Last update:- 12th 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 more 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?
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).
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.
Using my Olympus Pen F and the newer OM System OM-3 simultaneously has proven to be quite an experience. It is important to highlight that the forum reporting technical issues related to the OM-3 has a history of negative feedback following the launch of Micro Four Thirds cameras. Nonetheless, the Pen F achieved considerable popularity since 2016, prompting the question of whether the OM-3's form factor, creative color, and computational capabilities will resonate in a similar manner. The Olympus Pen F continues to deliver remarkable flexibility and image quality in 2025.
Moreover, it is great to experience the performance of the newer 20MP back-illuminated (BSI) sensor in relation to older Live MOS sensors. The reported 2 EV noise and 1 EV dynamic range advantage of the new Olympus OM-1 sensor suggests actual enhancements in sensor sensitivity. I look forward to exploring this sensor in future articles. The images displayed below were taken with my Pen F over the weekend, utilizing the older 25mm f/1.8 and 12mm f/2.0 M.Zuiko lenses. I applied color profiles in the camera and subsequently processed the enhanced raw files in Workspace.
See the info and Olympus OM-1 press release in this article.
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 that final Olympus camera. 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 am 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 been more optimistic if I had saw more innovation (features) for 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.
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. They 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 typical Pen or OM-D. Will this unique Pen F tradition continue with the OM-3?
See this
article for more about the rich history of innovation with Olympus.
The engineers at Olympus have successfully integrated the features of older OMD and Pen models with newer models, including the OM System lineup. For example, while older Olympus cameras allow for global color adjustments, the Pen F, E-P7, and OM-3 offer both global and targeted adjustments. The connection between these newer models and their older counterparts is facilitated by Workspace. Additionally, the Enhanced Raw Format (ORF+) enables global and targeted color adjustments on older cameras. Similarly, the Fuji X-T5 offers a comparable creative touch to Olympus through its film simulations, global color adjustments, and Raw Studio capabilities. It's a pleasure to 'paint with light' when using these cameras in conjunction with Workspace, Raw Studio, and DxO Photolab.
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.
May 5th, 2025. I have spent three months with the OM-3 and agree it's a fascinating camera. I prefer high-quality products, and the film camera look reminded me of my OM-D cameras. 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 Olympus OM-D, Pen F, and E-P7 cameras. It's great to see that the latest DxO PhotoLab firmware update has added support for the OM-3.
I sincerely believe that the team at OM System is commendable. However, given their short tenure in the camera industry, they appear to lack the fundamental legacy associated with the former Imaging team. This is particularly evident in the design of the OM-3, which prioritizes vintage aesthetics over practical functionality. For example, the absence of a handgrip, the placement of the On/Off switch, and the layout of the buttons on the top plate underscore key design aspects of modern cameras. The evolution of older OM-D and Pen cameras offers great insights into modern design.
Despite some annoyances, the new OM System OM-3 emerges as an exceptional camera, requiring only a brief adjustment period while providing remarkable creative control. I am looking forward to writing more about my older Olympus cameras, the new OM-3 and especially the Fuji X-T5.
See this interesting
review of the OM System OM-3.
Best
Siegfried
More images taken with my Olympus OM-3 and the 75mm f1.8 M.Zuiko lens.
I applied my Kodachrome 64 color profile to the ORF+ file in Workspace. The tonal settings are different for each photo.
I converted the Enhanced Raw file in Workspace with the Monochrome Profile function.
I converted the Enhanced Raw file in Workspace and used the Adjust Color function to desaturate the greens.
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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