Olympus E-M1 Mark III vs. E-M1 MKII vs. E-M1X

[@carolarchdale5625]

My husband has ordered an Em1 mark iii for me! Very happy.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Nice!

[@Bassbarbie]

What a lovely husband 😊

[@carolarchdale5625]

@@Bassbarbie he certainly is!! Just waiting for it to arrive - estimated mid March here sadly.

[@Luka_Film]

отблагодари его

[@photohounds]

What a great husband! Hugs to both

[@Fats051]

Very good comparison, as always. As for me, I will stay with my Mk2, because in my view the differences in features do not match the differences in prices. The price/quality ratio of the Mk2 is unparalleled. And, as Olympus is building its cameras like tanks (thank you Olympus!), they can stay with us for years!

[@azulperro]

Recently returned from a 2 week safari to Botswana with my EM1X and OMD M1 mark ii. I really found the larger body of the M1X was more comfortable for me in the the field shooting from a safari vehicle. I did not find the increase weight difficult and like the balance with the M Zuiko 300 f4 lens. I also find the joy stick on the M1X and the my menu very helpful and comfortable .

[@philipswan1016]

Just watching this evening after picking up my Em1X today. i went with the bigger option as i plan on using the larger zoom lens for sports & wildlife and figured it would be better balanced on the bigger body. Also i felt the smaller bodies did'n't give enough grip when holding with one hand. the X is very similar in size & weight to my old Canon. I think if someone is not into sports or wildlife, then definitely do with the Marki iii. I will probably get one later on for the days I am not shooting long. One worry i had before buying the camera was the noise & dept of field that everyone goes on about, if anyone else has those worries don't , I've been testing most of the evening indoors without flash and even the dimmed rooms are not a problem. I was hoping the X would win, to me it has, Anyway Peter maybe review the new firmware upgrade in your next video for the X.

[@ForsgardPeter]

The reason that E-m1 MKIII won is that it suits for me better than the X. But the things you shoot, I think you are better of with the X.

[@ulflundh5813]

@@ForsgardPeter Two fast cardslots and the bigger viewfinder is better for fast birdphoto. I shooting raw to both and if one them is slow as in em1 it would make a differens for the buffer. And the balance whit the 300f4 is perfekt. I used the em1x for a year and its soooooo good :) before I had em1mkII and Canon 7Dmkll.

[@rogerforeman7908]

Years ago started of with EM5. gave that to my Granddaughter when I got the EM5m2. Then I got the E-M1ll. I was more than pleased with the quality of the results. After watching this video I can really see no reason to change up.

[@celestewalz8342]

My favorite feature - at least today - is LiveComp, so that won't make a purchase decision for me. If I was buying new I'd go with the mkiii, but I love my mkii and it is still working great. Every week or so I find a new feature that I have to figure out, so I'm still growing with it. Thanks for the comparison.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Live Comp. is great. What are your main subjects for Live Comp.

[@celestewalz8342]

Peter Forsgård I’m experimenting with sunsets as the subject. It becomes very abstract.

[@MiaogisTeas]

@@celestewalz8342 That's such a cool idea! I use mine for lightning storms.

[@detlefkloster2060]

Just bought a like new (2k on the shutter count) EM1 Mk2 including batterygrip and 12-40 2.8. Coming from the Mk1 I‘m happy with my Mk2.

[@ridealongwithrandy]

Thant is an amazing camera, PERIOD!

[@pg9542]

used mk ii isn't that the best bargain today?

[@MiaogisTeas]

Yep, that's a great deal

[@skogsus]

Thank you for yet another great video. I waited for the mk3 before upgrading, but with no new sensor I got a used mk2 in mint condition. For the money saved I bought the Panasonic Leica 8-16mm. Couldn't be more happy:-)

[@ForsgardPeter]

E-M1 MKII is still a greta camera. I will keep using it.

[@sirbarry22]

I agree with you Peter, at first I wasn't very excited about the E-M1 MKIII, but the hand held high res and built in ND filter is a really nice and very useful feature, I just wish olympus would offer it in silver and black for its retro customers. I'll keep my M-E5 MKII and maybe add the E-M1 Mk III as a second camera.

[@ForsgardPeter]

A silver version of a E-M1 MKIII would be nice. I like the silver version of the E-M5 MKIII.

[@mariyanamt]

@@ForsgardPeter Totally agree with both of you here. For the moment , I only have the Em5-Mark III, and still doing a good job, i love its retro look, too. I also hope to see same retro look on the EM1-Mark III :) I think you convinced me on the EM1-Mark III. Have you seen any difference in the image quality for birds/trains/planes compared to EM1X , since it;s not present in EM1 MarkIII?

[@ChubbyYoutuber]

I totally agree with a silver EM1 Mark iii. I have 2 EM1 Mark ii in silver and love those cameras!

[@jasonmaino7259]

Very nice comparison, I have the E-M1 mk1 and am looking to upgrade. What I really like is the special focus tracking for planes and trains, as that is what I photograph mostly, but is it worth the price difference?

[@ForsgardPeter]

It is a very good feature, but as you said is it worth the extra money. That is really hard for me to say. I personally do not really need it, but the idea that it will most likely recognise more subjects in the future is interesting.

