Verdict

The OM System OM-3 packs the photo and video quality of the high-end OM-1 Mark II, into a smaller, simpler and more affordable mid-range body. It may not be the modern PEN-F many hoped for, but includes design nods to this much-loved model with the flat front and Creative Dial, while sporting the full weather-sealing that was sorely lacking from it.

Fans could – and will – argue whether a small weather-sealed OM body is preferable to a non-sealed PEN, but there’s no denying this is a great looking body that ticks all the right nostalgia boxes. Sure there’s not much for your front fingers to grip onto, but the plethora of satisfyingly clicky dials and switches are a masterclass in tactile ergonomics on a small body.

I also feel OM Digital has been sensible about what to include and miss out versus the higher-end OM-1 Mark II. You already know the OM-3 shares the same stacked sensor, image processor, autofocus, electronic bursts and thankfully the latest menu system too. Impressively for the more compact body it even adopts the bigger OM-1 battery pack too.

As for what’s missing, the OM-3 lacks the twin card slots, nicer viewfinder, joystick, sync port and faster mechanical bursts of the OM-1 Mark II, not to mention its optional battery grip. Are these worth an extra 500 quid at retail? That’s really up to you and which body shape you prefer.

Speaking of price, there’s also a wealth of alternatives available, including Panasonic’s arguably better-featured – albeit heftier – G9 II, as well as multiple APSC and budget full-framers to weigh-up.

Ultimately I’d have been happier if the OM-3 were priced lower, but I’ve felt that about most OM and Olympus products over the years. If you’ve got this far, you understand the pros of this brand and system, from the great build quality and superb IBIS to the raft of shooting options and cunning computational modes; plus it’s one of the cheapest cameras with a stacked sensor right now, and in my tests it virtually eliminated skewing on video and electronic photos. Bottom line, I really enjoyed using the OM-3 and the results it delivered.