Olympus OMD EM5 III preview: HANDS ON first looks

[@cameralabs]

Hands-on preview of the Olympus OMD EM5 Mark III! Check price at B&H: bhpho.to/2MoMYeS Buy Gordon a coffee: www.paypal.me/cameralabs Gordon's In Camera book at Amazon: amzn.to/2n61PfI / Amazon uk: amzn.to/2mBqRVZ Like Cameralabs? Get the T-Shirt: redbubble.com/people/cameralabs/shop

[@ÁzsiábaSzakadtam]

Gordon, does it work with Lumix stabilized lenses just like with oly lenses? I'm considering this camera but I only own Pana lenses... Are you aware of any limitations?

[@cameraconspiracies]

Certified Gordan Laing vlog tested :) Looks like they gave us everything!

[@paulhills1967]

As soon as I saw Gordon vlogging I thought of you Kasey. Please do more impersonations of Gordon ..they're hilarious!

[@waynewalkerorg]

I expect to see you jogging across dangerous highways in slowmo with this camera soon

[@winddealer1]

Henrys Camera has been great! Please compare this amphibian technology to those crippled lizard and alien overlord systems. Can't wait to see how the Paleolithic blur pony keeps up with this beast.

[@cameralabs]

Is this really the perfect camera?

[@fabulous-sport-outdoors]

..all we want is the perfect camera.. 😂

[@panopsata3038]

The ibis footage looks rocksteady. Olympus IBIS is up there as one of the best if not the best.

[@iyzyz]

Smaller sensor is easy to stabilize.

[@KrunoslavStifter]

Small sensor, compared to body. Much easier than small body, large sensor.

[@RobShootPhotos]

I feel like you're more positive and knowledgeable than the visionaries and ambassadors of Olympus preview videos. Then other reviewers were comparing the camera against other cameras like apples to apples instead of apples to oranges. Every camera, no matter what brand comes with compromises so it's hard to give an apples to apples comparison. You gave the most unbiased view of this camera.

[@cameralabs]

Thankyou, that's what I aim for!

[@RobShootPhotos]

@@cameralabs your awesome. I would say out of the new $1200 cameras, X-T30, EM5, & a6500, the G95 is best so far for grip and an actual battery grip that works with the previous G85 and vertical shutter button. However it isn't as light in comparison. Apples and oranges.

[@save_the_night]

I own an OMD EM10 (first edition) and have been thinking about switching to Fujifilm (XT30, together with the new 16-80mm). But this camera, together with the excellent 12-100, makes me rethink my decision. It is so much fun to shoot out of your hands, where others have to pull out their tripod. The layout of the controls looks really really great. And flipping through your great book, Gordon, I cannot tell the mft sensor from aps-c or even full frame.

[@mountainhobo]

"Is it late to the party, or does it arrive with a bang?" - It feels like it throws a few features they already had on the shelf, but that the overall objective was to make it cheaper to produce.

[@GuyHindle]

.... and charged a *lot*

[@mvhan911]

Seems to be the most complete feature set in a small package. Only if shooting in low light it may fall noticeable behind the competition but this needs to be verified in tests.

[@Woodenarrows]

Low Light? Check this video... kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnvPpWRobd2IhtU

[@milgoff]

I think it's a video killer in this price range. This camera have all what you need with no compromises like a6600/xt3/Z 50 etc

[@youknowwho9247]

All those cameras you list offer better noise performance, more resolution and cost about the same. I don't know why anybody would choose this Olympus at this price point. Looks to me like a camera that should be priced at around 700 bucks.

[@milgoff]

@@youknowwho9247 for making videos, not photos? Shaky video is awful and not everybody want to take gimbal, place camera on it, charge and it also additional 300-500$. But for making photos I think it's also can be useful, you can set shutter speed to more higher values. So so, the choice is not clear for me now

[@youknowwho9247]

@@milgoff Why would you buy a photo centric camera for video? Why not buy an actual video camera? Besides, an a6400 or x-t3 would do pretty much as well for video, but with one stop less noise. Stabilisation is good enough, too. Unless you're doing moving shots, in which case no amount of IBIS will replace a gimbal anyway. I just don't see it. Let's compare to the X-T3, just for one example. The Olympus has IBIS, but if you're using a stabilised lens and have steady hands, that's good enough. So the Olympus is maybe slightly better for video. Now, for photography the Fuji brings much better noise performance, better dynamic range, much higher resolution and continuous shooting with no blackout. If you had to score that out of ten, the Olympus would be like an 8.5/10 and the Fuji an 8/10 for video. For stills though, the Fuji would be like a solid 8/10 and the Olympus maybe a 6/10. I don't get why you'd ever go MFT as a hybrid shooter. The penalty on the stills side is just way to severe for my taste.

