Last update:- 19th May 2025
Let's say we've used the following cameras for a few months. Will your dream or go-to camera change over time, and are the data management requirements of 12 to 20 megapixels an advantage? Which one of these cameras matches your current needs or will benefit your photography style?
The OM System OM-3 is a beautiful camera promising OM-1 excellence and more IBIS efficiency. Will the OM-3 be a go-to camera for OMD and Pen F users? For instance, the OM-3 menu is a steep learning curve and frustrating when searching for basics like Gradation, digital zoom, and AEL/Shutter options. My current go-to choices 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 feature of newer TruePic VIII cameras, such as the EM1 III, E-M5 III, E-M10 III/IV, E-PL9, and E-P7. Are the various improvements of the OM-3 enough to replace the Pen F?
Olympus Pen F with the Zuiko 17mm f1.8 lens. ISO200, f7.1, 1/1250. I converted the Enhanced Raw File in Workspace.
Each Olympus M43 photographer needs to consider the following.
Did Olympus photographers dream about a new Pen F II or a repackaged OM-1 with a Creative Dial? Did OM System alienate loyal Olympus photographers by targeting wildlife and bird-in-flight segments? Will these new OM-1 photographers buy an OM-3 or a "superior" alternative, such as a Canon, Sony, or Nikon FF camera? Will Olympus customers continue to migrate to Fuji, or does the new OM-3 offer enough new features and potential to replace the Pen F or E-P7, or is it enough to know the OM-1 was designed by Olympus, and perfectly matches your existing Olympus M43 lenses?
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.
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, and 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 buying from a company with a history of relabelling and repackaging older cameras is wise.
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, and happy to pay for firmware upgrades?
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 Olympus photographers. These cameras are also an absolute joy for casual to advanced photography applications. The TruePic VII & VIII image processors with 16 or 20MP sensor combos deliver good image quality with superb performance and functionality.
E-M5 III with the Lumix 45 - 175mm lens. ISO200, f5.6, 1/800, -0.7EV. I converted the Enhanced Raw File in Workspace.
The OM-1 and OM-3 use an excellent 20MP sensor and image processor. The EM-1 III sensor & TruePic IX combo offer similar computational features and are a great alternative. The E-M5 II & III introduced new features, laying the foundation for newer models, and the E-PL9 and E-P7 are great options for always having a camera with you. How does the new OM System OM-3 fit into this mix? I am not ready for an informed opinion, even though the new OM-3 continues to surprise me.
OM System OM-3 with the Lumix 45 - 175mm lens. ISO1600, f5.6, 1/2000. I converted the Enhanced Raw File in Workspace.
The camera photos were taken with my Olympus E-M1 III, and I converted and edited the Enhanced Raw files in Workspace and the Fuji X-T5 raw files in Photoshop. Let's close with a quick thought. I am always amazed at the quality/savings ratio of filming in 1080p and photographing with 20MP.
Best
Siegfried
TIP: How does one activate the Cluster AF function? Select all the AF fields in the SCP and set the "AF Area Pointer to On2" (Gear menu A2 for the E-M5 III).
4 comments:
I am conflicted as I currently have the OM-5 and the E-P7 as my primary shooting set up. The OM-3 is like a hybrid of the two cameras with some additional tech and features. I enjoy the handling of the E-P7 and the OM-5 more than the OM-3. Was also a reason why I never fell in love with the Pen F. I am not so good about letting cameras go so it feels wasteful to get the OM-3 to then have two good cameras not get used as much. Another plus for the OM-5 and E-P7 combo is that they share the same battery and both charge in camera with the micro USB cable.
It was your review of the E-P7 that convinced me to pick one up when I came across a very lightly used one at a decent price before they blew up in price here in Japan. I think it is a fun camera and I enjoy the color/B&W switch. The lack of an EVF can get to me at times as I always seem to have it out on bright, sunny days. One of the factors that keeps the OM-3 in my periphery. I am curious of your thoughts on the new camera.
Hello Matthew
It's good to hear you continue to enjoy your E-P7. The OM-5 with the E-P7 is an almost perfect combination. I never tried the OM-5 but have the E-M1 III. Last week I recorded a live presentation with the E-M1 III in 1080p. I used the E-M1 III mic. The results and AF were perfect. The E-P-7 is a great always with you camera. I trust you also know these cameras well which is a major benefit. The grip and handling of these two cameras are almost perfect. The Enhanced Raw Format and Workspace make this a perfect solution. What would you gain with the OM-3? I ike to see your thoughts on this question.
Best
Siegfried
Siegfried
Thank you for the comment. Your question on what I would gain fom the OM-3 is a good one, and the reason I am still on the fence to move forward on purchasing it at this time. I had created a list of pro's and con's to be critical in my decision in a pucrhase and not get caught up in the hype train. The main plus would be to have the color mode wheel with an EVF on camera with all the latest features, ala the CP mode. The in camera USB C charging would be nice, but I find the micro USB charging servicable enough. The new sensor would also be a nice to have, but not super important to me. So that is really it. It is a beautifully designed camera, so having a cool looking camera, while being somewhat vein, is a small factor. On the flip side, I enjoy the portability of the OM-5 and E-P7 and feel the OM-3 isn't quite as pocketable for nimble travel. As you allude to as well is that I am familiar with the older Olympus menu system. I would need to get familiar with the new menu format as well as having to compete with them both if I use an OM-3 and retain my other Olympus cameras (I do also own an E-M1 Mk II, E-M5 Mk II (infrared converted), and E-M10). One last thing that is small but is bothering me is the issue with the wireless remote. I purchased a RM-WR1 wireless remote to pair with my O-M5. I would think this would work with the O-M3 as it uses similar technologies to connect but I would be required to purchase an RM-WR2 to be able to have a remote for the O-M3. The OM-3 would also only work wirelessly with this remote, you can not run a wired remote to it either. So in the end there are just a couple of small features that would be nice to haves and a lot of little things that that overall give me pause on getting the O-M3 at this point.
Hello Matthew
Many years back when I bought my first DSLR, the Canon 350D, I also had the "better" 17-85mm IS lens. My son always said it's a boring lens. Since I am more aware of that something special about some cameras and lenses. The EM1 III, E-P7, E-M10 IV, EM5 II, and the X-T5 are examples. The OM-3 seem to be in this catagory.
Surely there are a few frustrations like the new menu, the ON/OFF lever, small buttons, shutter position, and no grip. These are all issues one can overcome. Must say the more I am familiarizing myself with the new menu, the more I use it.
Matthew, there are no good reason for me to keep you from buying the OM-3. It's simply an amazing camera in so many repects. The IBIS is mindblowing and the consistency of having good results is amazing. Will I be able to grow my photography with the OM-3. Absolutely. I can see why the OM-1 is so popular...
I will keep my older cameras. The resale values are too low and I still enjoy every moment I get with my E-M5 II, the E-P3, an others.
I use the 2 Sec timer and I have cable shutters for my older cameras. Love to learn more about your experience with a remote. Have you tried the App?
Matthew, I am looking forward to explore the OM-3 on this blog. I re-edited most of my older articles and are ready to build on that.
Congratulations on your new OM-3. :-))))
Siegfried
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