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OM System OM-3 Camera Initial Review

Join us for this OM System OM-3 Camera Initial Review, where we take a first look at OM System’s newly designed Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera. With a striking film-era-inspired design, the OM-3 is aimed at urban content creators who want a lightweight, stylish, and highly capable system for both photo and video content.

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It is positioned between the entry-level OM-5 and the flagship OM-1 Mark II, and the OM-3 features AI-driven autofocus, computational photography tools, and a refined ergonomic design for street, travel, and urban photography.

The camera arrives equipped with a 20.4MP Quad Pixel CMOS sensor, 7.5-stop in-body stabilisation (IBIS), and 4K 60p video recording, which caters to creators of all levels. A Creative Dial on the body provides quick access to custom colour profiles and artistic filters, while comprehensive weather sealing (IP53) ensures reliable performance in challenging outdoor conditions.

With its combination of speed, image quality, and creative versatility, the OM-3 offers a new option for photographers and hybrid creators. Let’s take a closer look at whether it’s the right fit for you, starting with available lens kits and pricing.

Price, Launch Date and Lens Kit Options

The OM System OM-3 officially launched on February 5, 2025, with a body-only price of £1,699. As expected, OM System is offering several lens kit options to suit different needs, including brand-new lenses that are also available separately. Kit pricing is as follows:

• OM-3 with 12-45mm f/4 PRO Lens Kit – £1999.00
• OM-3 with 17mm f/1.8 II Lens Kit – £2099.00
• OM-3 with 25mm f/1.8 II Lens Kit – £1999.00

Each of these lenses pairs the OM-3 with a weather-sealed zoom or fast, compact primes, making them excellent choices for photographers looking for a ready-to-go setup from the outset.

Next, we explore which tools are available to create high-quality content in-camera.

Sample image OM-3 with OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/1.8 II Lens @17mm. Camera settings: 1/640 sec. f/4. ISO 400

OM System OM-3 Key Features

The OM-3 is priced as a higher-end body, but it punches above its weight, packing advanced capabilities into a small, lightweight, and stylish design. Key features include:

• 20.4MP Quad Pixel Bayer Pattern Stacked CMOS sensor for high-speed image capture
• TruePic X processor delivering fast continuous shooting and computational photography
• AI-driven 1,053-point cross-type phase-detection autofocus system, inherited from the OM-1 Mark II
• Leading 7.5-stop in-body stabilisation (IBIS) for sharp handheld shots and steady video
• 4K 60p 10-bit video recording, with OMLog400 and new OM-Cinema colour profiles
• Compact, metal film-inspired body with IP53-rated weather sealing
• Creative Dial with access to Colour and Monochrome Profiles, Art Filters, and more
• Dedicated Computational Photography button for quick access to key creative features
• Vertical video support, new Slow & Quick (S&Q) dial, time-lapse, and high-speed video support
• BLX-1 battery providing up to 500 RAW shots per charge, with USB-C PD charging

The OM-3 is ready to produce virtually any type of content that inspires you to create.

Sample image OM-3 with OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 II Lens @25mm. Camera settings: 1/640 sec. f/5.6. ISO 640

Ergonomics and Handling

With a compact, all-metal body and a vintage-inspired design, the OM-3 is aimed at urban creators and traveling photographers. It features a smaller form factor and shorter grip compared to the OM-1 Mark II, making it a natural fit for compact prime lenses such as the newly launched M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/1.8 II and M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 II.

These lightweight primes enhance the camera’s portability and street-ready appeal, cementing it as a great choice for candid portraits, street photography, and environmental shots. While larger zooms like the M.Zuiko 12-100mm f/4 PRO remain an option, the OM-3’s body design suggests many creators will prefer smaller, more portable lenses.

Tactile controls, including the Creative Dial and Computational Photography button, provide intuitive handling with quick access to artistic presets and advanced shooting functions. These features streamline workflows, ensuring spontaneous shots are easier than ever when exploring the city.

Next, let’s dive into the design a little further as its retro aesthetic is on-point with 2025’s camera trends.

Compact and Feature-Packed Design

The OM-3 combines modern mirrorless technology with a film-inspired aesthetic, delivering a camera that pays homage to the past while being cutting-edge in its capabilities. Its design balances form and function, with key features including:

• A durable metal body with a stylish two-tone silver-and-black finish
• An ergonomic grip and control layout, optimised for intuitive handling
• A fully articulating 3-inch LCD touchscreen, allowing for flexible framing and vlogging
• A high-resolution 2.36M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder, providing bright, detailed previews

The Creative Dial, S&Q switch, and Computational Photography button offer quick access to colour profiles and advanced shooting modes, streamlining the creative process when out in the field.

This is a camera that prioritises both aesthetics and functionality, but what does it actually offer in terms of features? Let’s take a closer look.

Sample image OM-3 with OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f/5.0-6.3 IS II @400mm. Camera settings: 1/1600 sec. f/6.3. ISO 3200

Computational Photography for Creative Flexibility

A key strength of the OM System range of cameras is its computational photography integration, enabling photographers to achieve results that would otherwise require specialist tools or extensive post-processing. The OM-3 includes:

• Live ND and Live GND Filters for long exposure effects without the need for physical filters
• Focus Stacking and Focus Bracketing to enhance depth of field in macro and landscape photography
• High-Res Handheld and Tripod Modes for ultra-detailed stills with/without a tripod
• Multiple Exposure and Live Composite for creative long-exposure compositions

These in-camera features expand creative possibilities, making the OM-3 a versatile tool for photographers and content creators. Additionally, the focus system is the latest available in any OM System camera.

Multiple exposure image sample

Autofocus and AI Subject Detection

The OM System OM-3 inherits its autofocus system from the OM-1 Mark II, and features 1,053 cross-type phase-detection points plus AI-powered subject detection. Based on real-world tests of the OM-1 Mark II, this AF system has proven to be fast and reliable, even in extremely challenging conditions.