[@TheMagdiragdag]

A difficult one. I have the em1.2 and was looking to buy perhaps an EM1X with a cash-back... but the main features of the EM1X are now on the EM1.3 and I have a grip that I can re-use on the EM1.3 when using bigger lenses. So I just wait a little and see what discounts will pop up during the Olympics (expecting some promotions round that event from all sort of companies). I think that Olympus should come up with a firmware upgrade for the EM1X to include starry sky AF and some extra AF tracking modes next to the current ones (like birds in flight). Otherwise the differences will be small to most people, unless you really need the dual UHS-II slots and some of the additional sensors. For most: I think you are right that the EM1.3 is the winner: small, true to the MFT size and the differences with the EM1X are for most people not interesting enough to spend the extra money.

[@arneelasson5939]

I respect your view of which camera is best for you. However I like my M1X and particularly the FN-Lever. I'm curious to know if the M1III has the some function for the FN-Lever? I have set 1 for S-AF and 2 is for C-AF the focus-point are different. FN-lever is faster to switch between. It's birdphotografing for me that's why I'm asking. Thank-you.

[@WMedl]

Also the Mii has that feature

[@arneelasson5939]

@@WMedl So M1 III really better than M1X! :-)

[@JeffreyMcPheeters]

All the E-M1 models have this capability. I have that setup for several of my camera bodies, including the X and the 1.2. I’m sure the 1.3 is no different in that regard.

[@rickbear7249]

Really useful comparative analysis, Peter. However, as many people won't be shelling out for the price of the E-M1, at least initially, how about you do a similar comparative analysis between the E-M10 MkIII, E-M5 MkIII, and E-M1 MkIII? Examining what advantages we gain by upgrading from E-M10 to E-M5 to E-M1 cameras would be really helpful for many more people. Thank you, Rick Bear

[@ForsgardPeter]

Now that the line-up is quite good, video about comparing the three would make sense.

[@yukonchris]

Hey Peter, I think it would be interesting to see a comparison that pits the original OM-D E-M1 against the latest OM-1. How far have we come in terms of image quality, ISO performance, autofocus, etc. in all those years of Olympus/OM System top camera performance. What do you say?

[@ForsgardPeter]

Sounds like a good idea for a video. I have both of them so it is quite easy to arrange.

[@yukonchris]

@@ForsgardPeter Super. I hope you do. I, for one, will be looking forward to it. :-)

[@mgerspix]

On the customization point, the X has more assignable buttons (due to its size), and you can assign any or all of the C 1,2,3,4 modes to buttons, which is extremely useful. Did they add that C button assignment capability to the 1.3? Can’t do it on the 1.2. The new decluttered display option for the SCP on the 1.3 is nice. hoping they could add that to the X and 1.2 firmware. I'm happy with the X but could see switching out the 1.2 for 1.3 in the future, especially if they fall behind on firmware upgrades.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Not sure if E-M1 MKIII has that feature. Unfortunately, I do not have the E-M1 MKIII right now so I cannot check.

[@peterkennedy629]

I enjoyed your video. I own a EM-1 Mark II and am thinking of upgrading to Mark III or MX. Your impartial comments have been very helpful and I think the Mark III is right for me. Thanks, Peter

[@SivakumarReddyPraSid]

Hi Peter, Appreciate the comparison. I still love using my EM1 which I bought in 2013. Every time these new cameras were announced, my temptation would take me upto the payment screen on the store site and I would abandon my trolley as the price would kick me back to reality 😀.

[@beckbarei6630]

I have an EM5 from 2012 and it's the same for me, but today I am considering the EM1 mk2 or the EM5 mk3 mainly based on price.

[@davebellamy4867]

Absolutely!

[@davebellamy4867]

@@beckbarei6630 EM1 Mk2 is one that I'm thinking about. In 2022. Lots of them around.

[@jerrymorgan9792]

Just bought the Mark III because I wanted the Starry Night feature. Have tried it in dark skies in Colorado. Works amazingly well! Also have the Mark II which has enabled great shots over the last 2yrs. It is fun to shoot with both using the 7-14 pro on one and the New 12-100 pro on the other.

[@laragwaysailoilo2898]

How about lamp lowlight maximum iso of mark 3?

[@schandler52]

And which one for sports? And why? Thx

[@ForsgardPeter]

Either E-M1X or E-M1 MKIII.

[@suerobinson1995]

Very interesting video, thank you. I have two EM1 Mk2 bodies and can’t really afford to change, though the Mk3 looks soooo tempting. I usually shoot in raw. Is the new Starry Skies option on the Mk3 for JPEG settings only?

[@ForsgardPeter]

With Starry Sky AF you can use raw.

[@suerobinson1995]

Peter Forsgård Thank you, Peter. I’ve just pre-ordered a Mk 3 body. Quite excited!

[@ForsgardPeter]

Cool!

[@giuseppefoto]

Hello. Do you think the mkiii is better than the mkii? Do I need to pay the difference between both? Only for video purpose. For videoclips filmimg. I need a really good autofocus and face tracking. Thanks.

[@ForsgardPeter]

E-M1 MKIII as better Face and Eye priority AF than E-M1 MKII.

[@giuseppefoto]

@@ForsgardPeter thank you. I have an EM10 mkiii for video, and I would like to improve.

[@davidblack2632]

Great comparison video and I agree. I own the E-M1 Mkiii and the E-M1X. I got the E-M1 Mkiii on order. I will be trading in my E-M1 Mkii. I played with the E-M1 Mkiii for over an hour yesterday. It behaves more like my E-M1 Mkiii, which is a very good thing. Enjoyed you video.

