Discover the OM System OM-3: A Retro-Inspired Creative Powerhouse

If you’re a photographer who loves creativity, portability, and a touch of retro charm, then the OM System OM-3 might be the camera for you. Styled after the classic OM-3 film camera, the OM-3 offers a fresh take on digital photography, delivering powerful features in a compact and lightweight body. Whether you’re into street, lifestyle, documentary, or even portrait photography, this mirrorless camera brings an intuitive shooting experience with creative controls that set it apart from the OM-5 and OM-1 series.

Buy the OM System OM-3 Body or Get the OM-3 with the M.Zuiko 12-45mm F4 Pro lens.

Want to see the OM-3 in action? Watch our full YouTube review here: OM System OM-3 Review.

OM System OM-3: Designed for Creativity

OM System has firmly planted itself in the outdoor photography market, but with the OM-3, they’re shifting gears. This camera is built for urban explorers, creative photographers, and those who love to craft their style in-camera rather than relying on post-processing. If you’ve been drawn to Fujifilm’s film simulations, the OM-3 offers an alternative—letting you create your signature look with unique color and monochrome profiles.

A dedicated Creative Dial on the front of the camera gives you instant access to four modes:

• Mono – A selection of stunning black-and-white profiles
• Colour – Film-inspired colour tones
• Art – Various artistic effects
• CRT – A nostalgic take on vintage aesthetics

This allows you to experiment with different looks and styles as you shoot, making the OM-3 an ideal tool for photographers who love to play with colour and composition. The built-in white frame effect adds a vintage touch to your shots, taking your creativity even further.

Packed with Features for Serious Photographers

Don’t let the retro aesthetic fool you—this camera is a powerhouse. The OM System OM-3 features a 20.4MP micro four-thirds stacked sensor with TruePic X Dual Quad Core processing, delivering exceptional image quality with fast performance. It’s the same sensor found in the flagship OM-1 Mark II, so you know it’s capable.

• 7.5 stops of in-body image stabilization (IBIS) for ultra-smooth handheld shooting
• AI subject detection autofocus covering 1053 AF points (tracks humans, animals, birds, vehicles, and more)
• Up to 120fps sequential shooting for fast action and street photography
• 50MP handheld high-resolution mode and 80MP tripod mode for stunning detail
• IP53-certified weather sealing, making it highly resistant to dust and moisture

Computational photography is a standout feature of OM System cameras, and the OM-3 includes a dedicated CP button for quick access. Features like Live ND, HDR, Focus Stacking, and High-Resolution Shot are built directly into the camera—perfect for landscape, street, and architecture photographers.

A Street Photographer’s Dream Camera

One of the most exciting aspects of the OM-3 is its street photography potential. Its compact and lightweight design (weighing just 413g for the body) makes it discreet and portable. Pairing it with fast prime lenses like the new M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm F1.8 II or M.Zuiko Digital ED 25mm F1.8 II keeps your setup lightweight while delivering superb optical quality.

Shop the OM System 17mm F1.8 II
Shop the OM System 25mm F1.8 II

These Mark II versions are now weather-sealed, a welcome upgrade that complements the OM-3’s rugged build.

Alternative Cameras to the OM System OM-3

If you're considering the OM-3, here are some other options worth exploring, depending on your specific needs:

• OM System OM-1 Mark II – The OM-3 is lighter, smaller, and has very different handling compared to the OM-1 Mark II. Notably, the OM-3 lacks a joystick on the back and a grip on the front, making handling quite different. The OM-1 Mark II has a better electronic viewfinder, superior IBIS with up to 8.5 stops (compared to 6.5 stops in the centre of the frame on the OM-3), and dual card slots for more professional storage options.
• OM System OM-5 – A smaller build with slightly different handling, featuring retro looks, especially in the silver version. It lacks some of the high-end features of the OM-3 and has more limited video capabilities. However, it is significantly more affordable and retains the compact Micro Four Thirds form factor, making it a great choice for those looking for a lightweight and versatile camera system.
• Fujifilm X-T5 – Retro-styled with built-in film simulations, a slightly larger APS-C sensor for better low-light performance, and higher resolution (40MP vs. 20.4MP on the OM-3).
• Fujifilm X-T50 – Shares the same retro aesthetic and film simulations as the X-T5, but in a more compact and affordable package with slightly fewer pro-level features.
• Fujifilm X100VI – Like the OM-3, it offers retro styling and creative shooting modes, but it has a fixed 35mm equivalent lens, making it less versatile for those who prefer interchangeable lenses.
• Nikon Z fc – Designed with a vintage Nikon FM2-style body, it’s a stylish alternative with good stills performance but lacks the strong video features and computational photography tools of the OM-3.

Each of these cameras has its strengths, so your choice should come down to what suits your shooting style best!