Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV vs Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV vs OM-D E-M5 Mark III: Overview
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV vs OM-D E-M5 Mark III: Imaging Performance
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV vs OM-D E-M5 Mark III: Video Performance
- Recommended Micro Four Thirds Lenses
- Final Thoughts on the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV vs OM-D E-M5 Mark III
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The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV and Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III are two of the best-selling entry-level mirrorless cameras from Olympus. If you are wavering about which one to make your next (or first!) camera, this camera comparison guide is for you!
In this Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV vs OM-D E-M5 Mark III review, we’ll compare and contrast these two popular Olympus mirrorless cameras. We’ll break down their design and ergonomics, photo and video performance, and more. Additionally, thanks to online platforms like MPB, buying a used mirrorless camera has never been cheaper and easier than it is today.
Who is MPB? It’s a trustworthy and innovative photography company that offers high-quality used photo and video gear at unbeatable prices. Better yet, every camera and lens it sells is hand-inspected by expert product specialists with years of experience and backed by a six-month warranty, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free.
What truly distinguishes MPB, though, is its state-of-the-art online platform. It’s a revolutionary tool that has helped us save thousands of dollars buying, selling, and trading photography equipment over the years, and we believe it can do the same for you. Now, without further ado, let’s find out which one of these Olympus cameras is right for you and your needs!
Check out the video above by Peter Forsgård to learn more about the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III vs Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV.
Table of Contents
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV vs OM-D E-M5 Mark III: Overview
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III came out in 2019, and the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV was released a year later in 2020. Both cameras feature 20-megapixel micro four thirds image sensors and identical TruePic VIII image processing engines. The E-M5 III and E-M10 IV are hybrid mirrorless cameras with photo and video capabilities.
The two cameras are physically nearly the same size, with the E-M10 IV being ever so slightly smaller and lighter. However, one big difference is the color options. The E-M5 III is only available in black, while you can get the E-M10 IV in both black and black/silver, making it a better choice for people who want a more stylish camera with a retro look.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
On the rear of the cameras, both cameras have the same four buttons, a 4-way control pad, and touchscreen LCD screens. The display on the E-M10 IV is a flip-down screen that can tilt down 180° to face the user. On the other hand, the E-M5 III’s display is fully articulating and can rotate in any direction.
Other things to consider are battery life and durability. The E-M10 IV has marginally better battery life (360 shots vs 310 shots), but we wouldn’t consider battery life a strength of either camera. Regarding durability, the E-M5 III is superior thanks to its environmentally sealed body, making it a good camera for outdoor photographers (landscape, wildlife, adventure, etc.).
Here’s a head-to-head comparison of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III vs Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV specs and key features to see how they stack up.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV vs OM-D E-M5 Mark III: Imaging Performance
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
Since the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV both utilize 20MP sensors, the image quality of still photos taken with these two cameras is extremely similar. That said, the E-M5 Mark III has a minor advantage when shooting during the middle of the day because it can drop its ISO to 64, compared to 100 on the E-M10 IV.
Burst shooting is another area where the E-M5 Mark III bests the E-M10 IV. It can shoot continually at speeds of up to 30 fps (10 fps with af-c), while the E-M10 IV maxes out at 15 fps (4.5 fps with af-c). Therefore, the E-M5 Mark III is better for shooting fast-moving, unpredictable subjects like animals and sports.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
Although both cameras boast 121-point autofocus systems, the E-M5 Mark III's AF performance is significantly better than that of the E-M10 IV. That’s because it uses a faster and more reliable “phase-detection” AF system compared to the older “contrast-detection” system found on the E-M10 IV.
One more spec we want to highlight is the high-res mode of the E-M5 Mark III. It shoots multiple exposures and combines them into one super-high-resolution image. It’s ideal for capturing vast landscapes and dramatic cityscapes. One important thing to note is that it only works when you mount the camera onto a tripod.
Which is the best camera for photos? The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
Learn More:
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV vs OM-D E-M5 Mark III: Video Performance
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
Moving on to video, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV and Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III are more than capable video cameras. They both have 4K video capabilities and can record 4K/24p and 4K/30p footage. If you want to film slow-motion video without editing the footage in post-production, only the E-M5 Mark III has 1080p/120 video.
While the E-M10 Mark IV only has the H.264 video compression, with the E-M5 Mark III, you can select to record movies in H.264, MOV, or Linear PCM. Another pro of the E-M5 Mark III is that it has a microphone port, so you can better monitor the audio levels of your videos in live time.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
One mutual strength of both cameras is that they feature in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which is rare for cameras in their price range. The IBIS technology reduces camera shake, boosts low-light performance, and helps deliver overall better video quality.
Which is the best camera for video? The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
Recommended Micro Four Thirds Lenses
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV with 14-42mm EZ lens
Here’s a quick list of some of the best micro four thirds lenses for photos and video to pair with the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV and Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III mirrorless cameras.
Final Thoughts on the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV vs OM-D E-M5 Mark III
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
Although the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is the newer camera, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is actually the more advanced camera. So, if you have some experience, we recommend getting the E-M5 Mark III. However, if you are a beginner or on a budget, the E-M10 Mark IV is a great choice.
Do you want to compare them against other similar cameras? Check out the list below of other Olympus and OM Systems mirrorless cameras in stock now at MPB.
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