[@MrHasherd]

Thanks for another interesting video Peter. I’m very happy with my Mk 2 and I’ll stick with it for the time being.

[@nickchandley5414]

Only the "My Menu" upgrade, and possibly the addition of a joystick are attractive to me. I concur with you that the value leader remains the MkII and I will not upgrade simply to gain those few new features. I also shoot with Canon equipment, and the latest mirrorless camera I own from them (RP) allows one to build multiple custom pages of menus at will. I think Olympus was smart to add this feature, particularly with all the customization options these cameras contain, which can be somewhat confusing to new users.

[@ceesdeleeuw3616]

It is a very helpful explanation of the differences ! I wonder if the comparison of IBIS performance is complete; For instance I think em2 with 12-100 is up to 6.5; And if there is one issue that makes me take the step to the em3 it is the better IBIS; Making photo's with little light and without tripod, even with higher f values is unbelievable !! And in that respect less noise is nice......

[@falkgottschalk]

I decided on the EM1-X because I love the second shutter in portrait-mode and the 2nd joystick. (The available battery grip for the M1.II/M1.III does not come with this additional joystick). And yes, the EM1-X is bigger than the others, but I upgraded from the dinosaur E-5 (NOT the OMD-EM5!) with a battery grip and so I am well trained to carry heavy equipment. :) And, in my personal opinion, the E-M1X matches better in my hand, it feels "better".

[@wojciechczupta]

is this 7,5s IBIS achievable with simple Zuiko prime lenses? (45, 17, 12mm)?

[@ForsgardPeter]

No you need a lens with SyncIS. But 5,5 to 6,5 can be done.

[@HenryFalkner]

This last Saturday I left my E-M10 II at home because the weather was persisting with rain. (I used the SH-1 pocket zoom for a radio club field day, because it has fewer buttons for the rain to get in.) For size, the E-M1 III with 14-150 lens is a better fit for me. One lens instead of my 2 kit lenses on the E-M10 II. But for price, it might be easier to get the E-M1 II past Sandra.

[@LoverOfTech]

Although I've sold all my Sony gear and switching to the Fuji XT4, I'm developing a soft spot for the EM1 Mark 3

[@tutorials9711]

Hi Peter, I have a E-M1 MK2 (bought last october) and I'm happy with it. I will wait and look forward to the first major firmware update to see what more will be able with the MK3. There is a big chance to buy the MK3 in summer to use it for my main body and pull the MK2 on my tele-lens (and as a redundant body).

[@ForsgardPeter]

You have the latest firmware now?

[@tutorials9711]

Yes, for my MK2 and the lenses I do have the latest firmwares installed. The Oi-Share App informed me this week about a new firmware for the e-m1 II. Do you have some interesting informations about the latest firmware? But I meant I will wait for the first major firmware update for the new MK 3. Here Olympus put normally new options, optimizations and feature-extensions in for the latest model. In the past I recognized that the newest models was rolled out with about 90% of the possible power. And with the major updates the level grows to the 100%.

[@louiseducator]

Interesting comparison. I'm still more interested in the EM1X but that is because I want a dedicated bird photography camera paired with a fixed telephoto prime, e.g. 300/4. I like the handling of the EM1X. My chief concern is image quality at higher iso. In bird photography you can often be working at iso2000 and iso3200, so that concerns me. However, I am now a convert to Topaz DeNoise AI, so again it may be my worries about high-iso noise are less concerning.

[@ForsgardPeter]

ToPaz DeNoise AI helps a lot. Exposing to the right also helps a lot with the noise.

[@jonbarnard7186]

Peter, can you think of any reason the "my menu" can't be added to the EM1 II with a firmware upgrade? (Other than marketing concerns of course.) All the Nikon cameras I've used have this feature and have had it for years.

[@ForsgardPeter]

The only thing that I can think of is marketing.

[@friatankar]

For me it's about price, weight, value and colors. Absolutely mark 2.

[@saintmovies7735]

Especially given the current price of $849 - at least in the USA. I am picking one up. I already have a slew of NDs, and for high res shots I prefer using a Tripod, or use my Sony A7RIV.... So the Mark II is a no brainer for me.

[@hedydd2]

E-M1 MarkII is just on offer [end May/early June 2021] with the 12-40 Pro and 30mm Macro for £1100 all in, direct from Olympus store. Even though it is an older model, this makes it really superb value in the UK. In local stores the body plus 12-40 retails for £1700 plus £229 for the 30mm. So there's nearly a £900 price drop. Not sure if a local store can price match.

[@darkftforce]

So here in Canada I'm getting Mark ii body for C$1200 and Mark III body for C$2300.....do you think mark 2 is better choice or not?

[@ForsgardPeter]

I would get the E-M1 MKII with that price. You can almost get two of them with the price of the MKIII. use the saved money for a lens or something else. If you absolutely need the features that MKIII has then it is a different thing.

[@TheFlameMaster321]

I'm coming from e m10 mk3. I'm wondering if I should get the m1 mk3 or just stick with the cheaper m1 mk2

[@ForsgardPeter]

If you have the money to buy the E-M1 MKIII then go for that, but if you buy the E-M1 MKII you will be alright. The E-M1 MKII is still a good camera.

[@TheFlameMaster321]

@@ForsgardPeter I don't have the money for the MK3 but I have enough for the MK2

[@RolandoZbikowski-m2x]

Is the EM 1X different than the EM 1?

