OM System OM-3 Review
We've aggregated 17 high-signal reviews and 1 live retailer price below.
Our editorial take on the OM System OM-3
The OM System OM-3 delivers flagship photo and video quality in a lighter, more affordable body than the OM-1 Mark II. Reviewers consistently praise its compact magnesium alloy build (413g body only), IP53 weather sealing, and control layout that puts advanced features like the computational Live ND and AI subject detection within easy reach. The stacked 20.4MP Micro Four Thirds sensor delivers clean images up to ISO 25,600, while the 120 fps burst mode and 1053-point phase-detect AF system handle fast action with confidence. The 5-axis IBIS offers up to 7.5 stops of stabilization with compatible lenses, and video shooters get 4K 60p with 10-bit 4:2:0 internal recording and multiple log profiles.
Reviewers note smart compromises that separate it from the flagship: a single card slot instead of dual, slightly simpler controls, and no raw video output. Still, the core imaging experience remains remarkably close to the OM-1 Mark II. The articulating touchscreen, Pro Capture mode (up to 70 frames pre-buffer), and focus stacking appeal to wildlife, street, and travel shooters who value portability without sacrificing capability. At $1,999, it slots neatly into the mid-range Micro Four Thirds lineup as a serious tool for photographers who prioritize reach, speed, and weather resistance over full-frame sensor size.
- Compact, weather-sealed magnesium body with excellent ergonomics and controls
- Fast 120 fps burst shooting and 1053-point phase-detect AF with AI subject detection
- Up to 7.5 stops of in-body stabilization with Sync IS lenses
- Computational Live ND and Pro Capture mode with 70-frame pre-buffer
- 4K 60p video with 10-bit internal recording and multiple log profiles
- Single SD card slot limits backup options for critical shoots
- Micro Four Thirds sensor offers less shallow depth-of-field control than full-frame
- No raw video output for advanced color grading workflows
Synthesized by Geared editors from aggregated expert reviews.
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Editorial reviews
Conclusion · Good image quality that can be improved with in-camera multi-shot · Controls put best features front-and-center · Super Control ...
The OM System OM-3 is a beautiful camera that packs a ton of high-end features. It does have some concessions compared to the OM-1 Mark II, but ...
Pros & Cons · Superb subject recognition and autofocus · 15fps mechanical and 23fps electronic shutter · Solid ergonomics and control layout ...
Summary ... The OM System OM-3 packs the photo and video quality of the high-end OM-1 Mark II, into a smaller, simpler and more affordable mid- ...
The OM-3 is capable of shooting at an impressive 50fps burst rate with continuous AF/AE or 120fps without, making it one of the fastest cameras ...
The OM System OM-3 is a fabulous camera that's a joy to shoot with and gives excellent results, thanks to its clever computational features and creative colour ...
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Specs
- Battery
- BLX-1, approximately 480 shots (CIPA)
- Weight Grams
- 413 g (body only), 496 g (with battery)
- Dimensions Mm
- 139.3 x 88.9 x 45.8 mm
- Build Material
- Magnesium alloy
- Weather Sealing
- IP53 splash and dust resistance
- Bit Depth
- 10-bit 4:2:0, 8-bit 4:2:0
- Raw Video
- No
- Log Profiles
- OM-Log, OM-Cinema1, OM-Cinema2, FLAT, HDR-HLG
- Internal Codecs
- H.264, H.265, MPEG-4 AVC
- Max Frame Rate 4k
- 4K 60p
- Max Frame Rate Hd
- 1080/120p
- Max Video Bitrate
- 205 Mbps
- Max Recording Time
- 2 hours in 4K
- Max Video Resolution
- DCI 4K (4096 x 2160)
- Live Nd
- Yes (computational)
- Mobile App
- OM Image Share (Android & iOS)
- Flash Modes
- Fill In, Flash On, Manual, Off, Slow Sync
- Tripod Mount
- 1/4 inch-20 female
- Raw Bit Depth
- 14-bit (high-res mode), 12-bit (native)
- Focus Stacking
- Yes
- Max Sync Speed
- 1/250 s
- Metering Range
- -2 to 20 EV
- Audio Recording
- 16-bit 48 kHz LPCM
- Pro Capture Mode
- Up to 70 frames before shutter
- Flash Compensation
- -3 to +3 EV (1/3, 1/2, 1 EV steps)
- Built In Microphone
- Stereo
- Exposure Compensation
- -5 to +5 EV (1/3, 1/2, 1 EV steps)
- Operating Temperature
- 14 to 104F (-10 to 40C) at 30 to 90% humidity
- Sensor Size
- Micro Four Thirds (17.4 x 13 mm)
- Sensor Type
- Stacked BSI Live MOS
- Image Processor
- TruePic X
- Low Pass Filter
- No
- Effective Megapixels
- 20.4 MP
- Launch Price Usd
- $1,999.99
- Dual Native Iso
- No
- Iso Range Stills
- Native: 200 to 25,600
- Continuous Shooting
- 120 fps, 50 fps with AF tracking
- Shutter Speed Electronic
- 1/32000 to 60 s
- Shutter Speed Mechanical
- 1/8000 to 60 s
- Viewfinder
- OLED, 2,360,000 dot, 1.23x magnification, 27 mm eye point
- Rear Screen
- 3.0 inch articulating touchscreen LCD, 1,620,000 dot
- Touchscreen
- Yes
- Lens Mount
- Micro Four Thirds
- Crop Factor
- 2.0x
- Usb
- USB-C (data and power)
- Hdmi
- Micro-HDMI output, 4:2:2/4:2:0 8/10-bit
- Audio Io
- 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) TRS stereo microphone input, 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) TRS stereo headphone output
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Bluetooth 4.2
- Card Slots
- Single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
- Ibis
- 5-axis, 6.5 stops (center), 7.5 stops with Sync IS (center)
- Af Points
- 1053
- Af System
- 1053-point Cross-Type On-chip Phase Detection Quad Pixel AF
- Af Low Light
- -5.5 EV
- Subject Detection
- AI Detection AF: people, motorsports, birds, pets, Starry Sky AF
Where to buy
Live prices from retailers. We earn a small commission when you click through - never affects ranking.
- Adoramanew● In stockBest price$1,700Buy
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