Lumix S9vs Olympus OM-D E-M5 III
Lumix
Lumix S9 (2024)
Starting from £1299 new
Best for Travel photographers, content creators & L-mount entry buyers
View Lumix S9
OM System
Olympus OM-D E-M5 III (2019)
Starting from £699 new
Best for Travel & lightweight outdoor photography
View Olympus OM-D E-M5 III
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Travel Photographers, Content Creators & L-Mount Entry Buyers — Lumix S9 (2024): The most compact full-frame camera available — a perfect travel and content creation companion with brilliant colour science.
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 S9 (2024)
- Travel photographers who want full-frame quality in the most compact package
- Content creators attracted to Real-time LUT and 10-bit video
- Photographers already in the L-mount ecosystem wanting a lightweight second body
- Lumix S5 II users who want something smaller for travel and casual shooting
Olympus OM-D E-M5 III (2019)
- Travel photographers who want a compact, weather-sealed MFT body
- Outdoor photographers upgrading from the E-M10 who want better sealing
- Enthusiasts who want strong IBIS in a lightweight, portable system
- Photographers who want a capable travel camera that won't weigh them down
Quick take: The lumix s9 has the highest resolution at 24mp; the olympus om-d e-m5 iii is the most affordable; only the olympus om-d e-m5 iii is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Lumix S9 (2024) | Olympus OM-D E-M5 III (2019) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,299 | £699 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS | 20.4MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 20.4MP |
| Video | 4K/60p (10-bit), C4K/60p, 1080p/240p | 4K/30p, 1080p/120p |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF with subject recognition | Hybrid phase/contrast AF with face/eye detection |
| Stabilisation | IBIS — up to 5 stops | 7.5-stop 5-axis IBIS |
| Burst Rate | 30fps electronic | 30fps electronic / 10fps mechanical |
| Battery Life | ~310 shots (CIPA) | 390 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 413g (with battery) | 414g body only |
| Dimensions | 124.6 × 73.9 × 52.8mm | 125.3 × 85.2 × 49.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | None — rear screen only | 0.35" OLED EVF, 2.36M dots |
| Screen | 3.0" tilting touchscreen (touch drag AF) | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen |
| Mount | Leica L mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-II slot | Single SD UHS-I |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Micro USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Lumix S9 | Olympus OM-D E-M5 III |
|---|---|---|
| Travel | ||
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Street | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Sports | — | |
| Sports & Action | — |
More comparisons with Lumix S9
Camera family history