Hasselblad X1D II 50Cvs Leica SL3vs Olympus OM-D E-M5 III
Hasselblad
Hasselblad X1D II 50C (2019)
From £3999
Best for Fine art, portrait & entry-level medium format
View Hasselblad X1D II 50C
OM System
Olympus OM-D E-M5 III (2019)
From £699
Best for Travel & lightweight outdoor photography
View Olympus OM-D E-M5 III
Which should you buy?
Fine Art, Portrait & Entry-Level Medium Format — Hasselblad X1D II 50C (2019): The most accessible Hasselblad XCD body — 50MP medium-format quality for those who cannot stretch to the X2D 100C.
Professional & Luxury Hybrid Shooters — Leica SL3 (2024): Leica's most capable mirrorless — 60MP, 30fps burst, 8K ProRes, and 7.5-stop IBIS with L-mount's growing lens ecosystem.
Travel & Lightweight Outdoor Photography — Olympus OM-D E-M5 III (2019): The lightest weather-sealed MFT camera — compact, travel-friendly, and capable with 7.5-stop IBIS in a body that fits in a jacket pocket.
Who should buy what
Hasselblad X1D II 50C (2019)
- You want Hasselblad's legendary colour rendition in a modern mirrorless body
- You shoot portrait, landscape, or fine art photography at a professional level
- You value the camera as an object — aesthetics and build quality matter as much as specs
Leica SL3 (2024)
- You want Leica image quality with the convenience of autofocus and interchangeable lenses
- You shoot portraits, commercial, or editorial and want the best Leica system camera
- You plan to use Leica M lenses via adapter alongside native SL glass
Olympus OM-D E-M5 III (2019)
- You want a lightweight, sealed camera for travel and outdoor photography
- You're new to Micro Four Thirds and want a capable mid-range body with excellent stabilisation
- Note: consider the newer OM-5 for updated specs in a similar compact form factor
Quick take: The leica sl3 has the highest resolution at 60mp; the olympus om-d e-m5 iii is the most affordable; only the leica sl3, olympus om-d e-m5 iii are weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Hasselblad X1D II 50C (2019) | Leica SL3 (2024) | Olympus OM-D E-M5 III (2019) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £3,999 | £6,499 | £699 |
| Sensor | 50MP medium-format CMOS (43.8 × 32.9mm) | 60MP full-frame BSI CMOS | 20.4MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS |
| Resolution | 50.0MP | 60.0MP | 20.4MP |
| Video | None | 8K/30p, 4K/60p, Apple ProRes | 4K/30p, 1080p/120p |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF | Phase-detect AF with subject/face/eye detection | Hybrid phase/contrast AF with face/eye detection |
| Stabilisation | None | 7.5-stop IBIS | 7.5-stop 5-axis IBIS |
| Burst Rate | 2.7fps | 30fps electronic | 30fps electronic / 10fps mechanical |
| Battery Life | 370 shots (CIPA) | 410 shots (CIPA) | 390 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 766g body only | 875g body only | 414g body only |
| Dimensions | 148.0 × 97.0 × 73.8mm | 146.0 × 104.0 × 42.0mm | 125.3 × 85.2 × 49.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | 0.87" OLED EVF, 3.69M dots | 0.78" OLED EVF, 5.76M dots | 0.35" OLED EVF, 2.36M dots |
| Screen | 3.6" touchscreen | 3.2" fixed touchscreen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen |
| Mount | Hasselblad XCD | Leica L-mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II | Dual SD UHS-II | Single SD UHS-I |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-C 3.1, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Micro USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
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