Olympus E-M1 III vs Sony A55
67 Imaging
61 Features
96 Overall
75
67 Imaging
55 Features
80 Overall
65
Olympus E-M1 III vs Sony A55 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 20MP - Four Thirds Sensor
- 3" Fully Articulated Screen
- ISO 200 - 25600
- Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
- No Anti-Alias Filter
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 4096 x 2160 video
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- 580g - 134 x 91 x 69mm
- Introduced February 2020
- Earlier Model is Olympus E-M1 II
(Full Review)
- 16MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fully Articulated Screen
- ISO 100 - 12800 (Push to 25600)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
- 500g - 124 x 92 x 85mm
- Announced August 2010
- Later Model is Sony A57
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In this article, we will be reviewing the Olympus E-M1 III vs Sony A55, former is a Pro Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Olympus and Sony. There is a large difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-M1 III (20MP) and A55 (16MP) and the E-M1 III (Four Thirds) and A55 (APS-C) feature different sensor dimensions.
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD CardsThe E-M1 III was released 9 years after the A55 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M1 III being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A55 being a Compact SLR camera.
Before we go in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the E-M1 III grades versus the A55 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.
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Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III & Sony SLT-A55. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-M1 III Gallery & Sony A55 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Olympus E-M1 III over the Sony A55
| E-M1 III | A55 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Announced | February 2020 |  | August 2010 | More modern by 116 months |
| Screen resolution | 1037k |  | 921k | Clearer screen (+116k dot) |
| Touch friendly screen |  | Quickly navigate |
Reasons to pick Sony A55 over the Olympus E-M1 III
| A55 | E-M1 III |
|---|
Common features in the Olympus E-M1 III and Sony A55
| E-M1 III | A55 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual focus |  | Dial exact focusing | ||
| Screen type | Fully Articulated |  | Fully Articulated | Fully Articulated screen |
| Screen sizing | 3" |  | 3" | Equivalent screen sizing |
| Selfie screen |  | Both are selfie friendly |
Olympus E-M1 III vs Sony A55 Physical Comparison
For those who are looking to carry around your camera regularly, you will have to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-M1 III enjoys outside dimensions of 134mm x 91mm x 69mm (5.3" x 3.6" x 2.7") and a weight of 580 grams (1.28 lbs) and the Sony A55 has sizing of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") with a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).
Contrast the Olympus E-M1 III vs Sony A55 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you choose during that time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-M1 III vs the A55.
Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-M1 III and A55 is 67 and 67 respectively.
Olympus E-M1 III vs Sony A55 Sensor Comparison
Generally, its tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes only by researching a spec sheet. The pic underneath should give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-M1 III and A55.
Clearly, both cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-M1 III because of its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Olympus E-M1 III will result in extra detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more modern E-M1 III should have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.
Olympus E-M1 III vs Sony A55 Screen and ViewFinder
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Olympus E-M1 III vs Sony A55 Specifications
| Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III | Sony SLT-A55 | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Brand Name | Olympus | Sony |
| Model type | Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III | Sony SLT-A55 |
| Type | Pro Mirrorless | Entry-Level DSLR |
| Introduced | 2020-02-11 | 2010-08-24 |
| Body design | SLR-style mirrorless | Compact SLR |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Chip | TruePic IX | Bionz |
| Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor size | Four Thirds | APS-C |
| Sensor dimensions | 17.4 x 13mm | 23.5 x 15.6mm |
| Sensor area | 226.2mm² | 366.6mm² |
| Sensor resolution | 20MP | 16MP |
| Anti alias filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 4:3 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
| Maximum resolution | 5184 x 3888 | 4912 x 3264 |
| Maximum native ISO | 25600 | 12800 |
| Maximum boosted ISO | - | 25600 |
| Min native ISO | 200 | 100 |
| RAW photos | ||
| Min boosted ISO | 64 | - |
| Autofocusing | ||
| Focus manually | ||
| Autofocus touch | ||
| Continuous autofocus | ||
| Autofocus single | ||
| Autofocus tracking | ||
| Selective autofocus | ||
| Autofocus center weighted | ||
| Autofocus multi area | ||
| Autofocus live view | ||
| Face detection autofocus | ||
| Contract detection autofocus | ||
| Phase detection autofocus | ||
| Total focus points | 121 | 15 |
| Cross type focus points | 121 | 3 |
| Lens | ||
| Lens mount type | Micro Four Thirds | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
| Amount of lenses | 107 | 143 |
| Focal length multiplier | 2.1 | 1.5 |
| Screen | ||
| Screen type | Fully Articulated | Fully Articulated |
| Screen sizing | 3" | 3" |
| Resolution of screen | 1,037 thousand dot | 921 thousand dot |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch screen | ||
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder type | Electronic | Electronic |
| Viewfinder resolution | 2,360 thousand dot | 1,150 thousand dot |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.74x | 0.73x |
| Features | ||
| Slowest shutter speed | 60 secs | 30 secs |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/8000 secs | 1/4000 secs |
| Maximum silent shutter speed | 1/32000 secs | - |
| Continuous shooting speed | 60.0 frames per sec | 10.0 frames per sec |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Manual exposure | ||
| Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
| Change white balance | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Inbuilt flash | ||
| Flash distance | no built-in flash | 10.00 m (@ ISO 100) |
| Flash settings | Redeye, Fill-in, Flash Off, Red-eye Slow sync.(1st curtain), Slow sync.(1st curtain), Slow sync.(2nd curtain), Manual | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, High Speed Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless |
| Hot shoe | ||
| Auto exposure bracketing | ||
| WB bracketing | ||
| Maximum flash sync | 1/250 secs | 1/160 secs |
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment | ||
| Average | ||
| Spot | ||
| Partial | ||
| AF area | ||
| Center weighted | ||
| Video features | ||
| Video resolutions | 4096 x 2160 @ 24p / 237 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 102 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 102 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 102 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 25p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM | 1920 x 1080 (60, 29.97 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30fps), 640 x 424 (29.97 fps) |
| Maximum video resolution | 4096x2160 | 1920x1080 |
| Video format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264 |
| Mic input | ||
| Headphone input | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | Built-In | Eye-Fi Connected |
| Bluetooth | ||
| NFC | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB | USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| GPS | None | BuiltIn |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental seal | ||
| Water proofing | ||
| Dust proofing | ||
| Shock proofing | ||
| Crush proofing | ||
| Freeze proofing | ||
| Weight | 580g (1.28 pounds) | 500g (1.10 pounds) |
| Dimensions | 134 x 91 x 69mm (5.3" x 3.6" x 2.7") | 124 x 92 x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") |
| DXO scores | ||
| DXO All around rating | not tested | 73 |
| DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | 23.0 |
| DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | 12.4 |
| DXO Low light rating | not tested | 816 |
| Other | ||
| Battery life | 420 shots | 380 shots |
| Type of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Battery ID | BLH-1 | NP-FW50 |
| Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 secs, custom) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
| Time lapse shooting | ||
| Type of storage | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II on first slot) | SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
| Storage slots | 2 | 1 |
| Price at launch | $1,800 | $800 |