Hamburg, 02/12/2020 | Press Release | Camera & Audio With the new OM-D E-M1 Mark III, pro photographers will experience virtually no limits in any shooting situation

At up to half the size and weight of other interchangeable lens systems, Olympus’ biggest advantage is an amazing mobility thanks to the compact, lightweight camera system, including lenses. The combination of their high-resolution, high-performance lens line-up and powerful image stabilization capabilities results in sharp, high-quality photos and videos in a variety of scenarios. The new OM-D E-M1 Mark III makes these benefits accessible for all photographers looking for pro-grade shooting gear without being weighed down by heavy equipment. While the camera is suited for all photography fields, its capabilities make it especially useful on the go as e.g. in the areas of nature and wildlife, landscape, portrait photography as well as “run-and-gun” filmmaking.

Being exceptionally compact and lightweight for a professional camera system, the overall E-M1 Mark III system (including any M.Zuiko lens) maintains superb mobility while offering high image quality and the high performance expected by demanding photographers.

The world’s best image stabilization performance allows handheld shooting in a variety of scenarios

When synchronizing the in-lens image stabilization of supported lenses² with the in-body 5-axis image stabilization, the E-M1 Mark III achieves the world’s best stabilization performance of 7.5 shutter speed steps of compensation with 5-axis sync IS. This level of stabilization enables shooting in dark locations and during super-telephoto photography without using a tripod, opening up completely new possibilities for photographers and filmmakers. Without sync IS, the in-body image stabilization ensures image stabilization with any attached Micro Four Thirds lens of up to 7.0 shutter speed steps compensation³.

Top-class image quality thanks to the new image processing engine TruePic IX and Olympus’ acclaimed High Res Shot feature

In combination with the new image processing engine TruePic IX, a 20.4 Megapixel Live MOS sensor, and an extensive line-up of high-resolution M.Zuiko lenses, the 5-axis IS ensures minimal noise even at high-sensitivity settings and top-class image quality with minimal distortion up to the edges of the shot.

For users in need of higher resolutions, the 50MP Handheld High Res Shot feature makes it possible to capture approximately 50 Megapixel high-resolution images without using a tripod. The Tripod High Res Shot function allows for recording ultra high-resolution (approx. 80 Megapixel equivalent) RAW and JPEG images.

Live ND feature delivering slow shutter speed effects without ND filter

Live ND, which was very popular on the OM-D E-M1X, is also included in this model. Users can select the effect level from ND2 (one step) to ND32 (5 steps), and check the slow shutter effects in the viewfinder before capturing. This feature eliminates the need to change optical ND filters for different scenes and lenses, and is particularly effective for lenses which are difficult to attach optical filters to.

The rugged magnesium alloy body of the OM-D E-M1 Mark III features Olympus’ acclaimed dust-, splash- and freezeproof design that allows for shooting in any location and environment.

High-speed USB charging on the go – even while shooting

The lithium-ion battery BLH-1 can be fully charged in as little as two hours when installed in the camera and attached to a power source via USB⁴. The E-M1 Mark III is compatible with the USB PD (USB Power Delivery) standard to run the camera with energy supply from an external power bank, making it possible to shoot for long periods of time – especially convenient for astrophotography or photography in cold environment.

Advanced dust reduction with new coating and high-durability shutter unit

With Olympus’ advanced SSWF (Super Sonic Wave Filter) technology (which vibrates the image sensor filter with an acceleration of several thousand G⁵ 30,000 times per second to powerfully shake off dust and dirt) and a new sensor coating introduced with the OM-D E-M1X, dirt has no chance to stick to the sensor, reducing spots in images to 1/10th of that in conventional models.

The high-durability shutter unit in the E-M1 Mark III clears 400,000 operation tests⁶ and therefore offers a high level of reliability that even professional photographers who constantly use the shutter can feel comfortable with.

The OM-D E-M1 Mark III is equipped with a 121-point all cross-type On-chip Phase Detection AF sensor for focusing on various areas of the screen. It offers 75% vertical coverage and 80% horizontal coverage of the screen for a wide focusing area. Paired with an advanced AF algorithm, this feature can continually focus on fast-moving subjects with a high degree of precision. Unlike DSLR cameras, there is no degradation in AF precision when using a fast lens. The E-M1 Mark III offers high-precision focusing that can sufficiently bring out the capabilities even of large-diameter lenses such as those with a maximum aperture of f1.2.

