The E-M5 III shares the same 20MP Four Thirds sensor and 121-point hybrid AF system as the E-M1 II, compared to the 16MP sensor and 81-point CDAF system of its predecessor. It also inherits the E-M1 II’s AF algorithms, though not the machine learning AF mode introduced on the E-M1 X. The image stabilization system has been redesigned to take up less internal space, yet should offer a 0.5 EV improvement over its predecessor, giving it a CIPA rated 5.5 stops of stabilization or 6.5 stops of when using either the M.Zuiko 300mm F4 or 12-100mm F4 Pro.
It’s the first of its kind in the E-M5 line to offer on-sensor phase detect auto-focus, comprising face and eye detection modes. The updated AF system is complemented by a 10 fps max burst rate in AF-C. The camera also gets a new image stabilization system, an updated EVF and some small ergonomic improvements.
Featured specs
20MP Four Thirds sensor
121-point hybrid autofocus system
50MP high-res shot mode
10 fps burst shooting with AF-C
Cinema (DCI) and UHD 4K video
Up 6.5EV of image stabilization (CIPA-rating) with supported lenses
2.36M-dot OLED viewfinder with 60 fps refresh rate
Extensive direct controls and articulating touchscreen
Weather-sealed body
In-camera USB charging
1/8000 sec mechanical shutter speed
The E-M5 Mark III looks like a slightly smaller version of its predecessor as reviewed earlier it is compact enough for one-handed operation – at least with smaller lenses. The twin controls dials are perfectly placed, and the numerous buttons on the right side of the camera don’t require fingers stretching to operate.
Despite its size, the E-M5 III feels solid in the hand. Its body is a mix of metal and composites, and it’s wrapped with a faux leather that’s a bit slippery. As with its predecessor, the E-M5 III is sealed against dust and moisture (it’s rated to IPX1 standards), and is freezeproof to -10°C (14°F).
The camera’s top plate is loaded with switches, dials and buttons. The Drive/Display/Power switch combination is borrowed from the E-M1 II and replaces the mode dial, which has moved to the right. The mode dial now has a Bulb setting, which is where you’ll find the Live Bulb and Live Composite features.
Specs and Pricing
| Price | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $1199 (body only), $1799 (w/14-150mm lens) |
| Body type | |
| Body type | SLR-style mirrorless |
| Body material | Magnesium alloy |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 5184 x 3888 |
| Image ratio w:h | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 20 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 22 megapixels |
| Sensor size | Four Thirds (17.4 x 13 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | TruePic VIII |
| Color space | sRGB, AdobeRGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 200-25600, expands to 64-25600 |
| Boosted ISO (minimum) | 64 |
| White balance presets | 7 |
| Custom white balance | Yes (4 slots) |
| Image stabilization | Sensor-shift |
| Image stabilization notes | 5-axis |
| CIPA image stabilization rating | 6.5 stop(s) |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Superfine, fine, normal, basic |
| File format |
|
| Optics & Focus | |
| Autofocus |
|
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 121 |
| Lens mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| Focal length multiplier | 2× |
| Screen / viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Fully articulated |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 1,040,000 |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Electronic |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 1.37× (0.68× 35mm equiv.) |
| Viewfinder resolution | 2,360,000 |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 60 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/8000 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed (electronic) | 1/32000 sec |
| Exposure modes |
|
| Scene modes |
|
| Built-in flash | No (Compact external flash included) |
| External flash | Yes (via hotshoe) |
| Flash modes | Auto, redeye, fill, off, redeye slow sync, slow sync, 2nd-curtain slow sync, manual |
| Flash X sync speed | 1/250 sec |
| Drive modes |
|
| Continuous drive | 30.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 secs, custom) |
| Metering modes |
|
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±5 (2, 3, 5 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | Yes |
| Videography features | |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Modes |
|
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II supported) |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| USB charging | Yes |
| HDMI | Yes (micro-HDMI) |
| Microphone port | Yes |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth |
| Remote control | Yes (wired and via smartphone) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | Yes |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | BLS-50 lithium-ion battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 310 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 414 g (0.91 lb / 14.60 oz) |
| Dimensions | 125 x 85 x 50 mm (4.92 x 3.35 x 1.97″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | Yes |
| GPS | None |
