Lumix oldies for your E-M1 III or OM System OM-3

Last update: 5th October 2025

The used camera market features 15 years of Micro Four Thirds and a significant part of photography with M43 cameras. Many photographers prefer new cameras, while others are rediscovering Olympus cameras in 2025. Interestingly, social media concerns with the OM System OM-3 pricing overlook the cost benefits of high-quality and used M43 lenses. The lenses in this article are all secondhand, and the three I used to capture the included images can be purchased for as little as $500.

Having had the OM System OM-3 for 6 months, I have no doubt that it's one of the most exciting M43 cameras to date. The OM-3 does not compete with existing camera bodies like the OM-1 or OM-5 because it's a perfect solution for enthusiast, casual, and hobby photographers. OM System also seems to focus on the advantages of the high-sensitivity and future-proof OM-3 sensor. Does this indicate a general market shift from a sensor focus to an application and functionality focus?

I am looking forward to more advanced camera bodies, lenses, and features from OM System. Will the 20MP Quad BSI sensor reach its full potential, considering OM System's version of traditional firmware and application improvements? Did OM System consider this trend with the E-M5 III, the OM-5, and the recent OM-5 II? Folks, the OM-3 is a worthy upgrade to the Olympus Pen F, and I highly recommend the evolving OM System experience to all Olympus M43 photographers.

I wouldn't buy new Panasonic lenses for my Olympus or OM System cameras because "Olympus" glass works better with Olympus cameras. I also think it's crucial to acknowledge OM System's loyalty to the M43 segment. On the other hand, used equipment is one of many benefits associated with M43 cameras. The above Lumix lenses are available at bargain prices because they're previous versions of newer lenses. Many photographers mistakenly take forum experts seriously and want a current version of the "same" lens. Each M43 "upgrade" means the older version is an instant bargain.

See this video discussing the unique M43 and secondhand pricing benefits.

I am always fascinated by the consistent repetition that Pro lenses like the M.Zuiko ED 150-400mm TC1.25 Pro and the new ED 50-200mm f2.8 Pro are way too expensive. I also noticed that social media promoters like to suggest that M43 cameras offer inferior IQ and shouldn't be available at fair market prices. This implies that OM System shouldn't develop great products for professional and demanding wildlife photographers. It could also indicate that social media marketing managers are aware that competing manufacturers are struggling to match the current and installed M43 offer.

Imagine having a 10-year-old Olympus camera with many of the computational features available in the OM-3. The E-M5 II continues to be a very capable photography and hybrid camera in 2025. See this article for more about Olympus, OM System, and the social media information layer.

The OM-3 with the Lumix 35-100mm f2.8 lens. The JPEG (left) is normal and the JPEG (right) is a 20MP (2X) digital converted version.

I used Affinity Photo 2 to prepare the above layout. The images are unedited JPEGs and were taken against a bright background. I used HI (human intelligence) to "mask" and up the subject's brightness with a flash. The "Low" noise filter option of the OM-3 worked well with a saturated sensor and higher SNR. I realize that AI is a fascinating development and convenient in specific cases. I personally prefer the concept of "painting with light" while capturing and editing my images.

The Lumix 12-35mm f2.8 and 35-100mm f2.8 lenses are 2 of the more exciting used lenses. They are surprisingly small at f2.8, and the 35-100mm changes to a 70-200mm f2.8 lens with the 2-times digital converter. I also found that the color signature of these lenses is more analog-like, with a warm and less clinical character than newer digital lenses. The Leica 25mm f1.4 and the 20mm f1.7 are fast and great for low-light applications. I have had these lenses for years and love using them.

PS: Some want 40+ MP to crop, while others use Topaz or full resolution 2x digital M43 converters.

I've learned that smaller camera systems are increasingly important at age 65 or when photographing with one hand. My needs change as I learn more about my Olympus cameras and myself. I also enjoy the times I get to spend with my son and listening to his insight as a professional photographer. He often gives me the opportunity to experience FF cameras like the Sony A1 and the new Nikon RED ZR. You are welcome to visit his business website at Roar Visuals.

The Olympus M.Zuiko 12-40mm f2.8 Pro lens is one of the best M43 lenses. The secondhand prices of the original version dropped significantly after the "upgrade" and rebranding to OM System. While I agree the 12-45mm f4 Pro lens is a wonderful lens, I see many M43 photographers underestimate the value of f2.8 in terms of exposing the sensor and "in-focus" DOF. The 12-35mm and the 35-100mm f2.8 lenses are not only tiny "Pro" lenses but are also an option for one-handed photography. 

I captured the images below with my Lumix 12-35mm f2.8, the 35-100mm f2.8, and my Leica 25mm f1.4 lens. The cameras were the E-M5 II, the E-M5 III, and my OM System OM-3. See if you can spot the camera or lens combination for each image. I convert my enhanced raw files in Workspace.

Folks, the purpose of posting my images is to show the joys of everyday M43 photographers keeping an Olympus or OM System camera with them. That is also the reason why I convert and edit my raw files in Workspace. I converted and edited most of the following images with Workspace and the others with DxO PhotoLab 7. I have a similar workflow for PhotoLab as Workspace. I find it easy to get that "Olympus" look or color with Workspace. This is not the case for commercial raw converters.

OM-3 with the Lumix 35-100mm 2.8 lens. Poor light - ISO3200, f5.6, 1/2.6. I converted the raw file in Workspace.

Screen copy of my Workspace editing window. The original (JPEG look) on the left, and the converted RAW file on the right.

The above image was taken with the E-M10 IV and the M.Zuiko 12-45mm f4 Pro lens. It's an example of "painting with light" and converting the enhanced raw file with Workspace. I like to challenge you to find the right scene, spot the paint-with-light moment, capture the scene, and convert/edit the raw file in Workspace. Knowing that exposure compensation is a global adjustment and tonal adjustments target specific areas of the gamma curve, you can do the following. Find the right balance between exposure and tonal adjustments (highs, mids, shadows, and tone curve) to "pop" the scene. You want to highlight the natural light and feel of the scene by carefully tweaking the gamma curve...

By adding a 4th exposure variable to the mix, it's possible to control the available light with the time of day, artificial light, reflectors, and diffusers. For example, use the best time of day to photograph a city scene with street lights and a restaurant. A basic scene like the one above is a good start. Why do I prefer this method? Because I want to highlight the natural look, not change it...

Why is it good or necessary to tweak the camera's gamma curve in Workspace?

You are welcome to mail me your thoughts and a final image...

Siegfried