AF/AE tracking is possible at maximum 18 fps high-speed sequential shooting while maintaining the full pixel count of 20.4 Megapixels. The subject can also be checked in the viewfinder during high-speed sequential shooting for accurate tracking.

Multi selector for quickly shifting AF areas without any distraction from framing the image with the viewfinder

A multi selector (as introduced with the E-M1X) makes it possible to quickly shift AF areas with your thumb while looking through the viewfinder. Because users can move the AF areas with the multi selector during sequential shooting, it is possible to accurately focus even on subjects that move erratically, as e.g. often found in wildlife photography. The AF target loop setting is also added, which, based on user selection, either stops the AF target at the edge of the screen or moves it to the opposite edge.

Advanced Face Priority / Eye Priority AF

Face Priority / Eye Priority AF, which automatically detects and focuses on people’s faces and eyes, is now more advanced. The new image processor TruePic IX features higher processing capabilities and improved AF algorithms to better detect small faces and eyes, and keeping stable focusing on a subject even in situations where face detection was difficult in the past (such as e.g. focusing on the sides of faces). It is now also possible to use either the buttons or touch operations to select faces when shooting still images or videos, and detection on or off can be changed with the touch of a single button. Along with versatile video functions, this feature makes the E-M1 Mark III a great tool for vloggers.

New Starry Sky AF feature allows for ultra high-precision autofocusing in astrophotography

Starry Sky AF, which is new for the OM-D E-M1 Mark III, is a feature that will revolutionize the world of astrophotography. In the past, photographers have traditionally relied on manual focusing. A new algorithm was developed to enable accurate focusing even on the tiniest stars shining in the night sky, enabling ultra high-precision autofocusing. One of two modes in Starry Sky AF is the Speed Priority mode (default setting), which prioritizes focusing speed and complete AF operations in a short period of time. Thanks to the powerful image stabilization, this feature makes handheld astrophotography possible using a wide angle lens. The second mode Accuracy Priority uses a fine-tuned focus scan and is effective for shooting specific stars with telephoto lenses.

Pro Capture mode for capturing split-second moments – even in unpredictable situations

Pro Capture mode makes it possible to capture scenes that are difficult to time for the photographer, such as a bird taking flight. Pro Capture starts shooting the moment the shutter release button is pressed down halfway, with a buffer that can be set to capture up to 35 frames in RAW / full resolution. The moment the button is pressed down fully, the frames are available to select from retroactively on top of the images recorded while pressing the button.

B mode is now available on the shooting mode dial for easy access to Live Composite

The OM-D E-M1 Mark III is equipped with Live Composite, which overlaps multiple shots recorded at the same shutter speed and composites only the sections that are brighter for capturing light trails. This feature helps prevent the common phenomenon of images that are too bright when shooting long exposures. Users can check the progress of light trails in real-time using Live View. With B mode added to the shooting mode dial, Live Composite, Live Bulb, and Live Time are now easier to access and configure.

OM-D Movie makes handheld 4K/C4K shooting possible with powerful image stabilization

The E-M1 Mark III features an IS mode specifically designed for video recording. Electronic stabilization combined with in-body 5-axis stabilization delivers powerful image stabilization particularly useful for videographers. This provides a high level of performance for handheld video content creation without using a tripod or other stabilizing device, even when shooting in high-resolution formats, which are susceptible to the effects of camera shake, such as 4K or Cinema 4K (C4K).

Filmmakers benefit from log shooting for color grading

This model supports OM-Log400 shooting, which enables shooting without loss of details in shadows and highlights, along with color grading for a high degree of freedom over images. In order to make Live View images more visible, a View Assist function is available, which converts the color gamut to Full HD standard BT.709 equivalent for display.

High-res audio recording via the LS-P4 linear PCM recorder for crisp and clear professional sound

Pairing the high-res Olympus audio recorder LS-P4 with an external mic/recorder enables more versatile recording of high-quality audio for videos. This setup supports high-quality sound recording for video production, such as placing the LS-P4 near the subject, or switching the mic direction and zooming in on the sound source. With the new firmware Version 1.10 for the LS-P4, being released at the same time as the OM-D E-M1 Mark III, Slate Tone function, which is useful for editing sound files and Test Tone will also support adjusting the recording level.

