Entry-level cameras like Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Vs Canon M50 are perfect solutions for beginners looking for a system they can grow into. These cameras are relatively affordable, produce great images, and are easy to use. Both cameras are more into the enthusiast segment, so you must know what they can offer. Today we will see what you can expect from the two, the differences, and which fits you best.
In this comparison, we will talk about the following:
- What is a Camera Sensor
- What are Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Canon M50
- How is the Design of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Canon M50
- What are the Camera Specs of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Canon M50
- How is the Image Quality from Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Canon M50
- How is the Performance of Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Canon M50
- How is the Video Recording in Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Canon M50
- Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Canon M50
Camera Sensor
The sensor is an integral part of your modern camera; without one, it doesn’t work. The sensor is the hardware that captures light and converts it into signals to produce an image. The camera sensor has millions of photosites or light-sensitive spots recording what’s in front of the lens or what it sees through the optics. While a bigger sensor is not always advantageous, it certainly has benefits. A larger sensor has larger photosites and more resultant megapixels for a better image and higher resolution.
About Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Canon M50
The best camera for your application may differ from other people. A camera is a tool; depending on your task, you may need different tools. Beginner cameras are usually versatile for different applications. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Canon M50 are perfect options for everyone who wants to get into the hobby. These cameras are ideal for different applications with a small sensor and are relatively affordable. If you want a zoom camera, Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 and Nikon P950 are more suitable.
This Olympus camera has a 20MP sensor with a micro four-thirds sensor, suitable for beginners and casual photographers who want a serious camera. This iteration is a popular model from the similarly famous Mark II. Many people love this variant because of its appearance. Aesthetics are subjective, but this camera is good-looking and still convenient if you want to bring it for traveling or street photography. On the other hand, the M50 uses a bigger sensor or APS-C and more pixels.
Which camera is best for a beginner? The answer depends on your budget because both cameras are impressive. The M50 with a bigger sensor only slightly differs in low-light conditions. The M50 is more affordable for budget shoppers, and the image quality is similar to the famous EM5 Mark III. These cameras also have good autofocus performance by combining contrast and phase detection.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Canon M50 Design
One of the best things about E-M5 Mark III is the weather-sealed body to IPX1, which is safe when shooting in the rain. The controls are customizable like most Olympus cameras, and the EVF is OLED, making it look better. The only drawback is its menu which can be complicated for beginners. Similarly, the M50 uses 2.3M-dot OLED EVF, offering the same experience. Both cameras have plasticky housing, which is to be expected. The touch menu is better in M50 as it is easier to understand.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Canon M50 Camera Specs
Let’s see what the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Canon M50 can offer, starting from the camera specs. As mentioned above, the EM5 Mark III is a beginner camera using a micro four-thirds CMOS sensor and 20MP resolution. The camera is sold as a body only and with a kit lens. The maximum resolution is 5184 x 3888, while the video is 4K 24/30fps. On the other hand, the M50 uses an APS-C CMOS sensor with 24MP resolution at 6000 x 4000 for still pictures. The maximum video resolution is 4K 30fps.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Canon M50 Image Quality
The image quality is similar, and we doubt most people can tell the difference, especially from a smartphone or tablet screen. The color processing is the most noticeable difference between both cameras because Olympus has a more saturated color, making your photo a bit warmer, while Canon chooses a cool tone. The details and noise levels are identical, but we see a more accurate color production from the M50. In addition, shooting at the lowest ISO is always best.
Surprisingly, the low-light performance is also similar despite the sensor difference. However, you can notice that the M50 gives sharper and slightly cleaner details than the E-M5 Mark III. This difference makes an improvement when you crop the picture or particularly look for specific details, but overall these cameras are reliable across applications.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Canon M50 Performance
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Canon M50 are relatively fast cameras, but your flagship smartphone is more snappy. Both cameras need a few seconds to start, focus and snap the first picture. The E-M5 Mark III is a fast camera with a continuous drive of up to 30 frames per second versus 10 frames per second M50. In addition, the E-M5 Mark III has a faster shutter speed at a maximum of 1/8000 seconds or 1/32000 seconds using an electronic shutter, ideal for freezing a fast-moving subject.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Canon M50 Video
As for the video recording function, these cameras’ maximum resolution is 4K 30fps. You can also record at 60fps when lowering the resolution to 1080p, but the E-M5 Mark III can increase it to 120p in FHD; this mode is ideal for recording a fast moving subject. Both cameras have a microphone jack to improve the audio quality because you can add an external microphone. Unfortunately, there is no headphone jack for monitoring, but E-M5 Mark III supports USB charging.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Vs Canon M50
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Canon M50 are good cameras for beginners and enthusiasts. These cameras produce similar image quality both in detail and performance. The color processing is similarly good, but the E-M5 Mark III produces a slightly warmer tone than the M50. The M50 has a bigger sensor and pixel count for a slightly sharper picture, especially at higher ISO. But we love the E-M5 Mark III’s fast shutter and continuous shot.
Conclusion
There is no bad option between Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Canon M50. We recommend the M50 for its price and performance. This camera is affordable, and you can match it with a different lens kit. The handling and menu are among the best in its class, and the overall performance is fantastic, especially the autofocus and ease of use.
