Leica SL3vs Olympus OM-D E-M5 III

GearFrame · Updated March 2026

Leica Leica SL3 Leica Leica SL3 (2024) From £6499 Best for Professional & luxury hybrid shooters View Leica SL3
VS
OM System Olympus OM-D E-M5 III 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?

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.

↓ Full specifications below

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. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.

Full specifications

Specification Leica SL3 (2024)Olympus OM-D E-M5 III (2019)
Price £6,499 £699
Sensor 60MP full-frame BSI CMOS 20.4MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS
Resolution 60.0MP 20.4MP
Video 8K/30p, 4K/60p, Apple ProRes 4K/30p, 1080p/120p
Autofocus Phase-detect AF with subject/face/eye detection Hybrid phase/contrast AF with face/eye detection
Stabilisation 7.5-stop IBIS 7.5-stop 5-axis IBIS
Burst Rate 30fps electronic 30fps electronic / 10fps mechanical
Battery Life 410 shots (CIPA) 390 shots (CIPA)
Weight 875g body only 414g body only
Dimensions 146.0 × 104.0 × 42.0mm 125.3 × 85.2 × 49.7mm
Weather Sealed Yes Yes
Viewfinder 0.78" OLED EVF, 5.76M dots 0.35" OLED EVF, 2.36M dots
Screen 3.2" fixed touchscreen 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen
Mount Leica L-mount Micro Four Thirds
Memory Cards Dual SD UHS-II Single SD UHS-I
Connectivity USB-C 3.1, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Micro USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
⚡ Compare specs side by side Leica SL3 prices → Olympus OM-D E-M5 III prices →

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