OM Digital Solutions adds OM-3 to its M4/3 camera line-up

Angled view of the new OM-3 camera fitted with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO lens. (Source: OM Digital Solutions.)

The new OM-3 camera sits between the OM-1 and OM-5 models, offering many of the features of the latest OM-1 Mark II, including the same sensor, processor and high-capacity battery, the same autofocusing system – with 1053 selectable points and subject recognition capabilities – and the same IP53-rated weatherproof sealing. It also supports the same computational photography functions, including High-res shot (with hand-held and tripod modes), Live Composite, Live ND and Live Graduated ND settings as well as HDR, focus stacking and multiple exposure modes. These settings can be quickly accessed by pressing the CP button just below the mode dial on the top on the rear panel.

The CP button on the rear panel of the OM-3 camera provides quick access to the computational photography functions. (Source: OM Digital Solutions.)

Designed to provide a reliable, lightweight choice for outdoor photographers, regardless of whether they work in urban or natural environments, the OM-3 also includes a wide range of additional controls to encourage creative expression. The Creative Dial, a feature first introduced with the PEN-F, makes its return on the OM-3, giving users a choice of four film-style colour simulations and four monochrome simulations. The film styles have been developed to simulate classic film ‘looks’ and include Standard (natural), Chrome Film Rich colour, Chrome Film Vivid and Chrome Film Soft Tone for colour photography. Monochrome presets include Standard, Classic Film B&W, Classic Film IR (infrared) and Classic Film Low Contrast. All these profiles are user-adjustable with additional settings for saturation, highlight/shadow, shading effects, sharpness and contrast and these adjustments can be saved for future use, until the user decides to reset them. The Creative Dial also features a Colour Creator function for fine-tuning colour and monochrome hues and tones.

The table below compares the main specifications of the OM-1, OM-3 and OM-5 cameras.