[@milgoff]

@@youknowwho9247 Olympus just a good all arounder. IBIS matters a lot really. You says correct related to Fuji, I love Fuji's JPEG processor but will see final firmware to compare them :)

[@youknowwho9247]

@@milgoff Nobody who's serious about photography shoots jpeg. Raw is superior in every way. And MFT is not a good allround format to shoot. It's ok for video, although this one lacks the 4k 60 fps that the X-T3 has and the small sensor size makes both stills as well as video very noisy. Really the only reason to shoot MFT is size and weight, but that's only because of the comparatively slow equivalent glass. You're trading that convenience for the much better quality of larger formats.

[@MichaelGerrard]

I like how it is true to m43, a compact but powerful camera. Brilliant.

[@tonkatoytruck]

It is late but I have been waiting patiently. I am going to buy one asap. The video capabilities are finally what they needed to be 4 years ago. Thanks for the preview.

[@rjkral]

In a word or two, quite compelling!! Great overview thank you for uploading

[@cameralabs]

You're welcome, my full review will follow soon

[@KarlRock]

Thanks for the vlog AF test

[@cameralabs]

Much more to come soon!

[@peterlemke3468]

Thanks for posting Gordon. I knew the announcement embargo was lifted when my YT and Gmail inboxes were flooded. It does look very suited to vlogging. As always look forward to your full review.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks, and yes, I have a detailed review on its way!

[@JokingJay]

Almost enough to make me weep. I switched to Fujifilm almost three years ago now precisely because my E-M5 II lacked everything this Mark III version now has, despite the fact that I like the MFT lens catalog much more than Fuji's (and had a fair number of good-but-pricey MFT optics already in my collection). It's a hauntingly - frustratingly - good option now with the updated sensor, phase detection, IBIS, articulating screen, and 4K output...

[@langhamp8912]

I got rid of all my Olympus bodies (pen f, em5.2), but kept most of my lenses (the major primes and the 12-40 pro), eventually picking up an on sale refurbished em10.2. Meanwhile I also bought an xt20. Honestly, I think the Fujifilm is better, because the phase detection focuses on whatever is closer while the Olympus seems pretty random. So maybe you made the right decision. The Fuji 18-55 has good enough lens stabilization.

[@Halbmond]

What exactly were you missing from Mk2 that Mk3 now has? PD pixels and 4K video?

[@Seanonyoutube]

Once you buy the the grip extender, you’re paying the same as the Em1ii, but you’re getting worse build quality, only one card slot, and a worse EVF. Makes no sense.

[@808islandlife_HI]

Great video. You do the best, most complete "first impressions" videos on YT.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks! I'm working on my final big review now...

[@TheMagdiragdag]

I have bought the E-M1-II a week ago because there is an interesting promotion (free grip and 30mm macro lens) in the Netherlands; but otherwise this would probably been the winner. And yes, maybe Olympus is a little late to the party, but it looks like they have put the key items of the E-M1-II in a smaller package and as you say: the USP for MFT is the amount of lenses available from consumer to pro grade. That is why I jumped on the MFT wagon. Eventually this could be a second body for my MFT line-up.

[@BobK58]

So many naysayers. I find it a very attractive upgrade of my E-M10 Mk2.

[@PostColorGear]

I upgraded to the EM5 mark 2 from the em10 mark 2. Had this been out during that time, I DEFINITELY would have purchased this.

[@ismangil]

Bob, you read my mind. I'll be checking out the launch event in my city to see how it compares in terms of compactness with my current E-M10 Mk 2 travel setup.

[@quiver99]

The Post Color Blog agree with you. I’ve owned both EM5 II and EM10 II. I’ve much more enjoyed the latter over the former. I still can’t get over Olympus decision to drop tilt screen and favour side hinged screen. It’s such an uncomfortable screen for travel reportage, landscapes and street photography. I am quite sure that the beautiful PEN F has been killed by such decision.

[@quiver99]

Perry Ismangil if I were you 8 would stick to the Oly EM10 II. It’s an amazing compact camera with great tools and great tilt screen

[@quiver99]

Loved it, but couldn’t stand unreliable AF in dim light with its continuous hunting. I am more comfortable with my Fuji’s for travel, Nikon Z for fashion and put up for sale Panasonic g80, GM1, LX15

[@cooloox]

Looks like a great little camera. Nice preview, as always, Gordon. I love the physical controls on that camera, I've never paid much attention to Olympus, historically.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@breadyegg]

October 17th and a dozen videos pop-up onto KZbin on this camera. Who do you go to first? Who do you think. Gotta be Gordon.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@BekirSolo]

I was hoping they wouldnt change the battery and the grip size. Being uncompatible, will just make it more costly for the EM5 MKII users like me. I'll definitely wait some more to have this because of my budget.

