Upgrade Guide
OM System OM-1→OM System OM-3
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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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
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StabilisationImproved — IBIS — up to 6.5 stops (7.5 stops with Sync IS lenses)
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Generation3 years newer (2025 vs 2022)
Unchanged or similar
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ResolutionSimilar (20MP)
Suitability by genre
Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.
| Genre | OM-1 | OM-3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | — | ||
| Street | +0.4 | ||
| Travel | +0.5 | ||
| Wedding & Events | -0.8 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | +0.2 | ||
| Filmmaking | +0.1 | ||
| Documentary | +0.3 | ||
| Sports & Action | -0.3 | ||
| Landscape | +0.2 | ||
| Wildlife | — | ||
| Casual | +0.2 | ||
| Food | +0.2 | ||
| Macro | +0.1 | ||
| Architecture | +0.2 | ||
| Astrophotography | +0.2 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | OM-1 | OM-3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,299 | £999 | |
| Released | 2022 | 2025 | ↑ |
| 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 and card) | ↑ |
| 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 | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Single SD UHS-II slot |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See OM-1 and OM-3 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.
Get a personalised upgrade score
Run the upgrade checker →
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