Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III Vs. OM-D E-M1 Mark II: Worth the upgrade?


The Olympus E-M1 Mark II was eclipsed by the launch of the E-M1X, which promised even higher stabilization, enhanced velocity, and a handheld high-res mode however in a a lot bigger, dearer digicam. However photographers not want to decide on between the extra superior digicam or the extra moveable digicam, because of the launch of the brand new Olympus E-M1 Mark III.
Because the successor, the E-M1 Mark III is well the higher digicam out of the E-M1 sequence. 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 the moment 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

  • Up to date processor with elevated buffer
  • 7.5-stop picture stabilization
  • Handheld excessive res mode
  • Starry AF
  • Extra sturdy shutter
  • AF Joystick
  • In-camera ND filters
  • Reside view by way of HDMI
  • OM-Log

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

  • 6.5-stop picture stabilization
  • Barely higher battery life (440 photographs vs 420)
  • Barely lighter
  • Cheaper

Sensor & picture high quality

Each cameras sport a 20-megapixel Micro 4 Thirds sensor. That doesn’t essentially imply picture high quality shall be an identical, nonetheless. The Mark III has a more moderen processor and extra choices for preserving element at excessive ISOs. Basically, the Mark III can course of pictures twice for higher element at excessive ISOs, although some velocity is sacrificed on this mode. Nonetheless, in the actual world, you’d be hard-pressed to really choose up these small variations.
The sensor could be the similar, however the E-M1 Mark III positive aspects Olympus’ newest TruePic IX processor, which is partly liable for the brand new Handheld Excessive Res mode. This characteristic stitches a number of pictures 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, but it surely 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 wholly new AF mode, referred to as Starry Sky AF, that enables autofocus for use for astrophotography, or any setting the place you wish to deal with pinpoints of sunshine, resembling an evening cityscape.
Each cameras have an identical velocity specs, capturing 10 frames per second with steady autofocus or 15 fps with focus locked when utilizing the mechanical shutter. Swap to the digital shutter, nonetheless, they usually can attain a formidable 60 fps. Nevertheless, the Mark III does come out forward in relation to what number of pictures it might probably shoot in a burst. At 15 frames per second, its bigger picture buffer takes 100 RAW pictures to fill, whereas the Mark II makes do with a still-respectable 84.

Stabilization and further options

Olympus beforehand mentioned that 6.5 stops was a theoretical restrict of gyro-based picture stabilization due to motion from the rotation of the earth. Nevertheless, it broke that barrier with the E-M1 Mark III by a full cease. With the appropriate lens, the Mark III can obtain 7.5 stops of stabilization. Even with different lenses, it’s good for 7 stops — nonetheless finest in school in comparison with every other 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, is not any slouch. It’s 6.5 stops of stabilization nonetheless compares favorably to the most effective IBIS programs from different manufacturers. Nevertheless, you don’t get the Mark III’s built-in ND filters.

Video

Each cameras can shoot good 4K video, and each provide a low-contrast logarithmic tone curved (OM-Log) for preserving extra dynamic vary if you happen to don’t thoughts doing just a little colour correction in submit (the Mark II must be upgraded to firmware version 3 to unlock this characteristic). The Mark III’s fundamental benefit is that it permits for an exterior monitor by way of the HDMI port, though, like OM-Log, this can be a area of interest characteristic that gained’t have an effect on informal video shooters.

Physique and design

The E-M1 Mark II and Mark III may very well be fraternal twins. Each have an identical feel and look, with glorious 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 fundamental bodily variations. The primary is the inclusion of an autofocus joystick, which is a way more ergonomic strategy to regulate the main target level. The Mark III additionally has Olympus’ most sturdy shutter to this point, rated for 400,000 actuations.
The Mark II is a bit lighter, however solely by just a few grams. (If you happen to’re in search of a extra compact digicam, take a look at 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 sturdy stabilization system, up to date processor, handheld Excessive Res Shot, and some different extras. It’s ultimate for journey, because you don’t essentially want to hold a tripod or ND filters with you.
Nevertheless, there is probably not sufficient causes for Mark II house owners to improve. Picture high quality would be the similar, and so will burst velocity and far of the consumer expertise. The largest cause to improve is the improved picture stabilization for handheld lengthy exposures and Handheld Excessive Res mode.
Because the older digicam, the Mark II presents a greater worth and at the moment sits about $400 cheaper. The added stabilization and further options  of the Mark III are possible price the additional value to some, however many photographers could also be simply as properly placing that cash towards a lens and choosing up a Mark II.
Olympus OMD E M1

Backside line

Purchase the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III if you happen to want an ideal 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 happen to don’t shoot astrophotography or lengthy exposures, nonetheless, the Mark II will serve you simply superb.

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