[@fgc1981]

But less costly for em10 mk ii users like me😉

[@imagenatura]

This camera is STILL an excellent option, even in February, 2022! You have some serious coffee shakes in this video- thanks goodness for Olympus IBIS! :)

[@dougmorato]

I'd love to see a comparison between Olympus' OM-D E-M5 Mark III X Fujifilm X-A7... Thanks!!

[@Halbmond]

4:00 The EVF’s magnification is really just 0.6x?! That’s almost as small as the first generation’s 0.58x! Are you sure that’s right?

[@FrayAdjacentTX]

I think the MkIII is not as great as I'd want it to be (no USB C?? It's 2019!)... It seems like a camera that should have come out a year ago... but I'll end up getting one since I'm invested in the system and have a few lenses I want to be able to keep using... and I LOVE the size. Hopefully firmware improvements will make it better. I'd like to see video samples in all different modes, and demos of the AF tracking. Those are the real areas I wanted to see improvements. For stills, my MkII still more than satisfies me.

[@cameralabs]

I will be posting a LOT of extra stuff in my final review...

[@FrayAdjacentTX]

@@cameralabs If you think about it, can you see if the control dials work WHILE recording video? I'd really love to be able to have ISO assigned to a dial AND be able to change it while recording video. Looking forward to the full review!

[@no1un0]

You might be better off getting the EM1-II as it is surely due to be discounted with the arrival of the EM5-III. That's what I'm tossing up. I have the EM5-II but would like a camera that shoots 1 hr+ video clips. I'm still considering the GH5.

[@fgc1981]

Great review and great camera! New cameras don't need exciting new tech to be compelling, they just need to have the right combination of features.

[@vfr800ch]

Firstly, nice book Gordon, thanks. The only negative point really (other than price, and we should already be on an E-M10 IV with this sensor now..) is why did it take 3 years (2 years too long at least) to get the E-M5 iii out the door and why did Oly waste time on the E-M1x which will never sell in sufficient numbers..

[@TasView]

Olympus have moved their entire factory from China to Vietnam, causing this massive delay in new models. I’m not sure why they wasted time on this, almost same specs as EM1 II but plastic to save 160g! I gave up waiting and bought the EM5 II at a great price 6 months ago. Think I’ll either keep an eye out for a good second hand 1 II or wait for the 1III launch and get some lenses in the meantime instead.

[@MuwexTech]

Can't wait camera conspiracys to make new video of this!

[@madphotographer762]

Flippy Screen.. he is going to Jizz his pants!!

[@AnthonyTeasdale]

Looks like the perfect camera.

[@MuwexTech]

@@AnthonyTeasdale atleast for him I guess even tho I guess no 422 10bit no raw and so on.

[@RockyColaFizz]

He will poo poo the lack of 120P for slow motion.

[@TL-xw6fh]

@@RockyColaFizz It has 120fps

[@johnhaynes9910]

It looks an excellent camera especially for video, my only issue being that it is micro 4/3rds. A few years back I bought a Lumix G7 later upgraded to a G80 and whilst playing with 4k was fun I found the x2 multiplier on focal length a real pain in stills additionally, whilst basic lenses from both Olympus and Panasonic were affordable the ones you really wanted were as expensive as any other system but then quality glass costs. On the other hand, if you are into micro 4/3rds and already have the glass collection then this camera body is probably a bit of a "must" to add to your kitbag :)

[@finnillson4808]

John Haynes buying quality glass is not a must but it does hold value. The higher-end m4/3 cameras are very good even compared to Full frame. They trade off the right things, imho, to make it the right system for me. M4/3 had the first 4K. Has the best IBIS, huge selection of glass from cheap to pro, best weathering sealing in the business (especially olympus). FF shooters are obsessed with Extreme DoF. In my opinion, as computational photography finally comes to these mirrorless cameras MFT will be perfectly positioned to offer more features at a lower cost than other formats.

[@michaels8597]

Listen,i like what Olympus has done through the years.At the least they made solid cameras and dont cripple them..And of course,4/3 is nOT dead,just like medium format,DSLRs,and film are not dead...

[@MichaelWTurner]

Great review. When I started using interchangeable lens cameras about 5 years ago, i started with the olympus pen epl 2. It took great pictures, but terrible video. Fast forward to now and I've owned panasonic, Sony, canon and jvc cameras for video, but i always think back to that Olympus. Now that this thing has good autofocus it could possibly be a replacement for my sony a6400. The only thing i dislike is the record limits and I'm not sure how good the lowlight performance will be. By the way, the Sony has a large array of picture profiles for video. How are they in the olympus cameras? Do they shoot hlg or log?

[@cameralabs]

The EM5 III has a flattish profile but it's nowhere near log.

