Top 5 Reasons I love my Olympus EM-5 Mark III

[@RichAdamsFineArt]

Between the weight savings and the fun it brings back to photography, micro four thirds is pretty incredible for outdoor photography. If you're stuck in a studio or do photography from your car it doesn't matter, but if you're out and about, MFT rocks.

[@davebellamy4867]

I took my EM10 Mark ii chrome to a party at someone's house. The host said, hey what's that camera? It's so small. It's so retro. Its so gorgeous. I told him Olympus were making a new series of cameras and no-one seems to know anything about them. They're like a well kept secret. Terrible marketing. Even as an old Olympus film camera user, it was ages before I found out about the OMD series.

[@NoProJoe]

Now that you mention it they have kept quite a low profile for some unknown reason.

[@davejsullivan]

I have the same camera. When you combine the images it takes with DXO photolab's Deepprime and lens sharpening logic, it stuns some of my full frame friends.

[@NoProJoe]

I use DXO Pure RAW and I love it.

[@MichealSeaghdha]

I think you're absolutely right to emphasise the fun element. I've kept all my Canon full-frame cameras (five) but recently added this camera for portability and convenience. The 14-42mm EZ lens is way better than expected and I separately bought a used 12mm f/2, which I have owned previously and it works brilliantly, especially with the manual focus clutch mechanism you mentioned. I also have four old Four Thirds lenses, including the 50mm f/2 macro and a 11-22mm zoom, although the latter doesn't balance particularly well on this newish body. Olympus colours have always been outstanding, although the sky blues appeared to be even more saturated on the E-1 and E-3 that also form part of my bloated collection of equipment. Most people trade, but I tend to hoard and it does unfortunately make photography even more costly than it needs to be. On the other hand, I'd really miss my Canon stuff if it was all gone. Thanks for the video and keep enjoying your photography.

[@NoProJoe]

Canon colors are still my favorite. That being said you are correct Olympus tends to over saturate its colors. I always shoot raw but it’s baked in and some manipulation has to be done. Other than that I still absolutely love my Olympus. I have 3 bodies for different uses and three angles of video. My em5iii basically lives with the 12-200mm on it. That is the greatest all around travel and hiking lens ever in my opinion. Thanks for the comments 👍 cheers!

[@marike1100]

The fun factor, size / weight savings and relative affordability of some great glass make m43 such an awesome system. Congrats on the gear.

[@NoProJoe]

Couldn't agree more!

[@jpsteiner2]

It’s the “to have fun, again” aspect you mention that I love about my MFT system. I take mine everywhere.

[@NoProJoe]

Portability is definitely a plus

[@vanjellis157]

when i do dog photagraphy people never notice that it,s made with a mft sensor . they never complain about image quality or dept of field. i think only photographers especially sony full frame users dismiss mft for a toy camera that,s not professinal or even capable of delivering good results . in the meantime i get results that im happy with and my clients also . rain or snow im outside with my em1 mii with great weathersealing .And not hauling around heavy gear. Break free from heavy gear is true

[@NoProJoe]

Someone that dismisses Olympus as a toy has probably never used one before. I've definitely broken free. :)

[@TravelingBibliophile]

Bought this camera used. I have two canon DSLR cameras and a whack of lenses. I am looking forward to a lighter kit, I have already ordered the 12-40 (used like new quality), and brand new 25 mm (1.8) to go with the 40- 150. Together the three lenses weigh less than that 1 L lens.

[@NoProJoe]

The weight was the thing that originally drew me to the system. All the features and quality keeps me in it, and the stabilization! Enjoy!

[@davebellamy4867]

Yes I like mine too with its imperfections. I would like a better build but the camera is great. The legendary Canon A1, AE1 and AE1 Program were polycarbonate too back in the late 70s to early 80s. No-one complained. Pros used the A1 as a second camera. The Canon A1 did have a steel baseplate though. I found out when a magnet stuck to it!🤣

[@NoProJoe]

I haven’t had a problem with the plastic body. It’s performed just fine for me. Many handguns use high tech plastics and they operate just fine so I’m pretty sure my camera will hold up. 👍

[@davebellamy4867]

12:00 You're right. You tend to take it with you and use it. That's the point. I do too. The EM10 ii that is but I'm tempted to an EM5 iii right now the prices have dropped.

