OM System will release a special version of its popular OM-3 camera that has been designed specifically for astrophotography and features enhanced Hα sensitivity plus purpose-built computational functions.


The OM-3 ASTRO camera, silver version, body-only view. (Source: OM System.)

Built upon the core specifications of the original OM-3, the astrophotography‑focused model comes with an integrated infrared (IR) cut filter over the sensor, which is tuned to transmit 100% of the Hα wavelengths, making it more sensitive to the red light emissions emitted by many galaxies and nebulae. This enables it to record greater detail in shots ranging from wide starscapes to deep-sky scenes. In addition, the OM-3 offers new Starry Sky AF and Night Vision modes, the former designed to lock sharp focus on stars and the latter for preserving the user’s night vision during moonlit hikes or stargazing with a live view that remains visible in low light. The camera also has two new colour profiles:

  • COLOR1 optimised for red nebulae,
  • COLOR2 optimised for starry landscape photography.

New preconfigured custom modes dedicated to astrophotography allow faster setup when using stacking modes or during handheld shooting. The C1 mode is set for stacking for astrophotography, C2 is for stacking a starry landscape and C3 is for handheld shooting of a starry landscape. The Handheld High Res Shot mode is recommended for astrophotography when using the OM-3 on a tripod because it offers additional correction for the diurnal motion of stars from a tripod or other star misalignment or tracking errors caused by an equatorial mount.

OM System will also release a pair of optional specialised filters to enhance the quality and clarity of Astro- and starry sky photos. Both are body mount filters that can be inserted within the lens mount to make them usable with any attached lens, including fisheyes and ultra-wide lenses:

  • The BMF-LPC01 Light Suppression Filter cuts stray light from artificial light sources, like street lamps, for more vividness and clarity when photographing near cities.
  • The BMF-SE01 Soft Filter can slightly blur and soften the point light rendering of stars to make them appear more significant within the frame.

The OM-3 ASTRO camera is available to pre-order now at an RRP of AU$3,399. Shipping is expected to begin in mid-March. Click here for full details.