[@MichaelWTurner]

@@cameralabs Thanks for the info

[@marcomarcon5802]

Some improvements on one of the best cameras of the last decade

[@legend240891]

time to buy cheap E-M5 II yay!!!!!

[@RB-pp5tv]

Hi, Gordon. Nice comments as always. There is a small mistake however when you said, in your written preview and also in this video, that PDAF was available for the first time in the E-M1 II. It first appeared in the E-M1 (Mk I), in 2013 I believe.

[@GregThurtle]

A good solid release. I do question why they've limited video to 30minutes even though target market likely won't use it be nice for people to be able to record school plays and take advantage of that class leading IBIS! I do think that it might suffer by being bigger than say a6400 / m200 etc but having a smaller sensor so you're not getting the best avantage of the smaller lighter lenses m43 offers. Though i think one of the biggest competitors will come from it's own em1-ii on discount or used they will be potentially a better option esp if they value dual cards (didn't see if this has one or not) - maybe it's not expected at this price point (but fuji and g9 offer this). So maybe it's a little late to the party to tempt non-oly users? Look forward to your review to see how it behaves in practice

[@ottomandiaries9409]

Greg Thurtle the 30 min time limit is a stupid European Union law that adds an import duty of 5-12% to any video camera. What determined whether a camera was a video camera is the ability to record longer than 30 minutes.

[@GregThurtle]

@@ottomandiaries9409 the latest sony cameras don't seem to have this issue despite a cheaper price point (same with the latest panasonics)

[@ottomandiaries9409]

Greg Thurtle it’s a lower price point camera and they have decided to not have two versions of the camera. Panasonic and Sony have different versions for the EU v non-EU on some, not all their models.

[@genx-tv]

@@ottomandiaries9409 Yeah, a bit old law, which is in the process of being scrapped. It should have happened by now, but maybe it's delayed? I can't find any information on it. Can Olympus simply add a no time limit after the law is scrapped?

[@Minsetti]

@@genx-tv Yeah, the law is long gone by now so ottoman diaries has old information.

[@francisresch6654]

Great job Gordon. As always. Since I have invested in the Canon APS-C system lens-wise, I have been looking at the 80D or 90D as an upgrade. This four thirds camera is very tempting because of its features, its size and it looks cool!

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@francisresch6654]

Gordon Laing You are quite welcome. When you do the more in depth testing and review please be sure to thoroughly test the pixel shift hi-res imaging and its low light capabilities. Thanks!

[@cameralabs]

@@francisresch6654 I will have some low light and high res shot tests for you in a few days at cameralabs.com !

[@WhiteWulfe]

I'm really really really REALLY hoping that the OLED EVF means that gigantic black templar cross when you're wearing polarized sunglasses is gone, because this ticks so many boxes, and I do like the E-M5 mk II - I just can't use it during the day (joys of eye conditions pretty much meaning I either wear polarized sunglasses while the sun is up, or deal with migraine level headaches)

[@RockyColaFizz]

Gordon. Auto ISO in Movie is available with a small twist. When you are in M mode for manual photos, have the AutoISO selected , and just push the movie record button. It will start recording movie at your preselected resolution and frame rate, give you full manual control, and the Auto ISO will be active and functional.

[@cameralabs]

Hmmm, I'll try that!

[@RockyColaFizz]

@@cameralabs Great. Let us know. Works on Em1 Mk2, so I suspect it should work the same on this one as well.

[@RoyJenkinsPacker]

Shame Olympus did not carrie over the tething feature, as in M5 2. Hope they do an update in the next firmwear.

[@DannyJamesGuitar]

Hi Gordon... Any chance you could do a "max 4k recording time" test when you do your full review please? I'm interested in this camera, but I have to be sure it has no issues with overheating first. Thanks!

[@cameralabs]

Absolutely, it's definitely on my to-do list!

[@DannyJamesGuitar]

@@cameralabs Great, thanks!

[@armaanid]

I was expecting it so long and It looks really great! But, for me, the price is really too high for a m43 camera at the same time you can find the mk 2 for 430€ (new). Also, i'm wondering if the advantages over m6 mk2 are stronger than the m6 advantages over e-m5. Generaly I'm looking for the best vfm all-around vlog camera and i'm feel comfused :-(

[@80-80.]

Suddenly Olympus has the best camera for vlogging! Only missing headphone jack.

[@TL-xw6fh]

How many bloggers use a headphone jack when vlogging? None.

[@80-80.]

@@TL-xw6fh Not WHEN vlogging. They want to watch the footage WITH audio (in camera) at location. "Is the footage good enough?"

[@FabriSlv]

I feel that’s actually quite a big miss for video shooters. I would have understood putting it on the external grip, but missing it entirely might be a deal breaker for some, and it’s kind of a big miss for them since loads of vloggers already use m4/3. Would it ever be possible to use Bluetooth headphone? I mean, the camera does have Bluetooth...

