Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
Announced February 12, 2020
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is a compact, weather-sealed camera that packs professional features like advanced image stabilization and handheld high-resolution shooting into a portable body. While it excels in versatility and ergonomics, the aging sensor and viewfinder technology may underperform compared to larger-sensor rivals.
Weighted from 19 reviewer scores
Pros
- Ergonomic, weather-sealed body with customizable controls and joystick
- Versatile shooting modes including Live ND, Starry Sky AF, and handheld high-res
- Fast burst shooting and autofocus performance
- Highly effective in-body image stabilization
Cons
- Outdated viewfinder and screen resolution
- Complex and unintuitive menu system
- Limited or stagnant video capabilities
- Smaller sensor limits low-light performance and dynamic range
- Single UHS-II card slot and other hardware limitations
- Launch price $1,799.99 (USD)
- Sensor 20.4MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS
- Video 4K 30p
- Stabilization In-body IS, 7.5 stops (CIPA)
What the Reviewers Say
All 19 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 83/100
The Olympus E-M1 III is our favorite Micro Four Thirds cameras for stills shooters, as of publication. It's capable of very good image quality and jam-packed with fun and useful features.
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Ultimately, choosing a camera is all about compromises, and Olympus has prioritised mobility over raw image quality, then thrown in as much technology as possible to compensate.
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The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III, offers what some might see as an incremental upgrade to the OM-D E-M1 Mark II, however, the E-M1 II (and Panasonic Lumix G9) are still, to this day, some of the only cameras to offer 60fps continuous shooting at 20mp.
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The OM-D E-M1 Mark III is a smaller, cheaper alternative to the flagship E-M1X model, offering many of the same features at a lower price-point in a much more compact, lighter body.
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The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is a great camera with a lot of flexible features. If you’re in the market for a mirrorless camera that gets great macro shots and rarely requires a tripod, this is a great choice for you.
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The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is the ultimate all-round professional camera for general practice photography. When shooting sport, its autofocus can keep up with the mighty 1D X Mark III.
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The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III has a smaller sensor than competitors, but makes up for it with strong stabilization, smart built-in features for handheld exposure, and weather protection.
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The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is the most compelling Olympus camera yet for pros and enthusiasts. Offering the power of the E-M1X, with the latest TruePic IX processor and in a more compact body, it's a great all-round camera for photography and increasingly for video.
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Yes, it is an excellent camera for pro and serious amateur wildlife and action photography, particularly if you want something compact.
- Digital Trends 8/10
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is a small camera, sure, but it’s also a camera that can perform in a way that other cameras can’t. Features like Starry Sky AF and handheld high res mode are unique advantages.
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[T]he improvement over the past four years is there, but it's not huge.
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A technological powerhouse that thinks differently. Sure, its smaller-scale sensor isn't the best in low-light, but the abundance of shooting modes and technologies on offer here superb - as is the exceptional image stabilisation system.
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The OM-D E-M1 Mark III is truly a professional-grade mirrorless camera.
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To me these are not the deal breakers, and I find the E-M1 Mark III to be an enjoyable camera to use and I can nail critical shots with confidence. After all, that is all that truly matters when it comes to choosing a camera.
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[...] I really like the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III. I found it to be a very powerful camera in a very compact package.
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With all the size and weight advantages of Micro Four Thirds and the advanced features of its pro-body, it makes for a camera that is wildly versatile and a joy to have on-hand.
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So if you like to produce videos with a minimal gear and a run-and-gun style environment and you're happy to shoot everything in no slow motion in 4K, then I find that E-M1 Mark III is ultimate tool for that.
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It's a solid semi-professional camera for nimble photography that's only limited by the user's imagination.
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So if you are looking for a really good travel weather-sealed camera for traveling, hiking, and that kind of thing, then I really think these Olympus cameras do take some beating. I think they are so good, and you can still print large images with a Micro Four Thirds sensor.
