Nikon D850 vs Olympus E-M1 Mark III

Cameras
Compare Cameras
Nikon D850 vs Olympus E-M1 Mark III

35mm 858.0mm²
45.7 megapixels
ISO 64 - 25,600

Go in depth with our full Nikon D850 Review.
How does it shoot? Nikon D850 in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the D850.
Compare Nikon D850 image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Nikon D850 conclusion.

4/3 226.2mm²
20.4 megapixels
ISO 200 - 25,600

Go in depth with our full Olympus E-M1 Mark III Review.
See real-world photos taken with the E-M1 Mark III.

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Differences

Nikon D850 advantages over Olympus E-M1 Mark III

Larger sensor
35mm vs 4/3
More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
Bigger pixels
~ 4.35 vs 3.36 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
Built-in Bluetooth
Yes vs No
Always-on wireless connectivity
Top deck display
Yes vs No
Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
Higher-res screen
590k vs 346k pixels
More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
More pixels
45.7 vs 20.4 megapixels
Higher resolution photos
Slow-motion videos
Yes vs No
Shoot slow-motion videos
Higher extended ISO
102400 vs 25600 ISO
Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Olympus E-M1 Mark III advantages over Nikon D850

Tilt-swivel screen
Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Yes vs No
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
High resolution composite
Yes vs No
Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
Longer video battery life
90 vs 70 minutes
Capture more video
On-sensor phase detect
Yes vs No
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
Newer
4 years vs 7 years old
Newer cameras often support more advanced features
Lighter weight
580g vs 915g
Lighter weight
Longer exposure
60 vs 30 sec
Long exposures for night shots
Faster shutter
1/32000 vs 1/8000 sec
Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

Focus peaking
Both provide
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
Eye-level viewfinder
Both provide
You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
Shoot 4K video
Both provide
Make sure you have a fast computer
Touchscreen
Both provide
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
Built-in Wi-Fi
Both provide
Share your photos wirelessly
External Mic Jack
Both provide
Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
HDMI out
Both provide
Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
Hot shoe
Both provide
Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
Dual card slots
Both provide
Gives you more storage flexibility
Headphone jack
Both provide
Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
Bulb shutter
Both provide
Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

In-camera panoramas
Neither provide
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
NFC
Neither provide
Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
Built-in GPS
Neither provide
Geotag your photos
Internal flash
Neither provide
Useful in a pinch for fill flash

User reviews

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Read D850 User Reviews

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Body Only
Filmmaker's Kit

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Buy the Olympus E-M1 Mark III

Body Only

Body Only
Kit with 12-100mm f/4 Lens
Kit with 12-40mm Lens

All E-M1 Mark III Deals

Review Excerpt

Class-leading resolution; Excellent dynamic range; Very good high ISO performance; Very fast AF and burst shooting; Durable weather-sealed body; Improved ergonomics; Touchscreen; Dual card slots; 4K video.
Live view/video mode still uses sluggish contrast-detect AF; Viewfinder only tests at ~98% coverage; No 4K at 60p; 30-minute video clip limit; Focus peaking not supported with 4K.
Read our Nikon D850 Review

We haven’t finished our review of the Olympus E-M1 Mark III, but we have extensive sample photos and a hands-on report.
Read our Olympus E-M1 Mark III Shooter's Report

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5DS R

Nikon D850

Canon 5DS R

$2664
35mm

Focus peaking
Shoot 4K video

$1729
35mm

Less expensive

Compare Nikon D850 vs Canon 5DS R

Olympus E-M1 Mark III

Canon 5DS R

$1649
4/3

Focus peaking
Tilt-swivel screen

$1729
35mm

Less expensive
Larger sensor

Compare Olympus E-M1 Mark III vs Canon 5DS R

Compared to Sony A99 II

Nikon D850

Sony A99 II

$2664
35mm

Lens selection
Less expensive

$3198
35mm

Tilt-swivel screen
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D850 vs Sony A99 II

Olympus E-M1 Mark III

Sony A99 II

$1649
4/3

Lens selection
Less expensive

$3198
35mm

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-M1 Mark III vs Sony A99 II

Compared to Olympus E-M1 II

Nikon D850

Olympus E-M1 II

$2664
35mm

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$1324
4/3

Less expensive
Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon D850 vs Olympus E-M1 II

Olympus E-M1 Mark III

Olympus E-M1 II

$1649
4/3

Newer

$1324
4/3

Less expensive

Compare Olympus E-M1 Mark III vs Olympus E-M1 II

Compared to Pentax K-1 II

Nikon D850

Pentax K-1 II

$2664
35mm

Shoot 4K video
Touchscreen

$1747
35mm

Less expensive
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D850 vs Pentax K-1 II

Olympus E-M1 Mark III

Pentax K-1 II

$1649
4/3

Tilt-swivel screen
Shoot 4K video

$1747
35mm

Less expensive
Larger sensor

Compare Olympus E-M1 Mark III vs Pentax K-1 II

Compared to OM System OM-1

Nikon D850

OM System OM-1

$2664
35mm

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$2200
4/3

Tilt-swivel screen
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D850 vs OM System OM-1

Olympus E-M1 Mark III

OM System OM-1

$1649
4/3

$2200
4/3

Newer
Higher-res screen

Compare Olympus E-M1 Mark III vs OM System OM-1

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