Olympus has been on a submarine mode almost the whole of 2019, one of the camera makers with least new product launches. This week, they have released the flagship E-M1 Mark III with some upgraded features.
It has been at least a three and a half year gap since the Mark II. Newer technology has caught up and Olympus’ peer partner – Lumix, has also ventured some business into the full-frame territory leaving us to wonder if Olympus will follow suit. Well, look like they are standing firm on the micro four-thirds ground for now with the launch of the OM-D EM-1 Mark III. We will summarise the essential facts and figures you should know about this new camera.
Resolution & Processor
Same resolution as the previous Mark II at 20MP but with an upgraded image processor, TruePic IX, with highly precise and fast autofocus capabilities as well as various unique shooting features. With its famous sensor-shift technology for advanced in-body 5-axis image stabilization, when synchronizing the in-lens image stabilization of supported lenses, the E-M1 Mark III achieves the world’s best stabilization performance of 7.5 shutter speed steps of compensation. This level of stabilization enables shooting in dark locations and during super-telephoto photography without a tripod, opening up new possibilities for photographers and filmmakers.
For users in need of higher resolutions, the 50MP Handheld High Res Shot feature makes it possible to capture approximately 50 Megapixel high-resolution images without using a tripod. The Tripod High Res Shot function allows for recording ultra-high-resolution (approx. 80 Megapixel equivalent) RAW and JPEG images.
Live ND, which was found on the OM-D E-M1X, is incorporated in this model. Users can select the effect level from ND2 (one step) to ND32 (5 steps), and check the slow shutter effects in the viewfinder before capturing.
Build
The Mark III was built around the same principle of the all-weather usage condition. It’s dust and freeze proof just like the other EM-1 series. The lithium-ion battery BLH-1 can be fully charged in as little as two hours when charged through the USB port. It is also possible to use the USB PD (USB Power Delivery) power supply from an external power bank, making it possible to shoot for long periods of time.
Autofocus
The OM-D E-M1 Mark III has a 121-point all cross-type On-chip Phase Detection AF sensor for focusing on various areas of the screen. It offers 75% vertical coverage and 80% horizontal coverage of the screen for a wide focusing area. AF/AE tracking is possible at maximum 18 fps high-speed sequential shooting while maintaining the full pixel count of 20.4 Megapixels with virtually no blackout. There is a multi-selector, the same as the E-M1X to make the selection of focus areas quickly with your thumb while looking through the viewfinder. Just like other brands, now the EM-1 Mark III have Face Priority / Eye Priority AF, which automatically detects and focuses on people’s faces and eyes, is now more advanced.
Pro Capture and 4K Video
Pro Capture starts shooting the moment the shutter release button is pressed down halfway, with a buffer that can be set to capture up to 35 frames in RAW/full resolution, similar to LUMIX’s 4K Photo technology where you can choose your best frame thereafter.
The E-M1 Mark III features an IS mode specifically designed for video recording. Electronic stabilization combined with in-body 5-axis stabilization delivers effective image stabilization for videographers. This model supports OM-Log400 shooting, which enables shooting without loss of details in shadows and highlights, along with colour grading for a high degree of freedom over images. In order to make Live View images more visible, a View Assist function is available, which converts the colour gamut to Full HD standard BT.709 equivalent for display.
The rest of the specs are basically the same as the previous Mark II version, which makes us wonder if the potential buyer would rather buy the older version for a cheaper price or other brands with better features?
Pre-order is available now until 29th Feb 2020 with RM7,299 for the body only. Head over to Olympus online store for more information.
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