Lumix S5vs 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 Video & Hybrid Shooting — Lumix S5 (2020): The S5 is an outstanding video camera that also takes excellent stills. 10-bit 4K/60p, dual native ISO and 6.5-stop IBIS in a weather-sealed body is a compelling package. The contrast-detect AF is its main weakness vs Sony and Canon — but for controlled shooting it doesn't hold it back.
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
Lumix S5 (2020)
- Videographers who need 10-bit colour science in a full-frame body
- Photographers who shoot video as a second discipline
- Studio photographers who want full-frame IBIS at a lower price
- L-mount system users building a versatile kit
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 lumix s5 has the highest resolution at 24mp; the olympus om-d e-m5 iii is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Lumix S5 (2020) | Olympus OM-D E-M5 III (2019) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,699 | £699 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS | 20.4MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 20.4MP |
| Video | 4K/60p 10-bit V-Log/HLG, 5.9K anamorphic, 1080p/180p slow-motion | 4K/30p, 1080p/120p |
| Autofocus | Contrast AF (DFD Technology), face/eye detection | Hybrid phase/contrast AF with face/eye detection |
| Stabilisation | 6.5-stop IBIS (dual IBIS with Lumix S lenses) | 7.5-stop 5-axis IBIS |
| Burst Rate | 7fps mechanical, 9fps electronic (AFS) | 30fps electronic / 10fps mechanical |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA) | 390 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 714g (body, battery, card) | 414g body only |
| Dimensions | 132.6 × 97.1 × 81.9mm | 125.3 × 85.2 × 49.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.78× magnification | 0.35" OLED EVF, 2.36M dots |
| Screen | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 1.84M dots | 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 (USB 3.2 Gen 1), full-size HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Micro USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
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