[@ForsgardPeter]

Yes, very much different. E-M1X is a bigger camera and a newer camera. It had many advanced techologies and it was the first camera to have AI based subject recognition with is nowadays a standard feature.

[@chrishuang7932]

Maybe my question is not representing many. How are they supporting old FT lens? How is SAF CAF when using FT lens? I have heaps and they are performing ok on my mark1

[@ForsgardPeter]

AF is slower with 4/3 lenses, but it works with a proper adapter. The MMF-3 is an adapter from Olympus. If the 4/3 is not compatable with contrast based AF then using S-AF is recommended.

[@freeamerican6784]

I just received my used MK ii a few days ago with just a little over 1300 shutter actuation's for a really great price,.... less than half that of a new camera. I also own the 1st Gen EM1, a couple E-5's, and some of Olympus's best lenses in both Four thirds and MF3's mounts. It will be fun comparing each of those camera's to my new MK ii. Enjoy your videos very much. Have liked and subbed.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thank you.

[@hot88s23]

Does Lightroom recognize images from the EM 1 Mk III?

[@ForsgardPeter]

Yes it does. You need to have the subsciption based Lightroom. I do not think Lr6 supports E-M1 MKIII.

[@sjdunphy]

I think the challenge for me, as a Mk ii owner and amateur enthusiast, is whether I can justify the cost of moving to the Mk iii. I like the look of the joystick and improvement in hand held stability. I'm also very conscious of noise in my natural low light photos, so wonder if I'd notice the difference if I upgraded? I also suspect that selling or part-exchanging the Mk ii now will get a better price than in six months time.

[@ForsgardPeter]

In my test the E-M1 MKIII had a one stop advantage in noise level. That was only a breif observation and is not something that I am really sure. Need to be tested a bit more. It is a hard decission to make. Remember that also the price of the E-M1 MKIII will most likely come down in six months.

[@John-fj2kq]

Hi Peter many thanks for the test.I have the mk3 on preorder and looking foreword to it.I was wondering as the EM1mk2 and mk3 are still quite similar will the mysets stored on my pc from my mk2 transfer into the mk3?

[@ForsgardPeter]

Not sure about that. Have not tested it. I do not have a E-M1 MKIII here right now, but I will try to find out.

[@danielpittman889]

The real winner shows up at 12:38 Makes me miss shooting my old OM-1 (but I don't miss working with film in the darkroom)

[@TingILi]

How about the E-M1X if I buy it in this moment because of the price down? or Buy E-M1 MarkIII?

[@pwx8460]

Thanks for doing the comparison. Interesting your find of perhaps 1 stop better in noise with the jpg. Looking forward to your comparison with RAW files. I was able to open some em-1 mkiii RAW test files no problem with previous version of ON1, and did see benefits there as well, but my source for mkii files for comparison may have been prior to firmware upgrade. Regardless, with noise being perhaps the most significant concern with m43, I'm happy to see potential improvements with the latest processor. Thanks again.

[@ivan7453]

Hi Peter, Nice review. The "x" is too big and bulky for traveling. If I get a new camera, it will be the MK3 but I'm keeping my MK2

[@paulmayo8915]

Peter thanks for being am ambassador for Olympus, really enjoyed your presentation on the EM1 Mk3, as an owner for the EM1X it simply makes sense for me going forward............. Today i just ordered the Mk3 as i already have the Mk2, terrific presentations thank you

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks.

[@MrFirstdance2000]

I came here, even though I'm shooting a G9 because I use Olympus lenses and want to take advantage of all I can with the tandem of lens and camera. The MK III for the quality picture (photography only) seems the automatic choice. Right now it's combined with the 12-40mm F2.8 and can be found at around $2K. That's not too bad! Great and informative video Peter. Nothing was boring or mundane :-)

[@joergone1184]

Hi, Peter! Thanks for the video! I use a E-M1 Mark 1 and want to do a upgrade to a newer E-M1. What counts for me is a better Eye-AF than in E-M1 since I do a lot of portraits and a better low ISO performance (E-M1 Mark 1 high ISO and postprocessing --> bringing up the shadows results in horrible colours). How do you rate the difference between E-M1 Mark 2 to Mark 3 with respect to (Eye)AF performance? Is the improvement in that respect from E-M1 Mark 1 to Mark 2 a bigger step as from Mark 2 to Mark 3? Another point that is important for me since some weeks is that I will get the Pro 17mm 1.2 free of charge with the E-M1 Mark 2 and that is also a big advantage going for the Mark 2. What do you think?

[@ForsgardPeter]

Both steps are big. E-M1 MKIII has better eye focus than E-M1 MKII. Is the step bigger than the step form E-M1 to MKII not sure.

[@joergone1184]

@@ForsgardPeter Thanks! Since yesterday I own a E-M1 II and after some tests I can confirm that it is a really beneficial upgrade for me. and I am very excited already to get the gift from this Olympus promotion, the 17mm 1.2 PRO, soon :-)

[@bryanspark]

Peter, thanks for the comparison “review” I have an EM1 mkii and plan to change it for the mkiii. I know the initial price is high but I’ve got a good part ex quote, I think I could wait for the mkiii price to drop but the market would also be awash with mkii’s so I would get even less for my mkii and the price differential would be more then than I’m paying now.(hopefully ). For me the EM1X is way too big, the reason I got my Olympus was to get away from the mill stone DSLR’s offered by Canon & Nikon. If I needed the EM1X grip I probably would just add the battery pack to a mkii or mkiii at much less cost.

