Alternative to OM3

daveomd · Feb 12, 2025

I usually take pictures of birds in flight with my OM-1 MK2, but all this talk about the OM3 made me wonder about getting a walk around camera. I realized that I already have an underutilized 12-40 f2.8 Pro II (kit lens) that I can use with my OM1-MK2. It was raining today so I went to the Self-Realization Fellowship, in Encinitas, CA to try it out. I went to walk in their gardens but the gardens were closed, but the gift shop was open.

Luckily I also had the LM3 flash that came with my OM-1 with me. I didn't find the combo of the OM-1 + 12-40 to be Too Big. The items in the gift hop are colorful.

radix1 · Feb 12, 2025

daveomd said:
I usually take pictures of birds in flight with my OM-1 MK2, but all this talk about the OM3 made me wonder about getting a walk around camera. I realized that I already have an underutilized 12-40 f2.8 Pro II (kit lens) that I can use with my OM1-MK2. It was raining today so I went to the Self-Realization Fellowship, in Encinitas, CA to try it out. I went to walk in their gardens but the gardens were closed, but the gift shop was open.

Luckily I also had the LM3 flash that came with my OM-1 with me. I didn't find the combo of the OM-1 + 12-40 to be Too Big. The items in the gift hop are colorful.

if the 12-40 is your fave walkabout lens, the OM1.2 is a sensible choice, no need for the OM-3.

but if you're fine with the likes of 12-32mm or 17mm f1.8, the Pen F or OM-3 would be okay.

b71d82d37b80463cb2b47a5151a90409.jpg.png

cheers

Bassam Guy · Feb 12, 2025

daveomd said:
I usually take pictures of birds in flight with my OM-1 MK2, but all this talk about the OM3 made me wonder about getting a walk around camera. I realized that I already have an underutilized 12-40 f2.8 Pro II (kit lens) that I can use with my OM1-MK2. It was raining today so I went to the Self-Realization Fellowship, in Encinitas, CA to try it out. I went to walk in their gardens but the gardens were closed, but the gift shop was open.

Luckily I also had the LM3 flash that came with my OM-1 with me. I didn't find the combo of the OM-1 + 12-40 to be Too Big. The items in the gift hop are colorful.

Gift shop? Looks like an expensive art gallery. Where are the 8x10 prints, pens with a fuzzy character on top, post cards, etc.?

jjbinx · Feb 12, 2025

Pleasing results with that little flash. Good illumination without harshness - did you use a diffuser?

I mostly forget to carry my LM3 :-(

jj

daveomd · Feb 13, 2025

No, I did not have my diffuser with me. The LM3 is small but adds the right amount of fill light.

the bluesman · Feb 13, 2025

Yes the OM-1 Mk2 is so much more than just a wildlife & outdoors kind of camera and people should realize that

hey great shots and you along with us all already have a OM-3, just a little bit bigger

Here's a shot of my OM-D, E-M1 in classic silver sporting my silver 12mm f2 prime I took just a second ago, I think every bit as good looking as the new OM-3, great camera this one

Bob Carstens · Feb 13, 2025

daveomd said:
No, I did not have my diffuser with me. The LM3 is small but adds the right amount of fill light.

Im always looking to improve my flash photography. Can you share your settings, f-stop, A or P mode, ISO (Auto or other), etc? Thanks

--
Bob Carstens

Skeeterbytes · Feb 13, 2025

It's the first camera I reach for ATM for pretty much anything; other models at a whim but the O-M1ii does more things than the others and is very hearty at the same time.

I do think OM-3 will make a complementary bagmate and a standalone high-end small camera when I wish for a more minimal kit. It's very similar to set up and use, and taking the same battery eliminates one annoyance of traveling with two different models having their own battery and charger.

Cheers,

Rick

daveomd · Feb 14, 2025

Bob Carstens said:
daveomd said:

No, I did not have my diffuser with me. The LM3 is small but adds the right amount of fill light.

Click to expand...

Im always looking to improve my flash photography. Can you share your settings, f-stop, A or P mode, ISO (Auto or other), etc? Thanks

All of the data that you requested is already available by placing your cursor on top of my posted imaged, except the Mode. I always shoot in Manual mode. Hope this helps. Good Luck

smarter · Feb 14, 2025

OM-3 is a wonderful, feature packed camera with a nice retro vibe. Unfortunately too large to my personal preference. I had a Pen-F, but sold it because I liked the humble E-M10 mark II at least as much. The E-M10 II has a very solid metal body and for me it has the perfect size, look and feel. Perfect combo with the 12-45 Pro zoom lens.

Bassam Guy · Feb 14, 2025

Bob Carstens said:
daveomd said:

No, I did not have my diffuser with me. The LM3 is small but adds the right amount of fill light.

Click to expand...

Im always looking to improve my flash photography. Can you share your settings, f-stop, A or P mode, ISO (Auto or other), etc? Thanks

...where hovering a mouse pointer is difficult (impossible?), these are f4 1/100, and 500&800 ISO - pretty well lit.

Bob Carstens · Feb 14, 2025

Thanks, hadn’t figured out that technique for checking the parameters before

daveomd · Feb 15, 2025

Thank you for sharing with us about your personal preference.

MNE · Feb 17, 2025

smarter said:
OM-3 is a wonderful, feature packed camera with a nice retro vibe. Unfortunately too large to my personal preference. I had a Pen-F, but sold it because I liked the humble E-M10 mark II at least as much. The E-M10 II has a very solid metal body and for me it has the perfect size, look and feel. Perfect combo with the 12-45 Pro zoom lens.

