OM System
OM-3
Retro-styled MFT body with modern AF and creator-friendly design.
$1,699
Launch priceReleased Jan 2025
OM System
PEN
First OM SYSTEM-branded PEN: compact rangefinder-style Micro Four Thirds body with 20.4MP Live MOS, 5-axis IBIS, built-in EVF, IPX1 sealing, and in-camera computational modes.
$1,000
Launch priceReleased Sep 2026
PEN is 1.6 years newer.
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Wins
OM-3
Wins
PEN
6 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 Burst (mechanical) (10 fps vs 5 fps)
- AOM-3 has higher 4K max frame rate (59.94 fps vs 30 fps)
- AOM-3 has higher Battery life (CIPA) (640 shots vs 410 shots)
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
PEN
126 × 75 × 43 mm
393 g (0.87 lb / 13.86 oz)
OM-3 is 14mm wider, 14mm taller, and 3mm thicker than PEN.
OM-3 is 20 g heavier than PEN.
Depth (front-to-back): 46mm OM-3 · 43mm PEN
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
PEN
126 × 75 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
PEN
126 × 43 mm
Sensor size, to scale
OM-3
17.4 × 13 mm · Compact / large-type
226 mm² area
PEN
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
PEN
✓ 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
AF low-light limit
-5.5 EV vs -3.5 EV — lower is better
Subject recognition
Adds People, Birds, Animals…
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
Burst (mechanical)
10 fps vs 5 fps — higher is better
Headphone jack (3.5mm)
Only OM-3 supports it
4K max frame rate
59.94 fps vs 30 fps — higher is better
Reasons to choose
PEN
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Dog, Cat
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 125.8, 74.5, 43.3
Max video bit rate
240 Mbps vs 205 Mbps — higher is better
Weight
393 g vs 413 g — lower is better
1080p max frame rate
60 fps vs 59.94 fps — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓Resolution — Both 20.4 MP
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 200
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Pre-Capture / Pre-Release — Both support pre-capture / pre-release
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
PEN
Pros
- ✓393g rangefinder body with built-in 2.36M-dot EVF
- ✓First PEN with IPX1 dust/splash sealing
- ✓5-axis IBIS up to 5.5 stops + 121-point cross-type AF
- ✓Hi-Res, Live ND, Focus Stacking, HDR via CP button
- ✓4K / C4K video, vertical video, 3.5mm mic jack
Cons
- –Micro Four Thirds sensor vs APS-C/FF rivals
- –4K capped at 30p (C4K 24p only)
- –IPX1 is lighter sealing than OM-5 II / OM-3
- –Single SD slot, no headphone jack
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the OM-3 and PEN at major authorized retailers.
OM System OM-3
OM System PEN
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, OM-3 or PEN?
OM-3 scores 8.5/10 versus 6.0/10 for PEN — 120fps burst — pro-level action capture.
What's the resolution difference between the OM-3 and PEN?
Both cameras share the same 20.4 MP resolution.
Do the OM-3 and PEN have in-body image stabilization?
OM-3 has 6.5-stop in-body image stabilization, while PEN has 5.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the OM-3 or the PEN?
OM-3 reaches 120 fps electronic. PEN reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the OM-3 and PEN?
OM-3 weighs 413 g and PEN weighs 393 g, so the PEN is 20 g lighter.
Do the OM-3 and PEN record 4K video?
OM-3: 4K up to 59.94p. PEN: 4K up to 30p.
Are the OM-3 and PEN weather sealed?
OM-3: Yes. PEN: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the OM-3 and 410 shots for the PEN, giving the OM-3 the edge.
How much does each cost?
OM-3 launched at $1,699 and PEN at $1,000. The PEN is $699 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way OM-3 vs PEN vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed September 2026.
Product images courtesy of OM System press materials.