[@JeanYvesFick]

good comparison, THX; but despite the upgrade, I will still continue to use the EM1 mkII, until there is a newer/better sensor, I won't put all that money in a camera for so minor improvements

[@criticaltinker]

is the 7.5 stop IBIS on the camera alone or when combine with an OIS lens?

[@ForsgardPeter]

Combined with the 12-100mm f4 and 300 f4 lenses. Body only is 7stops.

[@paulhegarty7625]

@@ForsgardPeter ha only 7 stops

[@kattwomin]

Thank you Peter. I have the EM MK 2. I think I might go for the EM MK 3, the EMX, is too expensive for me. And I like that the menu button is on left, and it has a joystick. I may wait a bit longer, and see if the MK 3, will more in price. Cheers. Look forward to more of your videos.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Good choice!

[@kattwomin]

@@ForsgardPeter I hope so. I wonder if it be further upgraded to a Mark 4?, if that's possible.

[@mats92b22]

Peter why have you not talked about the new olympus pen e-pl10?

[@ForsgardPeter]

Have not had a chance to test it. I will make a video about as soon I can get a hold of one.

[@larsj5964]

@Peter: I have 2 question about the em1 mk3: 1 Can the camera still be updated via Olympus workspace or only via app? 2: can bluetooth and wifi be completely turned off? Don't want battery usage from things I don't use. Thx

[@ForsgardPeter]

Answer to both questions is yes.

[@larsj5964]

@@ForsgardPeter Thx Peter

[@macmij]

Recently came from Em1M1 to M2. Using both bodies and happy with both. Will wait for a price drop on M3 before considering it. Not enough changes over M2 to justify the current cost.

[@Dragonfire-tn2jg]

Agree 100%, it's more like EM1 M2.5.

[@MsLw6621]

would only get mIII when the full frame mark iv be released in 2022

[@langhamp8912]

You can sign up for all sorts of coupons and trade ins at Olympus that knocks off ~40% list price. And I'm just awful, Olympus will send me more coupons whenever I buy something from them, they are worse than crack dealers.

[@WhoobieD]

Completely agree, maybe I'll switch from my EM1 mkii when they upgrade the sensor

[@astcell]

Round challenges I would like to see on all digital camera reviews: - Highest usable ISO - Menu friendliness - Usability with gloves - Startup time

[@ForsgardPeter]

Good points. Lets see in the future what new rounds I can make.

[@catrionathomson8981]

Hi Peter. Thanks for the video once again. I was wondering if the reason why the X has velocity, altitude and gps is to find the bloody thing after you’ve chucked it out your aeroplane window in disgust? I’m a manual shooter. How’s about Olympus acknowledges this and allows me and others to have manual control over hdr and other programmable modes as they too may benefit. These cameras are ridiculously overpriced; over £2K for the cheapest with a short zoom...

[@ForsgardPeter]

What manual settings you mean? Manual exposure with HDR?

[@catrionathomson8981]

Peter Forsgård Peter Forsgård I agree HDR is a poor example but I suppose I meant panorama, hand held starlight and perhaps even high res or any others you can think of

[@TITAOSTEIN]

I will buy the EM1 mark 3. The only thing that I miss is 4K 50/60fps! Difficult to understand why is not there! Sensor limitation? Thanks for the video!

[@robertpanick2660]

I suspect its a limitation on moving the data fast enough off the sensor.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Most likely it is that. I also miss 4K/60fps.

[@bobcresswell1270]

Just bought a new EM1.2 duo PRO lens kit at a price I am happy with. EM1X not for me. My new kit is €1,000 less than similar kit with an EM1.3 as there’s no duo PRO lens kit yet. Some goodies on the EM1.3 but nothing I think I would use very much and the other stuff is just convenience, I feel. MyMenu will be a firmware update for the EM1.2 (if I believe it, it will happen!). Stepping up from EM10.1 so I think there’s going to be lots to keep me happy. As excited by the prospect of the new glass as the new body...

[@ForsgardPeter]

Nice, you seem to have upgraded big time.

[@JeffreyMcPheeters]

I enjoy your ‘boring’ dry humor, Peter. Well done. I own the E-M1X and a couple E-M1.2 so I was curious to see how you rated them in a face off with one another. I pretty much agree. Actually, all the Olympus OM-D cameras can pretty much AF on stars at ISO12,800 to 25,600 with the pro lenses, using a hand holdable 1 sec shutter speed in order to set the focus if for some reason PreMF at infinity or setting the lens to infinity by pressing the lens release button doesn’t put the lens at perfect focus on the stars. I pretty much can set any lens on my Olympus to sharpest stars in about 5 seconds using that technique and then just dial back the ISO to my choice for the actual images. Other than that, the HHHR and LiveND are really great features to have and I toy with the crazy idea of, rather than upgrading the E-M1.2 bodies to E-M1.3, just trade the E-M1X for an E-M1.3. Of course, without the E-M1X, I give up some self defense weapon capabilities, haha, but I could run away faster without the weight! :-D

[@ForsgardPeter]

Need to test the way you explained the AF. Sounds interesting.

