Good cameras like Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Vs Fujifilm XT30 are ideal for enthusiasts who want reliable and easy-to-use gear to develop their creativity. These cameras are around the same price bracket and similarly impressive even for hybrid users who also use the device to record videos. Both cameras are costly so let’s see what else the two can offer and which fits you best.
In this comparison, we will talk about the following:
- What are Camera Sensors
- What are Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Fujifilm XT30
- How is the Handling of Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Fujifilm XT30
- What are the Camera Specs of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Fujifilm XT30
- How is the Image Quality from Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Fujifilm XT30
- How is the Autofocus Performance of Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Fujifilm XT30
- How are the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Fujifilm XT30 for Video
- Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Vs Fujifilm XT30
Camera Sensors
Many factors, like the sensor, which is like a core in your device, can affect your camera’s performance. The sensor in your camera collects light and translates it into an image you can see on the rear screen. Some of the most popular sensor sizes are APS-C and 4/3, smaller than a full-frame 35mm sensor. The APS-C is about 1.6 times wider than a 4/3 sensor. Generally, the 4/3 sensor can use smaller lenses than APS-C. Since the sensor collects light, the bigger it is, the more light it can collect, resulting in better image quality.
About Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Fujifilm XT30
Among the leading companies like Canon and Sony releasing full-frame cameras, only a few make 4/3 cameras, except Olympus and Panasonic. Most new cameras today are either APS-C or full frame, but like everything, the smaller and bigger sensor has pros and cons; it doesn’t mean smaller sensors are always inferior. Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Fujifilm XT30 are some of the best cameras in the price bracket, but they also use a different sensor which makes up for some of the differences.
The main difference between Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Fujifilm XT30 is the sensor because XT30 has a bigger sensor, which may translate into better image quality. However, the difference is not much, and both cameras are still impressive. The two can capture beautiful pictures and record videos at the same resolution. One of the best advantages of these cameras is the price point because many people are willing to spend around this price range, especially beginners and enthusiasts who don’t need the flagship model.
While neither of these cameras is perfect, we recommend the E-M5 Mark III because it is a better choice as it is more balanced. This camera is a solid choice for hybrid users, and it has a similarly excellent handling experience to Fujifilm XT30, but cheaper as a body only. Read also: Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Vs Nikon Z50 here.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Fujifilm XT30 Design
Handling is essential for user experience as it affects how you use the camera. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Fujifilm XT30 have similar designs. As a company, both Olympus and Fujifilm have some of the best handling and control layouts among their peers. The knobs and buttons are laid out for your right and left hands. The cameras have the same good EVF at 2.3M dot, which gives you a crystal clear image, but E-M5 Mark III also has an articulating screen in which the XT30 only tilts.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Fujifilm XT30 Camera Specs
Let’s see what the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Fujifilm XT30 can offer, starting from the camera specs. As mentioned above, the main difference between the two is sensor size because XT30 uses a bigger sensor or 26MP APS-C, which has 1.6x more sensor area than a 20MP micro four-thirds used by E-M5 Mark III. The bigger sensor produces a different image ratio and maximum size. But, the XT30 doesn’t have IBIS like E-M5 Mark III to stabilize the camera. As for the video, the two record 4K 30fps, but XT30 only records up to 10 minutes.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Fujifilm XT30 Image Quality
A camera is a tool to capture light and translate it into an image, so image quality is vital. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Fujifilm XT30 are impressive cameras, and you don’t need to worry about dynamic range as both are very good. The sensor difference usually translates into finer details, especially when you peek into the details when shooting contrast objects. Surprisingly, the bigger sensor in XT30 is worse at maintaining details whether you shoot in RAW or JPEG, such as when shooting texts and portraits.
For example, you can shoot a portrait of someone on both cameras and peek into the hair, which should look more separated into the fine strands from E-M5 Mark III, while the picture from XT30 makes the hair lump together. We like the color processing from these cameras, with Olympus being more saturated, which should please most people.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Fujifilm XT30 Autofocus
Autofocus is also a crucial factor that affects your camera’s performance. Both Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Fujifilm XT30 have the best autofocus system in the market. But, the E-M5 Mark III is noticeably better than the XT30. Fujifilm improved significantly in autofocus, but the lagging when tracking your subject makes this camera less reliable than its peers, especially similar offerings from Sony. The E-M5 Mark III is not perfect yet, but it lands you more in-focus shots while tracking the subject.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Fujifilm XT30
Lastly, we want to see the video recording function. Both cameras can record 4K, but E-M5 Mark III is better for recording applications. First, this camera has an articulating screen for freedom. Second, it has a 3.5 mm microphone jack to add an external microphone and improve your audio. Third, it can record 4K 30fps for up to 30 minutes versus 10 minutes on XT30. The E-M5 Mark III new autofocus also works impressively for videos and has IBIS. The XT30 has a microphone jack, but it is a 2.5mm type so you may need an adapter.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Vs Fujifilm XT30
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and Fujifilm XT30 are good cameras for enthusiasts. These cameras are relatively affordable for beginners and enthusiasts who are serious about their hobbies. The main difference is in sensor and image quality because while the XT30 has a bigger sensor and more pixel count at 26MP versus 20MP, the details look better on E-M5 Mark III. The E-M5 Mark III is also more suitable for video recording because it records longer uninterrupted footage.
Conclusion
There is no bad option between these cameras as both are equally good options. But we recommend getting the E-M5 Mark III because it is the better choice. While it has a smaller sensor, the image quality, from details to dynamic range, is still impressive. The tracking autofocus is more reliable, and you can record 4K video for longer on this camera.
