Last update:- 2nd May 2025
I bought my OM-3 on March 6th while looking at cameras at a local camera shop in Switzerland. As a keen owner of Olympus cameras, I like to invite M43 photographers to review the following: Presume you own at least one of the cameras mentioned in this article. Has your favorite or go-to camera changed over time? For instance, is the OM-3 a welcome update for our aging Olympus cameras, and do you consider 20 MP or the associated data management advantages a plus or a drawback?
The Olympus E-M5 III with a Leica 25mm f1.4 lens (ISO 200 f1.6, 1/8000). I used the Kodak Porta 160 VC Color Profile in Workspace.
The OM-3 is a beautiful camera promising OM-1 II excellence and IBIS efficiency. Could this be the next go-to camera for Olympus OM-D and Pen F photographers? For instance, the new menu has a steep learning curve, and it's annoying to be stuck while photographing or when searching for basics like gradation, digital zoom, and AEL/shutter options. The effort of familiarizing myself with the OM-3 feels similar to getting to know another camera brand, like the Fuji X-T5.
OM-System OM-3 with the M.Zuiko 75mm f1.8 lens.
My current go-to options are the E-M1 III, E-M5 II & III, E-M10 IV, and the Pen F or E-P7. I especially value the cluster AF function of newer TruePic VIII/IX cameras, such as the E-M1 III, E-M5 III, E-M10 III/IV, E-PL9, and E-P7. Is the new OM-3 a worthy upgrade for the Olympus Pen F?
I used the Pen F with the Zuiko 17mm f1.8 lens. The settings were ISO200, f7.1, and 1/1250. I converted the Enhanced Raw File in Workspace.
Each Olympus M43 photographer should evaluate the following.
Did Olympus photographers dream about a Pen F II or a repackaged OM-1 with a Creative Dial? Did OM System alienate loyal Olympus customers by targeting wildlife and birding (BIF) photographers? Will Olympus photographers continue migrating to brands like Fuji, or does the OM-3 have enough creative appeal and potential to replace the Pen F or E-P7? Is it enough to know the OM-3 is a perfect replica of the Olympus OM-1 and matches your existing Olympus and M43 lenses? Is the OM-3 pricing argument really an issue, or a continuation of an old narrative claiming M43 cameras are inferior?
The new bottom plate, handgrip, and OM-3 combo look beautiful and improve the practicality of one-handed photography.
OM System OM-3 images. I converted the Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace with Color Profiles.
OM System OM-3 with the Zuiko 12 - 45mm, f4.0 Pro lens. These are camera JPEGS with iEnhance and highlights +1 and shadows -1.
OM-3 with the M.Zuiko 12-200mm lens @ 200mm (400mm with the 2X digital converter). I converted the Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace.
Olympus Pen F images. I converted the Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace and used Color Profiles.
Olympus Pen E-P7 images. I converted the Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace with Monochrome Profiles.
Like Olympus, Fuji has a history of designing and manufacturing a full range of mirrorless cameras with quality lenses. I tried Fuji's 16MP cameras in the past but decided to stay with Olympus. When Olympus sold the imaging business, I reconsidered and bought the X-T5 when OM System repackaged the E-M1 III. Many Olympus photographers looking for a new camera will question whether it's safe to buy from a company with a history of relabeling and repackaging older cameras.
Why did I buy the OM-3? While happy with my E-M1 III, I always wanted a used Olympus OM-1. The OM-3 was a perfect alternative. There is much to learn and write about the OM-3, and I look forward to discovering my new "OM-1." Does this make me an OM System or M43 photographer?
Would I buy an OM-3 if I were 10 years younger? The appeal of the Olympus OM-1 only endures that long. Without further advancements, OM System faces a challenging future. I would have felt more hopeful if I had observed some innovation with Workspace. See this article for more.
Fuji X-T5 images. I converted and edited the RAW files in Photoshop.
Olympus E-M5 III with the Leica 25mm f1.4 lens. ISO200, f5.6, 1/1000. I used my Fuji Velvia 100 Color Profile in Workspace.
Olympus E-M5 III images. I converted the Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace with Color and Monochrome Profiles.
Olympus E-M5 II images. I converted the Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace and used Color Profiles.
Olympus E-M10 II images. I converted the Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace.
EM10 II with M.Zuiko 25mm f1.8 lens. I converted the ORF+ file in Workspace - Kodachrome 25).
Olympus E-M10 IV images. I converted the Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace and used Color Profiles.
Olympus Pen E-PL9 images. I converted the Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace and used Color Profiles.
It's good to know that the best camera is the one you keep with you. Experienced M43 photographers know they can expect excellent image quality from the above cameras, which are also a joy for casual and advanced M43 photographers. We know that 12 to 20 MP Olympus cameras with TruePic VI to IX image processors were conceptually and functionally leading the camera industry. The cameras listed in this article continue to offer great image quality, functionality, and performance in 2025.
This
article shows one of the reasons why the enthusiasm for Olympus cameras.
E-M5 III with the Lumix 45 - 175mm lens. ISO200, f5.6, 1/800, -0.7EV. I converted the Enhanced Raw File in Workspace.
I used the OM System OM-3 with my Giuseppe Color Profile.
OM System OM-3 with the M.Zuiko 12-45mm f4.0 pro lens. ISO200, f6.3, 1/1000. I used my Kodak Porta 160 VC color profile.
The OM-1 and OM-3 share an excellent 20MP stacked BSI sensor and TruePic X image processor. The E-M1 III sensor and TruePic IX combo is a good alternative, with similar computational features. The E-M5 II & III introduced new features, laying the foundation for new models, and the E-PL9 and E-P7 are great options for having a camera with you. How does the new OM System OM-3 complement this mix? The OM-3 reminds me of the Pen F with its OM-D (OM-1) functionality. The Pen F stayed unique by not being a Pen or OM-D camera. Will this unique Pen F tradition continue with the OM-3?
See this
article for more about a rich history of innovation with Olympus.
The OM-3 and the Lumix 45 - 175mm lens (ISO1600, f5.6, 1/2000). The DR improvements of the OM-3 made a visible difference.
The product photos in this article were shot with my Olympus E-M1 III. I converted the Enhanced Raw files in Workspace and the Fuji X-T5 raw files in Photoshop. Let's close with a final thought: I love the quality-to-savings ratio of filming in 1080p and photographing with 16 or 20 MP.
April 30th, 2025. I have spent three months with the OM-3 and agree it's a fascinating camera. I prefer high-quality products, and the unique film camera look was a huge plus. The OM-3 has an excellent stacked BSI sensor, TruePic X processor, computational features, and great image quality. The Creative Dial is probably the most exciting addition to an already impressive list of features, and yes, the OM-3 has more creative potential than my older Olympus OM-D, Pen F, and E-P7 cameras.
Does this mean I could streamline my Olympus collection and sell my Fuji X-T5?
Best
Siegfried
TIP: How does one activate the TruePic VIII & IX Cluster AF feature? Select all the AF fields in the SCP and set the "AF Area Pointer to On2" (Gear menu A2 for the E-M5 III).
More images taken with my Olympus OM-3 and the 75mm f1.8 M.Zuiko lens.