[@FabriSlv]

Definitely my next camera, as soon as I can get hold on enough money. Honestly, I’ve always been very happy with micro four thirds, even shooting event photography in dim light as long as you put up with prime lenses (if I were a pro I’d definitely get a FF for that, but since it’s just a side job when I have time it’s ok) and that was with my old EM5 mark I. Bigger sensors do have their perks especially in low lighter harsh lighting, but for an enthusiast having something this small and light (it’s not just about the body, it’s the lenses too!) so that it can be carried around everywhere, with so many advanced features so that you can do literally anything and an extremely wide range of lenses that offers lots of options for all needs and budgets, it’s really the best camera out there. The only issue here is the price, I was hoping for a couple hundred pounds less given that it does not introduce literally anything new, and I wish it had the handheld High Res Mode for landscape photography and the headphone jack and extra ports on the battery grip, but they are indeed minor issues for most people. Tl;dr: Great camera, and GO WALES!

[@wymanair]

You have always spoken very highly of Olympus- and the em5 1 was my first foray into the mirrorless world. You know what I have learned over the last so many years of trying stuff? The post processing AND hardware should not be overlooked! Editing photos from “lesser” sensors on higher end monitors leads to better feelings about the equipment. For example, the worms on x trans is far less apparent on 5K than 2K monitors. I dont know all the why, but it is worth mentioning that the constant “system changing” many suffer can be in part mitigated by the equipment we use to process and view our work.

[@modeverything9949]

Very interesting camera. Look forward to future reviews

[@stefansago]

I’m heartbroken due to no 4K 60fps. I think this would have been perfect! Especially mounted on the new crane m2 gimbal.

[@cameralabs]

How about the lumix G9?

[@momchilyordanov8190]

I recently bought a new EM1 II body on British Amazon for £999. Why should I buy the same camera, but with 1 card slot for the same price?

[@cameralabs]

Right now the EM1 II makes a lot of sense.

[@Serenoj69]

Because it is quite a heavy cam for vlogging. I have it but I don't vlog. This one is virtually the same but weighs considerably less.

[@momchilyordanov8190]

And a new Panasonic G9 is £899. I would prefer it over the M5 too.

[@southernshutterbug1436]

Small correction. It was not the E-M1 markii that "...finally brought phase detect auto focus to the OM-D range more than three years ago..." The Original OM-D E-M1 had phase detect way back in 2013. Fewer points and non cross-type but phase detect it was. Newer firmware in version 4.0 made it a pretty darn good performer too. Thanks for the honest review of M-5/3

[@cameralabs]

Yes, you're right, how could I have missed that!

[@petercheng5240]

This camera body alone is more expensive than Fuji XT30 bundle with the excellent 18-55mm lens, you do get IBIS and flip out screen and I love the handling of Olympus camera, I understand that there'll be discount coming but if Olympus want to lure user from other brand they should bundle it with good lens and lower the price.

[@valdiskrebs566]

Late to the party AND arriving in style. Fuji and Panasonic have great monochrome modes(Acros and L Monochrome D) - does this have anything comparable? Or, does it only have the fairly boring/flat Monotone from years ago? The Pen F monochrome 2 would be great.

[@cameralabs]

Yes it seems to be the older plain monochrome which, I agree, is not on par with the Fujifilm or Panasonics.

[@TITAOSTEIN]

Do you own this Camera, Gordon? News in the mft front are very rare and slow, but I'm still a fan of the system.I just bought one em5iii. A great deal on the 12-45f4 kit here in Germany. I needed something compact for my first vacation trip after more than 1 year without a vacation!

[@BAdventures]

Good intro to a new vlogging camera. Look forward to the review of the production model.

[@rafaelmontalvo4062]

I don’t know if it arrived late to the party, but recently I have seen the price of the e-m1 mark II decrease to the point of being almost the same price of this new camera. Then comes the question of which one to buy, em1 mark 2 or em5 mark 3???

[@DukeBox]

Fantastic Review Gordon, thank you very much. Do you think, this camera can reduce my weight in the Bagpack (Nikon D810, 70-200 and 3 other lenses) and keep the image quality ?

[@cameralabs]

At lower ISOs yes.

[@Astrolavista]

Wow! I was eyeing up Fuji for my next camera, but this mkIII looks amazing. I would need to sell my GH3 and 5D Classic to fund it, but it might be worth it. Very much looking forward to your indepth review Gordon. Many thanks.

[@cameralabs]

I'm working on it as we speak!

