Canon EOS 5D Mark IV vs Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a versatile and robust full-frame digital SLR camera designed to excel in both high-resolution photography and 4K video recording. Featuring a 30.4-megapixel CMOS sensor and Canon's renowned Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, it delivers exceptional image quality with impressive detail and smooth, fast autofocus performance in both Live View and movie modes. Built for professionals working in demanding environments, this camera offers a durable weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, and an intuitive touchscreen interface. With a native ISO range of 100-32,000—expandable up to 102,400—it provides reliable low-light performance, making it a trusted workhorse for wedding, wildlife, portrait, and commercial photographers worldwide.
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is a high-performance mirrorless camera designed for professional photographers and videographers who demand reliability and speed in a compact form factor. Featuring a robust weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, it is built to withstand harsh environmental conditions without weighing down the shooter. Powered by a 20.4-megapixel Live MOS sensor and the TruePic IX dual-quad-core processor, the camera delivers exceptional image quality, lightning-fast autofocus tracking, and advanced computational photography modes like handheld high-res shooting and Live ND filters.
- Exceptional 30.4-megapixel image quality
- Fast and accurate Dual Pixel AF in Live View
- Durable, weather-sealed magnesium alloy body
- Built-in GPS and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Industry-leading in-body image stabilization
- Compact and lightweight system compared to full-frame setups
- Extremely durable weather-sealed body construction
- Innovative computational photography features like Handheld High-Res
- Video is cropped when shooting in 4K
- Fixed LCD screen does not articulate
- Uses older CF and SD card slot combination
- Smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor has lower low-light performance than full-frame rivals
- Menu system can be complex and difficult to navigate
- Battery life is moderate and requires spare batteries for heavy shooting days
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Professional Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera with unmatched mobility.
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataThe Olympus OM‑D E‑M1 Mark III offers a lightweight, weather‑sealed Micro Four Thirds system with industry‑leading stabilization, while the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV delivers higher resolution and longer battery life in a bulkier full‑frame DSLR.
Key differences
- •Sensor size: Micro Four Thirds (Olympus) vs full‑frame (Canon) affecting low‑light performance and depth of field.
- •Stabilization: Olympus has 5‑axis IBIS up to 7.5 stops; Canon relies on lens‑based IS only.
- •Battery life: Olympus ~420 shots vs Canon ~900 shots per charge.
- •Video: Canon records 4K Motion JPEG (cropped) while Olympus specs lack 4K video info.
- •Price: Olympus $1,399 vs Canon $3,499, a $2,100 difference.
Pricing & value
Olympus costs $1,399, $2,100 less than Canon's $3,499, offering lower entry cost.
Battery life
Canon provides approx. 900 shots per charge, double Olympus's ~420 shots.
Key features
Olympus includes 5‑axis IBIS (7.5 stops) and Handheld High‑Res mode; Canon lacks comparable in‑body stabilization.
Durability
Both have weather‑sealed magnesium alloy bodies; Olympus IPX1, Canon weather‑resistant sealing.
Ecosystem & compatibility
Canon's full‑frame DSLR supports a vast lens lineup and Dual Pixel AF; Olympus uses Micro Four Thirds lenses.
Comfort & design
Olympus is described as compact and lightweight versus Canon's larger DSLR form factor.
Choose Canon EOS 5D Mark IV if…
Professionals prioritizing image resolution, battery endurance, and full‑frame lens ecosystem.
Choose Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III if…
Travel, wildlife, or landscape shooters needing portability and strong stabilization.
Common questions
Is the price difference justified by performance?
Olympus is $1,399, Canon $3,499; Olympus offers stabilization and portability, while Canon provides higher resolution and longer battery life.
Which camera handles low‑light situations better?
Canon's full‑frame sensor generally outperforms the smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor in low‑light performance.
Can I shoot 4K video with Olympus?
The provided specs do not mention 4K video capability for Olympus; Canon records 4K Motion JPEG (cropped).