The OM System OM-3 just hit a new record-low price - is this stylish retro camera low-key an excellent value buy now?

Top half of the OM System OM-3 mirrorless camera, floral backdrop
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)

We've always been big fans of the OM System OM-3 here at TechRadar. We love its looks, computational features, and versatile selection of lenses. At $2,000, however, we did think that it was a pricey buy versus some of the competition.

The camera is now listed at $1,699 at Adorama today, which is a brand new record-low price for the body-only. It's a deal that beats the previous record from Black Friday by $100, in fact.

OM System OM-3 record-low price at Adorama

OM System  OM-3
OM System OM-3: was $1,999.99 now $1,699.99 at Adorama

We've been patiently waiting for a big price cut on the excellent OM System OM-3, and here it is. Adorama currently has a decent $300 off this body, which brings it down to a much more manageable price. In fact, at $1,699, there's a serious argument for this camera - not just because of its gorgeous looks, but also because of its stacked sensor, excellent computational features, and versatile video specs.

A viable alternative to Fujifilm at this price

OM System OM-3 mirrorless camera on a wooden surface, no lens attached

(Image credit: Tim Coleman)

At this price, the OM-3 is much closer to APS-C rivals like the Fujifilm X-T50 and Fujifilm X-E5 - both of which are carrying the brand's latest 40.2MP sensor. In comparison, the OM-3 doesn't boast anywhere near as much resolution, and you're also lacking support for 6K video and Fujifilm's famous film sim recipes.

It's a closer run thing than you would think, however. If you don't need that resolution, for example, then the stacked sensor in the OM-3 is a real selling point. Not only does it enable handy little tools like Live ND and Live GND, but you get 50fps burst rates and very minimal rolling shutter in video. If you need more resolution, then there's also the option to use the 50MP hand-held high-res feature, which works well for static scenes.

In short, it's very easy to recommend the OM-3 as a versatile photography option because you can leave the filters and tripod at home. That's particularly good for landscape or travel photographers, but I think street photographers will also appreciate the OM-3's wide selection of excellent (and relatively cheap) Micro Four Thirds lenses.

Alex Whitelock
Retail Editor

Alex is TechRadar's retail editor, specializing in deals, buying advice, and general tips on how to save our readers as much cash as possible. He's covered events like Black Friday and Amazon in some capacity for over seven years now; both in editorial and other ecommerce adjacent roles on TechRadar, T3, GamesRadar, and other Future PLC sites. Alex's expertise touches on most areas, but he has a particular love for phones, laptops, and cameras, being an avid photographer.

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