Olympus Image Share (OI.Share) smartphone app

The OI.Share smartphone app can be used to connect to the camera via Wi-Fi, import shooting data to a smartphone, and to use the smartphone for remote camera operation. OI.Share can now also be used to update the camera firmware and backup and restore camera settings for the OM-D E-M1 Mark III.

Olympus Workspace Image Editing Software

Olympus Workspace can handle professional tasks such as RAW processing and image editing, along with offering a great deal of freedom over screen layout, etc. Connect a computer to the OM-D E-M1 Mark III via USB to enable high-speed RAW processing with Olympus Workspace using the new image processor TruePic IX. Clarity and Dehaze editing filters are included for a greater range of expression in astrophotography, etc. By using Olympus Workspace Version 1.3, being released at the same time as the OM-D E-M1 Mark III, it makes it easy to replace the audio files of the recorded video to High res sound recorded by using Slate Tone on the LS-P4 / LS-100 while recording video.

Olympus Capture camera control software

This control software for computers meets the demands of studio photography. When using the software, live shooting results can be imported via Wi-Fi without using a USB connection, providing powerful support for the workflow of studio shooting. It supports high-speed 5 GHz band communication.

The OM-D E-M1 Mark III will be available from late February in black as body only at RRP⁷ of 1.799,00 EUR and in different kit versions with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40 F2.8 PRO lens at RRP⁷ of 2.499,00 EUR or with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100 F4.0 IS PRO lens at RRP⁷ of 2.899,00 EUR.

Pre-ordering for the E-M1 Mark III with an attractive added value offer starts today, 12 February at selected retailers and via the Olympus online shop.⁸

The predecessor model E-M1 Mark II will be sold in parallel at new RRPs⁵ of 1.499,00 EUR (body only) respectively 2.199,00 EUR for the kit including the ED 12-40 F2.8 PRO lens.

Like every Olympus camera and lens, the E-M1 Mark III comes with a free six-month warranty extension⁹ when registered via the MyOlympus platform at http://my.olympus.eu

The new OM-D E-M1 Mark III is fully compatible with Olympus’ extensive range of Micro Four Thirds lenses and accessories, including tailor-made camera bags, electronic flashes, audio recorders and microphones as well as the free image editing and workflow software Olympus Workspace and smartphone app OI.Share.

Weather-sealed power battery holder HLD-9

The power battery holder HLD-9 features a dust-, splash- and freezeproof design that delivers the same controls whether held vertically or horizontally. Attach the HLD-9 when shooting scenes with frequent changes between vertical and horizontal positions, or when you need to capture a lot of shots, or remove it for greater mobility. When using one Lithium-ion Battery BLH-1 in the camera and one in the HLD-9, together, up to 840 shots¹⁰ can be recorded.

Shock Mount Adapter SM2

The new shock mount adapter SM2 is an adapter designed for absorbing camera noise while the LS-P4 is attached to the camera hot shoe. It prevents vibration and operational noise from the camera, making video shooting with higher quality audio possible.

Audio Cable, KA335

The new audio cable KA335 is a high quality cable designed for connecting the camera and recorder. An L-shaped plug and curled cord provides easy handling when connecting to the OM-D E-M1 Mark III or other compatible camera models.

More information at www.olympus.eu/accessories.

^{Product specifications are subject to change without notice. Please check the Olympus website at www.olympus-europa.com for the latest specifications.}

^{1 With 5-axis sync IS. Lens used: M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4.0 IS PRO. At a focal distance of f=100mm (35mm equivalent: f=200mm), halfway release image stabilization: Off, frame rate: high speed. Conforms to CIPA standards, when corrected on 2 axes (Yaw and Pitch). Current as of February 12, 2020.}

^{₂ M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4.0 IS PRO, M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO (as of February 12, 2020)}

^{₃ Lens used: M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO. At a focal distance of f=40mm (35mm equivalent: f=80mm), conforms to CIPA standards, when corrected on 2 axes (Yaw and Pitch)}

^{4 USB charging while power battery holder HLD-9 is attached charges the battery inside of the camera body only. There is no charging function with power input by AC adapter AC-5 (via HLD-9)}

^{₅ For comparison: Formula 1 racing imposes around 5 G.}

^{₆ Under Olympus test conditions.}

^{₇ Recommended Retail Price.}

^{8 Offer and pricing differs from country to country.}

^{9 Six months on top of the statutory warranty in the country of purchase.}

^{10 CIPA testing standard}