In the Field: Olympus OM-D E-M5 III for Travel Photography

After using the formidable Olympus PEN-F for many years, UK travel photographer Georgina Lamrock wanted to upgrade to a camera with better video capabilities. An autumn excursion to New York City presented the perfect opportunity to put the Olympus OM-D E-M5 III through its paces. In this Olympus OM-D E-M5 III review, Georgina Lamrock evaluates the E-M5 III's features and shares her verdict for travel photography and videography.

Let’s hear from Georgina about her experience shooting with the Olympus PEN-F and Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III.

My first camera was an Olympus—many moons ago, a dinky Olympus Pen E-PL3, which introduced me to the world of photography. Since then, I’ve been something of an Olympus loyalist. A few years ago, I upgraded to my trusty Olympus PEN F—one of the most beautiful cameras ever made, in my opinion—and started building my lens collection from MPB.

I share a lot of my photography on Instagram, which has been increasingly moving towards video. Cue a long-awaited trip to New York City and the opportunity to capture Central Park in all its autumnal glory.

As much as I prefer photos—and always will—it has been fun exploring another medium. I knew that for this trip I needed to up my game, particularly where video was concerned. My Olympus PEN-F doesn’t have 4k video, so I started researching other options. My first port of call, as always, was MPB.

I’m a long-term MPB customer. Photography isn’t my full-time profession, per se, and it can be an expensive hobby. MPB opened up the world of used camera kit to me and I’ve never looked back. I actually no longer buy new. Why would I? Buying used from MPB is cheaper and better for the environment and I’ve never had a single issue. And I know that if I did, their warranty would cover it.

Ergonomics

Guilt over abandoning my PEN-F led me to leave the decision to upgrade incredibly late. I had my eye on an Olympus OM-D E-M5 III. It’s similar to the PEN-F in some ways. It’s lightweight, durable and has a very similar layout and user controls.

Weather sealing

Crucially, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 III has some key upgrades. It’s weather-sealed, which is vital for shooting in Scotland—where I'm from—after all.

Image stabilisation

I knew my PEN-F was in trouble as soon as I started using the E-M5 III. It handles light so much more effectively. And I immediately saw the difference made by the in-body stabilisation (IBIS). I shoot most of my images hand-held, so I noticed the improved sharpness straight away—especially when teamed with my lens selection, the 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO, 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II and the 17mm f/1.8.

The additional IBIS meant that I could shoot on the move easily, and the lightweight format was perfect for long days of trekking about the city.

Video

But the Olympus OM-D E-M5 III really came into its own when I started shooting video. The E-M5 III has 4K (4096 x 2160) video resolution, a much-needed upgrade.

Verdict

I fully intend on keeping and using my PEN F. So I didn’t need a major change, just enough to add a second body to my kit.  Ordering through MPB was as quick and efficient as it always is. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 III arrived within 24 hours, which is pretty remarkable, and incredibly helpful as I was due to fly out a few days later.

All in all, I’m absolutely thrilled with the upgrade. I’ll always use and love my Olympus PEN-F. But, now, I’ll first reach for the Olympus OM-D E-M5 III.

Specs

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 III is broadly similar in features to the Olympus PEN-F, but the E-M5 III has a number of upgrades including video specs, lower weight, and faster electronic shutter speed and burst rate. It is, however, slightly larger than the PEN-F.

Either the E-M5 III or the PEN-F would be an excellent choice for travel photography. If video features are important to you, get the EM5 III. If you prefer a smaller camera, get the PEN-F.

What's the difference between Olympus and OM System?

When Olympus announced its decision to stop releasing cameras in 2020, many photographers feared the worst for the much-loved mirrorless Micro Four Thirds brand. Fortunately, the company’s camera division has since been bought out and rebranded as OM System. As the name suggests, OM System cameras and lenses are fully compatible with Olympus OM-D. 

In February 2022, to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the original Olympus OM-1's release, OM System launched its first flagship mirrorless camera—the OM System OM-1. In November 2022, OM System announced it would no longer use the Olympus name on its cameras and lenses. 

The Olympus and OM System brands will always be used as interchangeably as their respective cameras and lenses. So, if you’re thinking of investing in mirrorless Micro Four Thirds system, a used Olympus camera represents excellent value for money and peace of mind that your setup’s future is safe in the hands of OM System.

Looking for more travel photography content?

This article is part of the MPB Guide to Travel Photography, our comprehensive look at the travel photography genre with advice, recommended camera equipment and interviews with some of the most exciting travel photographers today.