- that trade-off. Weight vs functionality.

And the battery is – so so.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a travel-friendly camera that doesn’t sacrifice on quality or features, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is an excellent choice. The image stabilization I’ve found to be top of the line.

With its pro technologies and versatile shooting options, this camera is perfect for capturing stunning images on the go.

Of course, you’re lens is going to make a huge difference and the kit lens is lacking for low light situations.

Top Use: It’s small and rugged and weatherproof. It’s pretty great for hiking and backpacking. Street photography on travel – and (not for me, but reviews state) a pretty good vlogging camera.

Other top features:

Equipped with pro technologies like 30Fps sequential shooting and 121-point all cross-type phase & contrast detection AF, this camera is perfect for roaming the biggest cities to the smallest villages and even the most remote destinations on earth. Plus, with 5-axis in-body image stabilization and 50MP high res shot mode, you can capture every detail with ease.

Enjoy versatile shooting features like Pro capture, live composite, focus stacking, and anti-flicker shooting. And with an expansive system of lenses and accessories, you can build the ultimate system for your needs.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Camera Review

If you’re looking for a compact camera that’s perfect for traveling, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III camera is worth considering.

It ain’t cheap though.

With a range of pro technologies like 30Fps sequential shooting, 121-point all cross-type phase & contrast detection AF, 5-axis in-body image stabilization, and 50MP high res shot mode, this camera can capture stunning images on-the-go.

The camera’s portable, weather-sealed design makes it easy to take with you on your travels, and its compact size means it won’t weigh you down.

The camera’s 20MP live MOS sensor ensures that your photos are sharp and detailed, and the 121-point all-cross-type on-chip phase detection AF ensures that your photos are in focus.

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20MP Live MOS Sensor: Small But Mighty

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Body Silver comes equipped with a 20MP Live MOS sensor that produces stunning, high-quality images. This sensor is capable of capturing detailed images even in low light conditions, thanks to its high sensitivity range. You’ll be able to capture every detail and color with ease, and the images will look sharp and clear.

The Live MOS sensor also features advanced noise reduction technology, which ensures that your images are free from noise and other distortions. This means that your photos will look great even when you’re shooting in low light conditions or at high ISO settings.

Pros and Cons

When it comes to buying the OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5 Mark III, there are a few things you should consider before making your purchase. Here are the pros and cons of this camera.

Pros

• 20MP live MOS sensor: This camera has a high-quality sensor that produces sharp, detailed images with accurate colors.
• Portable, weather-sealed design: The compact size of the camera makes it easy to take with you wherever you go, and the weather-sealed design means you don’t have to worry about rain or dust damaging your gear.
• 121-point all-cross-type on-chip phase detection AF: This camera’s autofocus system is fast and accurate, making it easy to capture sharp images of moving subjects.
• Compact, in-body 5-axis image stabilization (up to approx. 5.5 EV steps of compensation): The in-body image stabilization system helps to reduce camera shake, making it possible to shoot handheld in low light without blur.
• 50MP tripod high-resolution shot: This camera has a high-resolution mode that allows you to capture incredibly detailed images with up to 50 megapixels of resolution.

Cons

• OH MY EFFING LORD: Sometimes the lens doesn’t sit right. It will “connect”, but not really and you have to take off the lens, put it back on several times to get it to set. Otherwise the auto zoom focus wont work. Manual focus? AYFKME?
  
  If this is the only thing people read – I’ll be happy. I was on the top of a mountain during a flying dress photoshoot with exactly no time to get THE shot after a 8 hour drive and 2 hour hike to get there. Eventually I read someones review when I got 2 bars of service and fixed it. Whew.
  
• Small sensor size: While the 20MP sensor produces high-quality images, it is still smaller than the sensors found in many other cameras in this price range.
• Limited lens selection: While there are a number of high-quality lenses available for this camera, the selection is still more limited than what you’ll find with other camera systems.
• Batteries: While using it on a 5 hour hike, I will need a spare battery.
• Expensive: This camera is quite expensive, especially when you consider the limited lens selection. If you’re on a tight budget, there are other cameras that offer similar features at a lower price point.

While it is expensive and has a smaller sensor than some other cameras in this price range, the image quality is still excellent and the autofocus system is fast and accurate.

Portable, Weather Sealed Design

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III boasts a portable and weather-sealed design that makes it the perfect travel companion. Its compact and lightweight build can easily fit into your backpack or luggage, allowing you to take it with you wherever you go.

You can roam the biggest cities to the smallest villages and even the most remote destinations on earth without worrying about damaging your camera.

The weather-sealed design ensures that the camera is protected from dust, dirt, and moisture, making it ideal for outdoor photography. You can take stunning images on-the-go without worrying about the weather conditions. The camera’s 5-axis in-body image stabilization and 121-point all-cross-type on-chip phase detection AF enhance your photography experience, allowing you to capture sharp and clear images even in low light conditions.

