OM System OM-3

Inspired by a 35mm film SLR from 1983, the fully digital OM-3 mirrorless camera builds on the heritage and goodwill afforded the former Olympus, while inheriting the OM System OM-1 II flagship’s latest tech. The only irony is that the Four Thirds format sensor at the new model’s heart remains smaller than a 35mm film frame. Still, images are bright, colourful and richly detailed, with plenty of creative tweaks able to be made in-camera at the press of a button.

Editor's Choice A compact, sturdy and efficient camera with great handling and endless creative possibilities.

The OM System OM-3 packs the photo and video quality of the high-end OM-1 Mark II, into a smaller, simpler and more affordable mid-range body. It may not be the modern PEN-F many hoped for, but includes design nods to this much-loved model with the flat front and Creative Dial, while sporting the full weather-sealing that was sorely lacking from it. There may not be much for your front fingers to grip, but the plethora of satisfyingly clicky dials and switches are a masterclass in tactile ergonomics on a small body. OM Digital has also been sensible about what to include and miss out versus the higher-end OM-1 Mark II. The OM-3 shares the same stacked sensor, image processor, autofocus, electronic bursts and the latest menu system too, not to mention the OM-1’s battery pack too. It lacks the twin card slots, nicer viewfinder, joystick, sync port and faster mechanical bursts of the OM-1 Mark II, as well as its optional battery grip. Are these worth an extra 500 quid at retail? That’s up to you and which body shape you prefer. Speaking of price, there’s also a wealth of alternatives available, including Panasonic’s arguably better-featured - albeit heftier - G9 II, as well as multiple APSC and budget full-framers to weigh-up. But there’s actually little at this price sporting a stylish weatherproof design and a stacked sensor inside, not to mention industry-leading IBIS and a wealth of cunning shooting modes. Bottom line, I really enjoyed using the OM-3 and the results it delivered.

The OM-3 is a camera that's small enough to go anywhere, with enough speed and computational tricks to capture almost any subject you'll come across.