OM‑3 Astro from OM System opens new horizons for observing stars and nebulae, surpassing standard mirrorless cameras.
New OM‑3 Astro – a camera for astronomers
A year after the launch of the mirrorless OM‑3 camera, Olympus’ successor company OM System introduced its enhanced version specifically aimed at astrophotography.
- Release date: March 2026
- Price: $2,500 (an additional $500 over the base model)
Both cameras are equally suitable for shooting the night sky, but the Astro version includes hardware upgrades that enhance the red color of nebulae – one of the most popular subjects among astrophotographers.
What’s new in the OM‑3 Astro?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Infrared filter | Located in front of the sensor and optimized for a wavelength of 656.28 nm – the Hα spectral line. This allows the camera to capture red emission nebulae more accurately. |
| Astrophotography profiles | Comes with three preset profiles: • *Color1* – enhances images of red nebulae; • *Color2* – suitable for night star and landscape shooting; • *Color3* – optimized for stellar portraits. Users can create their own settings. |
| Starry Sky AF | Automatic focus mode on stars, simplifying work in low‑light conditions. |
| Night LCD widget | Reduces backlight brightness and increases image contrast to avoid “blinding” the viewer during night shooting. |
Technical specifications (base model)
- Format: Micro Four Thirds
- Sensor: 20.37 MP multi‑layered with backside illumination
- Video: 4K @ 60 fps, 10‑bit color depth
- Controls: classic controls styled after Olympus OM‑1 film cameras (1972)
Brief on Hα
Hα is a visible line in the Balmer series of hydrogen. Its wavelength of 656.28 nm gives emission nebulae their characteristic reddish‑dark hue. In astronomy, its radiation is often used to study processes in the solar atmosphere and interstellar clouds.
In summary:
OM System expanded the OM‑3 lineup by creating a specialized Astro model with an Hα filter, astrophotography profiles, and additional night‑shooting features. This makes it a competitive choice for both beginners and experienced astronomers.
Asted Cloud
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