OM System
OM-3
Retro-styled MFT body with modern AF and creator-friendly design.
$1,699
Launch priceReleased Jan 2025
OM System
PEN-F
Retro-styled MFT rangefinder body with 20MP sensor, built-in EVF, and classic dial controls.
$1,199
Launch priceReleased Jan 2016
OM-3 is 9 years newer.
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Wins
OM-3
Wins
PEN-F
8 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- AOM-3 has higher Burst (electronic) (120 fps vs 15 fps)
- AOM-3 has higher ISO max (native) (102,400 vs 25,600)
- BPEN-F has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
- AOM-3 has higher Burst (mechanical) (10 fps vs 6 fps)
- AOM-3 has lower ISO min (native) (80 vs 100)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareOM-3
139 × 89 × 46 mm
496 g (1.09 lb / 17.50 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
PEN-F
125 × 72 × 37 mm
427 g (0.94 lb / 15.06 oz)
OM-3 is 15mm wider, 17mm taller, and 9mm thicker than PEN-F.
OM-3 is 69 g heavier than PEN-F.
Depth (front-to-back): 46mm OM-3 · 37mm PEN-F
Sensor size, to scale
OM-3
17.4 × 13 mm · Compact / large-type
226 mm² area
PEN-F
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
OM-3
✓ more lensesMicro Four Thirds
130+
native lenses available
PEN-F
✓ 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
-8 EV vs -7 EV — lower is better
Subject recognition
Adds People, Birds, Animals…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 139.3, 88.9, 45.8
Burst (electronic)
120 fps vs 15 fps — higher is better
ISO max (native)
102,400 vs 25,600 — higher is better
Weather sealing
Only OM-3 supports it
Card types
Adds SD UHS-I
Burst (mechanical)
10 fps vs 6 fps — higher is better
Reasons to choose
PEN-F
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal, Bird…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 124.8, 72.1, 37.3
Card slots
2 vs 1 — higher is better
Headphone jack (3.5mm)
Only PEN-F supports it
Weight
427 g vs 496 g — lower is better
Both cameras share
- ✓AF points / zones — Both 1053
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 100 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Pre-Capture / Pre-Release — Both support pre-capture / pre-release
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
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-F
Pros
- ✓Beautiful retro design
- ✓Built-in EVF
- ✓20MP MFT
- ✓Creative dial modes
Cons
- –No IBIS
- –MFT sensor
- –Discontinued
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the OM-3 and PEN-F at major authorized retailers.
OM System OM-3
OM System PEN-F
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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-F?
OM-3 scores 10.0/10 versus 7.5/10 for PEN-F — 120fps burst — pro-level action capture.
What's the resolution difference between the OM-3 and PEN-F?
OM-3 is 20.4 MP and PEN-F is 20.3 MP, so the OM-3 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the OM-3 and PEN-F have in-body image stabilization?
OM-3 has 6.5-stop in-body image stabilization, while PEN-F has 6-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the OM-3 or the PEN-F?
OM-3 reaches 120 fps electronic. PEN-F reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the OM-3 and PEN-F?
OM-3 weighs 496 g and PEN-F weighs 427 g, so the PEN-F is 69 g lighter.
Do the OM-3 and PEN-F record 4K video?
OM-3: 4K up to 60p. PEN-F: 4K up to 60p.
Are the OM-3 and PEN-F weather sealed?
OM-3: Yes. PEN-F: No.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the OM-3 and 640 shots for the PEN-F, giving the PEN-F the edge.
How much does each cost?
OM-3 launched at $1,699 and PEN-F at $1,199. The PEN-F is $500 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way OM-3 vs PEN-F vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.