AF tracking effectively locks onto birds in flight, fast-moving animals, and human subjects with greater accuracy than previous AF systems were capable of. The OM-3 is expected to deliver excellent autofocus performance, particularly when paired with OM System’s PRO lenses, which support the highest frame rates in silent sequential shooting.

The camera shoots at Continuous AF speeds of up to 50fps, ensuring moving subjects are captured in sharp focus, and can shoot even faster at up to 120fps when C-AF isn’t required. These speeds are fast enough for even the quickest subjects, nailing shots in the blink of an eye.

The OM-3’s AI-powered subject recognition includes:

• Human
• Formula cars, rally cars, motorcycles
• Aircraft, helicopters
• Bullet trains, standard trains, steam locomotives
• Birds / Dogs, cats

For low-light shooting, the OM-3 offers AF sensitivity down to -5.5 EV, making it an excellent choice for night street photography and dimly lit environments.

When capturing fast-moving subjects, Pro Capture Mode saves frames before the shutter is fully pressed, significantly increasing your hit rate for action shots. Although now a common feature, this remains an advanced tool that ensures greater accuracy when timing the perfect shot.

These autofocus and burst shooting capabilities allow OM-3 users to confidently capture everything from spontaneous moments to fast-paced action, even in extreme low light.

Next we look at video features and how you can create impressive movies including time-lapse and vertical video with this retro-styled body.

Sample image no EXIF data - Carl Johansson

4K Video and Cinematic Features

Filmmakers and hybrid content creators will find the OM System OM-3 to be a capable tool for video production, offering features that rival larger, more complex cameras. 4K 60p and C4K recording with 10-bit H.265 and OMLog400 provide excellent colour depth for post-production work, while the newly introduced OM-Cinema1 and OM-Cinema2 profiles offer enhanced grading flexibility.

For capturing dynamic scenes, the Slow & Quick (S&Q) dial makes it easy to switch between slow-motion and quick recording modes, which is perfect for documenting city life or action sequences. Focus peaking, zebra patterns, and a recording assist lamp ensure that professional-quality tools are available, whether you’re vlogging, filming cinematic sequences, or producing polished content for social media.

The inclusion of a 3.5mm microphone jack and support for external recording with a video recorder further reinforces the OM-3’s suitability for demanding solo video work, while handheld recording is supported by the camera’s max. 7.5-stop in-body stabilisation (IBIS). This enables smooth, steady footage without requiring a gimbal or external stabiliser.

7.5 stops of stabilisation is available when paired with compatible Sync-IS lenses, which means sharper images at slower shutter speeds for photographers, even in low light. For filmmakers, it translates to buttery-smooth handheld footage, even when walking and talking.

Sample image OM-3 with OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 II Lens @25mm. Camera settings: 1/400 sec. f/1.8. ISO 640

Smart Connectivity and Workflow Flexibility

The OM-3 can fit seamlessly into a modern creative workflow, with fast, efficient connectivity for transferring images, live streaming, and remote control. Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth allow for instant image sharing, making it easy to upload content directly from your smartphone via the OM Image Share app.

Content creators who work remotely will appreciate the UVC/UAC webcam support, allowing the camera to function as a high-quality webcam for live streaming, meetings, or remote production. This makes it a versatile tool for content creators who need a high-end camera for both photography and professional-quality calls.

With USB-C charging and power delivery, the OM-3 is built for Longford content and extended recording sessions, ensuring you never run out of power mid-shoot.

Sample image OM-3 with OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f/5.0-6.3 IS II @400mm. Camera settings: 1/1600 sec. f/6.3. ISO 500

Best Accessories for the OM-3

The Micro Four Thirds ecosystem is extensive, and you’ll find a wide range of accessories compatible with the latest OM-3 release. This includes the ability to connect a standard video mic from leading manufacturers, attach OM compatible flashguns via the hot shoe, and use high-speed SD memory cards to maximise performance. A spare BLX-1 Li-ion battery is also a must-have for extended shooting sessions, regardless of how long a single battery lasts!

Other useful accessories include standard headphones for audio monitoring, such as the Sennheiser IE 4. Whether capturing stills, or filming video with high-quality audio, there is a vast selection of accessories to enhance the OM-3’s capabilities.

Who Is the OM System OM-3 For?

The OM System OM-3 is aimed at urban creatives, hybrid content creators, and outdoor photographers who want a stylish, compact and lightweight sub-500g MFT camera for everyday shooting. As a hybrid mirrorless body with computational photography integration, it is particularly well-suited for street, documentary, and urban nature photography.

If you’re looking for a weather-sealed, highly portable system that encourages you to pick it up and start creating, the OM-3 is a compelling addition to the Micro Four Thirds lineup.

Shop for your OM System OM-3 Camera Body today, or if you need a lens, explore one of the kit options, available in our comprehensive range of OM System Micro Four Thirds Cameras here. 

If you’re thinking about upgrading, take advantage of our fast and free trade-in quotation, with an instant valuation on your current gear to put towards the OM-3.

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By Nick Dautlich on 06/02/2025

Nick Dautlich

Senior Content Writer and Product Reviewer

Nick Dautlich is the Senior Content Writer and Product Reviewer at Park Cameras, with over 15 years of photography experience. A Sony Imaging Professional and expert reviewer, Nick has worked with major brands such as Canon, Sony and Nikon. His work is also featured on Vanguard World UK’s website, Capture Landscapes, and Shutter Evolve. Nick’s photography includes National Trust projects and magazine covers and he is passionate about landscapes and storytelling. Nick also enjoys hiking and teaching his children about nature. Learn more on his profile page.