Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!
The goal of this overview is to provide a detailed comparison of two popular camera models introduced by the same brand - Olympus. Although both products are offered by the same brand, they come from different categories. Thus, Olympus, is a camera from Entry-Level Mirrorless category, while OM-D E-M1 Mark II is a Pro Mirrorless camera. Both products that we are going to review are equipped with the same type of sensor - CMOS. However, they have different resolution. The first compared model, Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III, features has a resolution of 16.0 MP. Another model that we are reviewing, Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, features a sensor with a resolution of 20.0 MP.
Now, before we can move on to our comparison, let's take a moment to look at the key characteristics of Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III and Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III Key Features:
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II Key Features:
Being a newer model, Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III substituted Olympus E-M10 II.
Built-In Flash | Yes vs No | All the lenses are stabilized |
Screen Resolution | 1,040k dots vs 1,037k dots | 0.3% higher resolution screen |
Weight | 410 g vs 574 g | 164 g lighter |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.62 vs No | 0.62 better magnification |
Storage Slots | 2 vs 1 | Extra storage slot |
Sensor Resolution | 20.0 MP vs 16.0 MP | 20% more pixels |
Continuous Shooting | 15 fps vs 8.6 fps | 6.4 fps faster |
Flash Range | 9.1 vs 5.8 | 3.3 better flash range |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 vs 1/4000 | Faster shutter speed |
Screen Type | Fully Articulated vs Tilting | Flexible shooting positions |
Battery Life | 350 shots vs 330 shots | 20 more frames with a single charge |
Environmental Sealing | Yes vs No | Shoot at tough conditions |
Max Video Resolution | 4096 x 2160 vs 3840 x 2160 | Higher Resolution Video |
Microphone Port | Yes vs No | High quality audio recording option |
Headphone Port | Yes vs No | Has headphone port |
Touch Screen | Yes | Yes | Easy control of camera functions |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ | Large display |
Screen Resolution | 1,040k dots | 1,037k dots | High resolution screen |
Screen Type | Tilting | Fully Articulated | Help viewing and changing settings easily |
Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic | Better framing and control |
Raw Support | Yes | Yes | Better image quality |
AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes | Yes | Very handy for portraits |
Timelapse Recording | Yes | Yes | Creative shooting |
Bracketing | Yes | Yes | Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR |
Continuous Shooting | 8.6 fps | 15.0 fps | Nice continuous shooting |
Image Stabilization | Yes | Yes | Built-in stabilization |
Flash Sync Port | Yes | Yes | Port for Flash Sync |
Sensor Resolution | 16.0 MP | 20.0 MP | Small sensor resolution |
Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III and Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II from the front view.
Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.
After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.
Speaking of weight, Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 164g less than the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.
Are Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III and Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II any different in terms of sensor type?
In fact, that's exactly what makes these two models really different. Thus, it is a good point to consider if your are choosing between these two cameras. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III features a 16.0 MP Four Thirds sized CMOS sensor and boasts of a TruePic VIII processor . Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, in its turn, comes with a 20.0 MP Four Thirds sized CMOS sensor and TruePic VIII processor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III and Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II by the size of their sensors.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III and Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II are identical by this indicator, as each feature a sensor of the same size. Thus, both cameras will provide the same level of control in terms of the depth of field if you use them with the same focal length and aperture.
If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.
This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III and Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.
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Street Photography |
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Sports Photography |
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Daily Photography |
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Landscape Photography |
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Hopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III or Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.
What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III and Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II deserves a higher Total Score than the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III | Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II | |
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General | ||
Brand | Olympus | Olympus |
Model | OM-D E-M10 Mark III | OM-D E-M1 Mark II |
Announced | Aug 31, 2017 | Sep 19, 2016 |
Body Type | SLR-style mirrorless | SLR-style mirrorless |
Sensor | ||
Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Size | Four Thirds | Four Thirds |
Sensor Dimensions | 17.4 x 13 mm | 17.4 x 13 mm |
Sensor Area | 226.20 mm2 | 226.20 mm2 |
Sensor Resolution | 16.0 MP | 20.0 MP |
Max Image Resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 5184 x 3888 |
Max Native ISO | 25,600 | 25,600 |
Max Boosted ISO | n/a | n/a |
Min Native ISO | 200 | 200 |
RAW Support | ||
Lens | ||
Manual Focus | ||
Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
Number of Lenses | 94 | 94 |
Focal Length Multiplier | 2x | 2x |
Macro Focus Range | ||
AutoFocus | ||
AF Touch | ||
AF Continuous | ||
AF Single | ||
AF Tracking | ||
AF Selective | ||
AF Center | ||
AF Multi Area | ||
AF Live View | ||
AF Face Detection | ||
AF Contrast Detection | ||
AF Phase Detection | ||
Number of Focus Points | 121 | 121 |
Number of Cross Focus Points | n/a | n/a |
Screen | ||
Screen Type | Tilting | Fully Articulated |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ |
Screen Resolution | 1,040k dots | 1,037k dots |
Live View | ||
Touch Screen | ||
ViewFinder | ||
ViewFinder | Electronic | Electronic |
ViewFinder Resolution | 2,360k dots | 2,360k dots |
ViewFinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
ViewFinder Magnification | 0.62 | |
Photography Features | ||
Min Shutter Speed | 60 s | 60 s |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 s | 1/8000 s |
Continuous Shooting | 8.6 fps | 15.0 fps |
Shutter Priority | ||
Aperture Priority | ||
Manual Exposure Mode | ||
Exposure Compensation | ||
Custom White Balance | ||
Image Stabilization | ||
Built-in Flash | ||
Flash Range | 5.8 | 9.1 |
Flash Modes | Auto, redeye, slow sync, 2nd-curtain slow sync, redeye slow sync, fill-in, manual | Redeye, Fill-in, Flash Off, Red-eye Slow sync.(1st curtain), Slow sync.(1st curtain), Slow sync.(2nd curtain), Manual |
External Flash | ||
AE Bracketing | ||
WB Bracketing | ||
Exposure Modes | ||
Multi-Segment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF-Area | ||
Center Weighted | ||
Video Features | ||
Video Resolutions | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 102 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM | 4096 x 2160 @ 24p / 237 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM, 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 102 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM |
Max Video Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 4096 x 2160 |
Video Formats | MPEG-4, H.264 | MOV, H.264 |
Microphone Port | ||
Headphone Port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless Connectivity | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 | USB 3.0 |
Physical | ||
Environmental Sealing | ||
Water Proof | ||
Dust Proof | ||
Shock Proof | ||
Crush Proof | ||
Freeze Proof | ||
Weight | 410 g | 574 g |
Physical Dimensions | 122 x 84 x 50 mm | 134 x 91 x 67 mm |
Battery Life | 330 shots | 350 shots |
Battery Type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Model | BLS-50 | n/a |
Other Features | ||
Self Timer | ||
Timelapse Recording | ||
GPS | ||
Storage Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I/II supported) | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots |
Storage Slots | 1 | 2 |
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