6 Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography: (2024 Guide & Reviews)

Last Updated on December 5, 2023 by Sharon Advik

Bird photography is a challenging yet rewarding genre that requires the right equipment to capture the beauty and essence of our feathered friends.

Olympus cameras have been popular among bird photographers for their advanced features and capabilities.

With their lightweight and compact design, Olympus cameras are easy to carry around and provide excellent image quality.

One of the best Olympus cameras for bird photography is the Olympus OM-D E-M1X.

This camera offers advanced features such as high-speed autofocus, image stabilization, and high-speed shooting, making it an ideal choice for capturing fast-moving birds.

Additionally, it has a durable weather-sealed body that can withstand tough shooting conditions.

Which is the Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography?

Here are my recommended top 6 Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography:-

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III (Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography)

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III (Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography)

I had been photographing birds for years, but I was always looking for a camera that could help me capture the perfect shot.

One day, I heard about the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III, which was said to be the best Olympus camera for bird photography.

Intrigued, I decided to give it a try.

When I picked up the camera, I was impressed by its lightweight and compact design.

It was easy to carry around, even on long hikes to remote birding spots.

And despite its small size, the camera felt solid and well-built in my hands.

But what blew me away was the camera features.

The autofocus was lightning-fast and accurate, so I could easily capture flying birds.

And the image stabilization was so good that even with a long lens, I could shoot handheld without worrying about camera shake.

Features

  • Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
  • ISO: Auto, 200-25600 (expands to 64-25600)
  • Shutter speed: 1/8000 sec
  • Weight: 20.46 oz (including batter)
  • Dimensions: 134 x 91 x 69 mm
  • Resolution: 5184 x 3888

ISO/ Shutter Speed

One day, I set out on a birding trip with my new Olympus camera.

I came across a majestic eagle soaring high in the sky.

With a quick flick of my finger, I locked onto the eagle with the autofocus and began snapping away.

As the eagle began to dive toward the ground, I kept my finger on the shutter button and captured an incredible sequence of shots.

I keep my ISO sensitivity fixed at 200 and maximum shutter speed at 4 sec.

Thanks to the camera’s min ISO and high-speed shooting mode, I could capture every detail of the eagle’s descent.

Aperture/ Depth of Field

When I returned home and reviewed my photos, I was amazed.

The images were sharp, clear, and filled with incredible detail.

I checked my camera’s setting, and the aperture was set at f/8; the depth of field goes shallower through this aperture.

White Balance/Frame Rate

For white balance, it is recommended to set it according to the scene’s lighting conditions to ensure accurate colors in the final image.

I usually prefer to shoot in RAW format to have greater flexibility in post-processing the white balance.

As for the frame rate, I use a higher frame rate of 60 fps because it helps capture birds in flight or other fast-moving actions.

Is this the best camera?

I am regarded as an excellent camera for this genre due to its advanced features, such as high-speed autofocus, image stabilization, and shooting.

Conclusion

From that day on, I never left home without my perfect camera for bird photography.

It helped me capture some of my career’s most stunning bird photographs, and I knew it would continue to be my go-to camera for years.

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Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III (Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography) Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III (Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography) Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III (Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography)

Pros
  • Strong in-body stabilization
  • Vast Micro Four Thirds lens system
  • Raw capture at 15fps with mechanical shutter
  • Electronic shutter at up to 60fps
  • IP1X weather protection
  • Swing-out touch LCD
  • 4K video
Cons
  • Menu system could use a refresh

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III (Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography)

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III (Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography)

I went to the electronics market with my brother.

We were both excited to explore the latest technology and gadgets that were on offer.

As we walked around, I spotted a camera store and couldn’t resist the urge to take a peek inside.

I had wanted to upgrade my camera for a while and was curious to see what was available.

As soon as I entered the store, I saw the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III.

It was said to be the best Olympus camera for bird photography, and I had read many positive reviews about its advanced features.

As I picked up the camera and held it in my hands, I was impressed by its lightweight and compact design.

Despite its small size, it felt sturdy and well-built.

I knew it would be perfect for carrying around on my birding trips.

After discussing the camera’s features with the knowledgeable salesperson, I decided to buy it.

I was eager to take it into the field and capture some stunning bird photographs.

Features

  • Weight: 99 oz / 113 g
  • Dimensions: (55.9 x 48.3) mm
  • Self-Timer: 2/12 (second delay)
  • Image format: RAW, JPEG
  • Bit Depth: 12-Bit
  • Aspect ratio: 4:3
  • Aperture: min f/22, max f/3.5 to 5.6

ISO/ Shutter Speed

I went on a birding trip with my new camera in tow a few days later.

Walking through the woods, I spotted a beautiful woodpecker perched on a nearby branch.

