Blog The All-round Marvel - Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III Camera ReviewBlog

In this blog, we review the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III camera, a versatile and high-end device with a plethora of features that cater to both photographers and videographers. We explore its design, performance, image quality, video capabilities, and user-friendliness, to help you make an informed decision about this remarkable device.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III article cover photo

Key Features

Feb 11 2020

Announced

20 megapixels

Resolution

BrandOlympus
Sensor TypeFour Thirds
SensorCMOS
Weight580g
MSRP$1799USD

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Overview of the OM-D E-M1 Mark III

As a professional photographer or videographer, you need a camera that is both versatile and reliable to cater to a wide range of creative needs. The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III camera is a formidable choice that delivers more than just pictures or videos. It is a whole package of functionality, performance, and convenience, designed to help you unleash your creativity without limitations. From its 20.4-megapixel sensor, rapid autofocus, and advanced image stabilization to its rugged build, ergonomics, and intuitive interface, this camera has all you need to capture stunning visuals with ease. In this review, we delve deeper into the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III camera and explore what makes it an all-round marvel for any photographer or videographer.

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

Excellent image quality
High resolution sensor
Fast autofocus
Weather-sealed body
Great color reproduction
High quality video capabilities
Good dynamic range
Compact and lightweight
Fast burst shooting mode
Good battery life

Cons

Expensive
Limited lens selection
Smaller sensor compared to full-frame cameras
Limited low-light capabilities
LCD screen not fully articulating
Not the best for videographers who need more advanced video features
Limited flash capabilities
Complex menu system
Limited customization options
No built-in GPS

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III

Weather sealed
Dimensions134 x 91 x 69mm
Weight580g
Thickness69mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
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Weather Sealing

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the OM-D E-M1 Mark III is an excellent choice.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderElectronic
Screen TypeFully Articulated
Screen Resolution1,037k dots
Body typeSLR-style mirrorless

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fully articulated 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 1,037k dots. This makes the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III very suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you can view yourself while shooting selfies. The camera also features a touch screen, which adds to its ease of use.

Viewfinder

OM-D E-M1 Mark III includes a electronic viewfinder with 2,360k dots of resolution with a coverage of 100% and a magnification of 0.74x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III has a 20MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 20 pixels. Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III has a native ISO range of 200 - 25600 which can be boosted to 64 - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Feb 11 2020

Announced

200 - 25600

ISO Range

SensorFour Thirds
Extended ISO64 - null
Max resolution5184 x 3888 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the OM-D E-M1 Mark III is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

2x

Full frame equivalent

48mm

This camera: Four Thirds

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageDual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II on first slot)
Battery Life420 shots
Battery ModelBLH-1
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III supports Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II on first slot) with 2 slots for storage. Having dual SD card slots on the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is highly advantageous as it mitigates the risk of losing footage due to memory card malfunctions. This feature is particularly beneficial for wedding photography and other professional settings.

Battery

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III uses the BLH-1 model of battery pack. This is rated for 420 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III does not have a built-in flash, but it does offer a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of 15.0 fps or an electronic shutter speed of 60.0 fps, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III includes two autofocus (AF) systems: contrast detection and phase detection, with 121 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III?

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III features a CMOS sensor

Is the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III weather sealed?

Yes the OM-D E-M1 Mark III does have weather sealing.

When was the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III announced?

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III was announced on Feb 11 2020

Does the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the OM-D E-M1 Mark III does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III?

The OM-D E-M1 Mark III has a native ISO range of 200-25600, which can be expanded to ISO 64-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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