Upgrade Guide
OM System OM-5→OM System OM-3
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
→
Worthwhile
Clear improvements over the OM-5. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.
What's new in the OM-3
-
StabilisationImproved — IBIS — up to 6.5 stops (7.5 stops with Sync IS lenses)
-
Generation3 years newer (2025 vs 2022)
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-5 | OM-3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | +0.8 | ||
| Street | +0.1 | ||
| Travel | +0.1 | ||
| Wedding & Events | +1.3 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | +0.4 | ||
| Filmmaking | +1.6 | ||
| Documentary | +1.6 | ||
| Sports & Action | +2.2 | ||
| Landscape | +0.3 | ||
| Wildlife | +1.5 | ||
| Casual | -0.2 | ||
| Food | +0.4 | ||
| Macro | +0.1 | ||
| Architecture | +0.3 | ||
| Astrophotography | +0.5 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | OM-5 | OM-3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £899 | £1,599 | |
| Released | 2022 | 2025 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 20.4MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | 20.4MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds | |
| Resolution | 20MP | 20MP | |
| Video | 4K/30p, C4K/24p, OM-Log400 | 4K/60p (10-bit), C4K/30p, 1080p/120p | |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect, 121 all-cross points, subject tracking | Phase-detect AF — subject recognition (human, animal, bird, vehicle) | |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 7.5 stops (Dual IS with compatible lenses) | IBIS — up to 6.5 stops (7.5 stops with Sync IS lenses) | |
| Burst Rate | 30fps electronic, 10fps mechanical | 10fps mechanical, 30fps electronic with AF | ↓ |
| Battery Life | ~370 shots (CIPA) | ~400 shots (CIPA) | ↑ |
| Weight | 414g (body only) | 414g (with battery and card) | |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes | |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.74× magnification | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.74× magnification | |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen | 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-5 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-5
Related buying guides
Camera family history