• 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 45.7 megapixels
  • ISO 64 - 25,600
  • 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.4 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Nikon D850 advantages over Olympus E-M1 Mark III

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.35 vs 3.36 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Higher-res screen
    590k vs 346k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More pixels
    45.7 vs 20.4 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Olympus E-M1 Mark III advantages over Nikon D850

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    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
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Longer video battery life
    90 vs 70 minutes
    Capture more video
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Newer
    5 years vs 7 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    580g vs 915g
    Lighter weight
  • 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

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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 GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

User reviews

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

  • Class-leading resolution; Excellent dynamic range; Very good high ISO performance; Very fast AF and burst shooting; Durable weather-sealed body; Improved ergonomics; Touchscreen; Dual card slots; 4K video.

  • Live view/video mode still uses sluggish contrast-detect AF; Viewfinder only tests at ~98% coverage; No 4K at 60p; 30-minute video clip limit; Focus peaking not supported with 4K.

  • Read our Nikon D850 Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5DS R

Nikon D850
Canon 5DS R
  • $2464
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1849
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive

Compare Nikon D850 vs Canon 5DS R

Olympus E-M1 Mark III
Canon 5DS R
  • $1649
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1849
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Olympus E-M1 Mark III vs Canon 5DS R

Compared to Sony A99 II

Nikon D850
Sony A99 II
  • $2464
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $3198
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D850 vs Sony A99 II

Olympus E-M1 Mark III
Sony A99 II
  • $1649
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $3198
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-M1 Mark III vs Sony A99 II

Compared to Pentax K-1 II

Nikon D850
Pentax K-1 II
  • $2464
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • High resolution composite

Compare Nikon D850 vs Pentax K-1 II

Olympus E-M1 Mark III
Pentax K-1 II
  • $1649
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Olympus E-M1 Mark III vs Pentax K-1 II

Compared to Panasonic G95

Nikon D850
Panasonic G95
  • $2464
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $848
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon D850 vs Panasonic G95

Olympus E-M1 Mark III
Panasonic G95
  • $1649
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $848
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Olympus E-M1 Mark III vs Panasonic G95

Compared to OM System OM-1

Nikon D850
OM System OM-1
  • $2464
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D850 vs OM System OM-1

Olympus E-M1 Mark III
OM System OM-1
  • $1649
  • 4/3
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Newer
  • Higher-res screen

Compare Olympus E-M1 Mark III vs OM System OM-1

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