When you think of a classic film camera, images of sleek metal bodies, tactile dials, and a sense of timeless design immediately come to mind. OM SYSTEM’s latest announcement, the OM-3, not only resurrects that nostalgic appeal but also packs a modern technological punch that’s turning heads in the photography community.

Inspired by the legendary Olympus OM-1 film camera that first debuted in 1972, the OM-3 is a mirrorless Micro Four Thirds camera that marries retro design with state-of-the-art digital performance. At first glance, its vintage aesthetics—complete with meticulously crafted dials and a leatherette grip—remind you of a bygone era. Yet, beneath this classic exterior lies a powerhouse engineered for today’s photography demands.

OM SYSTEM has clearly designed the OM-3 with the modern photographer in mind. Its body is both more compact and more affordable than last year’s OM-1 Mark II, yet it doesn’t skimp on performance. The camera features a 20.37-megapixel stacked back-illuminated sensor capable of delivering crisp images and impressive low-light performance. Video enthusiasts will appreciate the 10-bit 4K 60p recording capabilities, making the OM-3 as versatile as it is stylish.

Perhaps the most striking innovation in the OM-3 is its dedicated approach to computational photography. In an era where smartphone cameras are increasingly leveraging software to enhance imagery, OM SYSTEM has taken this concept a step further. A single, dedicated button on the OM-3 allows photographers to access a suite of computational modes with unprecedented ease.

According to DPReview, a quick press of this button activates the last-used computational mode, while a long press brings up a customizable menu. This menu lets you fine-tune your creative choices—whether it’s selecting a higher resolution capture mode (up to 50MP handheld or 80MP with a tripod), applying neutral density and graduated filters, or experimenting with composite imagery through focus stacking and exposure bracketing. And if that wasn’t enough, the OM-3 also features AI-powered autofocus capable of automatically detecting specific subjects, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

For those who demand speed, the OM-3 doesn’t disappoint. The camera boasts the ability to capture up to 120 frames per second with focus locked on a subject, or 50 fps when using continuous autofocus. This high-speed performance is driven by a robust 1,053-point cross-phase-detect autofocus system, ensuring that even fast-moving subjects remain sharp and clear.

In addition, the OM-3 carries over a beloved feature from its film-inspired lineage: the Creative Dial. Originally seen on the Olympus Pen-F, this dial gives photographers instant access to simulated film profiles as well as customizable color and black-and-white settings. The tactile controls and instantly accessible settings combine to create an experience that’s both familiar to film aficionados and exciting for digital natives.

For those eager to get their hands on this blend of retro charm and modern innovation, the OM-3 is now available for preorder. The camera body starts at $1,999.99, while a kit including OM SYSTEM’s M.Zuiko ED 12-45mm F4.0 Pro lens is priced at $2,299.99. In a nod to early adopters in the US, OM SYSTEM is also offering a $200 discount when the OM-3 is paired with either the $499.99 M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8 II lens or the $549.99 M.Zuiko Digital 17mm F1.8 II lens. Shipping is slated to begin on February 27th, 2025.

Other notable features include:

• Slow-motion video: Capture smooth 240 fps slow-motion video at 1080p resolution.
• Enhanced build quality: A leatherette finish not only looks great but also provides a secure grip.
• Weather resistance: With an IP53 rating, the camera can handle light water sprays and limited dust exposure.
• Battery life: A rechargeable battery rated for around 590 shots in Standard shooting mode, with up to 70 frames of pre-capture shooting to ensure you never miss that critical moment.
• Viewfinder and storage: While it features a three-inch LCD display similar to its predecessor, the OM-3 opts for a single UHS-II SD card slot and a lower resolution electronic viewfinder (2.36 million dots compared to 5.76 million in the OM-1 Mark II).

Though its five-axis in-body stabilization is slightly less capable than the OM-1 Mark II’s, the OM-3 makes up for it with a suite of modern features that cater to both the creative and technical demands of contemporary photography.