• 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.4 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 6400
  • APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 20.9 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Olympus E-M5 III advantages over Nikon Z50

  • 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 exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    30.0 fps vs 11.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    30.0 fps vs 11.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon Z50 advantages over Olympus E-M5 III

  • Less expensive
    $897 vs $1099
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.22 vs 3.36 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer video battery life
    75 vs 60 minutes
    Capture more video
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

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
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Both provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • 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
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus E-M5 III

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon Z50

Review Excerpt

  • Improved image quality; Very good dynamic range & high ISO performance for a modern MFT sensor; Very fast AF; Excellent image stabilization; 4K video recording; Weather-sealed build quality.

  • Below average battery life; Small size can be awkward with long, heavy lenses; One SD card slot.

The Competition

Compared to Olympus E-M10 III

Olympus E-M5 III
Olympus E-M10 III
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $549
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Longer video battery life
Nikon Z50
Olympus E-M10 III
  • $807
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $549
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer exposure

Compared to Canon EOS M50

Olympus E-M5 III
Canon EOS M50
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
Nikon Z50
Canon EOS M50
  • $807
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compared to Panasonic G100

Olympus E-M5 III
Panasonic G100
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • High resolution composite
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Nikon Z50
Panasonic G100
  • $807
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compared to Olympus E-M10 IV

Olympus E-M5 III
Olympus E-M10 IV
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $666
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Longer video battery life
Nikon Z50
Olympus E-M10 IV
  • $807
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $666
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Fujifilm X-S10

Olympus E-M5 III
Fujifilm X-S10
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Slower slow-motion
Nikon Z50
Fujifilm X-S10
  • $807
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Wider angle kit lens
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
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