[@JeffreyMcPheeters]

Peter Forsgård I’m sure I probably got the idea from someplace once but don’t remember. I’ve been using it for a few years quite successfully though the fluidity has been developed over time, having the digital teleconverter handy or zoom in at 14x on a star after setting PreMF. All my cameras have a custom setting for landscape where the lever switches between SAF+M and PreMF set to 999.9 meters so it goes to infinity. OR I also can press the len release button while I’m aiming at a particular star or deep space object and when it comes back into view at infinity I have the focus set to both peak and zoom so I instantly get verification of focus sharpness. Anyway, as you know, zoom lenses don’t generally go to infinity exactly especially at the telephoto end and they tend to overshoot just enough that pulling back focus just slightly will bring stars into perfect sharpness but again, Starry AF is a great feature and removes one more set of challenges. However, when starting a long series of exposures or timelapses, we still would want to verify focus rather than trust any automatic feature and possibly waste many minutes or even hours of shooting time only to get something not quite as sharp as it could have been. Starry AF makes quick takes much more likely and I think many folks will feel more confidence in trying their luck with night sky photographs so hats off to Olympus for simplifying a sometimes tedious or difficult process and as you always remind us, making photography fun. For me, Olympus brought the fun back and I’m forever grateful.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks for sharing.

[@lucapelucchini5378]

Hello I have Em1 mk2 only the body. I have to buy the lenses pro. Do you think is better the prime lenses or zoom lenses in this body? I talk about the final results.Thank you.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Pro Prime f1.2 lenses if the IQ is the only thing to consider.

[@lucapelucchini5378]

@@ForsgardPeter thank you so much

[@chrishodgin4451]

Hello good videos i am looking to upgrade from my em10 m11 having not tried out the new cameras yet I think a visit to the shop is due to see how they feel in my hands the em1 m11 looks like a good deal to be had soon but so is the em 5 , thanks for the videos I looked back at earlier reviews of the em5 I will see what offers come up in the following weeks , and what feels good to use

[@Vu.ng1411]

truly like your opinion about these three cameras

[@jonathanashton4758]

Peter, I appreciate-your impartiality in the comparisons. Little to choose between the cameras. I do however eagerly await the raw file comparisons, equally I would love to see some bird in flight comparisons. I have contacted Olympus and suggested it is high time for a new sensor. I suspect the EM1X MK II will have one - surely!! I know four thirds will not compete with full frame at ISO 8000 upwards and as far as I can see it doesn't from ISO 400 either but that is not to say good results are unobtainable. But I think many people would agree the current sensor is woefully outdated in terms of noise generation. I bought EM1X last year, it is a super camera and so portable but on dull winter days I feel it is not of any use to me for natural history. If anyone would disagree and say what about something else? Well landscape for example I would say it is fine. I await a few ruffled feathers perhaps??

[@catrionathomson8981]

Perhaps you’d like to explain your reasoning why you feelthe camera no use for natural history on dull winter days

[@jonathanashton4758]

@@catrionathomson8981 Hi Catriona, the reason is noise. I went to Finland to photograph the brown bears, this was before I converted to Olympus, I used a Canon 1DX and 500m f4 with 1.4TC. The light wasn't good I started at ISO 4000 and went onto ISO 32000, now if I had the EM1X or any other 4/3 Olympus the noise would have been objectionable. Here at home in UK I like to photograph short eared owls from November though April, again light isn't always good so if I have to go to ISO 4000 upwards again noise is objectionable. If I shoot action in nature I need 1/1600 second - minimum and in many cases faster, tis often results in a high ISO requirement. Don't misunderstand I have enjoyed the EM1X and when I cant use it for nature/action in low light the answer is either don't photograph or photograph something else. There is lots to do with the EM1X - high definition and neutral density - just not possible with Canon SLR. For me the BIG limitation so far is that I simply cannot get acceptable results at high ISO. have used Topaz and Neat Image and of course LR and ACR, it helps but once you get above ISO 4000 not much good -and doubly so if I have to crop,....... crop and high ISO = No No!

[@jfm2301]

Which other MFT sensor are you comparing the current EM1's sensor to?

[@robertpanick2660]

@@jonathanashton4758 I agree with you, you're bumping up against the limits of physics and current technology. If budget doesn't come into play a full frame 20-24 MP sensor will serve you better. The reality for many of us however is the price for the camera and lens in that range is roughly 4x the price of the Olympus gear. While I'd like to own that gear, the price puts it out of my range.

[@jonathanashton4758]

@@robertpanick2660 Robert I have moved from Canon full frame to Olympus, I had 1DX and 5D MKIV, I am happy with Olympus up to ISO 3200 - well just! I know there is no use bleating on saying it isn't as good, at higher ISO, the answer is to photograph something else! I hear what you say about current technology but I do not think this sensor is current technology it is several years old. I don't need more pixels I need less noise. I am confident there will be a new sensor and quite possibly not Sony.

[@DavidHearne]

Nice comparison and if I were buying today I probably would get the EM1 Mark III. I am hoping that future firmware upgrades for the EM1X will distinguish it once again from the EM1 Mark III. I am curious if having 2 TruePic VIII processors in the EM1X gives it a processing (and upgrade) advantage over the new TruePic IX in the EM1. I also would love to see the Starry night autofocus feature added to the EM1X.

[@ForsgardPeter]

According to Olympus two TruePic VIII is the same as one TruePic IX.

[@Bassbarbie]

I have the EM1ii and am really happy with it, but I’d love the live nd and the my menu, plus the different focus points for landscape and portrait - I miss that from my Canon. I’m not sure about the menu button being on the left though.

