Upgrade Guide

OM System OM-1→OM System OM-3

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

OM System

OM-1

£1299

2022

→

Upgrade to

OM System

OM-3

£999 (-£300)

2024

✅

Worthwhile

Clear improvements over the OM-1. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.

What's new in the OM-3

↑

Stabilisation

Improved — IBIS — up to 6.5 stops (7.5 stops with Sync IS lenses)
↑

Generation

2 years newer (2024 vs 2022)

Unchanged or similar

Suitability by genre

Full spec comparison

Spec	OM-1	OM-3
Price	£1,299	£999
Released	2022	2024	↑
Sensor	Micro Four Thirds Live MOS stacked BSI	20.4MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds
Resolution	20MP	20MP
Video	4K 60fps 10-bit	4K/60p (10-bit), C4K/30p, 1080p/120p
Autofocus	1053-point cross-type phase-detect, AI subject recognition	Phase-detect AF — subject recognition (human, animal, bird, vehicle)
Stabilisation	5-axis IBIS, 7.0 stops (8 stops with sync IS)	IBIS — up to 6.5 stops (7.5 stops with Sync IS lenses)
Burst Rate	10fps mechanical, 50fps electronic, 120fps Pro Capture	10fps mechanical, 30fps electronic with AF
Battery Life	520 shots (CIPA)	~400 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	599g (body only)	414g (with battery)	↑
Weather Sealed	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder	EVF 0.83× 5.76M-dot	EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.74× magnification
Screen	3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.62M-dot	3.0" fully articulating touchscreen
Mount	Micro Four Thirds	Micro Four Thirds
Memory Cards	2× SD UHS-II / CFexpress Type B	Single SD UHS-II slot

Compare side-by-side

See OM-1 and OM-3 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the OM-3 against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the OM-1

Related buying guides

Camera family history