Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III £1,599/$1,799

The ultimate pro camera for general photography

- James Artaius

Specifications

Sensor: 20.4MP Four Thirds Live MOS

Image processor: TruePic IX

AF points: 121 cross-type on-chip phase detection

ISO range: Low to 25,600 (ISO 200 base)

Max image size: 7,776 x 10,368

Metering modes: ESP, spot, centre-weighted, highlight, shadow

Video: C4K at 24fps, 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 120fps

Viewfinder: EVF, 2.36m dots, 0.84x mag

Memory card: 1 UHS-II SD, 1 UHS-I SD

LCD: 3-inch fully articulating touchscreen, 1,037k dots

Max burst: 60fps

Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C

Size: 134 x 91 x 69mm

Weight: 504g (body only; 580g with battery and SD card)

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is a distillation of the company’s greatest technology, and the apex of its professional camera aspirations. The smallest and lightest pro system in the world, it offers an unparalleled 7.5 stops of image stabilisation (6.5 as a base), unmatched 60fps shooting bursts (18 with AF/AE), and advanced features that simply aren’t possible on any if its rivals.

However, when its rivals include the just-launched Canon EOS-1D X Mark III and the brand-new Sony Alpha 9 II, does the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III have what it takes to topple the best professional cameras on the market? And why has Olympus given us a pro body when it only released the Olympus OM-D E-M1X just over a year ago? If you’re feeling a little confused about the manufacturer’s current top-tier product line, you’re not alone.