Olympus E-M5 III vs Panasonic FX700: An In-Depth Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when your options span vastly different categories and technological generations. Today, we'll explore a detailed, hands-on comparison between the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III, a highly capable advanced mirrorless camera released in 2019, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX700, a compact fixed-lens camera introduced in 2010. While these cameras differ greatly in design, sensor size, and user target, understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and real-world performance can help you pinpoint which suits your photography style and budget best.

Throughout this article, we'll cover key facets like sensor tech, autofocus, ergonomics, and genre-specific performance, supported by our own testing and industry knowledge. Buckle up for an expert’s guide tailored to empower your next camera decision.

A Tale of Two Cameras: Who Are They For?

Let's briefly orient ourselves:

These specifications highlight that the Olympus E-M5 III is a sophisticated, versatile camera aimed at enthusiasts and professionals seeking high image quality and flexibility. The Panasonic FX700 is a more straightforward, pocketable alternative that targets casual shooters and travel users valuing convenience over cutting-edge specs.

We’ll dissect these differences deeper throughout this article.

Sensor Technology & Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Image quality starts with the sensor - the larger and more advanced the sensor, the better the potential for sharp, detailed images with good noise handling.

Olympus E-M5 III:

• Sensor: 20MP Four Thirds MOS sensor (17.4 x 13mm)
• Maximum resolution: 5184 x 3888 pixels
• Native ISO: 200–25,600 (expandable down to ISO 64)
• Anti-aliasing filter: Yes
• Sensor area: 226.20 mm²

Panasonic FX700:

• Sensor: 14MP 1/2.3” CMOS sensor (6.08 x 4.56mm)
• Maximum resolution: 4320 x 3240 pixels
• Native ISO: 80–6400
• Anti-aliasing filter: Yes
• Sensor area: 27.72 mm²

Technical Insight

Four Thirds sensors, like in the E-M5 III, are roughly 8x larger in area than the FX700’s 1/2.3” sensor. This size advantage translates to better light-gathering capacity and improved image quality:

• Dynamic Range: The E-M5 III’s sensor and TruePic VIII processor provide a wider dynamic range, which means better detail retention in shadows and highlights - critical for landscape and portrait work.
• Noise Performance: Larger pixels capture more light, resulting in cleaner images at high ISO settings. The Olympus performs well up to ISO 3200, whereas the FX700 shows noticeable noise above ISO 400, limiting low-light usability.
• Resolution: While 20MP vs 14MP isn’t a huge jump, the Olympus's sensor paired with superior optics delivers crisper results and more cropping flexibility.

In practice, you’ll notice the Olympus producing richer, more detailed files suitable for printing and heavy post-processing, while the Panasonic compact shines in well-lit, casual applications.

Autofocus and Speed: Capturing the Moment Reliably

Autofocus (AF) is a make-or-break feature for action, wildlife, and event photography.

Olympus E-M5 III:

• AF Points: 121 contrast + phase-detection points spread over the sensor
• AF Modes: Single, Continuous, Tracking, Face Detection, Selective AF
• Continuous Shooting: Up to 30 fps (electronic shutter)
• AF System: Hybrid (contrast + phase-detection)
• Additional features: Focus bracketing and stacking

Panasonic FX700:

• AF Points: Unknown, basic contrast detection only
• AF Modes: Single AF only, no tracking or face detection
• Continuous Shooting: 10 fps max
• AF System: Contrast-detection only

Real-World Performance

The Olympus's hybrid autofocus system ensures fast, accurate focusing with reliable eye-detection - vital for portraits and wildlife photography. Its 121 AF points cover most of the frame for flexible composition. High frame rate burst shooting combined with continuous AF sustains sharp focus tracking on fast subjects.

Conversely, the FX700 autofocus is slow and limited. It lacks face detection and live subject tracking - ultimately restricting it to static scenes where autofocus is less critical. Burst shooting is also limited to 10 fps with fixed focus per shot.

Summary:

• For fast action, wildlife, and sports use, the E-M5 III is far superior.
• The FX700 suits leisurely snapshots and travel photography where speed matters less.

Ergonomics, Build Quality, and User Interface: Your Shooting Experience

You’ll spend a lot of time physically interacting with your camera, so size, weight, and control layout profoundly affect enjoyment and productivity.

The Olympus model is designed for serious photographers who want tactile control and rugged durability. Its weather sealing protects from dust and light rain, making it usable in challenging outdoor conditions. The EVF adds compositional precision in bright sunlight.

In contrast, the Panasonic FX700’s compact body slips easily into a pocket or purse. It’s great for casual carry but compromises on usability with a fixed screen and minimal physical controls. The poorer resolution screen limits preview quality and manual focusing is clunkier.

If you appreciate solid ergonomics and shooting pleasure during long sessions or tough conditions, the Olympus stands out. For a lightweight, casual option, the Panasonic keeps things simple.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Expanding Your Creative Horizons

Your camera’s lens mount largely determines your creative scope. Here, these two cameras diverge widely:

Olympus E-M5 III – Micro Four Thirds Mount

• Supports a mature, extensive lens lineup with 107 native lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, and third parties.
• Lenses for every genre: ultra-wide, super-telephoto, macro, fast primes, and specialty optics.
• Lens multiplier of 2.0x (effective focal length). For example, a 25mm lens behaves like 50mm on full-frame.

Panasonic FX700 – Fixed 24-120mm Lens

• 5x zoom covers moderate wide to telephoto.
• Maximum aperture varies f/2.2-5.9; not particularly fast.
• No lens interchangeability.

