Latest rumors suggest that the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III will boast a new sensor, processor, battery and materials
(Image credit: Future)
There is yet more chatter about one of the most gossip-worthy cameras on the horizon. The highly anticipated Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III looks set for a late summer reveal, and could be packing a 20MP sensor as well as a number of other changes to the E-M5 family.
These apparently include a new image processor, a different battery, along with a body composed of different materials in order to make it more lightweight while retaining Olympus' famed weather-proofness.
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III was originally expected to be revealed in early August, but according to a report from 43 Rumors this has been pushed back to a late September or early October unveiling.
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III will apparently possess the same sensor as the flagship E-M1 cameras (Image credit: Future)
This corresponds with Olympus' own reassurance that an E-M5 successor would be on the way soon, along with the registration of a new camera from Olympus (under the product name "IM016") that is seems almost certain to be the upcoming body.
The website's sources also concur with our speculation that the E-M5 Mark III will possess the same 20.4MP sensor as the flagship Olympus OM-D E-M1X. However, they go one step further to suggest that the sensor will retain the flagship's 121-point phase detect autofocus system (the E-M5 series has, traditionally, only used contrast-detect AF).
In addition, it reports that the camera may also benefit from a new image processor – likely to be called the TruePic XI, replacing the previous processor that debuted back in 2016.
Get the Digital Camera World Newsletter
The best camera deals, reviews, product advice, and unmissable photography news, direct to your inbox!
To make it lighter, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III may use the smaller battery from the Olympus PEN E-PL9 (Image credit: Future)
These all seem like steps in the right direction for the E-M5 line, which has always positioned itself as a balance of performance and portability (compared to the flagship E-M1 series, which favored power over compactness).
While these specs might even the playing field with the APS-C rivals, the real question remains whether the price will be as competitive…
James has 22 years experience as a journalist, serving as editor of Digital Camera World for 6 of them. He started working in the photography industry in 2014, product testing and shooting ad campaigns for Olympus, as well as clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal. An Olympus, Canon and Hasselblad shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes.