[@miroslavpandza6002]

Dynamic range is better?

[@ForsgardPeter]

No real difference.

[@lacayoj]

I always enjoy your videos and appreciate the effort you put into them

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thank you very much.

[@lasselundlarsen8601]

Em1 mark3 can this flip the screen, so I can see my self then I make I video?

[@ForsgardPeter]

All these three cameras have a flippy screen.

[@garry-garaidhbryant-obriai6700]

A former sports photog I’d go with M1X, but that is former good times. I got M1mii 3.5 yrs ago new at reduce price and free grip. Feels great coming from Nikon for 43 yrs. All I care about is the basic camera functions: aperture, shutter, and iso; AF important due to old eyes & arthritic hands. Love the joystick and my list, however M1mii meets my needs. Nice review!

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thank you.

[@stefanwagener]

Agree, M1X is too expensive for what it offers and the size is a no-go for a m43 sensor. If I am willing to carry a bigger camera I still prefer full-format cameras for their better dynamic range for landscape. But for night shots or low light conditions (church, ...) the Olympus m43 are a joy to use for their fantastic IBIS and otherwise a good choice for their small system size and weight.

[@優暉]

Peter, the release of mkiii is very attractive as the new added features however the mkii still function good. Feel difficult to surrender the mkii……🥺

[@rauljohnpaul]

For some reason I'm still leaning towards the em1x

[@pg9542]

mk iii vs 1x - after price drop of 1x: clear advantage 1x if size does not matters ...

[@pg9542]

as said before mk ii used is unbeaten in price/performance

[@robvilla622]

Hi Peter. Thanks for the video. Very informative as usual. I own the Mk1, Mk2 (with grips), and MkX, and like the feel of all of them. I would expect Olympus to release firmware for the X to include features of the Mk3 in the near future, wouldn't you?

[@ForsgardPeter]

I do not know if they will, but lets say that it has been the way Olympus has done things in the past.

[@alaskalonghunters2990]

Great and objective review Peter. Now I have a problem, EM1 mkiii bugs in my head! - thanks again! Mark

[@ForsgardPeter]

It has some advantages over MKII version. I still use E-M1MKII time to time.

[@MikeHardisty]

I'm going to stick with the MK2. I don't do starry night photography, so it's a feature I would hardly ever use. I've got a good set of ND filters, yes they do take up space in my bag but when I use them they force me to slow down and think about composition etc.

[@WhoobieD]

MK2 will take beautiful starry night pictures, there is just no setting 😉

[@vkmccable]

Indeed "More about You, than the camera>"

[@monicathiel3592]

Coming from MK 1 and would like to by the new MK III, but know is a big problem: every Olympus Camera have needed minimum 10 Firmware Updates. With the new Olympus situation isn't sure that they to new Firmware Updates for the MK III. So what you think about this problem ?

[@ForsgardPeter]

Really hard to say for sure. Olympus just announced that there will be a new firmware for E-M1X next winter. That is promising news also for E-M1 MKIII.

[@monicathiel3592]

@@ForsgardPeter I'm interested in the new FACE Detection and in the more stabilization . Is to risque to by the new MK III ?

[@Eliasw86]

Not gonna lie here, subscribed for your great accent! Although I also shoot olympus. Great content!

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks! :D

[@Mhike-m2x]

Im upgrading from em5 mark 1 to the em1 mark2. I already have the 12-40mm f2.8 and the Kamlan f1.1 50mm off ebay. Though the live ND intrigues me too💗

[@tonyslater8762]

Love my mk2 & the added features on the mk3 are not something I would probably use. I don’t shoot night skies and I have great quality nd filters already.

[@jfuente]

Peter, the tides have turned and E-M1Xs are roughly $200 USD cheaper than E-M1 Mk IIIs these days. Is the E-M1 Mk III still your preferred camera over the two, considering the price difference when you made this video had the E-M1X coming in as more expensive. Granted, with the OM-1 Mk I in play, that is about $300 more than E-M1X. Guessing that, if price isn't an object, would be the best bet of the three. Thanks for this video and all your other content.

[@ForsgardPeter]

It depends waht the useage will be. If it is wildlife, birds with a big telephotolenses I would go with E-M1X. If it is more macro or hiking smaller lenses I would go with E-M1 Mark III,

[@peerawaslwong]

I think I will upgrade my body to E-M1 Mark 3 for my Antarctica trip next year. I think the upgrade on IBIS and Handheld Highres are the most function I look for. I have Sony A7 M3 as well but wanna see quality of highres compare

[@ForsgardPeter]

Sounds like a great trip!

[@alexforero2674]

Excelente video gracias por compartir sus conocimientos y experiencias👏🏼

[@kimarmstrong900]

Good comparison thanks Peter - my most used special function is focus stacking (model railway and aircraft scenes). My main photography is birds and aviation, I will add an EM1 Mk111 to the existing EM1 Mk11. The EM1X is way too expensive and bulky. I am phasing out my Nikon kit but for the cost of an EM1X body I could buy a Nikon D500 with 200-500mm lens which still has better AF on moving subjects than the Olympus. The later firmware for the EM1 Mk11 has certainly improved the AF tracking and am getting higher success rates with birds in flight. From all accounts the EM1 111 should be better again.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks.

[@photohounds]

As soon as you said "size", I knew the iii would get the gong. I install grips always ,since the OM2 days, so size is no issue to me. I'd still like an in depth discussion of the special exposure features.

