OM SYSTEM OM-3 ASTRO Digital Camera Body

With a 20MP stacked BSI Live MOS sensor, TruePic X processor, and a dedicated infrared cut filter tuned for Hα transmission, the OM SYSTEM OM-3 ASTRO is a specialist astrophotography variant of the OM-3. The revised IR-cut filter increases Hα transmission to enable vivid red nebula capture, while computational High Res Shot stacking and Starry Sky AF functions support high-resolution, low-noise night-sky imaging. A sealed metal body and 5-axis stabilisation support extended outdoor use.

OM SYSTEM OM-3 ASTRO Digital Camera Body Key Features:

• Astrophotography-focused OM-3 variant with Hα-optimised IR-cut filter
• Enhanced sensitivity for detailed red nebula and star field capture
• 20MP stacked BSI Live MOS sensor for high-sensitivity night imaging
• TruePic X processor enabling advanced computational photography
• High Res Shot stacking for high-resolution astrophotography composites
• Starry Sky AF for accurate autofocus on point light sources
• Night Vision Mode for improved composition in low-light conditions
• Live Composite mode for in-camera star trail capture
• Custom C1 to C3 modes preset for astrophotography capture
• Dedicated colour profiles for nebulae and starry landscapes
• High 5-axis Sync-IS for stabilised long-exposure shooting
• Vintage-styled premium metal body with IP53 dust and splash resistance
• 2.36m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder for precise night framing
• Creative Dial with colour, monochrome, and art filter controls
• RAW video data output with S&Q slow and quick motion support
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for remote operation and image transfer

What’s new?

The OM SYSTEM OM-3 ASTRO is a dedicated astrophotography model derived from the OM-3, distinguished by a newly tuned infrared cut filter positioned in front of the sensor. This filter enables the camera to achieve approximately 100% transmission of Hα wavelengths, allowing red emission nebulae to be recorded with greater intensity and clarity than is possible with standard digital camera filtration. This architectural change directly affects colour capture at the sensor level, improving nebula reproduction without external modification.

Beyond the optical adjustment, the OM-3 ASTRO integrates astrophotography-specific presets and controls across the system. Preconfigured custom shooting modes, dedicated colour profiles, High Res Shot stacking, and night-focused viewing and AF tools reduce setup time and improve repeatability during extended night sessions. Together, these changes mark a functional shift from a general-purpose mirrorless camera to a purpose-built astrophotography platform.

Sensor and processing

The OM-3 ASTRO combines a 20 MP stacked back-illuminated Live MOS sensor with the TruePic X image processor. The stacked sensor supports faster readout and stable multi-frame capture, while the BSI structure improves light gathering during high-sensitivity shooting. TruePic X processes complex computational tasks such as stacking and noise reduction, resulting in cleaner star fields, galaxies, and nightscapes, and more consistent colour reproduction during long exposures.

IR-cut filter and Hα optimisation

The custom IR-cut filter mounted in front of the OM-3 ATSRO’s image sensor is optically tuned for astrophotography. Its transmission characteristics are adjusted to pass Hα wavelengths, which are usually suppressed in general photography cameras, altering how red light is recorded at capture. The filter enables nebulae emitting Hα light to be rendered with clarity and more accurate colour directly in-camera, reducing the need for post-processing corrections or camera modifications.

High-resolution stacking for astrophotography

High Res Shot is a computational feature that composites multiple frames into a single high-resolution image. When used with a camera mounted on a tripod or an equatorial mount, the OM-3 ASTRO can generate a composite image with approximately 50 million pixels from 12 frames. The stacking process aligns individual frames to correct for star movement, compensating for diurnal motion and minor tracking errors while reducing noise compared to a single long exposure.

Autofocus and night photography tools

Starry Sky AF on the OM-3 Astro is designed to detect and focus on point light sources, enabling reliable autofocus on stars with minimal contrast. Night Vision Mode increases display brightness without affecting exposure, supporting accurate composition in dark environments. Live Composite allows star trails to be built incrementally with a live preview, providing direct control over trail length and exposure balance during capture.

Stabilisation and body design

High 5-axis Sync-IS stabilises the sensor to reduce the impact of small movements during long exposures and multi-frame capture. This stabilisation improves framing stability and alignment accuracy when using High Res Shot or composing starry landscapes without a tripod. For long-exposure deep-sky imaging when using a tripod or equatorial mount, you can turn off stabilisation. The vintage-styled premium metal body provides structural rigidity, while IP53-rated dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof sealing supports outdoor night shooting in cold or damp conditions. This combination improves stability and reliability during extended astrophotography sessions.

Viewing, controls, and connectivity

A 2.36m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder provides a clear, detailed view for precise framing at night. The Creative Dial offers direct access to colour profile control, monochrome profile control, colour creator, and art filters, enabling tailored colour behaviour for different night sky subjects. S&Q mode supports slow and quick motion video, while RAW video data output allows external recording. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enable remote operation, image transfer, and extended control during long-duration shooting.

What’s in the box?

• 1 x OM SYSTEM OM-3 ASTRO Digital Camera Body
• 1 x Battery
• 1 x Body Cap
• 1 x USB Cable
• 1 x Shoulder Strap
• 1 x Instruction Manual
• 1 x Warranty Card

FAQs:

Can the OM-3 ASTRO be used for starry landscape photography?

Yes. Dedicated colour profiles and custom modes are preset for both astrophotography and starry landscape shooting. The camera includes Starry Sky AF for focusing on stars, Night Vision Mode for brighter composition in dark conditions, and a digital level to assist accurate alignment. These modes adjust colour behaviour and processing to suit wide-field night sky scenes.

Is the OM-3 ASTRO compatible with telescopes?

Yes. The Micro Four Thirds mount allows the camera body to be attached to astronomical telescopes using commercially available adapters, enabling detailed imaging of nebulae and constellations.

Can the camera be powered for long outdoor astrophotography sessions?

Yes. The OM-3 ASTRO supports USB Power Delivery from compatible external power sources, allowing extended shooting durations for long-exposure and stacking. The IP53-rated sealed metal body, stabilised sensor, and USB power support allow extended shooting in cold, dusty, or damp environments.

Does the OM-3 ASTRO require external filters to photograph red nebulae?

No. A dedicated IR-cut filter optimised for Hα transmission allows red emission nebulae to be recorded directly without the need for external clip-in or front-mounted modification filters. This change affects capture at the sensor level, enabling natural nebula colour and structure to be captured straight from RAW files. External filters are optional and are not required to achieve Hα-sensitive astrophotography with this camera.

How do the custom modes (C1-C3) work on the OM-3 ASTRO?

The OM-3 ASTRO features three custom modes (C1-C3) on the mode dial, preconfigured for night sky photography. Each custom mode stores a complete set of camera parameters, including exposure, computational functions, and colour profile. One mode is optimised for stacked deep-sky astrophotography, another for starry landscape stacking, and a third for handheld starry landscape shooting. The modes reduce setup time, minimise handling errors during night sessions, and ensure consistent results when switching between different subjects.

How can images be transferred or controlled remotely?

Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enable wireless image transfer and remote camera control, which helps reduce vibration during long-exposure astrophotography.