I have this exact configuration, and it is a great walk-around combo. I still can't find anything that I believe could replace the M-10 II for me. Maybe the OM-3 will be the one, but the flip screen on the M-10 II makes the camera special.

Having loads of fun with this camera and the Laowa 17 1.8.

--
Mark

shinndigg · Feb 18, 2025

...I have both the Mark I and Mark IV versions of the EM10. Both are wonderful walk around cameras, especially when paired with a smaller lens like the 14-42 EZ. I have a leather half case for each that look good and provides a nice grip, though even without the case these cams have a nice grip.

Jaime100 · Feb 23, 2025

I think a great alternative is the OM5.... as it is smaller.....and while it doesn't have all of the features as the OM3, it is weatherproof like the OM3 and does have focus stacking, ND... pro capture and is half the price. If you are a photographer that shoots BW like myself, while the creative button is really cool on the OM3, it might not be needed as much as you think. A negative to me is that the menu is not updated and can be a bit of an issue, hence the OM3. I love the OM3 and most likely will get one, but..... the OM5 is still a very viable camera for street photography in my mind. And it comes in black so it isn't as obvious on the street. ..... Just a thought.

The OM3 does it that real retro OM1 film style though

--
jim lehmann https://jimlehmann.squarespace.com

Jaime100 · Feb 23, 2025

shinndigg said:
...I have both the Mark I and Mark IV versions of the EM10. Both are wonderful walk around cameras, especially when paired with a smaller lens like the 14-42 EZ. I have a leather half case for each that look good and provides a nice grip, though even without the case these cams have a nice grip.

I think the EM10 is a good option although the tech in it is not nearly the same.... If you want to return to an earlier version, the OM5 or the EM5 Mark 111 is much closer to get many of the tech needed (including weatherproofing although the EM5 isn't as good).

gary0319 · Feb 23, 2025

Jaime100 said:
I think a great alternative is the OM5.... as it is smaller.....and while it doesn't have all of the features as the OM3, it is weatherproof like the OM3 and does have focus stacking, ND... pro capture and is half the price. If you are a photographer that shoots BW like myself, while the creative button is really cool on the OM3, it might not be needed as much as you think. A negative to me is that the menu is not updated and can be a bit of an issue, hence the OM3. I love the OM3 and most likely will get one, but..... the OM5 is still a very viable camera for street photography in my mind. And it comes in black so it isn't as obvious on the street. ..... Just a thought.

The OM3 does it that real retro OM1 film style though

I agree, I’ve decided to pass on the OM-3 in favor of keeping my OM-5 (I also have the E-M10 IV). In addition to what you have noted for the features of the OM-5, I would add that those oft overlooked Scene Modes are the cat’s behind for just flat fun shooting without giving a thought to the exposure triangle or other “real photography “ concerns. And these Scene Modes are not available with the OM-3.

the bluesman · Feb 23, 2025

gary0319 said:
Jaime100 said:

I think a great alternative is the OM5.... as it is smaller.....and while it doesn't have all of the features as the OM3, it is weatherproof like the OM3 and does have focus stacking, ND... pro capture and is half the price. If you are a photographer that shoots BW like myself, while the creative button is really cool on the OM3, it might not be needed as much as you think. A negative to me is that the menu is not updated and can be a bit of an issue, hence the OM3. I love the OM3 and most likely will get one, but..... the OM5 is still a very viable camera for street photography in my mind. And it comes in black so it isn't as obvious on the street. ..... Just a thought.

The OM3 does it that real retro OM1 film style though

Click to expand...

I agree, I’ve decided to pass on the OM-3 in favor of keeping my OM-5 (I also have the E-M10 IV). In addition to what you have noted for the features of the OM-5, I would add that those oft overlooked Scene Modes are the cat’s behind for just flat fun shooting without giving a thought to the exposure triangle or other “real photography “ concerns. And these Scene Modes are not available with the OM-3.

And this is why I'll most likely keep my OM-5, I reluctantly sold my 2nd OM-1 body but with the arrival of my OM-3 I don't even give that sale a 2nd thought after it went, the OM-5 is such a sweet little camera and would be hard to let go of but having the OM-3 I probably should, I think I would miss the old menu though

If I could only have one of those Cameras though it would still be the OM-1 Mk2, I'm very grateful to have all 3 and for the time being it will be sad to break up that happy family

radix1 · Feb 23, 2025

Jaime100 said:
I think a great alternative is the OM5.... as it is smaller.....and while it doesn't have all of the features as the OM3, it is weatherproof like the OM3 and does have focus stacking, ND... pro capture and is half the price. If you are a photographer that shoots BW like myself, while the creative button is really cool on the OM3, it might not be needed as much as you think. A negative to me is that the menu is not updated and can be a bit of an issue, hence the OM3. I love the OM3 and most likely will get one, but..... the OM5 is still a very viable camera for street photography in my mind. And it comes in black so it isn't as obvious on the street. ..... Just a thought.

The OM3 does it that real retro OM1 film style though

but yeah, if you dont mind plastic body, and have PDAF, go with OM-5, its cheaper & smaller. Hey if you dont need PDAF, theres the OM-10.4, or if you dont need EVF, and hate hump theres the E-P7. There are choices. have fun with your choice, people.

cheers

Alternative to OM3

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