[@bosamuelsson3052]

I bought my markII and olso my lenses as second hand. In very good condition. So the camerabody, and lenses 12-40 f2,8, 40-150 f2,8, 300 f 4, and a panasonic 25, F1,7 and Olympus smaller bagpack for about 35000 kr = 3500 euro. I am absolutly armaturer in this bransch and have à very good and complete system. And thank You for You videos

[@liztaylor8057]

I have the em1 mkii, and love it. I would love to see the video capabilities compared in these 3 cameras (and I would really love to see Oly step up the video game entirely). I was ready to purchase the em1 mkiii, but I don't think it is worth the extra $$. Thanks for helping me save money!!

[@ForsgardPeter]

I am planning on a video about the video qualities. The difference between these three is very minimal. E-M1 MKIII has the best face and eye priority AF and a bit better IBIS. Other than that not much diffenrence.

[@RonnyR1977]

M1x is out of budget for me. M1markIII has got the high res handled shot and this thing it's great. But to buy I should sell the mark2 and 25mm pro. I keep the 12-100 pro and 45mm human version. I don't know. I think about that in this week. I love feature like high res, focus stacking (I go crazy for this cos I love macro and shoot objects), livecomp and art filter likepartial color, vintage and the cross process. Great video. Thank you so much!

[@ForsgardPeter]

Glad it was helpful. I agree that the focus bracketing and stacking are wonderful features. What is your subject in macro?

[@RonnyR1977]

@@ForsgardPeter my subject for macro are plants, flowers, toys and action figure. I've got a little son and I love colorful object. With 12-100 I can shoot on detail. Then I live in Italy and so I shoot a lot of food and drink. Above all handmade pasta.

[@KristinRymoenEllstrom]

I feel ready to order MK3... for the ND-filter and the handheld high-res. Then I could start to use my 7-14mmPROf/2.8 for seascapes more... I haven't invested in filters for that lens, too bulky for me. And expensive - the money saved can go into the in-camera feature :-D -Do I miss out something here? I had the 1X for loan by Olympus and found it's not my size. It went back. MK2 stays. I shoot with 300mmIS PRO + MC2, 1200mm equivalent, and have handheld images (short distance, dragonflies) 1/25s without shake... I totally don't get what people mean when they want a heavy house on a tele. Balance is not an issue and the lighter gear makes holding still longer periods of time easier. Tires me out slower. It's not exactly light with that lens anyway... I tried the 300mmIS + MC20 on the 1X in high-res handheld mode on a fly. That was what sold me :-D I won't need a macro lens either. So when I add up cost for filterholder/filter for 7mm and a macro lens - the cost between a new MK2 and a new MK3 shrink. - Do I miss out something here? (12-40mmPRO with macro-tubes is fine for macro too, but live bugs/spiders don't like me to close and vice versa, tele is great at times)

[@ForsgardPeter]

Good point about the LiveND and 7-14mm lens.

[@mel-stephens]

Mark III: the return to 4 mysets (as per the original EM1) makes it worthwhile for me. I gather that the timelapse limit has been increased to 9999 which is also useful to me. I agree with using a phone for GPS - having the camera do it drains the battery (though I don't know by how much).

[@ForsgardPeter]

Yes, the GPS uses quite a bit of power, but it is not that bad. I prefer using my phone for it. I can have a external battery for my phone if needed. Camera cannot be powered from USB while in use.

[@mel-stephens]

And by the way, thanks for the comparison; most useful :-)

[@robertvanempel5810]

Thank you Peter, Of course, i like the look of the X, but i prefer the vertical grip to be optional, instead of permanent. So, i will probably upgrade to the MkIII, after i had a feel of both.

[@devispesaresi9069]

Ciao from Italy...i would Olympus but i have Little budget...om1 mark2...om5 mark2 or3...0m10 mark4???my budget Is 400 EUR..

[@ForsgardPeter]

A used E-M1 Mark II is a good option or even the E-M5 Mark II.

[@marcusnz232]

I still find the 1X a far better camera for my use. I have two of them and frankly aside from Starry Sky AF there is nothing in the Mk3 that would get me to buy one. Hopefully the SS AF will come to the 1X in firmware.

[@SwanQtrTom]

I assume all three have the same upper ISO limit.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Yes.

[@keoni37]

No doubt...the Mk lll ! Thinking about moving from my heavy (I'm 74) Nikon D810 to a smaller lighter system and I think the Mk lll is a serious contender! Thank you for this informative video.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks. Good choice!

[@CVCC]

great job. I think Olympus missed the mark on the mark 3 by not putting in a great new EVF like on the Lumix G9. That would have caused quite a few to either jump ship or upgrade. Tony B make a very valid point too, as there really have been no earth shattering upgrades in image quality from any of the camera companies in at least 5 years. Minimal improvements but nothing really big.

[@ForsgardPeter]

I think that the IQ is as good as it can be with the current sensor technology.

[@bikeandsee1647]

I think that camera size in our days, and even more within m43, is to be related to the owner hands size. In the past we all knew the difference between Nikon and Olympus OM. But in m43 digital, cameras have shrinked so much that for big handed folks like me some of these cameras are becoming hard to handle. I assume that the opposite is true as well for other folks. In the film era Olympus OM made its existance over the compact size of the OMs. But now, a single manufacturer within the same format and camera style is changing the width and height for up to + - 10mm !!!!