The OM System OM-3 Mirrorless Camera Review

Old-school design meets cutting-edge technology

OM System just did a very Olympus thing. They reached back into the archives, selected an iconic camera design, infused it with computational intelligence, and offered it as their latest Micro Four Thirds model: The OM-3.

The OM-3 takes its cues from the PEN-F, OM-5, and OM-1, then blends those attributes into a completely new artistic tool for urban and travel photographers.

From the PEN-F, it inherits the creative dial and unabashed retro design. Contributions from the OM-1 are its sophisticated brains, including some of the best computational photography chops available today, plus outstanding durability with IP-53 weather resistance. But instead of building a rangefinder like the PEN-F, OM System opted for the classic Olympus SLR look of its early film cameras, more like the current OM-5.

Urban photographers who might be initially disappointed that the new OM System camera isn’t the PEN-F Mark II only need to give the OM-3 a chance. By doing so, most will realize that this camera provides the creativity of the PEN-F combined with the horsepower of the OM-1. And it looks every bit as good as any camera this pedigree has produced.