[@NoProJoe]

I have an em10iii too. I use it for a second camera when I need quick access to different focal lengths. The em5iii feels a bit more refined and It has more pro features that are readily accessible. That are both great cameras.

[@keithbuck8252]

Joe I loved this video .I've just recently discovered micro 4/3 i have been using Nikon D7200 and D800 cameras with several heavy lens 24/70 ...70/200 very heavy kit . I have just brought the Olympus 5 mkiii loving it and it so helpful to watch your video and enthusiasm for this system and encouraging me I'm right to sell my other heavy gear Thank you

[@NoProJoe]

I’m glad the info was helpful. I’m all in on m4/3 and Olympus. The system just works for me. When I switched from Canon I wasn’t looking for better image quality. I knew my Canon gear gave me good image quality. I just wanted to not be a slave to my gear. Olympus allows me to go lighter with excellent image quality. That’s just what I needed.

[@keithbuck8252]

@@NoProJoe yes me too

[@davebellamy4867]

In my opinion the EM5 Mk iii is a nice upgrade to the EM10 Mark ii for instance.

[@NoProJoe]

Definitely. The em10 is a pretty capable camera. The em5iii gives you quite a few luxury/ pro features.

[@davebellamy4867]

Subbed. Looking for honest no BS photo channels. Thinking of the EM5 Mk iii as an EM10 ii user.

[@NoProJoe]

Thank you! I have an EM10 III also. I like the extra functionality you get with the EM5 III. It's more professional in a small package and that is my favorite thing. :)

[@thegreatvanziniphotos5976]

Great overview here, NPJ! Thinking of a stepping up from the Mark ii. Look forward to the other 5.

[@NoProJoe]

It’s my everyday camera and it hasn’t let me down yet 🤞

[@bahramusic]

Coming from nikon full frame, I couldn't agree more with your reasons to love this camera.

[@NoProJoe]

After hauling around heavy gear you get it. 👍

[@bahramusic]

@@NoProJoeminimalism is my way of life 😉

[@NoProJoe]

@@bahramusic definitely 👍

[@handel1111]

Olympus/OM-System should bring back metal bodies on their EM10 and EM5

[@NoProJoe]

Definitely, a metal body would be nice. So far so good with the polymer one for me. Thanks for sharing.

[@davidmill7289]

Well said Joe. I bought the EM5 used and have the EM10 mk iv for travel. Both great cameras.

[@NoProJoe]

So far I’ve been very happy with my purchase overall. 👍

[@OutRAjious]

What a brilliant video…. will see how it fits in my car cup holder .)

[@NoProJoe]

Hopefully it fits well. 👍

[@richiehimes7990]

Thanks for the info and good on ya for the Spinal Tap referance!😎

[@NoProJoe]

Thank you!

[@bosamuelsson5814]

I Agrér! I have the same, but m1 mark II. Bigger, but also a smaller m10 mark IV as I like to walk around with. Its the same image cuality, but only the most importent handling…I was Travellink in Chile under 3 month with a shoulderbag with m10, and 12-40mm f2,8, 40-150 f2,8 include Panasonic 25 mm F1,7. The Wright 2 kg. In full framme from 24- 420mm iclude camera! Just fantastik.

[@NoProJoe]

Definitely! The small size and compact lenses are the biggest draw for me. All the great features and image quality are a bonus 👍

[@gordon3988]

I have a g9 and looking for something smaller/lighter. Tempting! Thanks for the 5 (8) reasons!

[@NoProJoe]

I had a g9 and it was an amazing camera. I still have my m5 and sold the g9. I’m more into the photography first nature of Olympus. 👍

[@gordon3988]

@@NoProJoe we largely do video, often on long trips. Likely the g9 a bit stronger there, but EM5 would certainly meet our needs.

[@NoProJoe]

@@gordon3988 the g9 is DEFINITELY the stronger video camera by far. I used it for a documentary I shot and lived the experience. The video files are amazing. However, I do mostly photography and dapple in video so the m5 was my keeper.

