Unbelievable Results: Canon EOS 90D vs Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III – The Ultimate Showdown!

Choosing the right camera for wildlife photography can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in this arena are the Canon EOS 90D paired with the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III lens and the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III. Both cameras offer impressive features and capabilities, but which one emerges as the champion for capturing those elusive wildlife shots? Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision.

Image Quality and Resolution: A Tale of Two Sensors

The Canon EOS 90D boasts a 32.5MP APS-C CMOS sensor, providing high resolution for detailed images. This sensor excels in low-light performance, delivering impressive dynamic range and minimal noise. On the other hand, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III features a 20.4MP Micro Four Thirds sensor. While it offers a lower resolution, it compensates with a superior dynamic range and exceptional low-light performance, thanks to its smaller sensor size.
The choice between the two depends on your priorities. If you prioritize maximum detail and require large prints, the Canon EOS 90D’s higher resolution might be more appealing. However, if you prioritize low-light performance and dynamic range, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III‘s smaller sensor might be the better choice.

Autofocus: A Battle of Speed and Precision

Both cameras offer impressive autofocus systems, but they employ different technologies. The Canon EOS 90D utilizes a 45-point all cross-type autofocus system, providing fast and accurate focus acquisition. The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III, on the other hand, boasts a 121-point all cross-type autofocus system with advanced face and eye detection capabilities.
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III’s autofocus system is widely regarded as one of the best in the market, offering exceptional speed and accuracy, particularly in low-light conditions. However, the Canon EOS 90D’s autofocus system is still very capable and performs well in most situations.

Continuous Shooting: Capturing the Action

When photographing wildlife, capturing the perfect moment often requires a high frame rate. The Canon EOS 90D offers a continuous shooting rate of up to 10 frames per second (fps) with mechanical shutter and up to 11 fps with electronic shutter. The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III, on the other hand, can shoot at a blistering 18 fps with mechanical shutter and up to 60 fps with electronic shutter.
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III‘s higher frame rate gives it a clear advantage in capturing fast-moving subjects. However, the Canon EOS 90D still provides a respectable shooting speed, making it suitable for most wildlife photography scenarios.

Lens Options: A World of Choices

The Canon EOS 90D benefits from a vast selection of lenses within the Canon EF system. The EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III lens offers a versatile zoom range, making it ideal for capturing wildlife from a distance. However, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III’s Micro Four Thirds system also boasts a wide range of lenses, including the impressive M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4.0 PRO lens.
While the Canon EOS 90D offers more choice in terms of lens options, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III’s Micro Four Thirds system features more compact and lightweight lenses, making them easier to carry around in the field.

Body Design and Ergonomics: A Matter of Preference

Both cameras offer comfortable and durable body designs, but they cater to different preferences. The Canon EOS 90D features a traditional DSLR design with a deep grip and a large viewfinder. The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III, on the other hand, adopts a more compact and lightweight mirrorless design with a smaller grip and a built-in electronic viewfinder.
Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your personal preference for size and weight. If you prefer a more traditional DSLR feel, the Canon EOS 90D might be a better fit. If you prioritize portability and a more compact design, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III could be the ideal choice.

Video Capabilities: A Feature-Rich Comparison

Both cameras offer impressive video capabilities, but they have different strengths. The Canon EOS 90D can record 4K video at 30fps, while the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III can record 4K video at 30fps and 24fps, with a wider dynamic range and better low-light performance.
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III also offers advanced video features like C4K (Cinema 4K) recording, internal 10-bit recording, and a variety of video profiles, making it a more compelling choice for serious filmmakers.

The Verdict: A Matter of Priorities

Choosing between the Canon EOS 90D with the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III lens and the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III boils down to your specific needs and priorities.
Canon EOS 90D with Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III lens:

• Pros: Higher resolution, vast lens selection, traditional DSLR design, good low-light performance.
• Cons: Lower frame rate, less advanced autofocus system, less compact and lightweight.

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III:

• Pros: Exceptional low-light performance, faster frame rate, advanced autofocus system, compact and lightweight design, superior video capabilities.
• Cons: Lower resolution, smaller lens selection, higher price point.

Ultimately, the best camera for wildlife photography is the one that best suits your individual needs and shooting style.

The Final Word: Embracing the Journey of Wildlife Photography

Choosing the right camera is just the first step in your journey of wildlife photography. The real magic happens when you connect with nature, observe the animals, and capture their beauty through your lens. Whether you choose the Canon EOS 90D or the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III, both cameras offer the tools you need to create stunning wildlife images.

Popular Questions

Q: Which camera is better for beginners?
A: Both cameras are suitable for beginners, but the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III might be slightly easier to learn due to its intuitive controls and user-friendly menu system.
Q: Which camera is more affordable?
A: The Canon EOS 90D is generally more affordable than the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III, especially when considering the price of the lens.
Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography?
A: The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III offers superior low-light performance due to its smaller sensor size, which allows it to capture more light.
Q: Which camera is better for video recording?
A: The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III offers more advanced video features and capabilities, making it a better choice for serious filmmakers.
Q: Which camera is better for wildlife photography?
A: Both cameras are excellent for wildlife photography, but the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III might be slightly better due to its faster frame rate, advanced autofocus system, and compact size. However, the Canon EOS 90D offers a higher resolution and a wider lens selection, making it a viable option as well.