Upgrade Guide
OM System OM-3→OM System OM-1
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Situational
One clear hardware improvement over the OM-3. Worth it if that specific upgrade aligns with what you shoot.
What's new in the OM-1
-
Battery life520 shots (CIPA) vs ~400 shots (CIPA)
Unchanged or similar
-
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-3 | OM-1 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | — | ||
| Street | -0.4 | ||
| Travel | -0.5 | ||
| Wedding & Events | +0.8 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | -0.3 | ||
| 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-3 | OM-1 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £999 | £1,299 | |
| Released | 2025 | 2022 | ↓ |
| Sensor | 20.4MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds Live MOS stacked BSI | |
| Resolution | 20MP | 20MP | |
| Video | 4K/60p (10-bit), C4K/30p, 1080p/120p | 4K 60fps 10-bit | |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect AF — subject recognition (human, animal, bird, vehicle) | 1053-point cross-type phase-detect, AI subject recognition | |
| Stabilisation | IBIS — up to 6.5 stops (7.5 stops with Sync IS lenses) | 5-axis IBIS, 7.0 stops (8 stops with sync IS) | |
| Burst Rate | 10fps mechanical, 30fps electronic with AF | 10fps mechanical, 50fps electronic, 120fps Pro Capture | |
| Battery Life | ~400 shots (CIPA) | 520 shots (CIPA) | ↑ |
| Weight | 414g (with battery and card) | 599g (body only) | ↓ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes | |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.74× magnification | EVF 0.83× 5.76M-dot | |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.62M-dot | |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds | |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-II slot | Dual SD UHS-II slots |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See OM-3 and OM-1 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-1 against your specific genres — not just specs.
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Camera family history