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Olympus E-M1 III vs E-PL5

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III and the Olympus PEN E-PL5 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in February 2020 and September 2012. Both the E-M1 III and the E-PL5 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are equipped with a Four Thirds sensor. The E-M1 III has a resolution of 20.2 megapixels, whereas the E-PL5 provides 15.9 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Olympus E-M1 III
versus
Olympus E-PL5
Olympus E-M1 III   Olympus E-PL5
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Micro Four Thirds lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
20.2 MP – Four Thirds sensor 15.9 MP – Four Thirds sensor
4K/30p Video 1080/30p Video
ISO 200-25,600 ISO 200-25,600
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots) Viewfinder optional
3.0" LCD – 1037k dots 3.0" LCD – 460k dots
Swivel touchscreen Tilting touchscreen
18 shutter flaps per second 8 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
420 shots per battery charge360 shots per battery charge
134 x 91 x 69 mm, 580 g 111 x 64 x 38 mm, 325 g
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Check E-M1 III offers at
ebay.com
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Check E-PL5 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III and the Olympus PEN E-PL5? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Olympus E-M1 III and the Olympus E-PL5. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The E-PL5 can be obtained in three different colors (black, silver, white), while the E-M1 III is only available in black.

Size Olympus E-M1 III vs Olympus E-PL5
Compare E-M1 III versus E-PL5 top
Comparison E-M1 III or E-PL5 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Olympus E-PL5 is considerably smaller (42 percent) than the Olympus E-M1 III. Moreover, the E-PL5 is substantially lighter (44 percent) than the E-M1 III. It is worth mentioning in this context that the E-M1 III is splash and dust resistant, while the E-PL5 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. In this particular case, both cameras feature the same lens mount, so that they can use the same lenses. You can compare the optics available in the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog. Mirrorless cameras, such as the two under consideration, have the additional advantage of having a short flange to focal plane distance, which makes it possible to mount many lenses from other systems onto the camera via adapters.

Concerning battery life, the E-M1 III gets 420 shots out of its Olympus BLH-1 battery, while the E-PL5 can take 360 images on a single charge of its Olympus BLS-5 power pack. The power pack in the E-M1 III can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus E-M1 III 134 mm 91 mm 69 mm 580 g 420 Y Feb 2020 1,799ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-PL5 111 mm 64 mm 38 mm 325 g 360 n Sep 2012 599ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon Z6 II 134 mm 101 mm 70 mm 705 g 410 Y Oct 2020 1,999 amazon.com
4.
 
Olympus E-M1 II 134 mm 91 mm 67 mm 574 g 440 Y Sep 2016 1,999ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-M1X 144 mm 147 mm 75 mm 997 g 870 Y Jan 2019 2,999ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-M5 III 125 mm 85 mm 50 mm 414 g 310 Y Oct 2019 1,199ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-M10 119 mm 82 mm 46 mm 396 g 320 n Jan 2014 699ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-PL3 110 mm 64 mm 37 mm 313 g 300 n Jun 2011 599ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-PL6 111 mm 64 mm 38 mm 325 g 360 n May 2013 599ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus E-PL7 115 mm 67 mm 38 mm 357 g 350 n Aug 2014 599ebay.com
11.
 
Olympus E-PM2 110 mm 64 mm 34 mm 269 g 360 n Sep 2012 499ebay.com
12.
 
OM System OM-1 135 mm 92 mm 73 mm 599 g 520 Y Feb 2022 2,199ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic G9 137 mm 97 mm 92 mm 658 g 400 Y Nov 2017 1,699ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic G90 130 mm 94 mm 77 mm 536 g 290 Y Apr 2019 999ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GH5 139 mm 98 mm 87 mm 725 g 410 Y Jan 2017 1,999ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic GH5 II 139 mm 98 mm 87 mm 727 g 400 Y May 2021 1,699 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A7C 124 mm 71 mm 60 mm 509 g 740 Y Sep 2020 1,799 amazon.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The E-PL5 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 67 percent) than the E-M1 III, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a Four Thirds sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 2.0. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability. Both cameras feature a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 4:3.

In terms of chip-set technology, the E-M1 III uses a more advanced image processing engine (TruePic IX) than the E-PL5 (TruePic VI), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.