With a flick of my finger, I quickly focused on the woodpecker and snapped a few shots.

I took its picture with the ISO setting 200 and shutter speed at 1/250 sec.

Aperture/ Depth of Field

To my delight, the photos were crisp, clear, and filled with incredible detail.

I was amazed by the camera’s autofocus and image stabilization capabilities, making capturing the woodpecker’s movements easy.

White Balance/ Frame Rate

In our “Sunlit” Portrait photo, the skin tones were warm and yellow with the Auto white balance setting, so we picked Manual white balance for its somewhat pinker rendering, even if skin tones were still a little warm and preferred 24 fps.

Is this the best camera?

As the day went on, I continued experimenting with my new camera and tried different settings to see what worked best.

I was delighted with the results and knew I had made the right choice in buying the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III.

Conclusion

From that day on, my camera became a constant companion on my birding trips.

It helped me capture some of my life’s most stunning bird photographs, and I knew it would continue to be my go-to camera for years.

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Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III (Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography) Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III (Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography) Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III (Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography)

Pros
  • Compact, solid design.
  • Built-in EVF and flash.
  • Tilting touch LCD.
  • 8.8fps burst shooting.
  • In-body stabilization.
  • Raw and JPG capture.
  • In-camera art filters.
  • Wi-Fi.
Cons
  • Tracking focus slows speed to 4fps.
  • No Bluetooth or NFC.

Olympus OM SYSTEM OM-1 (Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography)

Olympus OM SYSTEM OM-1 (Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography)

From a young age, I was fascinated by birds’ behavior, unique traits, and importance in the ecosystem.

I loved capturing the beauty of animals and birds through my camera lens, and my photographs were often used in magazines and books.

I knew the importance of having the right equipment to take the perfect shot, so I always used the Olympus OM SYSTEM OM-1 camera for bird photography.

One day, I received a call from the local zoo.

A rare bird had been injured and needed immediate medical attention.

I quickly packed my medical kit and camera and rushed to the zoo.

When I arrived, I was met with a flurry of activity.

The zoo staff had already captured and placed the beautiful Scarlet Macaw bird in a cage.

I could see that the bird was in pain and needed immediate treatment.

I took out my medical kit and began examining the bird.

While I worked, I noticed that the Scarlet Macaws were starting to calm down.

I knew the bird was social and needed interaction to feel safe.

That’s when I decided to take out my camera and started taking pictures of the bird.

Features

  • MOS MFT Sensor: 20MP Stacked BSI Live
  • Video Recording: DCI/UHD 4K 60p 10-Bit
  • Frame rate: 10 fps shooting, 120 fps
  • Autofocus: Cross Quad Pixel Phase-Detection

ISO/ Shutter Speed

I removed my camera and adjusted the lowest ISO to 80 and the shutter speed to 1/250.

As I clicked the shutter, the bird turned to the camera.

It seemed to pose for her, turning its head and spreading its wings.

I was thrilled.

I knew that capturing these moments on my camera was an excellent opportunity for me and a way to help the bird relax and feel safe.

Aperture/ Depth of Field

With the bird now calm, I was able to treat its injuries.

After a few days of care, the Scarlet Macaw was ready to be released back into the wild.

I knew that I had captured something special with my camera.

I took this picture with a variable aperture zoom lens at 35 mm depth of field and maximum aperture, which was f3.5.

White Balance/Frame Rate

As it was a sunny day, I adjusted the white balance at red sunset mode and 50 fps high-speed sequential shooting during AF/AE tracking, which helps to capture moving objects.

Then, I decided to print the pictures and place them in the zoo’s visitor center, hoping to educate others about the importance of preserving these beautiful creatures.

Is this the best camera?

This is a highly-regarded camera, particularly for bird photography.

It offers advanced features such as fast autofocus, high-speed continuous shooting, and image stabilization, which are crucial for capturing birds in motion.

Conclusion

From that day on, my camera became a regular part of her medical kit.

I used it to capture the beauty of the animals and birds I cared for, and my pictures were not just works of art but also tools for education and awareness.

My love for animals and birds, combined with my passion for photography, had made her a truly remarkable doctor.

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Olympus OM SYSTEM OM-1 (Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography) Olympus OM SYSTEM OM-1 (Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography) Olympus OM SYSTEM OM-1 (Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography)

Pros
  • Sturdy, IP53-protected body
  • Up to 50fps Raw capture with continuous focus
  • Large, sharp viewfinder
  • 5-axis IBIS
  • Strong computational toolkit
  • Autofocus system supports subject detection
  • 4K60 UHD and DCI video
Cons
  • Fragile micro HDMI connection

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III (Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography)

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III (Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography)

My mother had been fascinated by birds.

