The Olympus OM-D E-M1 III is an Olympus Micro Four Thirds camera released in 2020, built around an 20.4MP Live MOS sensor. Key features include 7.5-stop IBIS, phase-detection AF, subject recognition, 4K video, and weather sealing. This model has been discontinued. It replaces the Olympus OM-D E-M1 II. It has been succeeded by the OM System OM-1. At 580g, this is 42g above the M43 average of 538g, noticeable but within the expected range for a body with this feature set. The Panasonic Lumix G97 is 61g lighter if that matters.
Best for: Wildlife and sports photography
Pros
- Strong 7.5-stop IBIS
- Phase-detect AF with subject recognition
- Weather sealed to IPX1
Cons
- 4K capped at 30fps
Wildlife and bird photography
Phase-detect AF with subject recognition, 60fps burst with pre-capture, and IP53 weather sealing. At 580g it is lighter than the E-M1X while retaining the same sealing standard and similar AF performance. A solid choice for field wildlife work where weight matters. Full guide →
Sports and action
The 60fps electronic burst and subject tracking make the E-M1 III a capable action camera. The 7.5-stop IBIS helps for panning shots with telephoto lenses. IP53 sealing means it can be used in rain during outdoor sports events.
Macro photography
In-camera focus stacking with configurable step size and frame count. The 7.5-stop IBIS helps for handheld close-up work. Pairs well with the Olympus 60mm f/2.8 Macro or the OM System 90mm f/3.5 Macro for field use. Full guide →
Specifications
| Body | |
| Brand | Olympus |
| Status | discontinued |
| Released | 2020-02 |
| Weight | 580g |
| Dimensions | 134.1 × 91.6 × 68.9mm |
| Body material | Magnesium alloy |
| Weather sealed | IPX1 |
| Screen | Tilting |
| Screen size | 3" |
| Screen resolution | 1037k dots |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Sensor | |
| Description | 20.4MP Live MOS |
| Megapixels | 20.4MP |
| Resolution | 5184 × 3888 |
| ISO range (native) | 64–25600 |
| High-res mode | 80MP |
| Viewfinder | |
| EVF | Yes |
| EVF resolution | 2,360,000 dots |
| EVF magnification | 1.48x |
| Stabilisation | |
| IBIS | Yes |
| IBIS stops | 7.5 stops |
| Dual IS | No |
| Autofocus | |
| Phase detect | Yes |
| Subject recognition | Yes |
| Subject types | human, animal, bird |
| AF points | 121 |
| Shooting | |
| Max mechanical shutter | 1/8000 |
| Max electronic shutter | 1/32000 |
| Burst (mechanical) | 18 fps |
| Burst (electronic) | 60 fps |
| Battery life (CIPA) | 420 shots |
| Video | |
| 4K | Yes |
| 4K 60fps | No |
| Log | No |
| Max video bitrate | 202 Mbps |
| Ports & storage | |
| Card slots | 2 |
| Card type | SD UHS-II + SD UHS-II |
| HDMI | micro |
| USB | USB-C |
| Headphone jack | Yes |
| Mic port | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| GPS | No |
| NFC | No |
| Battery | BLH-1 |
| Pricing | |
| Price (approx.) | N/A |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Olympus OM-D E-M1 III have IBIS?
Yes. The Olympus OM-D E-M1 III has in-body image stabilisation rated at 7.5 stops.
Is the Olympus OM-D E-M1 III weather sealed?
Yes. The Olympus OM-D E-M1 III is weather sealed to IPX1, which means it is protected against dust and splashing water.
Does the Olympus OM-D E-M1 III shoot 4K video?
Yes. The Olympus OM-D E-M1 III records 4K video at up to 30fps.
Does the Olympus OM-D E-M1 III have phase-detect autofocus?
Yes. The Olympus OM-D E-M1 III uses phase-detect autofocus, with subject recognition for human, animal, bird.
What card does the Olympus OM-D E-M1 III use?
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 III has 2 card slots and accepts SD UHS-II + SD UHS-II cards.
How much does the Olympus OM-D E-M1 III weigh?
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 III weighs 580g (body only, with battery and card).
Is the Olympus OM-D E-M1 III still worth buying?
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 III has been succeeded by the OM System OM-1. The newer model improves on AF performance, sensor, and video specs. At a reduced second-hand price the Olympus OM-D E-M1 III remains a capable body, but the OM System OM-1 is the better long-term buy if the budget allows.