Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera systems have long been famous for their small, portable size and excellent performance. And while you can see fantastic results with all micro four thirds cameras, we feel that one in particular has separated itself from the others– the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III.
Below, we’ll share five reasons why the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is the best micro four thirds camera for 2024. Its strengths include its powerful photo and video capabilities, outstanding lens compatibility, and more. Additionally, thanks to innovative online platforms like MPB, buying a used MFT camera has never been cheaper and easier than it is today.
Who is MPB? It is a trustworthy and reliable online platform selling pre-owned photography and videography gear at unbeatable prices. Better yet, all of its cameras and lenses are carefully hand-inspected by knowledgeable product specialists with years of experience and backed by six-month warranties, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free.
We are huge supporters of MPB because, over the years, we’ve saved thousands of dollars buying, selling, and trading equipment on their one-of-a-kind online marketplace. If you are considering upgrading your camera kit and want to save money, visit their website today. Now, continue reading to discover if the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III suits you and your needs!
Check out the video above by Robin Wong to learn more about this best micro four thirds camera.
Table of Contents
- The Image Sensor and Processor of This Best Micro Four Thirds Camera
- The Continuous Shooting of This Best Micro Four Thirds Camera
- The 4K Video of This Best Micro Four Thirds Camera
- The Image Stabilization of This Best Micro Four Thirds Camera
- The Lens Compatibility of This Best Micro Four Thirds Camera
- Final Thoughts on Micro Four Thirds Cameras
The Image Sensor and Processor of This Best Micro Four Thirds Camera
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is a mirrorless camera that came out in 2020, replacing the E-M1 Mark II. Its environmentally-sealed body is built around a 20.4-megapixel four thirds sensor and a TruePic IX image processor. The pair delivers high-resolution photos and videos with fantastic sharpness and enhances the camera’s speed.
One area where this speed is immediately noticeable is in the camera’s autofocus (AF). Advanced AF modes include face/eye detection (for portrait photography), subject tracking (for action photography), and Starry Sky (for astrophotography). Moreover, the AF uses machine learning to constantly improve the AF performance.
Now, here’s an in-depth look at the key features and specs of this Best Micro Four Thirds Camera:
- Camera Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: 20.4MP Live MOS Four Thirds CMOS Sensor
- ISO: 200 – 25,600 (expandable to 64 – 25,600)
- Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds Mount
- Speed: 60.0 fps
- Autofocus: 121 focus points
- Video: 4K/30p & 1080p/60p
- Size/Weight: 134 x 91 x 69 mm / 580 grams
- Battery Life: 420 shots
- Stabilization: Yes
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Weather-Sealed: Yes
- Used Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III Price: $754 – $909
The Continuous Shooting of This Best Micro Four Thirds Camera
The speed is also extremely apparent during continuous burst shooting. When working with the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III’s electronic shutter, it can shoot 60 frames per second (fps) using single-shot AF and 18 fps using continuous AF. At 60 fps, the buffer is 50 RAW frames; at 18 fps, it’s 90 RAW frames.
If you prefer using the camera’s mechanical shutter, you can capture up to 101 RAW frames at a maximum continuous shooting speed of 15 fps. These impressive numbers make the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III the best micro four thirds camera for action, sports, and wildlife photography.
The 4K Video of This Best Micro Four Thirds Camera
When you switch the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III to video mode, the first spec that jumps out is its 4K video capabilities. It can record both UHD (3840 x 2160) and DCI (4096 x 2160) 4K. UHD footage tops out at 4K/30p and DCI footage at 4K/24p. Furthermore, the video dynamic range is boosted thanks to the camera’s OM-Log professional video format. OM-Log gives you more control when filming and makes color correcting easier during post-production.
This best micro four thirds camera also has 1080p/60p and 720p/60p frame rates. Other highlight-worthy video features include a fully articulated LCD, a time-lapse mode, dual memory card slots, and various useful audio controls. Its overall video package makes the E-M1 Mark III a great camera for entry-level and enthusiast YouTubers and vloggers.
The Image Stabilization of This Best Micro Four Thirds Camera
Another thing we love about the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is the all-new in-body image stabilization (IBIS). Because of their smaller size, most micro four thirds cameras omit IBIS, but there are so many advantages of having it. For starters, it significantly improves low-light performance.
On top of that, it reduces camera shake, leading to smoother and steadier handheld videos. The IBIS of this best micro four thirds camera adds up to seven stops of exposure to photos and videos (7.5 stops when paired with a lens with optical image stabilization).
The Lens Compatibility of This Best Micro Four Thirds Camera
Lastly, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III uses the micro four thirds lens mount. It boasts hundreds of native lenses to choose from, including telephoto lenses, wide-angle lenses, prime lenses, zoom lenses, and macro lenses. Good lens adaptors are also available for people who want to use non-native lenses.
Here’s a quick list of some of the best Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III lenses for photo and video to pair with this best micro four thirds camera.
- Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro
- Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO
- Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm f/4 IS PRO
- Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f5-6.3 IS
- Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f/4 IS PRO
Final Thoughts on Micro Four Thirds Cameras
There you are, five reasons why the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is the best micro four thirds camera for 2024! While no doubt everyone would benefit from working with it, it’s especially ideal for hybrid content creators due to its wonderful combination of photo/video features.
Do you want to compare the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III against other micro four thirds cameras before making a final decision? Check out the list below of popular Olympus and Panasonic cameras on sale now at MPB:
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 in 2024, you should give strong consideration to the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III.){kind=link}