OM System OM-3: Blending Nostalgia with Innovation
When OM System dropped the OM-3 in February 2025, it felt like a tribute to the golden age of photography wrapped in a modern package. Priced at $1,999.99 USD (or $3,199 AUD where I am) for the body, this Micro Four Thirds camera bridges the gap between the high-end OM-1 Mark II and the lightweight OM-5, offering a compelling mix of style, performance, and portability. It’s aimed at photographers who want a tool that’s as inspiring as it is capable—a camera that doesn’t just take pictures but invites creativity. So, what’s the OM-3 all about? Let’s take a closer look.
The OM-3’s look is a deliberate nod to the past. Its compact, rectangular frame and clean lines echo the Olympus OM film cameras of the ‘70s and ‘80s—think of the OM-1 or OM-2, but reimagined for today. Available in only silver, it sports a metal body that’s both handsome and tough. At roughly 139mm wide, 89mm tall, and 46mm deep, it’s petite compared to most mirrorless cameras, and its less than 500 grams in weight which makes it a breeze to carry. This isn’t a bulky beast—it’s a companion you can toss in a bag or pocket without hesitation.
The build quality is a highlight. With an IP53 rating, it shrugs off dust, splashes, and sub-zero temps down to -10°C. Whether you’re shooting in a drizzle or a frosty forest, the OM-3 can handle it. The controls feel equally purposeful: a mode dial with a satisfying click, a switch for stills, video, or slow-motion modes, and a front Creative Dial that recalls the beloved PEN-F. That dial lets you flip through color and monochrome settings on the fly, adding a playful twist to your workflow. The lack of a pronounced grip might not suit everyone—especially with bigger lenses—but for smaller optics, it’s a minimalist dream. The whole design is well put together and feels like a proper camera.
One tiny nitpick? The Creative Dial’s position near the front edge can sometimes catch your fingers if you’re not careful. It’s a small price to pay for a design that’s otherwise a delight to hold and use. I personally found myself holding the dial as I hold the camera. Power packed into a tiny frame beneath its vintage exterior, the OM-3 is all business. It shares the 20.4-megapixel stacked BSI Live MOS sensor and TruePic X processor with the OM-1 Mark II, bringing flagship-level performance to a more accessible body. This isn’t a watered-down mid-tier camera—it’s a serious contender. This can hold its own as a main camera but also would play well as a second body to the OM-1 Mark II.
The autofocus system shines with 1,053 phase-detection points, all cross-type, and AI-assisted subject tracking. It can lock onto people, animals, vehicles, or even speeding trains with impressive accuracy. Imagine photographing a hawk in flight or a busy urban scene—the OM-3 seems ready to keep up. For burst shooters, it delivers 120 fps with fixed focus or 50 fps with continuous AF (with compatible Pro lenses). The Pro Capture mode is a gem, storing up to 70 frames before you fully press the shutter—ideal for nabbing split-second action. The electronic shutter keeps distortion in check, though fast panning might still reveal a hint of skew with moving subjects. Image stabilization is another win. The 5-axis IBIS provides up to 7.5 stops with select Sync IS lenses or 6.5 stops otherwise, making handheld shooting in low light a breeze. Add in High-Res Shot mode—50MP handheld or 80MP on a tripod—and you’ve got resolution that rivals larger sensors, all from a compact system.
Unleashing your inner artist with the OM-3 isn’t just about technical prowess; it’s built to spark imagination. That Creative Dial is a standout, letting you cycle through vivid color presets, moody black-and-white looks, and artistic effects without digging into menus. You can tweak tones, contrast and more to monochrome or color shots, saving your favorite combos for later. It’s a feature that cuts done editing time and lets you craft your style in-camera—perfect for those who love instant results.
There’s also a dedicated Computational Photography button, unlocking OM System’s clever tools. Live ND (Neutral Density) mimics long exposures up to ND32, while Live GND balances bright skies—all without physical filters. I love that the GND (Graduated Neutral Density) can be flipped from top to bottom and even side to side. Also Focus Stacking merges multiple frames for sharp macros, and Live Composite makes light painting effortless. These aren’t groundbreaking additions—they’ve been in the OM lineup before—but their accessibility here feels seamless and fun at the tip of your fingers.
Video that packs a punch for videographers, the OM-3 is a compact video powerhouse. It shoots Cinema 4K at 60p or Full HD at 240fps, with thermal design that handles 30-minute takes in 104° F or unlimited recording in cooler temperatures. New OM-Cinema profiles offer stylized grading options, appealing to creators who want a cinematic flair straight from the camera. The mode switch simplifies jumping between stills and video. The catch? Full 10-bit H.265 recording in Log and HLG HDR format, and 8-bit H.264 for your standard color profiles. With a flip-out touchscreen, Micro HDMI, and headphone support, it’s a strong pick for travel vlogs or hybrid shooting. The single UHS-II SD slot won’t please redundancy fans, but it’s ample for most users.
The OM-3’s slim profile is a mixed bag. With lightweight primes—like the 17mm f/1.8 II—it’s a joy to handle, slipping easily into tight spaces or small bags. The customizable Fn lever and D-pad (which doubles as an AF controller) make up for the absent joystick, keeping things nimble. The 2.36-million-dot EVF is a decent viewfinder resolution for what this camera is made for. Switch to a hefty telephoto, though, and the lack of a grip becomes noticeable this isn’t your sport camera. Holding steady takes effort, and the single card slot reinforces its non-pro focus. It’s a camera that shines with smaller setups but asks for compromises with big glass. But while it may compromise on the large lens side it doesn’t anywhere else.
The OM-3 embraces the Micro Four Thirds ethos: small size, big potential. With over 120 lenses in the system—many weather-sealed—it’s incredibly versatile. The 2x crop factor turns a 20mm f/1.8 into a 40mm f/3.6 equivalent, blending portability with creative depth. Sure, it won’t match full-frame in dim light, but the stabilization, fast optics, and smart features close the gap. It’s a system that prioritizes mobility over spec-sheet bragging rights.
The OM-3 isn’t for everyone. Wildlife pros might prefer the OM-1 Mark II’s ergonomics and dual slots, while video diehards could lean toward Panasonic’s offerings even. But for street shooters, travellers, and creatives who crave a blend of form and function, it’s a sweet spot. At $1,999.99 USD, the OM-3 faces stiff competition from full-frame options like the Nikon Zf. Yet it’s not about raw numbers—it’s about the experience. This is a beautifully crafted, weather-ready camera that packs pro-grade tech into a body you’ll actually want to carry. It’s not the ultimate spec monster, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s a photographer’s camera, one that encourages you to get out there and shoot.
The OM-3 shows OM System isn’t just riding Olympus’ coattails—it’s carving its own niche. It’s a reminder that photography is about capturing what you see and feel, not just chasing the latest trends. For anyone who loves a camera with character, capability, and a touch of retro soul, the OM-3 is worth a serious look. I’d happily take it on a wander, eager to see what stories it could help me tell. What do you think of the OM-3?