121-Point All-Cross-Type On-Chip Phase Detection AF

When it comes to autofocus, the OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5 Mark III Body Silver Camera does not disappoint. Its 121-Point All-Cross-Type On-Chip Phase Detection AF system is highly advanced, providing accurate and fast autofocus that helps you capture the perfect shot every time. This feature is especially useful when shooting moving subjects or in low light conditions.

The autofocus system also offers a variety of focus modes, including Single AF, Continuous AF, and Manual Focus. You can also customize the autofocus settings to suit your specific needs.

In-Body 5-Axis Image Stabilization

One of the standout features of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is its compact, in-body 5-axis image stabilization system, which provides up to approximately 5.5 EV steps of compensation.

This means that you can take sharp, blur-free photos and videos even in low-light conditions or when using longer focal lengths. The image stabilization works seamlessly with any lens you attach to the camera, making it a great option for travel or on-the-go shooting.

In our testing, we found that the image stabilization system worked exceptionally well, allowing us to capture clear and sharp images even when shooting handheld at slower shutter speeds. This feature is especially useful for those who enjoy shooting in challenging conditions or for those who prefer not to use a tripod.

50MP Tripod High-Resolution Shot

When you want to capture stunning images with incredible detail, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III has got you covered. With its 50MP tripod high-resolution shot mode, you can take your photography to the next level. This feature allows you to take ultra-high-resolution photos with incredible detail and clarity. Whether you’re taking landscape photos or portraits, this camera will give you the detail you need to make your images stand out.

The 50MP tripod high-resolution shot mode is just one of the many features that make the OM-D E-M5 Mark III a great choice for photographers who want a compact, lightweight, and versatile camera. With its 121-point all-cross-type on-chip phase detection AF, 5-axis in-body image stabilization, and 20MP live MOS sensor, this camera has everything you need to take stunning photos on the go.

Customer Reviews

When it comes to buying a new camera, it’s always helpful to hear from other users about their experiences with the product. The OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5 Mark III has received over 268 reviews, with an overall rating of 4.6 stars.

Users have praised the camera’s compact size and weather-sealed body, making it a great option for outdoor photography.

Many have also noted the sharpness of the lens and the camera’s impressive stabilization, which helps to prevent camera shake and keep photos in focus.

While some users have reported issues with used cameras, the majority of reviews are positive and speak to the camera’s high-quality images and ease of use.

Final Thoughts

It’s an excellent choice for amateur photographers looking to upgrade from their cell phone cameras.

The compact size and weather-sealed body make it easy to take with you wherever you go, and the f4 12-45mm lens that comes with the kit produces sharp images with a 0.5x close-up macro shot.

The camera’s stabilization system ensures that every photo is in focus with no camera shake problems, and the color and tonality are great.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re thinking about purchasing the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III, you probably have some questions about the camera. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about this camera.

When was the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III released?

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III was released in October 2019.

What is the price of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III?

The price of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III varies depending on whether you purchase the body only or a kit with lenses. As of October 2023, the body only is priced at around $1,199. Your prices may vary.

Where can I find the manual for the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III?

The manual for the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III can be found on the Olympus website. You can download a PDF version of the manual for free.

Is the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III good in low light?

Yes, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is good in low light. It has a high ISO range of up to 25,600, which allows you to shoot in low light conditions without the need for a flash. Additionally, the camera’s 5-axis in-body image stabilization helps to reduce camera shake, which can be especially helpful in low light situations.

What is the battery life of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III?

The battery life of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is around 310 shots per charge. However, this can vary depending on factors such as the temperature and whether you are using the camera’s Wi-Fi or Bluetooth features.

Is the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III a good camera option?

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is a great camera option for anyone looking for a compact, lightweight camera that is capable of capturing stunning images on-the-go. With its range of pro technologies like 30Fps sequential shooting, 121-point all cross-type phase & contrast detection AF, and 5-axis in-body image stabilization, this camera is a great choice for travel photography. Its versatile shooting features like Pro capture, live composite, focus stacking, and anti-flicker shooting make it a great option for a wide range of photography styles.

Final Verdict: Best Performance

Let’s face it, you pay for what you get. You’ve got many options, but if you’re really interested in performance I highly recommend you consider this camera.

Click here to buy this camera.

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Why Trust?

At Crave the Planet, I’m all about honest and relatable reviews of outdoor products. As a physical therapist, hut to hut hiker, downhill skier and mom, I’m constantly trying new gear to make my outdoor experiences more comfy and fun but with science in mind.

I’ll be real with you, I don’t do every outdoor activity. But, who does? I’m just a regular person who loves exploring the planet. Perfectionism is my enemy and I hope to help you ditch that vibe too.

My review process involves testing each product in real-life outdoor situations, but if it’s a really horrible day I’ll probably find a hotel in the valley. I’ll let you know what worked for me and what didn’t, so you can make informed decisions about your gear choices.

I don’t do sponsored reviews or take payment for my reviews. All comments are based on my personal experience. Sometimes I’ll test something and then send it back for a refund. Usually there’s a hefty fee. Bummer. So, if you’re looking for a relatable and honest take on outdoor gear, you’re in the right place.

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