Decision tools · Compare
OM-D E-M5 Mark II vs OM-D E-M5 III
Quick take: The OM-D E-M5 III has the highest resolution at 20MP; the OM-D E-M5 Mark II is the most affordable.
16 specs side by side·15 genres scored·UK prices from Wex Photo Video and Clifton Cameras
How to read this page. Highlighted cells win that row on the spec alone. Genre scores are the engine's base scores (enthusiast, photo and video); Camera Match re-weights them for your level and priorities. Price buttons are affiliate links; the price you pay is the same.
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Verdictwhich should you buy?
OM-D E-M5 Mark II — Travel & Landscape: The E-M5 II was the benchmark weather-sealed travel camera of its generation. The 16MP sensor is modest by today's standards but excellent in practice, and the 5-axis IBIS is genuinely useful. Weather sealing, a flip screen, and a high-res composite mode make it a practical companion. A highly capable used-market buy for travel and outdoor photographers who don't need the latest resolution numbers.
OM-D E-M5 III — Travel & Lightweight Outdoor Photography: 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
OM-D E-M5 Mark II (2015)
is the right camera for you if…
- Travel photographers wanting compact + weather sealing
- Outdoor and landscape shooters
- Micro Four Thirds system users
OM-D E-M5 III (2019)
is the right camera for you if…
- 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
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | OM-D E-M5 Mark IIOlympus · 2015 | OM-D E-M5 IIIOlympus · 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £124 usedBest | £659 |
| Sensor | 16MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | 20.4MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS |
| Resolution | 16.0MP | 20.4MPBest |
| Video | 1080p/60p | 4K/30p, 1080p/120p |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF, face detection | Hybrid phase/contrast AF with face/eye detection |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 5.0 stops | 7.5-stop 5-axis IBIS |
| Burst Rate | 10fps | 30fps electronic / 10fps mechanicalBest |
| Battery Life | ~310 shots (CIPA) | 390 shots (CIPA)Best |
| Weight | 417g (with battery and card) | 414g (body only)Best |
| Dimensions | 123.7 × 85.0 × 44.5mm | 125.3 × 85.2 × 49.7mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.74× magnification | 0.35" OLED EVF, 2.36M dots |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.04M dots | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Single SD UHS-I |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, Wi-Fi | Micro USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Wins the row — price, resolution, burst, battery, weight and sealing are compared; text specs aren't ranked.
How they score by genreengine base scores out of 10
Genre
OM-D E-M5 Mark II
OM-D E-M5 III
Portrait
5.0/10
6.4/10
Street
5.9/10
6.7/10
Travel
5.8/10
6.5/10
Wedding & Events
4.0/10
5.4/10
Vlogging & Video
4.2/10
6.1/10
Documentary
4.6/10
6.2/10
Sports & Action
5.4/10
6.7/10
Landscape
5.4/10
5.9/10
Wildlife
6.1/10
7.4/10
Casual
4.3/10
6.7/10
Food
5.9/10
6.9/10
Macro
7.1/10
7.9/10
Architecture
5.4/10
6.0/10
Astrophotography
5.5/10
5.6/10
Filmmaking
—
5.0/10
Scores come from the same engine as Camera Match: verified specifications weighted by what each genre needs, with documented adjustments. The product page and this table show the enthusiast base score. See how scores are calculated →
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