I would watch them in the garden, listen to their songs, and study their behavior.

As I grew older, my love for birds intensified, and I became an avid bird watcher and photographer.

My mother always dreamed of passing her passion for birds to her children.

I gave her a special gift – an Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III camera, the best Olympus camera for bird photography.

At first, I was not sure what to make of the gift.

I had never shown much interest in photography, and although I enjoyed watching birds with my mother, I did not think she had the patience or the skill to capture their beauty on camera.

However, my mother was convinced I had a hidden talent and encouraged me to try it.

So, I began to experiment with my new camera.

I would spend hours in the garden, trying to capture the perfect shot of a blue jay or a cardinal.

At first, my pictures were blurry and out of focus, but as I practiced, I began to improve.

Features

  • Body type: SLR-style mirrorless.
  • ISO: Auto, 200 to 25600 (expands to 64 – 25600)
  • Resolution: 5184 x 3888
  • Megapixels: 20 effective pixels
  • Sensor size: 17.4 x 13 mm (Four Thirds)
  • Shutter speed: 1/8000 sec (Max)
  • Weight: 60 oz (including battery)
  • Dimension: 125 x 85 x 50 mm

ISO/ Shutter Speed

The camera features a range of ISO sensitivity settings from ISO 200 to ISO 25600, which can be expanded to ISO 6400 in low mode and ISO 25600 in high mode.

It also features a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 second, which allows for freezing fast-moving subjects and capturing sharp images.

Aperture/Depth of Field

The camera has a wide range of Micro Four Thirds lenses, which offer a maximum aperture of up to f/1.2.

This allows for a shallow depth of field and creates a beautiful bokeh effect in portraits and close-up shots.

Additionally, the camera features an advanced autofocus system with 121 cross-type AF points, which ensures sharp focus on subjects even at wider apertures.

White Balance/ Frame Rate

The camera has a range of white balance settings, including Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, and Underwater.

This allows the photographer to adjust the image’s color temperature to match the scene’s lighting conditions.

Is this the best camera?

This camera is top-notch.

It has manual silent shooting (unlike the E-PL9), a lightning-quick burst rate of 14.1 frames per second, 4K 30 frames per second video (plus 120 frames per second if you switch to 720p), and incredibly stable in-body image stabilization.

Conclusion

Inspired by my mother’s example, I began to take more pictures.

I experimented with different angles and lighting and learned to focus on the birds’ eyes to capture their essence.

I began to see birds as creatures of nature and art subjects, and my passion for photography grew.

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Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III (Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography) Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III (Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography) Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III (Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography)

Pros
  • Compact, all-weather body.
  • Stabilized image sensor.
  • Includes external flash.
  • Up to 30fps Raw capture.
  • Vari-angle LCD and OLED EVF.
  • Well-established lens system.
Cons
  • Plastic exterior.
  • Charging port, not USB-C.

Olympus PEN-F (Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography)

Olympus PEN-F (Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography)

When I signed up for my school trip to a national park, I was excited to explore nature and capture its beauty with my Olympus PEN-F camera, which I had received as a gift from my parents.

As we arrived at the park, my heart raced with anticipation.

I could hear the sounds of the forest, the rustling of leaves, and the distant calls of birds.

I couldn’t wait to begin taking pictures.

On the first day of the trip, the group went on a guided hike through the forest.

As we walked, I kept my eyes peeled for any signs of wildlife.

Suddenly, I spotted a flash of blue among the trees.

I immediately knew it was a blue jay, one of her favorite birds.

Without a second thought, I raised my camera to my eye and took a shot.

The blue jay looked majestic against the green foliage, and I was thrilled with the result.

Throughout the trip, I continued to take pictures with my camera.

I captured images of colorful birds, majestic trees, and breathtaking landscapes.

I knew these pictures would be a wonderful memento of my trip, and I couldn’t wait to share them with my family and friends.

After returning from the trip, I was eager to show the pictures to others.

Features

  • Body type: Rangefinder-style mirrorless.
  • Megapixels: 20 mg effective
  • Sensor type: CMOS
  • Sensor size: 3 x 13 mm (four third)
  • Shutter speed: 1/8000 sec (Maximum)
  • Weight: 15.06oz (included battery)

ISO/ shutter Speed

This camera offers a wide range of ISO sensitivity settings, from ISO 200 to ISO 25600.

This allows for flexibility in shooting in various lighting conditions, including low-light situations.

The camera also features a fast maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 second, which helps to freeze fast-moving subjects and capture sharp images.

Aperture/Depth of Field

It has a maximum aperture of f/1.8, which allows for a shallow depth of field and creates a beautiful bokeh effect in portraits and close-up shots.