Olympus E-M1 III and Olympus E-PL5 sensor measures

While the two cameras under review share the same sensor size, the E-M1 III offers a higher resolution of 20.2 megapixels, compared with 15.9 MP of the E-PL5. This megapixels advantage translates into a 13 percent gain in linear resolution. On the other hand, these sensor specs imply that the E-M1 III has a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 3.34μm versus 3.76μm for the E-PL5). In this context, it should be noted, however, that the E-M1 III is much more recent (by 7 years and 4 months) than the E-PL5, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that compensate for the smaller pixel size. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the E-M1 III has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Olympus E-M1 III implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the E-M1 III for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 25.9 x 19.4 inches or 65.8 x 49.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 20.7 x 15.6 inches or 52.7 x 39.5 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 17.3 x 13 inches or 43.9 x 32.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Olympus E-PL5 are 23 x 17.3 inches or 58.5 x 43.9 cm for good quality, 18.4 x 13.8 inches or 46.8 x 35.1 cm for very good quality, and 15.4 x 11.5 inches or 39 x 29.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The E-M1 III has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

Unlike the E-PL5, the E-M1 III has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (80MP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 64-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Olympus PEN E-PL5 are ISO 200 to ISO 25600 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

E-M1 III versus E-PL5 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Olympus E-M1 III Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.313.1135676
2.
 
Olympus E-PL5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.812.388972
3.
 
Nikon Z6 II Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/60p25.014.4330394
4.
 
Olympus E-M1 II Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.712.8131280
5.
 
Olympus E-M1X Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.213.0125475
6.
 
Olympus E-M5 III Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.313.1132476
7.
 
Olympus E-M10 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.812.388472
8.
 
Olympus E-PL3 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i20.910.349952
9.
 
Olympus E-PL6 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.512.071768
10.
 
Olympus E-PL7 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.712.487372
11.
 
Olympus E-PM2 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.712.293272
12.
 
OM System OM-1 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.413.4155377
13.
 
Panasonic G9 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.112.8113874
14.
 
Panasonic G90 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.213.0127375
15.
 
Panasonic GH5 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.913.080777
16.
 
Panasonic GH5 II Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.713.1113679
17.
 
Sony A7C Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.7340795
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the E-M1 III provides a higher video resolution than the E-PL5. It can shoot video footage at 4K/30p, while the E-PL5 is limited to 1080/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the E-M1 III has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the E-PL5 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the E-PL5 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the VF-3. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Olympus E-M1 III, the Olympus E-PL5, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Olympus E-M1 III2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 18.0/s n Y
2.
 
Olympus E-PL5optional n3.0 / 460 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n Y
3.
 
Nikon Z6 II3690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n Y
4.
 
Olympus E-M1 II2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 18.0/s n Y
5.
 
Olympus E-M1X2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 18.0/s n Y
6.
 
Olympus E-M5 III2360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
7.
 
Olympus E-M101440 n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Olympus E-PL3optional n3.0 / 460 tilting n 1/4000s 5.5/s n Y
9.
 
Olympus E-PL6optional n3.0 / 460 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n Y
10.
 
Olympus E-PL7optional n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n Y
11.
 
Olympus E-PM2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n Y
12.
 
OM System OM-15760 n3.0 / 1640 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
13.
 
Panasonic G93680 Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
14.
 
Panasonic G902360 n3.0 / 1240 swivel Y 1/4000s 9.0/s Y Y
15.
 
Panasonic GH53680 n3.2 / 1620 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
16.
 
Panasonic GH5 II3680 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A7C2360 n3.0 / 922 swivel Y 1/4000s 10.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
Both cameras have an articulated rear screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This feature will be particularly appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the E-M1 III is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Olympus E-M1 III has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the E-M1 III and the E-PL5 write their files to SDXC cards. The E-M1 III features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the E-PL5 only has one slot. The E-M1 III supports UHS-II cards (on its first slot), while the E-PL5 can use UHS-I cards.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III and Olympus PEN E-PL5 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Olympus E-M1 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
2.
 
Olympus E-PL5Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
3.
 
Nikon Z6 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
4.
 
Olympus E-M1 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.0Y--
5.
 
Olympus E-M1XYstereo / monoYYmicro3.0Y-Y
6.
 
Olympus E-M5 IIIYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
7.
 
Olympus E-M10Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
8.
 
Olympus E-PL3Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
9.
 
Olympus E-PL6Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
10.
 
Olympus E-PL7Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
11.
 
Olympus E-PM2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
12.
 
