Center Valley, PA—The newest addition to the OM-D lineup, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III features much of the technology found in the OM-D E-M1 Mark II professional model. The compact, lightweight, weather-sealed camera includes a 20-megapixel Live MOS sensor and 5-axis in-body image stabilization. The IS system provides up to 5.5 EV steps of compensation (6.5 EV steps with Sync IS).
In addition, the interchangeable-lens camera offers 30-frames-per-second (fps) sequential shooting and high-speed, precision autofocus capabilities. The system uses 121-point all cross-type on-chip phase-detection AF. It also boasts such features as live composite, focus stacking and cinema 4K video.
Many components of the portable E-M5 Mark III, including the IS unit, were miniaturized to deliver the smallest body possible. In addition, improvements in power-saving performance make it possible to use the more compact BLS-50 battery (310 shots/charge). Furthermore, Olympus claims the new ILC sports a body that is approximately 55% the volume of competitive full-frame mirrorless systems.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Key Features
The camera’s dustproof, splashproof, freezeproof, weather-sealed body has a molded exterior, refined grip and a retooled mode dial. Additionally, an updated custom mode setting recalls frequent settings for easier access while shooting.
The same 20MP Live MOS sensor found in the E-M1 Mark II is maximized by a TruePic VIII image-processing engine and a redesigned, compact 5-axis IS unit. “When paired with high-resolution M.Zuiko Digital lenses, it is capable of capturing images with minimal noise even at high-sensitivity settings and also delivers high image quality with minimal distortion up to the edges of the shot,” the company announced.
In addition, with its 121-point all-cross type on-chip phase-detection AF system, users can select from six AF target options. The options are single, 5-point, 9-point, 25-point, 121-point and small. Moreover, AF/AE tracking supports 10-fps sequential shooting (silent sequential shooting L) and 30 fps with focus and exposure locked after the first frame.
Moreover, the camera enables AF operation while using the touch pad to move the AF frame while tracking a moving subject. And photographers can use the touch shutter/touch AF on the LCD screen to select an area of focus within the frame.
Furthermore, the E-M5 Mark III supports C 4K 24p, Full HD 30 fps, All-Intra and Full HD 60p video recording. Furthermore, information from the on-chip phase-detection AF sensor is used for optimal focusing when recording video. With this, users can record 4K 30p high-definition video. Combining 5-axis IS with electronic stabilization makes it possible to record stable video without any special stabilization equipment.
Additional Features & Functions
The ILC also permits long-exposure shooting with live composite, live bulb and live view. Live composite creates one image from multiple shots by stacking them together. This is for such applications as shooting star trails, auroras, light trails and fireworks as well as for light painting.
With live bulb, photographers hold the shutter release to begin the exposure and watch the image build on the LCD. They release the shutter when it reaches the intended exposure. Additionally, live view sends a live feed from the sensor to the LCD; this permits users to compose shots from various angles, with the ability to adjust composition, change exposure and white balance using the LCD. 
Another feature is pro capture mode, which records scenes difficult to time at full resolution, such as a bird taking flight. When the shutter button is pressed fully, 14 frames are retroactively recorded and retained. Up to 30-fps shooting is available in pro capture H mode. RAW recording is also supported.
Also, the ILC’s focus bracketing captures 999 shots with a single shutter activation while shifting the focal position between each shot. Focal shift is selectable in 10 levels; users can combine images into one single, evenly exposed image using Olympus Workspace V1.1 software. This makes it possible to create an image with a depth of field that cannot be obtained by stopping down the aperture.
The camera also provides focus stacking, which automatically composites images in-camera. Eight photos with different focal positions are composited in-camera for a photo with a greater depth of field.
Other features include: 50MP tripod high-res shot, which creates a 50MP-equivalent photo; a 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder; anti-flicker shooting to suppress the effect of flickering light sources; an 1/8,000-sec mechanical shutter; SCN (scene) mode; 16 art filters; and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Pricing
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III will ship in black and silver versions in late November. The camera body only will retail from $1,199.99. The camera kitted with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 14–150mm f/4.0–5.6 II lens will have an SRP of $1,799.99.
