Upgrade Guide

OM System OM-3→OM System Olympus OM-D E-M5 III

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

OM System

OM-3

£999

2024

→

Upgrade to

OM System

Olympus OM-D E-M5 III

£699 (-£300)

2019

✅

Worthwhile

Clear improvements over the OM-3. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.

What's new in the Olympus OM-D E-M5 III

↑

Stabilisation

Improved — 7.5-stop 5-axis IBIS
↑

Burst rate

30fps electronic / 10fps mechanical vs 10fps mechanical, 30fps electronic with AF

Unchanged or similar

Suitability by genre

Full spec comparison

Spec	OM-3	Olympus OM-D E-M5 III
Price	£999	£699
Released	2024	2019	↓
Sensor	20.4MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds	20.4MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS
Resolution	20MP	20MP
Video	4K/60p (10-bit), C4K/30p, 1080p/120p	4K/30p, 1080p/120p
Autofocus	Phase-detect AF — subject recognition (human, animal, bird, vehicle)	Hybrid phase/contrast AF with face/eye detection
Stabilisation	IBIS — up to 6.5 stops (7.5 stops with Sync IS lenses)	7.5-stop 5-axis IBIS
Burst Rate	10fps mechanical, 30fps electronic with AF	30fps electronic / 10fps mechanical	↑
Battery Life	~400 shots (CIPA)	390 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	414g (with battery)	414g body only
Weather Sealed	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder	EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.74× magnification	0.35" OLED EVF, 2.36M dots
Screen	3.0" fully articulating touchscreen	3.0" fully articulating touchscreen
Mount	Micro Four Thirds	Micro Four Thirds
Memory Cards	Single SD UHS-II slot	Single SD UHS-I

Compare side-by-side

See OM-3 and Olympus OM-D E-M5 III next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

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