Photo by Matheus Bertelli from Pexels
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 III and the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II dropped in 2017 and 2015 and both function as mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras.
Both of these cameras feature a 15.9MP sensor, both are Micro Four Thirds format, and both feature in-body stabilization.
Since these cameras are so similar, it makes sense that an Olympus OM-D E-M10 III vs. Olympus OM-D E-M5 II debate has been raging for nearly three years.
But, since they are so similar, where do they differ?
OM-D E-M10 III vs OM-D E-M5 II Specs
*Olympus E-M5 II pictured above
The Olympus E-M5 II, although it features a 15.9MP sensor, an ISO range of 200-25,600, and an electronic viewfinder with 2360K dots just like the Olympus E-M10 III, made a name for itself with a solid weather-sealed body, a 10fps burst mode, and an advanced LCD screen for its age.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 II Specs:
- 15.9MP four-thirds sensor
- ISO range of 200-25,600
- Full 1080p HD video
- 2360K dots electronic viewfinder
- 3.0” LCD swivel touchscreen with 1037k dots
- 10fps burst mode
- In-body image stabilization
- Weather-sealed body
- 310-shot battery life
- 1.03 lbs
*Olympus OM-D E-M10 III pictured above
Olympus OM-D E-M10 III Specs:
- 15.9MP four-thirds sensor
- ISO range of 200-25,600
- 4K video capabilities
- 3.0” tilting touchscreen LCD with 1040k dots
- 8.6fps burst mode
- In-body image stabilization
- 330shot battery life
- .9 lbs
As you can see, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 III features 4K video and a slightly improved touchscreen. It’s also a bit lighter.
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OM-D E-M10 III vs OM-D E-M5 II Body & Design
*Olympus OM-D E-M10 III pictured above
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 III comes with a built-in flash, which is one of the design benefits of this camera.
*Olympus E-M5 II pictured above
My favorite thing about the Olympus E-M5 II’s body is that it has an articulated screen that can be flipped to be forward-facing, which is a nice feature for vloggers.
The Olympus E-M5 II can also connect to an external microphone, whereas the E-M10 III cannot.
The Olympus E-M5 II is made of only magnesium alloy, while the E-M10 III features metal plates on the top and bottom of the body.
Overall, both of these camera bodies are extremely similar.
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OM-D E-M10 III vs OM-D E-M5 II Build & Handling
*Olympus OM-D E-M10 III pictured above
As previously mentioned, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 III is slightly lighter than the E-M5 II. It’s also slightly smaller at 3.3 x 4.8 x 2 inches , as opposed to 3.3 x 4.9 x 1.8 inches for the E-M5 II.
The E-M5 II is also splash and dust-proof, while the E-M10 III features no safety precautions like this.
Both the Olympus OM-D E-M10 III and E-M5 II are especially thick compared to regular cameras, so neither of them would be extremely comfortable for someone with smaller hands.
*Olympus E-M5 II pictured above
Both of these cameras can use the exact same lenses, which comes in handy if you have a friend that sided against you in the OM-D E-M10 III vs OM-D E-M5 II debate.
But, again, the build of both of these cameras are so similar that you would be hard pressed to choose between them from this category alone.
OM-D E-M10 III vs OM-D E-M5 II Video Performance
As featured in this short video by Picture Palette Productions, the E-M10 III has a leg up on the E-M5 II, if only because it features 4K shooting.
However, as you can see in this short video by Tyler Lovelady, the E-M5 II still shoots gorgeous video, just in 1080p instead of 4K.
OM-D E-M10 III vs OM-D E-M5 II Price
*Olympus OM-D E-M10 III pictured above
You can find the Olympus OM-D E-M10 III on Amazon for $450, or used on MPB starting at $315.
*Olympus E-M5 II pictured above
You can find the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II on Amazon for $1,000, or used on MPB starting at $360.
Whichever of these cameras suit your needs better, clearly, there are substantial savings available if you buy used.
MPB is one of my favorite used gear sites because they grade each and every item they list for sale, that way you know exactly what kind of condition the item is in before you buy.
Add in excellent customer service, fast shipping, and a 6-month warranty on purchased items, and you have a recipe for getting top-quality gear without breaking the bank.
What’s not to like about that?!
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