[@scharkalvin]

Would be interesting to compare this camera with the Lumix G9, which is in the same price range. I recently upgraded from a G3 to a G85 . I was OK with the 16 mp sensor, but wanted to get in body stabilization, 4K video, and HDMI output while shooting video. The recently introduced G95 was too expensive for what it added over the G85, and the G9 was out of my price range (with kit lens) and too large/heavy. The OMD EM5 MIII is a lighter weight camera, and has better auto focus. I'll wait and see how the reviews pan out on the production version, and if any good deals show up on a lightly used body (KEH), I might get one as a second camera, and maybe later decide to sell the G85. I assume it will work with my Lumix 12-60mm F3.5 lens.

[@cameralabs]

I have a G9 of my own, so I will be able to compare them

[@koolkutz7]

I am a bit confused over this release from Olympus. I get that they want to refresh this particular model, but it essentially seems to be an OMD EM1 mk2 in a more compact body. Considering it will retail in the UK for around £1,100 it may be ahard sell when you can now get the EM1 mk2 for around £1,300 new and and used one for about £950-£1,000. They also have stiff competition from the new Nikon Z50, the Sony A6400 and Fuji X-T30 or even X-T3 (all having the larger aps-c sensors). Let's see what Panasonic has up their sleeve in the next 18 months...

[@Leptospirosi]

One simple question: why buy this one, while for the same price you can get a better built em1mkll which does exactly the same things and has amazing battery life? I was hoping for "something", like it's predecessor had at launch (high res and no aa filter); here I was hoping for slow motion at 4K, hand held high res, but this camera does nothing better then it's slightly large sibling, and once you take a zoom lens, its marginally smaller size means nothing... For me it's a pass.

[@khronokraze]

This is definitely a compelling new camera from Olympus. My last one was the em5mk2. I had then since switched to Fuji x series for the past several years. But, I am yet again open to the possibilities of a new camera and Olympus is one of my favorites. Perhaps this new one. What I'd like to know is how is the buffer? While I really enjoyed the em5mk2, i felt the buffer was noticeably less compared to the em1mk1 I owned before it. Waiting for buffer to catch up was a handicap at times. If generational technology does in fact trickle down subsequent model lines, I'm hoping the em5mk3 has improved the buffer to at least as good as the em1mk1, I could live with that. If not, I think I may have to reconsider. I have not see it yet, but, like previous em5's, I would assume there will be an accessory vertical grip that adds an extra battery as well as extra buttons and control wheels that attaches to the bottom of the accessory hand grip you showed and mentioned.

[@ismangil]

Yes, there's a grip. Search Robin Wong's review of this camera.

[@elmin2323]

hi just about to order it! few questions as i cant find a manual yet! does it have my modes? also does it allot the back screen to always show the data and when you use the view finder it turns on to live view and when you take the camera away the data stays on the back? cheers!

[@Smoothblue90]

Need a vlog test with the Olympus 9-18mm lens, the Rode Videomic Pro+, and the Joby SLR Zoom Gorillapod. Bam.

[@dunnymonster]

You mentioned the absence of the PC sync socket, but isn't it still there on the front right under the screw protector or are my eyes deceiving me?

[@cameralabs]

No, they've repurposed it as an AF lamp I think.

[@dolphabernethy9723]

Very informative, Gordon. Many thanks! I’m debating with myself whether or not to upgrade from the E-M5 Mark II. After watching your review, I’m now leaning toward the upgrade. Once I decide, however, then the question facing me will be, Black or Silver?

[@mountainhobo]

7:26 "Allowing AF to refocus without hunting" - It's not hunting, but it's not following your eyes much, either.

[@BlaxkNobility]

mountainhobo so true the false hype machine at work.

[@FabriSlv]

It was a bit of a complicated situation, with him moving so fast and so close to the camera. I wonder how better AF systems perform in a situation like that. (Not being ironic, genuinely interested, I’m not an expert in videos)

[@cameralabs]

This was with a pre-production camera, I'll have more samples in my final review soon.

[@OneDegreeLife]

So glad you mentioned the tactile feel of the wheels. I've always found the Nikon and Canon to be good, but the Fuji and Sony to be lacking - esp. the Fuji on the XT line when it's ALSO a button. It can be maddening in use, esp. with gloves. The wheel on the Nikon Z line is similar and very good.

[@drumsimon84]

does the camera have the OM-LOG 400 color profile availabe?

[@simonyoung1339]

Did u ever experience any signs of overheating when shooting 4k? I would imagine the plastic body is less efficient when it comes to heat transferring... I hope you’ll conduct your great overheating test!

[@cameralabs]

I will do that for my final review.

[@christophriess5274]

Given how much the EM1-II & the G9 dropped in price over the year(s), I‘m not really sure why the EM5-III exists. =/ I feel like we would have needed a EM1-III coming along with it.

[@cameralabs]

Yes, the EM1 II is still a great option, as is the G9.

