OM System OM-D E-M5 Mark III vs OM System OM-5 Mark II
The bottom line
Same line, different generation: the OM System OM-5 Mark II (2025) moves ahead on burst speed (30fps vs 15fps) and 4K frame rate (60p vs 30p). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the OM System OM-D E-M5 Mark III gives you most of the experience for less.
Choose the OM System OM-5 Mark II if…
- ✓You shoot action, sports or wildlife — 30fps burst and 1,053 phase-detect points keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 15fps would drop frames.
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 60p 4K vs 30p and both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio.
- ✓You shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -7.5 EV gives it the edge after dark.
- ✓You shoot long days on one charge — rated 520 shots per battery vs 310.
Where they differ
- ›Video: the OM System OM-5 Mark II is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 60p, 10-bit internal and Log.
- ›Price: the OM System OM-5 Mark II launched at $1,199, $100 under the OM System OM-D E-M5 Mark III — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Burst: the OM System OM-5 Mark II shoots 30fps to the OM System OM-D E-M5 Mark III's 15fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
Frequently asked
Is the OM System OM-D E-M5 Mark III or the OM System OM-5 Mark II better?
Same line, different generation: the OM System OM-5 Mark II (2025) moves ahead on burst speed (30fps vs 15fps) and 4K frame rate (60p vs 30p). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the OM System OM-D E-M5 Mark III gives you most of the experience for less.
Who should choose the OM System OM-5 Mark II?
Choose the OM System OM-5 Mark II if you shoot action, sports or wildlife — 30fps burst and 1,053 phase-detect points keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 15fps would drop frames. Choose it if you shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 60p 4K vs 30p and both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio. Choose it if you shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -7.5 EV gives it the edge after dark. Choose it if you shoot long days on one charge — rated 520 shots per battery vs 310.
What is the main difference between the OM System OM-D E-M5 Mark III and the OM System OM-5 Mark II?
Video: the OM System OM-5 Mark II is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 60p, 10-bit internal and Log.
Own the OM System OM-D E-M5 Mark III? Read the dedicated upgrade guide →
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | Live MOS | BSI Stacked 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 | 80 – 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 | 15 fps | 30 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| 8K Recording | − | − |
| 4K Recording | Up to 30p | Up to 60p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 120p | Up to 240p |
| 10-bit Internal | Yes | Yes |
| Recording Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Log Profiles | OM-Log400 | OM-Log400 / HLG |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | Stereo |
| Headphone Jack | No | Yes |
| Mic Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Micro (Type D) | Micro (Type D) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | 121 | 1,053 |
| Contrast Detect Points | − | − |
| Low Light AF | -2 EV | -7.5 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 | 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 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | v4.2 | v4.2 |
| USB | USB-C 3.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Memory Card Slots | 1x SD UHS-II | 1x SD UHS-II |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,299 | $1,199 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | Magnesium Alloy |
| Dimensions | 125.3×85.2×49.7 mm | 125.3×85.2×52 mm |
| Weight | 366g (12.9 oz) | 418g (14.7 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 310 shots | 520 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 310 shots | 520 shots |
| Battery Type | BLS-50 | BLX-1 |