	OM-1	OM-3	OM-5
Sensor type/resolution	Stacked BSI Live MOS sensor with 22.9  million photosites ( 20.4 megapixels effective); Quad Pixel Bayer Pattern		Live MOS sensor with 21.8 million photosites (20.4 megapixels effective)
Image processor	TruePic X		TruePic IX
Image sizes	5184 x 3888 to 1024 x 768 pixels
High-Res mode (max. resolution)	10368 x 7776 pixels Tripod mode; 8160 x 6120 pixels Hand-held mode
Image Stabilisation	7.0 EV shake correction (up to 8 EV with Sync IS in stabilised lenses)	7.5EVC shake correction with Sync IS)	6.5EV shake correction (up to 7.5 EV with Sync IS )
Shutter speed range	60-1/8000 seconds plus Live Bulb, Live Time and Live Composite; Electronic shutter: 60 to 1/32,000 second in silent shutter mode
Shutter durability rating	CIPA rated for 400,000 cycles	Not specified
Exposure Compensation	+/-5 EV in 1/3, ½ or 1EV steps (+/-3 EV in Live View)		+/- 5EV in 1/3, ½ or 1EV steps
Bracketing	EV, ISO, WB, flash, Art Filters, focus (3 to 99 frames with 1-10 steps selectable); focus stacking supported		EV, ISO, HDR, ND
Focus system	High-speed imager AF (phase detection/ contrast detection) with 1053 cross-type PD points and 1053 CD points; subject recognition & tracking for humans, birds, cats, dogs, cars, motorcycles, aircraft		TTL phase difference detection system with 121 phase detection points and 121 contrast points
AF  selection	All target, Single target (1 point), Small target (9 points), Cross target (39 points), Middle target (63 points), Large target (165 points), Custom target (AF area and its increment steps selectable); up to 4 custom target settings can be saved		All target, Single target (Normal/Small), Group target (5-area/9-area), Custom target (up to 4 settings can be saved)
Focus modes	Single AF, S-AF+MF, C-AF, C-AF+MF, MF, AF tracking (C-AF + TR), C-AF + TR+MF, Preset MF, Starry sky AF, Starry sky AF +MF; 5 steps of AF sensitivity adjustments, face & eye detection		S-AF, C-AF, Preset MF, AF Tracking, Stacking, Starry Sky AF
Exposure metering	Digital ESP 324-area; Multiple, Centre-weighted average and spot metering patterns plus  spot metering with highlight/shadow control; range -2 EV to +20 EV
Shooting modes	Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, Manual Exposure	P, A, S, M, B plus 5 Custom memory positions	P, A, S, M, Bulb, Time, Movie, HDR, Custom Shooting
Video resolution/frame rates	4096 x 2160 and 3840 x 2160 at  30/25/24p and 60/50p with Long GOP compression; 1920 x 1080 at 30/25/24p and 60/50p with ALL-I  compression; Quick and Slow movie settings available		4096 x 2160 at 24p and 3840 x 2160 at  30/25/24p with IPB compression; ALL-I compression available with FHD and HD recording
Log support for video	Flat, OM-Log400, HLG Picture Modes	OM-Log 400, OM Cinema 1 & 2 profiles	Flat, OM-Log400
ISO range	ISO 200 to 25600 plus extensions to ISO 80,  ISO 100 and ISO 102400		Default: Low to ISO 6400 with extension to ISO 25600
White balance	Auto WB, 7 WB presets, 4 Capture WB, Custom WB (Kelvin setting), +/- 7 steps of adjustments along A-B and G-M axes		Auto WB, 7 WB presets, 4 Capture WB, Custom (4 settings), Kelvin (1 setting)
Flash	External flashguns only
Sequence shooting	Max. 120 frames/sec. in silent mode with electronic shutter; Anti-shock sequential shooting at approx 10 fps with selectable 1-10 fps;		Max.10 frames/sec
Buffer capacity	Max. 169 Large/Fine JPEGs, 139 RAW files at 10 fps	up to 500 ORF.RAW files	JPEG – to card capacity; RAW – 149 frames
Storage Media	Dual slots for SD, SDHC, SDXC cards (UHS-I / UHS-II UHS Speed Class 3 standard compatible)	Single slot for SD, SDHC, SDXC cards (UHS-I, II compatible)
Viewfinder	OLED EVF with 5,760,000 dots, 100% FOV, 4:3 aspect ratio,1.48~1.65x magnification, approx. 21 mm eye relief, -4 to +2 dpt adjustments, 6 grid overlay options, 2-axis level gauge, adaptive brightness technology plus +/-7 levels of brightness and colour temperature adjustments		OLED EVF with 2,360,000 dots, 100% FOV, 4:3 aspect ratio, 1.37x magnification, approx. 27 mm eye relief, -4 to +2 dpt adjustments,  2-axis level gauge, 3 styles selectable
Monitor	3-inch vari-angle monitor with 1,620,000 dots, 3:2 aspect ratio, electrostatic touch controls, +/-7 levels of brightness and colour temperature adjustments		3-inch vari-angle touchscreen monitor with 1,037,000 dots, 3:2 aspect ratio, +/-7 levels of brightness and colour adjustments
Interface terminals	USB-Type C, micro HDMI (Type D), hot shoe, sync terminal, 3.5 mm stereo mini jacks for microphone and headphones, 2.5mm remote control jack		USB 2.0 High Speed, Micro HDMI (type D), 3.5 mm mini jack (plug-in power on/off)
Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi (IEEE 802,11a/b/g/n/ac); Bluetooth v4.2
Power supply	BLX-1 rechargeable Li-ion battery; CIPA rated for approx.520 shots/charge (500 ORF.RAW files for OM-3)		BLS-50 rechargeable Li-ion battery; CIPA rated for approx. 310 shots/charge
USB charging	Yes
Weather resistance	Meets IP53 dust- and splash-proof standard
Dimensions (wxhxd)	134.8 x 91.6 x 72.7 mm		125.3 x 85.2 x 49.7 mm
Weight (with battery & card)	599 grams		414 grams
Announced	15 February 2022	6 February 2025	26 October 2022

Photo Review was provided with a pre-release unit to evaluate before the official launch of the new camera.

Click here to read our First Look at the new OM-3 camera.

The OM-3 is scheduled to be available in shops on 17 February, 2025. The camera body has an RRP of AU$3,199, while the OM-3 plus 12-45mm f/4.0 lens is priced at AU$3,799. Full details of the new camera can be found here.

Coinciding with the launch of the new camera, OM Digital Solutions is bundling an exclusive camera strap from Lucky Straps, proudly embossed with custom OM SYSTEM branding with the new camera. The strap is a limited production for OM-3 orders placed between 6 and 28 February. Click here for details.