• 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 22.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.4 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Canon 5D Mark III advantages over Olympus E-M1 Mark III

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.25 vs 3.36 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Olympus E-M1 Mark III advantages over Canon 5D Mark III

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (DCI) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Newer
    5 years vs 13 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    580g vs 950g
    Lighter weight
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Both provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Both provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Canon 5D Mark III
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Buy the Olympus E-M1 Mark III
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  • Kit with 12-100mm f/4 Lens
  • Kit with 12-40mm Lens
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Review Excerpt

  • Superb still and video image quality; Powerful, fast, and accurate AF system with loads of cross-type points, loads of configurability and great frame coverage; Rugged, weather-sealed body with great control layout and user-interface configurability.

  • Dynamic range is limited by noise in deep shadows; Somewhat heavy-handed noise suppression and sharpening at default settings. (Shooting RAW avoids both.); No AF illuminator.

  • Read our Canon 5D Mark III Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon 6D

Canon 5D Mark III
Canon 6D
  • $2799
  • 35mm
  • More cross-type AF points
  • Less shutter lag
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Canon 5D Mark III vs Canon 6D

Olympus E-M1 Mark III
Canon 6D
  • $1699
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Olympus E-M1 Mark III vs Canon 6D

Compared to Canon 5D Mark IV

Canon 5D Mark III
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $2799
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2249
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen

Compare Canon 5D Mark III vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Olympus E-M1 Mark III
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $1699
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2249
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-M1 Mark III vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Compared to Sony A850

Canon 5D Mark III
Sony A850
  • $2799
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon 5D Mark III vs Sony A850

Olympus E-M1 Mark III
Sony A850
  • $1699
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-M1 Mark III vs Sony A850

Compared to Nikon D800E

Canon 5D Mark III
Nikon D800E
  • $2799
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Canon 5D Mark III vs Nikon D800E

Olympus E-M1 Mark III
Nikon D800E
  • $1699
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-M1 Mark III vs Nikon D800E

Compared to Sony A99

Canon 5D Mark III
Sony A99
  • $2799
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Canon 5D Mark III vs Sony A99

Olympus E-M1 Mark III
Sony A99
  • $1699
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-M1 Mark III vs Sony A99

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