OM System OM-3 Review

The OM-3 brings vintage charm with modern performance, but at $2,000, it’s not exactly budget-friendly. Inspired by classic OM film cameras, it looks stunning and feels premium. It’s slightly smaller than the OM-1 II but not exactly compact, and its 486g weight gives it a solid, high-end feel. The flat design, however, isn’t the most comfortable with heavier lenses.

What Photographers Love

The OM-3’s retro styling and IP53 weather sealing make it a durable, stylish choice. The 20MP stacked CMOS sensor and fast autofocus deliver excellent performance, and the 120 fps electronic shutter is a bonus. The new color customization tools offer impressive control over contrast, saturation, and film grain, giving photographers more creative flexibility. A dedicated CP button makes accessing high-res multi-shot, Live ND, and focus stacking quick and easy.

Where It Falls Short

The 2.36M-dot EVF feels outdated for the price, and the mechanical shutter maxes out at six fps. It has only one SD card slot, which may be a dealbreaker for some. Video features are solid but flawed—the new Cinema profiles are stuck in lower-quality 8-bit mode, and the Log histogram issue remains unfixed, making exposure tricky.

How It Compares

At this price point, competition is stiff. The OM-1 II offers better performance for $400 more, while the Panasonic GH7 is the superior hybrid camera. Even the original OM-1, now available for less, could be a smarter buy for many. The OM-3 stands out in design and handling, but purely on specs, other options may make more sense.

Who Should Buy It?

The OM-3 is perfect for street and travel photography, offering a unique shooting experience in a beautifully designed body. But those needing better action performance should consider the OM-1 II, and serious videographers may prefer the Panasonic GH7. It’s not about having the best specs—it’s about loving the camera you shoot with. And for many, that’s enough.