OM System OM-1Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.0Y-Y
13.
 
Panasonic G9Ystereo / monoYYfull3.0Y-Y
14.
 
Panasonic G90Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0Y-Y
15.
 
Panasonic GH5Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
16.
 
Panasonic GH5 IIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
17.
 
Sony A7CYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY

It is notable that the E-M1 III has a microphone port, which is missing on the E-PL5. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Olympus E-M1 III (unlike the E-PL5) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the E-M1 III and the E-PL5 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The E-PL5 was replaced by the Olympus E-PL6, while the E-M1 III was followed by the OM System OM-1. Further information on the features and operation of the E-M1 III and E-PL5 can be found, respectively, in the Olympus E-M1 III Manual (free pdf) or the online Olympus E-PL5 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Olympus E-M1 III or the Olympus E-PL5 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.


Reasons to prefer the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (20.2 vs 15.9MP) with a 13% higher linear resolution.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (TruePic IX vs TruePic VI).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/30p).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1037k vs 460k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (18 vs 8 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (420 versus 360) on a single battery charge.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.1 vs 2.0).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
  • More modern: Reflects 7 years and 4 months of technical progress since the E-PL5 launch.


Arguments in favor of the Olympus PEN E-PL5:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • More compact: Is smaller (111x64mm vs 134x91mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 255g or 44 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (67 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in September 2012).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the E-M1 III is the clear winner of the match-up (25 : 5 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

E-M1 III 25:05 E-PL5

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Olympus E-M1 III and the Olympus E-PL5 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the E-M1 III or the E-PL5. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus E-M1 III5/5..5/583/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2020 1,799ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-PL53/5+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 599ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon Z6 II4.5/5..4/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2020 1,999 amazon.com
4.
 
Olympus E-M1 II5/5+ +5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 1,999ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-M1X4.5/5o5/585/1004.5/5.. Jan 2019 2,999ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-M5 III5/5+5/582/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2019 1,199ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-M104/5....80/1005/55/5 Jan 2014 699ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-PL33/5+ +..72/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 599ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-PL6............ May 2013 599ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus E-PL74/5+....5/54/5 Aug 2014 599ebay.com
11.
 
Olympus E-PM23/5....77/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 499ebay.com
12.
 
OM System OM-15/5....87/1005/54.5/5 Feb 2022 2,199ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic G9..+ +5/585/1005/55/5 Nov 2017 1,699ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic G904.5/5+4.5/583/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2019 999ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GH54.5/5+ +..85/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2017 1,999ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic GH5 II4.5/5..4.5/585/1004.5/55/5 May 2021 1,699 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A7C3.5/5..3.5/586/1004/54/5 Sep 2020 1,799 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Olympus E-M1 III vs Olympus E-PL5

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Olympus E-M1 III Olympus E-PL5
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Micro Four Thirds lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date February 2020 September 2012
    Launch Price USD 1,799 USD 599
    Sensor Specs Olympus E-M1 III Olympus E-PL5
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Four Thirds Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 17.3 x 13.0 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 224.9 mm2 224.9 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 21.6 mm 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 2.0x 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 20.2 Megapixels 15.9 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5184 x 3888 pixels 4608 x 3456 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.34 μm 3.76 μm
    Pixel Density 8.96 MP/cm2 7.08 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 1080/30p Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 25,600 ISO 200 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 64 - 25,600 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor TruePic IX TruePic VI
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) .. 72
    DXO Color Depth (bits) .. 22.8
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) .. 12.3
    DXO Low Light (ISO) .. 889
    Screen Specs Olympus E-M1 III Olympus E-PL5
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Viewfinder optional
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.74x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2360k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1037k dots 460k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Olympus E-M1 III Olympus E-PL5
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peakingno Peaking Feature
    Continuous Shooting 18 shutter flaps/s 8 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/32000sno E-Shutter
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    UHS card support Single UHS-II UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Olympus E-M1 III Olympus E-PL5
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 3.1 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port no MIC socket
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Body Specs Olympus E-M1 III Olympus E-PL5
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Olympus BLH-1 Olympus BLS-5
    Battery Life (CIPA)420 shots per charge360 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 134 x 91 x 69 mm
    (5.3 x 3.6 x 2.7 in)
    111 x 64 x 38 mm
    (4.4 x 2.5 x 1.5 in)
    Camera Weight 580 g (20.5 oz) 325 g (11.5 oz)
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