The Olympus E-M1 Mark II was eclipsed by the launch of the E-M1X, which promised even higher stabilization, enhanced pace, and a handheld high-res mode however in a a lot bigger, dearer digicam. But photographers not want to decide on between the extra superior digicam or the extra transportable digicam, because of the launch of the brand new Olympus E-M1 Mark III.
As the successor, the E-M1 Mark III is definitely the higher digicam out of the E-M1 collection. The query is, is the Mark III price the additional worth now that the older Mark II is discounted? Is the Mark III price an improve for photographers at present working with the Mark II? What’s the distinction between the E-M1 Mark II and the E-M1 Mark III?
At a look:
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
Updated processor with elevated buffer
7.5-stop picture stabilization
Handheld excessive res mode
Starry AF
More sturdy shutter
AF Joystick
In-camera ND filters
Live view by way of HDMI
OM-Log
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
6.5-stop picture stabilization
Slightly higher battery life (440 photographs vs 420)
Slightly lighter
Cheaper
Sensor & picture high quality

1.
Shot with the Mark III
2.
Shot with the Mark II
Both cameras sport a 20-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor. That doesn’t essentially imply picture high quality can be similar, nonetheless. The Mark III has a more recent processor and extra choices for preserving element at excessive ISOs. Essentially, the Mark III can course of photos twice for higher element at excessive ISOs, although some pace is sacrificed on this mode. Still, in the actual world, you’d be hard-pressed to really choose up these small variations.
The sensor often is the similar, however the E-M1 Mark III positive factors Olympus’ newest TruePic IX processor, which is partly answerable for the brand new Handheld High Res mode. This characteristic stitches a number of images collectively right into a 50-megapixel shot, greater than doubling decision. That permits for lots of element from the in any other case modest sensor. The Mark II additionally has a high-res mode, nevertheless it requires a tripod.
Autofocus and efficiency
The E-M1 Mark II and Mark III have the identical 121-point autofocus system, however the Mark III makes use of an improved algorithm for higher efficiency. It additionally introduces a completely new AF mode, known as Starry Sky AF, that permits autofocus for use for astrophotography, or any setting the place you wish to give attention to pinpoints of sunshine, akin to an evening cityscape.

1.
E-M1 Mark III
2.
E-M1 Mark II
Both cameras have similar pace specs, capturing 10 frames per second with steady autofocus or 15 fps with focus locked when utilizing the mechanical shutter. Switch to the digital shutter, nonetheless, and so they can attain a powerful 60 fps. However, the Mark III does come out forward relating to what number of images it could possibly shoot in a burst. At 15 frames per second, its bigger picture buffer takes 100 RAW images to fill, whereas the Mark II makes do with a still-respectable 84.
Stabilization and additional options
Olympus beforehand stated that 6.5 stops was a theoretical restrict of gyro-based picture stabilization as a consequence of movement from the rotation of the earth. However, it broke that barrier with the E-M1 Mark III by a full cease. With the suitable lens, the Mark III can obtain 7.5 stops of stabilization. Even with different lenses, it’s good for 7 stops — nonetheless finest at school in comparison with another digicam model. It’s so good, in reality, that you could shoot seconds-long exposures with no tripod.
Add to this the Mark III’s built-in impartial density (ND) filters, and you may seize handheld lengthy exposures even in the midst of the day.
The Mark II, nonetheless, isn’t any slouch. It’s 6.5 stops of stabilization nonetheless compares favorably to the very best IBIS methods from different manufacturers. However, you don’t get the Mark III’s built-in ND filters.
Video
Both cameras can shoot good 4K video, and each supply a low-contrast logarithmic tone curved (OM-Log) for preserving extra dynamic vary in the event you don’t thoughts doing a bit of coloration correction in put up (the Mark II must be upgraded to firmware model 3 to unlock this characteristic). The Mark III’s primary benefit is that it permits for an exterior monitor by way of the HDMI port, though, like OM-Log, it is a area of interest characteristic that gained’t have an effect on informal video shooters.

1.
E-M1 Mark II
2.
E-M1 Mark III
Body and design
The E-M1 Mark II and Mark III might be fraternal twins. Both have an analogous feel and look, with wonderful weather-sealing. They share the identical digital viewfinder (EVF) with a 2.36-million-dot decision (one thing we want had been upgraded on the Mark III, as different cameras on this worth vary have used higher-resolution EVFs for a while).
The Mark III has two primary bodily variations. The first is the inclusion of an autofocus joystick, which is a way more ergonomic technique to regulate the main focus level. The Mark III additionally has Olympus’ most strong shutter so far, rated for 400,000 actuations.
The Mark II is a bit lighter, however solely by a couple of grams. (If you’re in search of a extra compact digicam, try the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III, which is actually an E-M1 Mark II in a smaller physique.)
Which is best for you?
Unsurprisingly, the newer E-M1 Mark III is the higher digicam, with a extra strong stabilization system, up to date processor, handheld High Res Shot, and some different extras. It’s superb for journey, because you don’t essentially want to hold a tripod or ND filters with you.
However, there might not be sufficient causes for Mark II house owners to improve. Image high quality would be the similar, and so will burst pace and far of the consumer expertise. The greatest purpose to improve is the improved picture stabilization for handheld lengthy exposures and Handheld High Res mode.
As the older digicam, the Mark II affords a greater worth and at present sits about $400 cheaper. The added stabilization and additional options  of the Mark III are seemingly price the additional value to some, however many photographers could also be simply as nicely placing that cash towards a lens and choosing up a Mark II.
Bottom line
Buy the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III in the event you want an incredible journey digicam. Its unmatched stabilization mixed with built-in ND filters and new Starry Sky Autofocus make it an unbeatable digicam for adventurers. If you don’t shoot astrophotography or lengthy exposures, nonetheless, the Mark II will serve you simply high-quality.

Editors’ Recommendations