OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II vs OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark III
The bottom line
Same line, different generation: the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark III (2020) moves ahead on burst speed (25fps vs 18fps) and 4K frame rate (60p vs 30p). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II gives you most of the experience for less.
Choose the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark III if…
- ✓You shoot action, sports or wildlife — 25fps burst keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 18fps would drop frames.
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 60p 4K vs 30p.
- ✓You vlog or shoot handheld solo — the fully-articulating screen flips to face you and there's a mic input for clean audio.
- ✓You shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -6 EV gives it the edge after dark.
Where they differ
- ›Video: the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark III is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 60p, 10-bit internal and Log.
- ›Price: the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark III launched at $1,799, $200 under the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Weight: the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark III is 504g (1.11 lb) vs 574g (1.27 lb) — 70g you'll feel on a long day out.
- ›Burst: the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark III shoots 25fps to the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II's 18fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
Frequently asked
Is the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II or the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark III better?
Same line, different generation: the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark III (2020) moves ahead on burst speed (25fps vs 18fps) and 4K frame rate (60p vs 30p). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II gives you most of the experience for less.
Who should choose the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark III?
Choose the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark III if you shoot action, sports or wildlife — 25fps burst keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 18fps would drop frames. Choose it if you shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 60p 4K vs 30p. Choose it if you vlog or shoot handheld solo — the fully-articulating screen flips to face you and there's a mic input for clean audio. Choose it if you shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -6 EV gives it the edge after dark.
What is the main difference between the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II and the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark III?
Video: the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark III is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 60p, 10-bit internal and Log.
Own the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark II? Read the dedicated upgrade guide →
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | Live MOS | Live MOS |
| Sensor Size | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Image Processor | TruePic VIII | TruePic IX |
| Effective Resolution | 20.4 MP | 20.4 MP |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 200 – 25600 | 200 – 25600 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | 64 – 102400 | 64 – 102400 |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/32000 | 1/32000 |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 | 1/250 |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 18 fps | 25 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| 8K Recording | − | − |
| 4K Recording | Up to 30p | Up to 60p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 60p | Up to 120p |
| 10-bit Internal | Yes | Yes |
| Recording Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Log Profiles | OM-Log400 | OM-Log400 |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | Stereo |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Mic Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Micro (Type D) | Micro (Type D) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | 121 | 121 |
| Contrast Detect Points | − | − |
| Low Light AF | -2 EV | -6 EV |
| Eye AF | Yes | Yes |
| Animal AF | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | No | No |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 2.36M dots | 2.36M dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.74x | 0.83x |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3" | 3" |
| LCD Resolution | 1.04M dots | 1.04M dots |
| LCD Type | Tilting | Vari-Angle |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | v4.2 | v4.2 |
| USB | Micro USB 3.0 | USB-C 3.0 |
| Memory Card Slots | 2x SD (1x UHS-II) | 2x SD UHS-II |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,999 | $1,799 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | Magnesium Alloy |
| Dimensions | 134.1×91.9×66.9 mm | 134.1×91.9×68.9 mm |
| Weight | 574g (1.27 lb) | 504g (1.11 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 440 shots | 420 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 440 shots | 420 shots |
| Battery Type | BLH-1 | BLH-1 |