[@robh1776]

Played around with it a few minutes yesterday. Pricing is a barrier especially in comparison to G9 and EM1-II. Agree at $899 it would be more competitive for me at least.

[@shaun5893]

@@cameralabs I'm particularly interested in hearing how this camera compares to the G9 & EM1 ii (with the latest firmware) regarding continuous AF for things like birds in flight. Thanks!!

[@two_weeks_of_fog]

Camera can take HDR video?

[@vhc7764]

Another wonderful unbiased review..thank you Gordon. The EM5MKIII w/Pro Lens looks great & quite the upgrade from the MKII!

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@godofhope]

Thank you Gordon! Very nice preview! This model seems to be crippled at even higher price. This M5 doesn’t seem to me to be a premium product any more.

[@cameralabs]

Don't discount it just because of the plastic body, it's still a v good mid-ranger.

[@JennyDarukat]

Unless you spend a lot of your time shooting sports in dimly lit jazz bars, I really see very few knocks on this camera - if the AF lives up to the E-M1 II with 3.0 firmware, this is as close to the absolute package in the most compact-yet-comfortable body as we have to date. There's just the price tag and MFT stigma that'll scare people off.

[@PaulAmyes]

Here in Australia the launch price is $1999.00 AUD and at the moment the EM1 mk ii is selling for a $1600. I'd sooner have the EM1 mk ii. I see you were testing the new Welsh edition of the 12-40 f2.8.

[@cameralabs]

Ha ha, yes, the Welsh version! I think it belonged to mirrorlessons...

[@Jawsjawsjawsrg]

I'm pretty sure they didn't want to give there best fetchers out till it was a little older. I am guessing that is way the wait till this camera came out.

[@kentmemories]

Very good camera.. The best small WR IBIS camera on the market, IMHO.. Size/weight, PDAF, IBIS, the look are excellent.. m43 lens catalog is also the best.. Problems, perhaps just for me, are 1) Low res LCD (should have at least 120k in 2019 at this price point) 2) On/off switch on the left (2 hand operations) 3) I prefer tilting LCD, not FAS (I am not Vlog nor selfie) 4) Use of USB2, not USBc 5) Olympus menu navigation (much better than Sony's, but still need to be tested) 6) Price is 20% too high compared with FF/APSC competitions (RP, Z50 etc)

[@xmlthegreat]

I feel like they should have kept the larger battery pack. Based on expected pricing (it won't release in India for some time I think) this should be the cheapest camera to have both IBIS and OSPDAF in the same body. For especially video, it should be great. Olympus' IBIS is amazing.

[@tomslittlecorner]

Getting in love with this camera, what lense would you recomend for it as a vlog lense? I am very new on Olympus lenses:)

[@cameralabs]

Gosh, there's so many to choose from! I think 24mm is a great focal length for vlogging, so any lens with 12mm in this system will do. Many of the zooms start at 12mm, but if you want a shallower depth of field and can afford a more expensive prime lens, there's the Olympus 12mm f2 or the Leica 12mm f1.4. I'm actually posting a vlogging test video with this camera later today, so subscribe and watch out for it!

[@paulbreland6444]

Does the HLD-8 grip work on the Olympus EM5 Mk III. Every time I ask this question on the Olympus website the question gets deleted. Thanks.

[@cameralabs]

I don't think so, as the smaller grip won't work as the shape is different.

[@CoalitionGaming]

Excited for the release of this camera so that i could pine over buying it for the next couple of years haha. Would be nice to see a comparison once this is released vs the Canon 90D since they the same price. Also, i use a G85 with a Viltrox EF-M2 and Sigma 18-35. I know that this speedbooster kills continuous AF on my camera but i wonder how it would perform on this camera.

[@RobShootPhotos]

Great video. You answered many questions I hadn't gotten from other reviewers. Can you access the battery when the grip is on it?

[@cameralabs]

I'll find out

[@cameralabs]

I found out for you - sadly NO battery access when the grip is fitted,.

[@spritual_enlightenment]

I just wish their variable bit rate for video is not compromised as the others. 427Mbps should be maintained at that rate.

[@PiotrWojnowski]

Does videos has time limitations? Or is it possible to record the video until the memory card will be full?

[@cameralabs]

The usual half hour

[@johnjon1823]

Well, if that EMIII is "late to the party" then Canon was never invited and appears delayed even to visits to the psychiatrist for its Munchausen by proxy of the R system and to an excessive consumption of geriatric medicines which have both kept it sleepy and constipated. I mean, I can hear them breathing but while they have quality eye glasses they don't see well in the shadows and don't have enough back-up brain to remember what they saw assuming they could focus on it to begin with. After all yet another iteration of the 5DIV - fine where's the mirrorless version, which should be here, like last year?