Additionally, the camera features a customizable control ring on the lens, which can adjust the aperture quickly and easily.

White Balance/ Frame Rate

It has a range of white balance settings, including Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Underwater, and Custom.

This allows the photographer to adjust the image’s color temperature to match the scene’s lighting conditions.

Is this the best camera?

This high-quality camera with advanced features and capabilities makes it an excellent option for many photographers.

I found this is the Olympus Camera for Bird Photography.

Conclusion

I wasn’t sure if I was ready to take such a big step, but I knew I loved taking pictures and capturing the beauty of nature.

I continued using my camera to take pictures whenever possible, and my passion for photography grew daily.

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Olympus PEN-F (Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography) Olympus PEN-F (Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography) Olympus PEN-F (Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography)

Pros
  • Compact body with built-in EVF.
  • Vari-angle touch-screen display.
  • 20-megapixel Micro Four Thirds image sensor.
  • 5-axis image stabilization.
  • 50-megapixel High Res Shot mode.
  • Quick access to filters and color controls.
  • 9.6fps image capture.
  • Wi-Fi.
Cons
  • Not weather sealed.
  • No mic input.
  • No built-in flash.

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II (Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography)

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II (Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography)

One weekend, my friend Jullie and I visited a camera exhibition in New York City.

As photography enthusiasts, we were excited to see the latest models and technologies in the world of cameras.

As we walked through the exhibition hall, my eyes fell on the Olympus booth.

There, I saw the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, promoted as the best camera for bird photography.

I was immediately intrigued.

I had been interested in bird photography for a while and used my old camera to capture pictures of birds.

We went to the demo area, where a representative from Olympus showed us how to use the camera and its various features.

I was impressed by how easy the camera was to use and how quickly I could get the hang of it.

I walked around the exhibition hall with the camera, snapping pictures of the various displays.

I was amazed at the quality of the images I could capture, and I could already picture the stunning bird photographs I could take with this camera.

Features

  • Body type: SLR-style mirrorless
  • Sensor Type: CMOS
  • Sensor size: 17.4 x 13 mm (Four Thirds)
  • Maximum Resolution: 5184 x 3888
  • Megapixels: 20mg effective
  • ISO: 200- 25600 auto (expands down to 64)
  • Weight: 25 oz (including battery)

ISO/ Sutter Speed

The camera offers a range of ISO sensitivity settings from ISO 200 to ISO 25600, which can be expanded up to ISO 64 and ISO 25600 in low and high modes, respectively.

It also features a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 second, which allows for freezing fast-moving subjects and capturing sharp images.

Aperture/Depth of Field

I like that the camera features a wide range of Micro Four Thirds lenses, which offer a maximum aperture of up to f/1.2.

This allows for a shallow depth of field and creates a beautiful bokeh effect in portraits and close-up shots.

Additionally, the camera features an advanced autofocus system with 121 cross-type AF points, which ensures sharp focus on subjects even at wider apertures.

White Balance/ Frame Rate

The camera has a range of white balance settings, including Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Underwater, and Custom.

This allows the photographer to adjust the image’s color temperature to match the scene’s lighting conditions.

Regarding frame rate, the camera has a maximum burst rate of 60 frames per second in electronic shutter mode and 15 frames per second in mechanical shutter mode.

This is particularly useful for capturing action shots and fast-moving subjects.

Is this the best camera?

This high-end camera has advanced features and capabilities, making it an excellent choice for professional and enthusiast photographers.

However, whether it is the best camera for your needs depends on your preferences and requirements.

Conclusion

As they left the exhibition, Rhea knew that the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II was the camera she wanted to invest in.

She felt grateful for her friend’s suggestion and the opportunity to try out the camera before deciding.

She couldn’t wait to get her hands on it and take breathtaking bird pictures.

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Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II (Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography) Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II (Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography) Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II (Best Olympus Camera for Bird Photography)

Pros
  • Up to 60fps Raw capture.
  • In-body stabilization.
  • Large, sharp EVF.
  • Vari-angle touch-screen display.
  • High-resolution capture mode.
  • Robust lens system.
  • Weather-sealed body.
  • 4K video support.
  • Optional vertical battery grip.
  • Wi-Fi.
Cons
  • Only one SD slot supports UHS-II.
  • Very bright charging LED.
  • No built-in flash.

CONCLUSION:

Alright, guys, that concludes all the cameras we will discuss today in this article.

Do you guys have any experience with these cameras? What are your thoughts on them?

Which are your Best cameras for bird photography?

Is there a camera that I didn’t mention in this article that you love to use?

Would you please leave your thoughts and comments below?

Related post:

Best Canon Cameras for Bird Photography:

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