[@recreationalplutonium]

my guy, fun is the right word. besides all that quality talk: m43 is fun. which is most important.

[@allenschneider1847]

Great video. I love Olympus cameras. I wish they would put the aperture ring on the lense, similar to fugi.

[@NoProJoe]

I don’t mind using the command dial for the aperture. For me the great thing about many Olympus lenses is the clutch mf. It’s great being able to go full manual focus by just pulling back on the focus ring. I use it a lot for tricky bird photos. 👍

[@laurakelley5250]

Thanks for this video. I think it has confirmed my thoughts on purchasing these. I've had 2 Canon's and switched to Nikon. Cannot get along with that and looking for something lighter than I can use to travel, blog and video. Never given Olympus much thought but Ive noticed it's used a lot in the UK (Brit living in the States here) so figured it has to be pretty good :P

[@NoProJoe]

It is definitely a light kit. I travel with my EM5 and a 12-200mm for the most part that's it. I'll be going to London this Christmas and that will be my kit. :) How do you like the US compared to Britain? It's a bit of a culture shock I bet. Thank you for commenting and sharing.

[@laurak7174]

@@NoProJoe thanks for replying. London is amazing at Christmas and we celebrate it way longer than in America..its basically a 2 week food fest. I miss the food and sense of humor the most, the history and architecture. Definitely sold on this so bye bye Nikon..where do you recommend finding budget friendly lenses for this camera? Thank you!

[@NoProJoe]

@@laurak7174 I've had my best luck on Facebook Market place. People buy into a system and then never use it. I've purchased brand new lenses for a fraction of the price. I purchased my 12-200mm on eBay for a semi reasonable price. I stalk my gear for a while looking for the best prices. Its a game of patients :) I've been to England several times and love it more each journey. I'm especially fond of the Yorkshire area. From Scarborough to Huby its all so beautiful. Our holidays in the US have not been as festive as they were when I was young. I can't wait to experience Christmas in London.

[@davebellamy4867]

Olympus has been overlooked since they fluffed the sequels to the original OM1 and OM2 cameras in the mid 1980s. I had hardly knew they still existed when I saw the OMD cameras come out. I was delughted to see they were just like the originals. From UK too. Midlands. Northamptonshire. No-one knows this part of the country exists!

[@jerryeisner1]

Thanks for the great review! I"m most concerned with how easy / hard the menus are. Is there any hope of learning how to easily work from the menus. thanks in advance!!

[@NoProJoe]

Robin Wong has amazing videos on the menus. Definitely check his videos out.

[@robertcsmith7773]

Ditto - it just fits! Thanks for the video. Happy Holidays.

[@NoProJoe]

Happy holidays my friend 😊

[@macro_by_nawaz]

Sir i am ordering new EM5 mark 3 body only and a seperate macro lens ..We will grt all other accessories in the box right along with body like charger battery except lens

[@NoProJoe]

Yep, it’s pretty nice package also.

[@verablack3137]

I have an EM-1 Mark II, and honestly the image quality for photos is every bit as good as the A6300 was, the cinema 4K is a bit worse than the Sony 4K was but, the Sony 4K only looked good on a tripod the second you moved it was rolling shutter city. Image quality is pointless if your photos are blurry and your videos are jelly. If I really need tons of resolution I will just buy a roll Ektar or Portra and use my medium format cameras and spend a few $ on a drum scan anyway, but 20 megapixels is plenty of resolution for everyday use.

[@NoProJoe]

I agree I'm very happy with my EM5. Just got back from vacation and Im loving all my captures. Thank you for sharing.

[@Koji-888]

I have an Olympus 9-18mm also. It’s tiny and I leave it in my bag. 200. Bucks used on eBay. I always buy a “mint condition” from Japan. 💁🏻‍♀️ ツ

[@davebellamy4867]

Do you have any old Olympus legacy lenses? I have. I miss autofocus but if you want manual focus, those lenses were beautiful in their size and ergonomics.

[@NoProJoe]

I don't have any old Olympus glass. I generally use the M Zuiko M4/3 lenses. I've had very good luck with them. The only one I had that seemed to put a weird cast on the images was the 9-18mm. The rest I'm pretty happy with.

[@Retset]

Bought mine new with the 14-150 for approx £850, replacing a Canon 800D. I am so happy with the features and ergonomics combined with all the advantages of mirrorless. I'd welcome opinion on whether there are any other lenses I should be looking at. I picked up the Panasonic 20mm f1.7 prime as a 'walkabout' lens and I'd say it gets the same amount of use as the zoom.

[@NoProJoe]

My most used lenses are the 12-200mm and the 7-14mm I also like the 60mm macro and the 45mm 1.8. I haven’t used a bad Olympus lens yet so that’s a good thing. 👍

[@davebellamy4867]

@@NoProJoe I just got the 60mm macro. I tested the sharpness wide open at f/2.8 and it was practially as sharp as when stopped down anywhere up to f10 or f/11. Slight softness due to diffraction at f/16 and f/22. The image was really sharp even at very close focusing where the angles of incidence are most extreme and that surprised me.

[@davebellamy4867]

Good deal. I got mine (body only, well plus flash, strap, charger, basically the kit minus the lens) new for £635 with 3 year warranty. How is the lens? I already had the 12-40mm f/2.8 so I skipped on another lens! Plus I had no money left! I told the dealer I was so close to overdrawn that I couldn't even get a Sandisk 64Gb Extreme Pro card with it on the day!🤣📷

[@NoProJoe]

@@davebellamy4867 the 12-40 is a great lens. The 14-150 is a good lens and it is very flexible. Not a low light lens but a good lens just the same.

[@NoProJoe]

@@davebellamy4867 I’ve found Olympus lenses to be very good throughout the range.

[@pinocchio2323]

Great Video, thanks man

[@NoProJoe]

I’m glad it was helpful 👍

[@carlosjavierpenacastellano4824]

Great video. Been looking at the olympus system for months and think this is a most needed information. Would you consider this suitable for shooting my seven years old daughter playing tennis or the local bike criterium using fast shutter speed and af capabilities? Thanks for your answer. Regards

[@NoProJoe]

I’ve been happy with the af accuracy so far. It’s pretty fast. A great option for sports and kids I’d the pro capture mode. On high it uses single auto focus on low it can use continuous. Only problem is rolling shutter with fast movement. Slow pan and stationary is gold for catching the moment

[@carlosjavierpenacastellano4824]

@@NoProJoe Thanks NoPro Joe, been thinking about it for such a long time so it is really nice to see your comments. Hope to have the chance to try it at BH within the next couple of days. Been using a compact sony rx 100 vii but ergonomics, color science and low light performance are not the best.

[@NoProJoe]

@@carlosjavierpenacastellano4824 if you can try before you buy that’s great. I sold all my Canon gear and ordered Olympus stuff. If I didn’t like it… well you know. Fortunately I spent a great deal of time researching Olympus so I knew what I was getting pretty much. Gavin Howie using the system and seeing his outcomes was a big help. I bought a lx10 Panasonic and a zs100 Panasonic and was blown away by the image quality out of the one inch sensors. You just never know until you try.

[@shasankgupta9460]

will you recommend me to switch to this from eos rp. i have 85mm ef lens.

[@NoProJoe]

The RP is a great camera. My whole reason for switching was size and weight. After the switch I was happy with the image quality of the m4/3. A 45mm 1.8 would be close to your 85. Not a one for one though. All I can say is that I love my Olympus. Try one out if you can.

[@fikifette115]

48? Sold!

[@snugsonblitz]

If the price were the same, would you prefer to get the Olympus EM-1 Mark II or this???

[@NoProJoe]

That was my major quandary when I was chasing systems. One of my initial deciding factors to change to Olympus was weight. I had suffered a pretty bad back malfunction and weight of my gear became a real issue. So that is the lens I used to make my final choice. If you don't mind a slightly bigger camera then I say maybe go with the EM1MII. I think the decision is a little tougher than that though. Both cameras have their strengths. If you need dual card slots then it's EM1MII. That wasn't a need for me so EM5III was my choice. DO you need a headphone jack for monitoring audio? I didn't so EM5MIII for me. Do you need to tether for portrait shooting? I didn't so EM5III for me. I agonized over the decision. I was worried that the EM5III would not be "pro" enough. In the end I love my EM5III. Its small, great ergonomics, fast, and fits me perfectly. Would I buy an EM1MII as a second body? Definitely! But if I only get to have one the EM5III is my choice. I hope that kind of answers your question. Thank you for commenting.

[@snugsonblitz]

@@NoProJoe I have the EM10 Mark III as my walk-around body, so I guess I'll eventually go with the EM1 MII. Thanks for your comments. Really appreciate it.

[@NoProJoe]

@@snugsonblitz I really like the EM10MIII. I have a silver and black one. I put my 14-150 on it. It takes a amazing images and is pretty much a great camera. If it had phase detect af it would be a perfect photo video rig.

[@verablack3137]

For me the thing that made me get the EM-1 Mark II over the EM-5 MK III is the chunky DSLR like grip. The EM5 MK III is a great camera, but it didn't feel good in my hands because I am used to SLRs, DSLRs, and Medium format cameras with a bracket and grip. If you are coming from Sony mirrorless for example, the EM-5 MK III might even feel better in your hands. Both are well built and the feature difference is minor, the EM-1 is a bit more "pro" oriented with dual card slots the EM-5 is a bit more travel focused with USB charging for example, but the core functionality seems identical just the bells and whistles differ. I did debate a bit though due to the EM-1 MK II being kinda ugly IMO, but I found out they made 2000 silver EM-1 MK II anniversary editions in 2019, so that sealed the deal and I bought one of those in that beautiful Olympus Silver.

[@johnstephen2869]

@@verablack3137 Hi Vera, I have the EM5 mark2 and I thought similar as you, so I purchased an ad-on grip, and this solved the handling situation. The grips are not expensive.

[@smkunder1]

I am loving my Olympus more and more every day. I love your take on this system. My question is do you really feel that 75-300 is that good? I am torn after hearing so many say how much light is needed for birds. I keep looking at 100-400 also.

[@NoProJoe]

I really like the 75-300. As far as light goes at f4.8-6.7 it is definitely not a low light lens. The 100-400 is f5-6.3 so slightly more light on the long end but not much. The Panasonic 100-300 offers an f4-5.6 aperture which is actually quite a bit more light. I looked at value for money when I purchased the 75-300 and for me it checked enough boxes to be a solid purchase. I definitely wouldn't use it in the dark or bad lighting. I would say the same for the Oly 100-400. If we are basing a long lens purely on light gathering the Panasonic 100-300 wins that race. However, if low light shooting is how you make your living the Oly 300mm f4 is the ticket. Its a $2,800 ticket but if its important its worth it. For me the 75-300 at its modest price point and what I consider to be very good performance the choice was clear for me. If I had $2,800 to throw around then YES I would definitely buy the Oly 300mm. I hope this answers your question. Thank you for commenting.

[@captaindebug]

@@NoProJoe I'm thinking of getting a long lens, but really can't decide which one to go for. It's a question of getting the right lens that does the job without wasting money. For example, you know that the Olympus 150-400mm f4.5 PRO will definitely do that job, but it costs a fortune - £6500, and the 300mm f4 is £1850, but do I need that? I'll probably settle for the 100-400 - because I think it'll do the job. I may save even more cash and get a used lens... What could possibly go wrong?

[@NoProJoe]

@@captaindebug I totally understand the not wanting to waste cash plan. For me it comes down to value for money and being realistic with my expectation. You make a good point we know the high end professional glass is going to be simply amazing but average Joe's can't really afford them, and that's ok. I use the 75-300mm Olympus lens which I heard very mixed reviews on. I decided to give it a shot because the price verse specs in my opinion was good value. I rather enjoy the lens. Is it a low light beast? NO. I t does well enough in mixed lighting and really well in well lit shooting situations. I may as a pro 40-150mm to my collection at some point but honestly I really wanted to get away from heavy cumbersome equipment. That was one of my major deciding factors when choosing this system. I'll put together an album in Flickr and post the link here for you to check out some realistic samples if that would help.

