Olympus will release the third-generation model in its popular OM-D E-M1 series, the E-M1 Mark III late this month, offering it as a body only or with one of two PRO lenses.
Angled view of the new OM-D E-M1 Mark III camera with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO lens. (Source: Olympus.)
Designed for professional photographers and serious enthusiasts, the new camera has a rugged magnesium alloy body that is dustproof, splashproof and freezeproof plus Dual SD card slots that are similar to the E-M1 Mark II’s. The new TruePic IX image processing engine and in-body 5- axis image stabilisation (IBIS) provide greater shooting flexibility and better imaging performance with up to 7.0 shutter speed steps of exposure compensation available. By synchronising the in-lens image stabilisation of supported lenses with the camera’s IBIS, the camera can achieve a ‘world’s best’ shake correction of 7.5 stops. This feature makes handheld shooting possible at lower shutter speeds than ever before, expanding the potential for night-time and indoor shooting.
In addition to ultra high-resolution maximum 80-megapixel images that can be captured in Tripod High Res Shot, the EM- III gains a new 50-megapixel Handheld High Res Shot with a resolution of 8160 x 6120 pixels. Other features shared with the OM-D E-M1X include the 121-point All-cross-type On-chip Phase Detection AF sensor plus Live ND and Pro Capture modes.
High-precision focusing is supported in fast lenses with maximum apertures of f/1.2 and AF/AE tracking is possible at up to 18 fps with full resolution. Photographers can check the subject in the viewfinder during high-speed sequential shooting to ensure accurate tracking. A new joystick multi selector enables photographer to quickly shift AF areas while looking through the viewfinder.
A new Starry Sky AF mode is available for astrophotographers, with a special algorithm developed to enable accurate focusing on even the tiniest stars. Two modes are available: Speed Priority, which prioritises focusing speed and Accuracy Priority, which uses a fine-tuned scan and is ideal for shooting specific stars with telephoto lenses.
The E-M1 III offers both 4K and Cinema 4K (C4K) video recording modes and supports OM-Log400 shooting, which enables shooting with a wide dynamic range. It is also better for colour grading. A special M-IS1 stabilisation mode provides powerful image stabilisation for video recording by combining optical end electronic IS systems. A View Assist function is available for converting the colour gamut to Full HD standard BT.709 equivalent for display.
The OM-D E-M1 Mark III will be available from late February 2020 at an RRP of AU$ $3,099 for the body alone or $4,199 for the body plus the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO lens. The OM-D E-M1 Mark III and M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4.0 IS PRO lens kit is priced at AU $4,799.
Click here to read our detailed OM-D E-M1 Mark III FIRST LOOK and view arrange of sample images taken with it.
