OM System OM-3 and older Olympus cameras

 Last update:- 12th May 2025

Let's assume you are using the following cameras for a few months. Will your dream and go-to choices change after a few months, and will the data benefits of 16 or 20 megapixels be an advantage? Which of these cameras match your current photography style, or benefit your photography most?

The OM System OM-3 is a beautiful camera promising OM-1 excellence and IBIS efficiency. It's difficult to say if the OM-3 will become my future go-to camera. The new menu is a steep learning curve and frustrating when searching for basics like Gradation, digital zoom, and AEL/Shutter combinations. My current go-to cameras are the E-M1 III, E-M5 II/III, E-M10 IV, and the Pen F or E-P7. For instance, I especially value the cluster AF feature of the newer TruePic VIII cameras such as the EM1 III, E-M5 III, E-M10 III/IV, E-PL9, and E-P7. Are the OM-3 improvements enough to win me over?

Did Olympus photographers request a Pen F II or a repackaged OM-1 with a Creative Dial? OM System alienated casual and hobby Olympus photographers when they targeted wildlife, bird, and bird-in-flight photographers. Will these OM-1 photographers buy the OM-3 or do they prefer the "superior" IQ of the Nikon Zf? Will Olympus customers continue migrating to Fuji or will they buy an OM-3?

The new bottom plate and handgrip combo improve the practicality of one-hand photography.

OM System OM-3 images. I converted the Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace with Color Profiles.

OM System OM-3 images. I converted the Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace with Color Profiles.

Olympus Pen F images. I converted the Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace with Color Profiles.

Olympus Pen E-P7 images. I converted the Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace with Monochrome Profiles.

Fujifilm is similar to Olympus with a history of designing cameras, a full range of mirrorless cameras with Standard and Pro lenses. I tried Fuji's 16MP APC cameras in the past but stayed with Olympus. I reconsidered Fuji when Olympus sold the imaging business and bought the Fuji X-T5 when OM System repackaged the E-M1 III. Many Olympus photographers looking for a new camera ask whether it's wise to buy from a company with a history of relabelling and repackaging older cameras?

Why did I buy the OM-3? I was looking for a used Olympus OM-1. The OM-3 was simply a convenient alternative. There is much to learn about the new OM-3 and I look forward to discovering my "OM-1." Does that mean I am a loyal OM System supporter? Would you pay for a firmware upgrade?

Fuji X-T5 images. I converted and edited the Raw files in Photoshop.

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 with Color Profiles.

Olympus E-M10 II images. I converted the Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace.

Olympus E-M10 IV images. I converted the Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace with Color Profiles.

Olympus Pen E-PL9 images. I converted the Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace with Color Profiles.

It's exciting to know the best camera for 2025 is the one you have with you. The above cameras offer good image quality to experienced photographers. These cameras are also an absolute joy for casual to advanced photography applications. The TruePic VII and III image processors with 16 or 20MP sensor combinations deliver good image quality with excellent performance and functionality.

The OM-1 & 3 have a great 20MP sensor and image processor combo for 2025. The EM-1 III sensor and TruePic IX are top performers and a close second. The Olympus E-PL9 and E-P7 are great contenders for always having a camera with you. How does the new OM System OM-3 fit into this mix? I am not ready to give an informed opinion, even though the new OM-3 continues to surprise me.

I took the different camera photos with the Olympus E-M1 III and converted and edited the Enhanced Raw files in Workspace and the Fuji X-T5 raw files in Photoshop. Let's close with a final thought. I am always amazed at the quality/savings ratio of filming in 1080p and photographing with 20Mp.

Siegfried