Testing Olympus's New Camera: The E-M5 Mark III

When I first started taking photos I never would have imagined I’d get the opportunity to work with a camera company…let alone be able to test out one of their new cameras before it launched to the public.  So when Olympus sent me an email with a confidential subject line my curiosity was piqued.  Fast forward through a bunch of emails, several phone calls, and an NDA or two later, Olympus sent me a prototype of their new camera: The E-M5 mark III. 

My first impression about this new model was how light and tiny it felt in comparison to the E-M1X I’d been using up until this point (although it’s not so tiny to where it feels cheap or brittle).  When I pulled the camera out of the box I quickly noticed that the flip out screen was very similar to the M1X. I knew I’d like this camera right off the bat since I cherish that feature so much.  

The first adventure I used this camera on was a 12 mile hike in New York. Since my brother and I had already done this hike the day before with my E-M1X, it was a great opportunity to pack as light as possible and only bring the E-M5 mark III with me.  I had a blast using this thing and I quickly noticed a difference between the two bodies when carrying them.  In fact, I spent all day carrying the camera in my hand and found myself taking way more photos than I usually would have since a bigger body typically stays tucked away in my backpack until I arrive at the final destination.   

Since that first adventure I’ve been using this camera nonstop.  I’ve tested the camera in fall conditions on the East Coast, shot an engagement in rainy, stormy conditions in Glacier National Park, used it in wet wintery conditions in the Mountains of Montana, and have even used it in the dry climate of Colorado.  No matter where I’ve taken this camera I find myself liking it more and more when it comes out of my camera bag. 

THE NITTY GRITTY DETAILS

The real reason you’re probably here is to learn more about the camera.  That’s what this section is going to be all about!  Compared to the previous model, the E-M5 II, this new body has a couple improvements.  Here’s a list of specific details to note: 

• New button layout

• New battery: BLS-50

• New and improved grip and thumb rest

• The shooting mode dial was moved to the right side of the camera

• The E-M5 Mark III uses Phase Detection AF and Contrast Detection compared to the E-M5 Mark II only using Contrast Detection

• There’s an AF Targeting pad on the touch screen

• Anti-Flicker Shooting Settings

• 4k Video Capabilities

• USB Charging Abilities

MY FAVORITE FEATURES:

This camera has quickly become one of my favorites I’ve ever used. When it comes to quick hikes or trips where I need to save weight, I find myself reaching for the E-M5 Mark III every time.  This body also has a ton of features that are similar to the E-M1X so it makes me feel like the slight trade off in weight-to-performance is worthwhile on those specific missions that require a lighter set up. 

One of my favorite things about the usability of this camera is the fact that you can look through the view finder and use your thumb on the rear LCD touchscreen to change where the AF point is.  This is a super intuitive way to use the camera and makes things very quick because I don’t need to remove my eye from the view finder to change settings.  Also, a really big improvement is that this new model has 121 points of all cross-type Phase Detection AF.  

My final favorite take away is that the battery life of this camera has been fantastic. Even in cold conditions it continues to hold its charge incredibly well and I’ve never had it die on me in a situation where I needed it. 

CONCLUSION:

I’ve been able to use this camera in a TON of different situations and environments and can confidently say that the E-M5 Mark III is a fantastic camera. It checks each and every box I have in terms of requirements from a camera, and has a couple added benefits compared to my M1X when I need to be light and nimble. 

If you’re looking for a camera to get started or simply need an upgrade, this is the camera for you. There’s enough bells and whistles to make the $1,199.99 price tag justifiable, and it’s also cheap enough to not rob your bank account. 

If you have any questions or would like help picking out your next camera, please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask!