OM System
OM-3
Retro-styled MFT body with modern AF and creator-friendly design.
$1,699
Launch priceReleased Jan 2025
OM System
OM-5
Compact weather-sealed MFT for travel and outdoor photography.
$1,199
Launch priceReleased Nov 2022
OM-3 is 2.3 years newer.
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Wins
OM-3
Wins
OM-5
10 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- AOM-3 has higher AF points / zones (1053 vs 121)
- AOM-3 has higher Burst (electronic) (120 fps vs 30 fps)
- AOM-3 has higher Battery life (CIPA) (640 shots vs 310 shots)
- AOM-3 has higher 4K max frame rate (59.94 fps vs 29.97 fps)
- AOM-3 has higher EVF magnification (1.23 × vs 0.78 ×)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to share
OM-3
139 × 89 × 46 mm
413 g (0.91 lb / 14.57 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
OM-5
125 × 85 × 50 mm
414 g (0.91 lb / 14.60 oz)
OM-3 is 4mm thinner than OM-5 but it is also 14mm wider and 4mm taller.
OM-3 is 1 g lighter than OM-5.
Depth (front-to-back): 46mm OM-3 · 50mm OM-5
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
OM-3
139 × 89 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
OM-5
125 × 85 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
OM-3
139 × 46 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
OM-5
125 × 50 mm
Sensor size, to scale
OM-3
17.4 × 13 mm · Compact / large-type
226 mm² area
OM-5
17.4 × 13 mm · Compact / large-type
226 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
OM-3
✓ more lensesMicro Four Thirds
130+
native lenses available
OM-5
✓ more lensesMicro Four Thirds
130+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
OM-3
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 139.3, 88.9, 45.8
AF points / zones
1053 vs 121 — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
120 fps vs 30 fps — higher is better
Battery life (CIPA)
640 shots vs 310 shots — higher is better
4K max frame rate
59.94 fps vs 29.97 fps — higher is better
Headphone jack (3.5mm)
Only OM-3 supports it
EVF magnification
1.23 × vs 0.78 × — higher is better
Codecs
Adds H.265
Reasons to choose
OM-5
AF low-light limit
-8 EV vs -5.5 EV — lower is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 125.3, 85.2, 49.7
Max video bit rate
237 Mbps vs 205 Mbps — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓Resolution — Both 20.4 MP
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 200
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 100 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
OM-3
Pros
- ✓Retro design
- ✓Modern AF
- ✓Compact
Cons
- –MFT sensor
- –Premium for MFT
- –Smaller lens selection
OM-5
Pros
- ✓Compact
- ✓IP53 sealing
- ✓Computational features
Cons
- –No grip extension
- –MFT sensor
- –Single slot
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the OM-3 and OM-5 at major authorized retailers.
OM System OM-3
OM System OM-5
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, OM-3 or OM-5?
OM-3 scores 8.5/10 versus 6.5/10 for OM-5 — 120fps burst — pro-level action capture.
What's the resolution difference between the OM-3 and OM-5?
Both cameras share the same 20.4 MP resolution.
Do the OM-3 and OM-5 have in-body image stabilization?
OM-3 has 6.5-stop in-body image stabilization, while OM-5 has 6.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the OM-3 or the OM-5?
OM-3 reaches 120 fps electronic. OM-5 reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the OM-3 and OM-5?
OM-3 weighs 413 g and OM-5 weighs 414 g, so the OM-3 is 1 g lighter.
Do the OM-3 and OM-5 record 4K video?
OM-3: 4K up to 59.94p. OM-5: 4K up to 29.97p.
Are the OM-3 and OM-5 weather sealed?
OM-3: Yes. OM-5: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the OM-3 and 310 shots for the OM-5, giving the OM-3 the edge.
How much does each cost?
OM-3 launched at $1,699 and OM-5 at $1,199. The OM-5 is $500 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way OM-3 vs OM-5 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.
Product images courtesy of OM System press materials.