OM System OM-3 Review

The OM-3 takes the 20 megapixel stacked Four Thirds sensor from the flagship OM-1 Mark II and wraps it in a gorgeous 1980s inspired metal body. That stacked sensor makes it the least expensive interchangeable lens camera with this kind of readout speed, and it drives a deep bag of computational tools: Live ND, a built in graduated ND, handheld high resolution shots and Pro Capture, which buffers frames before you fully press the shutter.

The appeal is the whole system. Body and lenses are small and light, weather sealing is rated to IP53, the autofocus covers 1053 points with subject detection, and the computational features do things larger cameras cannot without filters or a tripod. It is a wonderful travel and outdoor kit that fits where a full frame bag will not.

The catch is the sensor size and the price. Twenty megapixels on a Four Thirds sensor cannot match full frame for dynamic range or high ISO noise, and at 1999 dollars it sits right beside the full frame Nikon Z5 II. This is a camera for hikers, travelers and street shooters who prize size, weather sealing and in camera tricks over ultimate image quality. Low light specialists will want a bigger sensor.