[@captaindebug]

@@NoProJoe I've owned and reluctantly sold the 75-300mm lens. I liked the images that it gave - it is an underrated lens; however, living in the UK I really need something that is weather proof and I'm tending towards the 100-400 because of this. Image stabilisation is also a bonus, but it is bigger and heavier than the 75-300mm.

[@NoProJoe]

@@captaindebug that’s a good point about the weather sealing. For me it was important to be able to take my long lens everywhere with me in my pocket. Gone are the days of darn I wish I packed that lens. With 2 lenses that fit in my pocket I cover a FF equivalent of 24-600mm which is amazing to me. I guess if my 75-300 meets a weather related death I’ll replace it with a sealed lens. So far fingers crossed that hasn’t happened and I definitely do not shy away from the elements with my gear. Hopefully the 100-400mm fits your criteria and you can get out there and enjoy it. What part of the UK are you located in? I love visiting the UK. Some of my best holiday memories are from my trips there. 👍

[@danvander-ark1309]

Great video...thanks! Any comments on the plastic body of the em5? I assume very rugged still? Thanks again, much appreciated!

[@NoProJoe]

Honestly, I don’t really see a problem with the polymer body. It feels solid and not creaky. I’ve seen a few complaints that they have broken the tripod Mount off the bottom. However, I’ve not had this problem. I always use it with a rapid strap so it is always hanging from the tripod Mount. I’m not an animal with my gear but I don’t treat it like a diamond either. I hope this info helps.

[@danvander-ark1309]

@@NoProJoe Thanks much! I am a Pentaxian but would love to pick up the EM5...for an all-around good lens what do you recommend? (Something that is really good but wouldn't break the bank).

[@NoProJoe]

@@danvander-ark1309 it depends on the kind of shooting you do. Great all around lenses that are “affordable” would be the 14-150mm (28-300mm FF equivalent) and the 12-200mm (24-400mm FF equivalent). If primes are your thing the 25mm f1.8 (50mm FF equivalent) is a great standard lens and the 17mm f1.8 (35mm FF equivalent) is an amazing prime. Honestly, I use the 12-200, 75-300, 9-18, and the 17 the most. Bang for your buck is the 14-150, but if you have the extra cash the 12-200 is an awesome all around lens. Getting ready to do a video about it soon.

[@Jonathan-hu3lk]

I’m looking at getting one of these on the secondhand market. Does the focus peaking mode in b&w switch to colour while you’re focusing (I know it does on older Olympus models)? And, can you use the focus magnification aid with lenses that have no electronic contacts (I know this doesn’t work on older Olympus bodies)? Both are issues with previous Olympus models, but not with Fuji. I wouldn’t call it a deal breaker, but it’s something I’d like to know and I’ve scoured the internet trying to find an answer

[@NoProJoe]

I’ve not run into either of those problems. I’m sure because I don’t use b&w mode or manual lenses. Sorry not much help.

[@pastafazoule]

Hey joe great vid,thinking of buying em5 mark3 with the sigma 30m 1.4,can you tell me how is lowlight with it and is cinema 4k really that good

[@NoProJoe]

If you give me an example of the low light situation you will encounter I can make a sample video and post it for you.

[@pastafazoule]

@@NoProJoe hey joe thank yo soo much i am talking like natural light indoors or maybe lighted city streets in c4k,or how is it on a cloudy day is there noise.i really love to buy the camera worried about the sensor of course,was also thinking about the sony zv e10,but don’t love the stabilization on that cam

[@NoProJoe]

@@pastafazoule I’ll shoot a few examples with descriptions of the settings so you can make a judgement. I will match light levels I see with my eye as best as possible:

[@pastafazoule]

@@NoProJoe joe thanks so much

[@NoProJoe]

@@pastafazoule Here it is. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXbHlmaEjd98bNU Hopefully it helps.

[@danielcolon2880]

Love your review great well spoken slowly understanding I cud understand u specially having ADHD HEAD TRAUMA AM a fan keep up the the great review.

[@NoProJoe]

Great! I’m glad the video was helpful 😊

[@srlopez875]

In spanish please¡.