OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark III vs OM System PEN
The bottom line
There's a real price gap here: the OM System PEN at $999 versus the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark III at $1,799. The extra buys you dual card slots. The question is whether those advantages are ones you'll use often enough to justify the premium — if not, the cheaper body is the smart buy.
Choose the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark III if…
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 60p 4K vs 30p, 10-bit internal colour and both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio.
- ✓You shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -6 EV gives it the edge after dark.
- ✓You need backup-while-you-shoot reliability — dual card slots (the other has one) matter for paid work like weddings and events.
Choose the OM System PEN if…
- ✓You're budget-conscious — it launched at $999, about $800 less, freeing money for lenses.
- ✓You value portability — at 393g (13.9 oz) it's noticeably lighter than the 504g (1.11 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
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 PEN launched at $999, $800 under the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark III — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Card slots: the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark III has dual slots for instant backup — the reliability paid work depends on.
- ›Weight: the OM System PEN is 393g (13.9 oz) vs 504g (1.11 lb) — 111g you'll feel on a long day out.
- ›Burst: the OM System PEN shoots 30fps to the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark III's 25fps — 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 III or the OM System PEN better?
There's a real price gap here: the OM System PEN at $999 versus the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark III at $1,799. The extra buys you dual card slots. The question is whether those advantages are ones you'll use often enough to justify the premium — if not, the cheaper body is the smart buy.
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 video seriously — it brings smoother 60p 4K vs 30p, 10-bit internal colour and both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio. Choose it if you shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -6 EV gives it the edge after dark. Choose it if you need backup-while-you-shoot reliability — dual card slots (the other has one) matter for paid work like weddings and events.
Who should choose the OM System PEN?
Choose the OM System PEN if you're budget-conscious — it launched at $999, about $800 less, freeing money for lenses. Choose it if you value portability — at 393g (13.9 oz) it's noticeably lighter than the 504g (1.11 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark III and the OM System PEN?
Video: the OM System OM-D E-M1 Mark III is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 60p, 10-bit internal and Log.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | Live MOS | Live MOS |
| Sensor Size | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Image Processor | TruePic IX | 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 | 100 – 25600 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | 64 – 102400 | − |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/8000 | − |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/32000 | − |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 | 1/250 |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 25 fps | 30 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| 8K Recording | − | − |
| 4K Recording | Up to 60p | Up to 30p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 120p | Up to 60p |
| 10-bit Internal | Yes | No |
| Recording Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Log Profiles | OM-Log400 | OM-Log400 |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | − |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | No |
| Mic Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Micro (Type D) | Micro (Type D) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | 121 | 121 |
| Contrast Detect Points | − | − |
| Low Light AF | -6 EV | -3.5 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 | 0.83x | − |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3" | 3" |
| LCD Resolution | 1.04M dots | 1.04M dots |
| LCD Type | Vari-Angle | Vari-Angle |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | − |
| Bluetooth | v4.2 | v5.2 |
| USB | USB-C 3.0 | USB-C |
| Memory Card Slots | 2x SD UHS-II | 1x SD UHS-I |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,799 | $999 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | − |
| Dimensions | 134.1×91.9×68.9 mm | 125.8×74.5×43.3 mm |
| Weight | 504g (1.11 lb) | 393g (13.9 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 420 shots | 410 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 420 shots | 410 shots |
| Battery Type | BLH-1 | BLS-7 |
