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Olympus OM-D E-M1 III · Body only — Micro Four Thirds · 2020
Olympus

Olympus OM-D E-M1 III · Body only

Micro Four Thirds · 2020

78
/ 100
From $1,799
VS
Canon 5D Mark III — full-frame DSLR · 2012
Canon

Canon 5D Mark III

full-frame DSLR · 2012

78
/ 100
From $3,499
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Olympus OM-D E-M1 III · Body only lands at 78 and Canon 5D Mark III at 78. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Olympus OM-D E-M1 III · Body only if…

  • ✓Mature system, great used market
  • ✓Proven lens lineup
  • ✓Often on sale

Pick Canon 5D Mark III if…

  • ✓Mature system, great used market
  • ✓Proven lens lineup
  • ✓Often on sale
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Ergonomics

Tie

Compared on the ergonomics sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Photo

Tie

Compared on the photo sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Autofocus

Tie

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Olympus OM-D E-M1 III · Body only

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Olympus OM-D E-M1 III · Body only more score per dollar ($1,799 vs $3,499).

Olympus OM-D E-M1 III · Body only 78
vs
78 Canon 5D Mark III

Score breakdown

Olympus OM-D E-M1 III · Body only
78
photo 78
video 70
autofocus 74
ergonomics 86
Canon 5D Mark III
78
photo 78
video 70
autofocus 74
ergonomics 86

Specs side-by-side

Olympus OM-D E-M1 III · Body only versus Canon 5D Mark III — full spec comparison
Spec Olympus OM-D E-M1 III · Body only Canon 5D Mark III
Format
Micro Four Thirds
full-frame DSLR
Release year
2020
2012

Olympus OM-D E-M1 III · Body only

Pros
  • +Mature system, great used market
  • +Proven lens lineup
  • +Often on sale
Cons
  • −Older AF system
  • −Heavier than modern mirrorless
  • −Firmware updates trailed off

Canon 5D Mark III

Pros
  • +Mature system, great used market
  • +Proven lens lineup
  • +Often on sale
Cons
  • −Older AF system
  • −Heavier than modern mirrorless
  • −Firmware updates trailed off

FAQ: Olympus OM-D E-M1 III · Body only vs Canon 5D Mark III

Which is better, Olympus OM-D E-M1 III · Body only or Canon 5D Mark III? +

Both score 78 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Olympus OM-D E-M1 III · Body only worth the price? +

At $1,799, Olympus OM-D E-M1 III · Body only delivers a Specdex score of 78 — strongest in ergonomics.

Is Canon 5D Mark III worth the price? +

At $3,499, Canon 5D Mark III delivers a Specdex score of 78 — strongest in ergonomics.

Does Olympus OM-D E-M1 III · Body only or Canon 5D Mark III last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is the better value, Olympus OM-D E-M1 III · Body only or Canon 5D Mark III? +

Olympus OM-D E-M1 III · Body only — more score per dollar ($1,799 vs $3,499). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.