by Ugo Baldassarre
(in collaboration with Giuseppe Genovese)
There are few doubts that the new OMD Em5 Mark 3 was one of the longest waited cameras of the year in the Micro 4/3 world also because, taking into consideration the previous Olympus release times, the times were now ripe to give birth to the third incarnation of the camera that, in its day, made the Olympus photographic system explode.
I had the opportunity to do a field test, for a few days, with an Em5 Mark 3 Silver (I specify it for a reason) in the splendid setting of Matera, European Capital of Culture 2019, as well as the ideal playground to test the many characteristics of the product.
Before venturing into reading this article, which is an impression of use rather than a technical test, I would like to give you my vision of the present situation and the current Olympus line-up, which, contrary of what is said and read on the web, is rational and well structured.
The “old” Em5-Mark2 is one of Olympus most successful cameras, capable of satisfying the needs of any type of photographer thanks to the solid construction and features that winked at the older sister, the Em1. With the release of the second professional body, the Em1-Mark2, the performance gap between the two had become marked.
However, and here is the heart of the matter, many users have preferred not to add weight or enlarge their kit while waiting for the new model of their Em5.
Therefore, if so many have not yet upgraded, it is precisely because they were expecting something with renewed technical characteristics but identical product philosophy.
And here is where the new Em3 Mark 3 is placed, which is precisely the evolution of the previous model, enhancing any technological aspect.
The Olympus philosophy of wanting to better differentiate the various product-ranges has been clear since the launch of the Em1.2 and therefore the new Em5.3 is positioned exactly where it must be, that is, in that group of users looking for quality, performance and compact dimensions without giving up the “look” and elegance typical of this series (and the Silver model is really beautiful!).
All those who, for some reason, had not considered upgrading to the flagship, find in the new Em5.3 the right reasons to put their hands in their wallet.
The Em5.3 is small and compact. Reading the technical characteristics, it is almost difficult to believe it. The choice to use techno polymer rather than metal, compared to previous models, turns out to be a winning idea because the weight of the body is really negligible.
This choice has no influence on splash and dust proof, in fact it remains on the same level as the older sister. In addition, to contain the dimensions, mechanical shutter and stabilizer have been completely redesigned and despite being smaller they guarantee the same performance as the higher models.
The grip and general setting of the controls are substantially like the previous model (although further improved), as well as the arrangement of the controls. To the touch the camera is solid, well-built and pleasant to hold.
The use on the field, even for those who also have quite large hands, proved to be comfortable and practical, using optics of the “premium” series, while with the pro zooms I found it more convenient to use the additional handle (optional) which adds the button shutter release in a more advanced position (in practice it achieves the same size and ergonomics as the Em1.2 without battery grip).
On an electronic level, all the features of the previous model have been enhanced: the sensor goes from 16 megapixels to 20, the stabilizer is further improved and the video section also undergoes a not negligible performance boost (and considering that the Em5.2 had been a camera much appreciated by video makers this is not surprising) going to 4K (4K / 30fps).
The Em5.3 represents, presently, the best of Olympus technology in the smallest and most compact body possible.
The high-resolution on tripod shooting, introduced with the previous Em5, achieves even better performance, reaching 50 megapixels.
However, the aspect that has undergone the greatest “boost” is autofocus. The new module allows the 5 series to achieve the same performance as the 1 series (leaving X the absolute supremacy) with a system of 121 cross points and a really high sensitivity.
The new Em5 is therefore confirmed as the perfect camera for any type of photographic situation, even dynamic, and is always at hand!
One thing that I want to underline, and that no technical data sheet can ever tell, is how pleasant the machine is to use. The shooting feeling is excellent, more “rational” than the reaction speed of Em1.2. The shutter clicks with immediate readiness but needs a little more decisive pressure than the super sensitive older sister. This has translated, at least for me, into a pleasant use on the field, especially urban, with the feeling of being always, absolutely, master of the shoot.
From this point of view, the feeling is more like that of the Em1-X even though the stroke of the latter button generates an even different feeling.
The Em5.3 is a camera created with the user in mind. Its traveling and dynamic soul is also underlined by the possibility of recharging via USB connection (at rest, however, not during use) thus opening up new operational possibilities with power banks or 12v car chargers, for example. From this point of view, it becomes understandable also the choice to use batteries of not very high capacity which in any case have guaranteed excellent autonomy, demonstrating the fact that now also the consumption has been optimized. Regarding this, contrary to the two previous models, the new Em5 uses the BLS-5 battery, the same as the Pen EPL and OMD-Em10 series.
The last two cameras to use the old battery model were the PEN-F (which, however, seems to be definitively retired without a new model) and the Em-5 mark2 itself. Probably, from a commercial point of view, it was more convenient to maintain only two lines of batteries, eliminating the one that is almost out of use. In this way, the new Em5.3 proves to be an attractive upgrade even for those who come from lower range products in search of super performance.
The new Em5 mark3 is the heart of the Olympus photographic system and perfectly embodies its philosophy. Aesthetically beautiful to charm even users who look beyond the external appearance and design of an object, with inviting dimensions and weight for those who do not want to engage with demanding bodies but, at the same time, suitable for those who require maximum performance.
I report, for the record, the elimination of the external sync-flash socket (convenient in some cases, but little used now, especially for a machine designed for mainly outdoors usage) and the inability to change the battery with the handle mounted which must be removed and then reassembled after replacement. However, it remains a choice consistent with the use of the camera: those who need to have the grip always mounted and more flexibility in extending the batteries have the higher range model to address to.
In this regard, it is interesting to note that Olympus did not foresee, and with good reason, in my opinion, a complete vertical handle, as in previous versions: the choice is consistent with the will to keep distinct the various product ranges.
In conclusion I believe that Olympus has made exactly the product they had in mind to do and, as always, they have done it well. Beautiful to look at (aspect not to be underestimated, absolutely) fun to use and super performing to satisfy even the most demanding user, the new Em5.3 will be the faithful companion, for a long time, of those who choose it as their photographic tool.
For all the technical information and complete specifications of the Em5 Mark3 please read here Official Link
You can see our backstage in this video (only in italian language)