Decision tools · Compare

OM-3 vs OM-5

Quick take: The OM-5 is the most affordable.

16 specs side by side·15 genres scored·UK prices from Wex Photo Video and Clifton Cameras

How to read this page. Highlighted cells win that row on the spec alone. Genre scores are the engine's base scores (enthusiast, photo and video); Camera Match re-weights them for your level and priorities. Price buttons are affiliate links; the price you pay is the same.

Price buttons are affiliate links — GearFrame may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects a score. Learn more

Verdictwhich should you buy?

OM-3 — Travel, Outdoor & Adventure Photography: The ideal mid-range OM System camera — weather sealed, class-leading IBIS, and superb computational features in a compact body.

OM-5 — Outdoor & Adventure: The toughest camera at this price — IP53 weather sealing and 7.5-stop IBIS built for adventure photographers.

Who should buy what
OM-3 (2025)
is the right camera for you if…
  • Outdoor and adventure photographers who need weather sealing and compact size
  • Wildlife and bird photographers wanting improved AF over the OM-5
  • Travel shooters who want a rugged, lightweight MFT system
  • OM-5 or E-M5 III owners wanting better autofocus without going to the OM-1
OM-5 (2022)
is the right camera for you if…
  • Outdoor and adventure photographers who need a compact, weather-sealed body
  • Travellers who want MFT's compact size with pro-level weather protection
  • E-M5 III owners upgrading to OM System's improved subject detection
  • Photographers who want strong IBIS and rugged build without OM-1 pricing
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
Specification OM-3OM System · 2025OM-5OM System · 2022
Price £1,649£179Best
Sensor 20.4MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds20.4MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS
Resolution 20.4MP20.4MP
Video 4K/60p (10-bit), C4K/30p, 1080p/120p4K/30p, C4K/24p, OM-Log400
Autofocus Phase-detect AF — subject recognition (human, animal, bird, vehicle)Phase-detect, 121 all-cross points, subject tracking
Stabilisation IBIS — up to 6.5 stops (7.5 stops with Sync IS lenses)5-axis IBIS, 7.5 stops (Dual IS with compatible lenses)
Burst Rate 10fps mechanical, 30fps electronic with AF30fps electronic, 10fps mechanicalBest
Battery Life ~400 shots (CIPA)Best~370 shots (CIPA)
Weight 414g (with battery and card)414g (body only)
Dimensions 122.3 × 84.6 × 49.4mm122.3 × 87.6 × 49.7mm
Weather Sealed YesYes
Viewfinder EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.74× magnificationEVF, 2.36M dots, 0.74× magnification
Screen 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen3.0" fully articulating touchscreen
Mount Micro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
Memory Cards Single SD UHS-II slotDual SD UHS-II slots
Connectivity USB-C, Wi-Fi, BluetoothUSB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

Wins the row — price, resolution, burst, battery, weight and sealing are compared; text specs aren't ranked.

How they score by genreengine base scores out of 10
Genre
OM-3
OM-5
Portrait
7.3/10
6.5/10
Street
6.9/10
6.8/10
Travel
6.9/10
6.8/10
Wedding & Events
6.8/10
5.5/10
Vlogging & Video
6.7/10
6.4/10
Filmmaking
6.7/10
5.1/10
Documentary
7.9/10
6.3/10
Sports & Action
8.9/10
6.7/10
Landscape
6.2/10
5.9/10
Wildlife
9.0/10
7.5/10
Casual
5.8/10
6.0/10
Food
7.3/10
6.9/10
Macro
8.2/10
8.1/10
Architecture
6.3/10
6.0/10
Astrophotography
6.1/10
5.6/10

Scores come from the same engine as Camera Match: verified specifications weighted by what each genre needs, with documented adjustments. The product page and this table show the enthusiast base score. See how scores are calculated →

Next
More comparisons with OM-3
Camera family history