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amazon Olympus OMD E-M10 III reviews
The 3rd generation version to replace the OM-D E-M10 Mark II launched in 2015, the E-M10 Mark III is an Olympus mirrorless camera that still owns a resolution sensor. 16MP, upgraded to 4K 30FPS movie recording, the available ISO increased from 1600 to a maximum of 25600, and the focusing system expanded from 81 to 121 points. Aimed at photography lovers and beginners, the E-M10 Mark III has a classic design like its predecessor, especially compared to the E-PL9 that we recently experienced. For more women, this choice of E-M10 Mark III will be a suitable choice for men.
Check out some information about this camera:
– 16MP CMOS Four Thirds sensor without AA filter
– Processor TruePic VIII
– ISO from 1600 to up to 25600
– 121 focus points
– 5-axis stabilization up to 4 stops
– 4K movie recording with in-camera and digital stabilization
– 8.6 fps continuous shooting (4.8 with continuous autofocus)
– Electronic viewfinder 2.36 million pixels
– 1.04 million-dot flip touch screen
– 330 panels battery life
– Weight 410g (body)
In terms of design, the most noticeable overall of the E-M10 Mark III compared to the previous life is that the grip has changed somewhat, and the ledges on the adjustment ring are also somewhat different. But users still get a modern and classic machine, combined with a mix of colors between versions; typically, the black version creates a high impression with the skin textures on the black and white background metal silver. Besides, if you look back at its predecessor, the Mark II, users may also find this upgrade to be somewhat brighter. At the function dials, there are no longer color combinations, so the top looks funny.
The grip and the position of the thumb on the body are slightly adjusted, but it is different, with the extended grip (thicker), making the palm curve and hugging the body and allowing more hand rest and less clinging.
The on/off/Flash button is made in a large lever to create a classic feel like a film camera. The button to customize the parameters on the machine is also located on the left side. I prefer this button to be placed to the right, more like on the E-PL9.
The function rings on the OM-D E-M10 Mark III are not soft but firm, with each step giving the user a feeling of mastery of the swivel joints.
The two rotations to change the parameters on the camera are arranged reasonably compared to me, and it is not difficult to get used to when I first use this camera, but the default Fn1 part is Light / Focus lock. I placed a ledge right away, but the rest protruded quite a bit when I wanted to use it.
The screen flip angle on the E-M10 Mark III can only be done up to this point, you can’t flip down like the E-PL9 for selfies, or so you can shoot vlogs by yourself.
It also supports Wi-Fi, allowing you to send photos to your phone faster and more compactly so you can immediately post them on social networks. The Wi-Fi toggle button is not available outside; you will have to go to the menu set to enable or tap the word Wi-Fi on the touch screen.
The OM-D E-M10 Mark III uses a CMOS sensor with a resolution of 16.1 megapixels, the sensor size M4/3 (Four Thirds), an upgraded True Pic VIII quad-core image processor compared to the Mark II. During my experience with E-M10 mark III, the ISO range of E-M10 Mark III is also impressive, and for me, ISO at 6400 is still quite good for editing and uploading photos to Instagram.
In addition, the machine also can record 4K movies with 30FPS; the previous version can only shoot a 4K timelapse. That can also be considered a worthwhile upgrade for those who have basic filming needs.
Of course, the focus point has been upgraded to 121 compared to 81 of the previous version; the parameters are almost equivalent to the Olympus E-PL9 that we recently experienced, equipped with an electronic viewfinder. Suppose it’s more sturdy like I said at the beginning of the article. In that case, the E-M10 Mark III is a more suitable choice for men, on the contrary, the device cannot be flipped to take a selfie, so this device will not be suitable for beautiful girls who love taking selfies.
where can you get a Olympus OMD E-M10 III online
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IIIs Silver Body with Silver M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 IIR Lens (V207111SU000): Buy it now
Controls and Interface
The E-M10 Mark III features a well-thought-out layout with a good balance of physical controls and a touchscreen interface. The top plate houses the mode dial, two control dials, a customizable function button, and the shutter button. The mode dial includes a variety of shooting modes, such as Auto, Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual, as well as scene modes and Art Filters. This arrangement allows for quick and easy access to essential settings.
The rear of the camera is dominated by a 3.0-inch tilting touchscreen LCD with a resolution of 1.04 million dots. The screen tilts up 80 degrees and down 45 degrees, which is useful for shooting from high or low angles. The touchscreen is responsive and allows for touch focus, touch shutter, and menu navigation, enhancing the overall user experience. Additionally, the camera features a high-resolution 2.36-million-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF), providing a clear and detailed view of the scene, even in bright sunlight.
Sensor and Image Quality
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III is equipped with a 16.1-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, the same as found in its predecessor. While the resolution may not be as high as some of its competitors, the camera delivers impressive image quality with excellent color reproduction, dynamic range, and detail.
The TruePic VIII image processor, inherited from Olympus’s higher-end models, enhances image quality and processing speed. The native ISO range of 200-25600 provides versatility in various lighting conditions. Noise performance is commendable up to ISO 3200, with images remaining relatively clean and detailed. At higher ISO levels, noise becomes more noticeable but is still manageable with post-processing.
