Meet the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

Early this morning Olympus announced the OM-D E-M5 Mark III, a compact ILC that packs in some of the tech found inside the higher-end EM-1 Mark II. The new camera employs a 20 megapixel Live MOS sensor, has 5-axis in-body image stabilization with up to 5.5 EV steps of compensation, and comes in a weather-sealed package. The most notable difference of the OM-D E-M5 Mark III from its predecessor is the size though. To achieve a more compact package Olympus switched to a smaller battery and simplified the image stabilization tech.

Here is what else we know about it:

• 30 frames per second sequential shooting
• 121-point all cross type AF points
• Phase detection AF, including face and eye detection
• AF/AE tracking supports 10fps high-speed sequential shooting
• 2.36 million-dot, high-contrast OLED
• High-speed mechanical shutter can capture exposures up to 1/8000 sec
• Versatile shooting modes in camera like Live Composite and Focus Stacking
• Capable of shooting Cinema 4K Video and Pro Capture, Full HD 30 fps, All-Intra and Full HD 60p
• Dustproof, splash proof and freezeproof design
• Refined grip with an updated Custom Mode setting
• WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity for easy sharing
• Available in black or silver in late November for $1,200 (body only) or $1,800 when paired with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm F4.0-5.6 II lens

This is a micro four thirds camera system is aimed at enthusiasts for whom camera bulk is a real issue. It seems like it will be a great option for people hoping to capture fast action and adventure inside of a rugged body that can stand up to a bit of abuse. The addition of face and eye detection and the longer battery life make the camera seem like a solid choice for young families on the go who are ready to take a step up from their smartphone.