[@mbvglider]

When I first started getting into mirrorless cameras in 2013, if you had told me that Olympus would be the one to get vlogging right with good AF in 4K video, I would have laughed at you. I've always loved Olympus for stills, but they were soooo bad at video back in the day, lol.

[@lboymusic]

A great camera, but the price doesn't make sense... it is too damn expensive... I will wait for the Fuji X-A7... by the way, how is the low light? Comparing to the GH5s?

[@sonsofmatriarchy5552]

Thanks for the preview, I'm glad I jumped ship and went Panasonic Lumix G90/95 🙃

[@MrPhilbautista]

What does the E-M5iii offer that the E-M1ii doesn't? AFAIK I can get a brand new E-M1ii on ebay for the same price as what Oly is asking for the E-M5iii. Better yet, I can get it right away, not on preorder. So maybe the 5iii is lighter but that's cos the 1ii is built more robustly and, even then, it's still a pretty light camera. The 5iii uses the same sensor and processor found in the 1ii so I'm assuming that even if there are software features available in the 5iii not yet available in the 1ii, it's not farfetched to assume that Oly will bring out firmware updates to address this. One thing I love about Oly is how generous they are with firmware updates. IMHO Oly shot themselves in the foot with how late they released this body. For 1200 American Benjies, I'd just get an Oly E-M1ii brand new on ebay which offers pretty much everything the E-M5iii has to offer in a more solid body and even better performance in some areas, all for the same price as a preordered E-M5iii on B&H. Depending on the seller, I might even get a few additional goodies thrown in.

[@VevoSux]

I knew you had it Gordon! Will watch this now! Thanks!

[@cameralabs]

I'm shooting with a production body now too!

[@johnsexton3841]

@@cameralabs As you do have a production model now, could you do a bit of an in-depth comparison of low light video capabilities with a GH5s and several others? I am needing a low light champion for both video and stills which can deliver quality images.

[@justalexhimself]

Is there a record limit for video? Great review BTW!

[@cameralabs]

Half an hour

[@JoeMustang99]

Small, light, flippy screen, good autofocus for video, lots of E-M1ii features in a smaller package, sold, I'll get one, just not immediately.

[@BenFox01]

Your so right about potentially being the "perfect" vlogging camera... My G8 🎥0 has been a trooper. The G9 is the obvious choice for a upgrade but its just too big.. Is this the one!?

[@keithrjoseph9528]

Apart from the weather sealing and IBIS is there any reason to buy the new em5. The weight saving gained from switching from a magnesium alloy body to a plastic is negated by the pro lenses. I've got to say it looks as if Olympus has just shoved the internals of their awesome em1 into a plastic body without offering any new technology which is why I'll probably switch to the em1 instead of this or keep my Olympus as a B camera and switch to a full frame mirrorless

[@TasView]

For the sake of 160g I’m leaning toward a 1 II for upgrade as well, or wait for the 1 III and get some glass meantime.

[@PostColorGear]

That grip "situation" is just weird. Why would they do that? (sigh)

[@TechnoBabble]

6400 ISO shots on the new one matching 1600 ISO on the old one? That's definitely a BS marketing statement. Maybe when shooting in standard jpeg and viewing the entire image on a screen. But no matter what kind of sensor or processing improvements there's absolutely no way it's got a full two stop improvement in the signal to noise ratio. Once you're printing or doing anything that actually takes advantage of detail you'll notice that it's probably at best 2/3 of a stop better.

[@alexreay4164]

Not sure where Gordon has got that info from, I can't find any such claim from Olympus.

[@alexreay4164]

UPDATE... Having said that, I've just watched Robin Wong's review and he says he can see almost 2 stops of ISO improvement over the previous model.... so there you go 6400 to 1600.

[@williampegram]

Thanks Gordon as always for a great preview. I think it's pretty close to perfection, my only small gripe is sacrifice of battery life for extreme portability. If battery where a bit bigger I'd see no reason to favour my e-m1 mkii over this baby! Really looking forward to your full review.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks! Yes, bigger batteries are always nice to have...

[@berthubbardt.o.o.c7314]

Late arrivals to the party can still be the life of the party . Awesome preview. Do you think this option is going to be a tool for youtubers than the Sony A6600 .

[@cameralabs]

Maybe... The IBIS is really good

[@Yoko.Kurama]

Does it have a built in flash? Does it have built in charging?

[@pojedzone]

On what lens did you record this sample movie with Mk III ? :)

[@urbanstreet_4282]

Looks like the 12-40.

[@PhiggysDOTcom]

So all my batteries from omd 1 & 5mk II are redundant and not for the better longer life battery of omd 1 mkII 😟poor move in my opinion!

[@GapBahnDirk]

A great first look. Thanks Gordon!

[@cameralabs]

You're welcome!