Olympus OM-D E-M10 III

£699/$600

The E-M10 III packs real power into its pint-sized body

The E-M10 Mark III is the smallest and cheapest camera in Olympus’s OM-D range, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in features – far from it. The Olympus PEN range takes care of the beginners’ market and smartphone upgraders, and the OM-D range is left to cater for more advanced users; so the E-M10 III is a powerful little camera that can grow with its users’ expectations and expertise. Its size and power also makes it perfect for travel photography, especially with the Olympus 14-42mm EZ lens ‘pancake’ zoom lens.

Essentially, the E-M10 III is an update of the Mark II, but it’s none the worse for that because all the changes are worthwhile and well-thought-out. They include the addition of 4K video, a more sophisticated 121-point AF system, an improved image processor, and enhancements to the in-body image stabilisation. None of these are earth-shattering, but they add extra sparkle to an already brilliant camera. It might be small – it’s no larger than an old-school compact film SLR – but the E-M10 III handles really well, with twin control dials and firm controls.

Unlike many APS-C mirrorless rivals, the E-M10 III does not have phase detection autofocus, but its 121-point contrast AF system is almost uncannily fast for single-shot focus acquisition; and while it’s not designed specifically for action, the E-M10 III can still shoot at 8.5 frames per second. With Live Time exposures, multiple exposures and more, this little Olympus is as powerful as it is pretty.

WINNING features

Compact and lightweight Excellent five-axis stabilisation 4K video