One of the standout features of the E-M10 Mark III is its in-body 5-axis image stabilization system. This system compensates for camera shake along five axes, allowing for sharper images, especially in low-light conditions or when using longer focal lengths. This feature is particularly beneficial for handheld shooting, providing a significant advantage over cameras without stabilization.
Autofocus Performance
The E-M10 Mark III features a contrast-detect autofocus system with 121 focus points, offering wide coverage across the frame. The autofocus performance is quick and accurate in good lighting conditions, making it suitable for everyday photography. In low-light situations, the AF speed slows down slightly but remains reliable.
The camera includes face and eye detection AF, which is particularly useful for portrait photography. It can easily lock onto a subject’s face and eyes, ensuring sharp focus. For more control, the touchscreen allows users to select the focus point manually, which is especially handy when shooting in tricky situations or with a shallow depth of field.
Video Capabilities
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III is a capable video camera, offering 4K video recording at 30, 25, and 24 frames per second, as well as Full HD and HD options. The 4K footage is sharp and detailed, with good color accuracy and dynamic range. The in-body image stabilization helps reduce camera shake, resulting in smoother handheld footage.
The camera also includes several advanced video features, such as a dedicated video mode on the mode dial, manual exposure control, and the ability to use Art Filters in video mode. However, the lack of a microphone input is a limitation for serious videographers who require high-quality audio.
For casual vloggers, the E-M10 Mark III’s tilting screen is a convenient feature, making it easy to frame shots and monitor recording. The camera’s compact size and lightweight design further enhance its suitability for vlogging and travel videos.
Connectivity and Battery Life
The E-M10 Mark III offers a range of connectivity options, including built-in Wi-Fi. The Olympus Image Share app allows for easy transfer of images and videos to a smartphone or tablet, as well as remote control of the camera. The app is user-friendly and makes it simple to share images on social media.
Battery life is rated at approximately 330 shots per charge, which is decent for a camera of this size. For extended shooting sessions, carrying a spare battery is advisable. The camera charges via a USB port, allowing for convenient charging on the go.
Ease of Use
Olympus has designed the E-M10 Mark III with ease of use in mind, catering to both beginners and experienced photographers. The camera offers an intuitive user interface with a well-organized menu system. The Super Control Panel, accessible via the touchscreen, provides quick access to commonly used settings, making adjustments swift and straightforward.
The inclusion of Advanced Photo (AP) mode is a notable feature for beginners. This mode simplifies the process of capturing more complex shots, such as long exposures, HDR, panoramas, and multiple exposures. Each mode includes on-screen guides to assist users in achieving the desired results.
Art Filters and Creative Features
One of the defining features of the Olympus OM-D series is the extensive range of Art Filters and creative shooting modes. The E-M10 Mark III includes 15 Art Filters, such as Pop Art, Soft Focus, Grainy Film, and Diorama, allowing photographers to experiment with different looks and styles. These filters can be applied to both still images and videos, adding a unique touch to your creations.
The camera also offers a variety of Scene modes, including Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, and Sports, optimizing settings for different shooting scenarios. For those who enjoy in-camera editing, the E-M10 Mark III provides options for adjusting saturation, contrast, and other image parameters directly on the camera.
Lenses and Expandability
The Micro Four Thirds system offers a wide range of lenses, making the E-M10 Mark III a versatile camera that can adapt to various shooting needs. Whether you prefer prime lenses for portraiture, wide-angle lenses for landscapes, or telephoto lenses for wildlife photography, the Micro Four Thirds mount has you covered.
The E-M10 Mark III is compatible with Olympus’s extensive lineup of M.Zuiko lenses, as well as lenses from other manufacturers, including Panasonic and Sigma. The compact size of Micro Four Thirds lenses complements the camera’s portable design, making it an excellent choice for photographers who value mobility.
Comparison with Competitors
In the crowded mirrorless camera market, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III faces competition from models such as the Panasonic Lumix GX85, Fujifilm X-T20, and Sony Alpha a6000. Each of these cameras has its strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on individual preferences and needs.
Compared to the Panasonic Lumix GX85, the E-M10 Mark III offers a more stylish design and a broader selection of Art Filters. However, the GX85 features a higher resolution electronic viewfinder and 5-axis image stabilization, making it a strong contender for those who prioritize these features.
The Fujifilm X-T20 boasts a larger APS-C sensor, providing better low-light performance and a higher resolution of 24.3 megapixels. It also offers 4K video recording, albeit with a slightly more complex menu system. The E-M10 Mark III, on the other hand, excels in its user-friendly interface and extensive creative options.
The Sony Alpha a6000, though an older model, remains a popular choice due to its excellent autofocus system and impressive burst shooting capabilities. However, it lacks 4K video recording and in-body image stabilization, areas where the E-M10 Mark III has an advantage.
Value for Money
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III offers excellent value for money, providing a compelling blend of style, performance, and creative features at a reasonable price point. Its compact design, ease of use, and extensive range of Art Filters make it an appealing choice for beginners and casual photographers. At the same time, its robust image quality and expandability with Micro Four Thirds lenses cater to more advanced users.
While it may not have the latest sensor technology or the highest resolution, the E-M10 Mark III delivers consistently good results in a variety of shooting conditions. The addition of 4K video recording and improved autofocus performance over its predecessor makes it a worthwhile upgrade for those considering an entry-level mirrorless camera.