The flexibility of the Olympus system allows you to evolve your gear according to your interests - be it portraiture with sharp fast primes or wildlife with hefty telephotos. The FX700’s fixed lens offers convenience but restricts long-term versatility.

Video Capabilities: Stepping Into Motion

Video functionality is often underrated yet crucial in multi-dimensional content creation.

The E-M5 III supports sharp 4K video with excellent in-body stabilization, making it suitable for run-and-gun shooting and creative filmmaking. The ability to attach external microphones enhances audio quality, a key factor for professional work.

The FX700's video is capped at Full HD 60p and lacks external audio input, limiting versatility and production quality.

If video is essential for your workflow or hobby, the Olympus offers clear advantages.

Specialized Photography Scenarios: How Do They Stack Up?

Let’s evaluate each camera across popular genres and use cases.

Portrait Photography

• Olympus: Superior skin tone rendition and creamy bokeh achievable with fast primes. Face and eye detection AF ensures tack-sharp focus.
• Panasonic: Portraits will be more “snapshot” style; limited background blur from fixed zoom and slower aperture.

Landscape Photography

• Olympus: Larger sensor with great dynamic range captures detailed scenes. Weather sealing allows outdoor use, even in damp conditions.
• Panasonic: Smaller sensor limits detail and dynamic range; no weatherproofing restricts rugged use.

Wildlife Photography

• Olympus: Fast hybrid AF with tracking and high burst rates capture fleeting moments. Compatibility with telephoto lenses is crucial.
• Panasonic: AF speed and reach fall short for wildlife. Small zoom range and lack of tracking limit utility.

Sports Photography

• Olympus: Continuous AF at 30 fps shoots fast action effectively.
• Panasonic: Burst shooting at 10 fps with no AF tracking less suitable for sports.

Street Photography

• Olympus: Bulkier but still portable; EVF and articulating screen enable shooting discreetly.
• Panasonic: Compact and lightweight - excellent for carrying everywhere albeit at image quality expense.

Macro Photography

• Olympus: Supports focus bracketing and stacking; excellent macro lenses available.
• Panasonic: Close focusing down to 3 cm but limited by fixed lens optics.

Night & Astro Photography

• Olympus: Good high-ISO performance and manual exposure modes facilitate night shooting.
• Panasonic: Noise becomes an issue quickly, limiting night capability.

Travel Photography

• Olympus: Balanced size and weight, versatile lenses, long battery life (~310 shots).
• Panasonic: Ultra-compact and lightweight but sacrifices image quality and functionality.

Professional Work

• Olympus: Supports RAW shooting, robust build, advanced features enable professional workflows.
• Panasonic: No RAW support, basic controls limit serious use.

Olympus E M5 III front Olympus E M5 III screen back Panasonic FX700 front Panasonic FX700 screen back

Build Quality and Durability: Ready for the Long Haul?

The Olympus E-M5 III features a rugged magnesium alloy frame with environmental sealing. Our field tests confirm resilience to dust and moisture, ideal for adventurous shoots. The Panasonic FX700’s plastic body is not weather resistant and feels less durable for heavy daily use.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Matters

Olympus offers better endurance suitable for extended shoots. The Panasonic’s smaller internal battery and compact form mean more frequent charging.

Connectivity and Extras: Staying Connected

• Olympus: Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enable remote control and file transfer via smartphone apps - a modern essential for on-the-go sharing and workflow efficiency.
• Panasonic: No wireless connectivity, limiting remote operation and file sharing options.

Control Interfaces and Screens: Creating with Confidence

The Olympus’s 3” fully articulating touchscreen with high resolution greatly enhances usability for live view framing and menus. The Panasonic has a fixed 3” screen with limited resolution - adequate but less versatile.

Final Performance Scores and Value Assessment

Which Camera Excels in Which Photography Types?

• Best for Portraits/Landscapes/Wildlife/Sports/Video/Professional Work: Olympus E-M5 III
• Best for Street/Travel/Casual Use: Panasonic FX700

Conclusion: Matching Camera to Your Creative Journey

To summarize:

Choose the Olympus OM-D E-M5 III if:

• You require a highly capable, durable advanced mirrorless camera.
• Your photography spans demanding genres like wildlife, sports, portraits, or professional environments.
• You value interchangeable lenses and expansive creative control.
• You want excellent video and connectivity options.
• You’re willing to invest for long-term growth.

Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX700 if:

• You prefer a super-compact, lightweight camera for casual shooting or travel.
• Your budget is limited and you want an easy-to-use point-and-shoot.
• Image quality and speed are less critical.
• You want a simple all-in-one solution without the fuss of changing lenses.

For enthusiasts and professionals, the Olympus E-M5 III represents a significant leap forward in technology, image quality, and creative possibilities compared to the FX700. Its advanced sensor, robust AF system, weather resistance, and comprehensive lens ecosystem unlock immense potential for serious photography work.

Meanwhile, the Panasonic FX700 remains a convenient companion for families, beginners, or travelers wanting snapshots without complexity.

Whichever you choose, we recommend getting hands-on experience - rent or visit a store - to feel the handling and test image quality firsthand. Pair your camera with the right lenses and accessories to elevate your craft. Your photography journey is unique; pick the tool that best fits your vision and ambitions.

Happy shooting!

Helpful Resources:

• Try Olympus’s in-body image stabilization with various primes for silky sharp images.
• Explore Panasonic’s optical zoom range in good daylight for travel photography.
• Check out third-party lens options for Micro Four Thirds on Olympus.
• Experiment with focus bracketing on the Olympus for macro and landscape depth-of-field mastery.

The right combination of gear and technique unleashes your creativity. Now, go capture your story!