122 PRACTICALPHOTOGRAPHY
GetIntoGear
U
SERSOF THE
MicroFour
Thirds format
are spoiled for
choice. With
two companies
competing over a series of
feature-heavy offerings,
we’re excited to see what
the first update in Olympus’
100th year brings to the table.
Main features
The Mark III is a solid step
up over its predecessor in
almost every way. It jumps
from16MPto a beefier
20 .4MPresolution,offers4K
video at 30fps, 120fps for
Full HD and even includes
Cinema 4K mode at 24fps.
The rear touchscreen
remains at 1037k dots, as
well as opting for the fully
articulating front-facing
flip-out design, but the
autofocus has jumped ship
from the 81 contrast detect
points of the Mark II, up to
a 121-point phase detect
as found in the E-M1 and
E-M1X. It’s now capable of
focusingat-6EV with anf/1.2
le ns,andthenew processor
cl aims to offer better low-
li ght performance.
You can still take high-
res shots using the pixel
st itching mode, but it’s now
50 MP instead of 40MP, and
Pro capture has made the
le ap from the E-M1 MarkII.
Handling & build
It’s fair to say that not much
has changed here. However,
the body is now made from
a lighter polycarbonate
OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5 MARK III
1
PUMPED-UP PIXELS
Jumping up from 16MP,
the Mark III features an identical
20.4MP resolution to the current
flagship models, which means
you’ll see crisper shots and even
moredetailin yourfinalimages.
2
IT’S JUST A PHASE
A big improvement over the
previous model is the inclusion of
on-sensor phase detect AF. There
are 121 points to select from –
that’s up from 81 previously – and
you’ll reap the benefits throughout
thevariousfocusingmodes.
3
GOING LIVE
Live Bulb and Live
Composite are both present.
The former lets you see your long
exposure as it captures, and the
latter stacks multiple image
highlights over the first single
exposure – ideal for star trails.
4 STORMYWEATHER
Despiteoptingfora
polycarbonate construction,
Olympus has retained its
world-classweather-sealing.
5 ST EADY ON NOW
Renowned for image
stabilisation, the system in
the Mark III boasts 5.5 stops
as standard, and up to 6.5
stops with a compatible
lens using Sync IS – great
news for low-light shooters.
PRICE
£1099
IMAGE RESOLUTION
20.4MP
VIDEO
4K
3
Weight down,
features up!
4
5
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