Some cameras come and go. Others change the way you experience photography forever.
For me, that camera is the OM-System OM-3.
It’s not even a close call: the OM-3 is the best camera I’ve ever used, hands down.
Why?
Because it’s the perfect combination of three key elements: performance, image quality, and design.
Performance: Fast as Lightning
The OM-3 is a rocket.
Every action — from startup to shooting to changing focus points — is instantaneous.
It’s like holding a Ferrari in your hands. It just goes, effortlessly. You’re never waiting on the camera — it’s always ready and responsive.
The speed is integrated into everything the camera does. Even the computational modes, which still take some time to complete (locking up the camera), are much faster than any previous M43 camera out there.
Image Quality: Stunning, Every Time
Colors are rich. Sharpness is razor-like (especially with Micro Four-Thirds best lenses). These RAW files are gorgeous.
The jpegs? They might be even better.
The creative dial (shown above) makes it easy and fun to tweak color profiles on the go, helping tie together a series of shots into a cohesive, visually striking story.
Design: Thoughtful, Beautiful, Iconic
The OM-3 isn’t just a camera — it’s a masterpiece of design philosophy.
Every button, dial, and function is placed exactly where it should be. You don’t fight the camera; you flow with it.
The dials feel luxurious. The shutter sounds satisfyingly crisp. Even without a joystick, autofocus control is quick and precise.
And best of all? It’s small and lightweight — yet unbelievably capable. It's the fully-realized dream of having a camera that can do almost anything possible with EASE, all in a small, light system.
A Camera for Every Adventure
Need a lightweight travel camera?
→ The OM-3 paired with a 15mm f/1.7 is perfect.
Need a versatile travel setup?
→ The 12-100mm f/4 Pro lens makes an unbeatable all-in-one combination. (Not the most comfortable, but definitely doable with this combination.)
Headed to extreme environments like the Arctic or the jungle?
→ With top-tier weather sealed lenses, the OM-3 can handle it all.
Want to impress at a party?
→ The OM-3’s stunning looks are a conversation starter.
Need to shoot birds in flight?
→ Slap on a 300mm f/4 and you’re in business. (Or the 150-400... or the 40-150 f/2.8... M43 has some amazing nature/wildlife options)
And battery life? It goes for days — no more constant recharging stress.
What About the Drawbacks?
The micro four-thirds sensor does come with trade-offs: lower resolution and a bit more noise compared to larger sensors.
But with skill and care, these limits are easy to work around. Personally, I’m confident printing images up to 70 inches wide even at higher ISO values.
The sensor isn't perfect, but in return, you get a smaller, lighter camera that goes everywhere and does everything. When you add in the computational modes OM-System is known for, and the camera ends up capable of MORE than most other cameras.
Final Verdict
The OM-System OM-3 isn’t just another camera.
It’s the most complete, beautiful, and capable photography tool I’ve ever used.
There's never been a camera produced that can do so much in such a small body - it's a truly professional machine.
It’s not perfect — nothing is — but for me, it’s as close as it gets, and going forward at this point in my life, it's everything I need in a camera.
I want to create art, and use a camera that's fast and capable.
I want a camera that's small and gets out of the way. I want a camera that seems designed by other photographers.
I get all of this with the OM-3, and I can see myself shooting with this camera for the next 20 years.
Have a question about the OM-3 or anything else? Just ask!
Thank you!
