OM System OM-3 Astro Camera Body

OM System OM-3 Astro Camera Body Summary

The OM System OM-3 Astro Camera Body is a dedicated astrophotography camera based on the OM-3, with optical characteristics adjusted specifically for night sky and deep-sky imaging. Its defining change is a modified infrared cut filter that allows near-total transmission of Hα wavelengths, enabling direct capture of red nebulae that standard digital cameras largely suppress.

This model complements the standard OM-3 as a specialist variant with altered filter behaviour giving images a strong red bias, which makes the camera unsuitable for general daylight photography.

A 20 MP stacked BSI Live MOS sensor and TruePic X processor handle high-sensitivity shooting with controlled noise, while computational features such as High Res Shot stacking, Starry Sky AF and Live Composite support scenic nightscapes and tracked deep-sky astrophotography. Weather sealing to IP53 allows use in cold, damp overnight conditions, making this body well suited to long astrophotography sessions.

Overview of key differences

Compared with the standard OM-3, the Astro camera replaces the conventional IR-cut filter with one tailored to astrophotography. This increases transmission of Hα wavelengths to approximately 100%, allowing emission nebulae to be recorded with visible red colour rather than appearing muted or colourless.

Colour profile presets are also configured differently, with custom modes for nebula imaging and starry landscapes, which enables consistent colour output without extensive post-processing. The sensor, processor, stabilisation system and body construction are the same as the regular OM-3 camera, which means handling, controls and weather resistance are unchanged.

OM System OM-3 Astro Key Features

• Modified IR-cut filter enabling near-total Hα wavelength transmission
• 20 MP stacked BSI Live MOS sensor with TruePic X processing
• High Res Shot stacking for 50 MP composite images
• Starry Sky AF with autofocus detection optimised for pinpoint light sources
• Live Composite mode with live preview for star trails and long exposures
• Five-axis Sync IS stabilisation supporting multi-frame night shooting
• IP53-rated sealing for cold, damp environments
• Preset custom modes with dedicated astrophotography profiles

When mounted on a tripod or equatorial mount, the OM-3 Astro operates like a conventional OM-3 in terms of balance and control layout. Menu and physical dials are unchanged, with custom modes allow quick switching between tracked deep-sky imaging and static starry landscapes. In addition to tripod and mount-based shooting, the OM-3 Astro also supports handheld night sky photography for exposures, aided by in-body stabilisation and night-focused shooting modes.

OM System OM-3 Astro Camera Body in More Detail

Image output and spectral response

The defining characteristic of the OM-3 Astro is its modified infrared cut filter positioned in front of the sensor. This filter allows Hα wavelengths, which are commonly emitted by nebulae, to pass through almost unattenuated. 

Typically nebulae appear faint or colourless on standard cameras, whereas the OM-3 Astro can  record images with visible red structure directly in-camera. This spectral behaviour introduces a pronounced red cast in non-astronomical scenes, which is why the body is not suitable for everyday photography.

The 20 MP stacked BSI Live MOS sensor supports high-sensitivity shooting with colour separation at elevated ISO values. Combined with TruePic X processing, faint stars and nebula detail remain distinct without aggressive noise reduction smearing fine structure.

High Res Shot stacking for astrophotography

High Res Shot on the OM-3 Astro uses multi-frame stacking to produce a composite image of approximately 50 million pixels from 12 captured frames. When used on a tripod, the camera aligns frames to correct for apparent star movement caused by Earth’s rotation.

When paired with an equatorial mount, the same process corrects minor tracking errors. This mirrors common astronomical stacking workflows while producing a single composite file in-camera, reducing post-processing requirements.

Night shooting tools

Starry Sky AF enables autofocus acquisition on small point light sources, removing the need for repeated manual focus checks. Live Composite creates long exposures incrementally while displaying progress on screen, allowing star trails to be monitored without overexposing brighter areas. Night View mode brightens the live display without affecting exposure, making composition and levelling practical in very dark environments.

Stabilisation and weather sealing

5-axis Sync IS supports stabilised multi-frame capture when High Res Shot is used in static setups. While astrophotography typically relies on tripods or mounts, stabilisation assists when shooting wider nightscapes or foreground elements before or after astronomical sequences.

IP53-rated sealing protects the body from condensation, light rain and freezing temperatures during overnight photography, reducing the need for additional protection in typical UK conditions.

Body mount filter compatibility

The OM-3 Astro supports internal body mount filters fitted between the lens mount and sensor. Compatible options include the BMF-LPC01 Light Pollution Suppression Filter, which reduces artificial light contamination near the horizon, and the BMF-SE01 Soft Filter, which enlarges and emphasises bright stars for a more expressive rendering. Only one body mount filter can be used at a time.

Frequently asked questions

Is the OM-3 Astro suitable for everyday photography?

No. The modified IR-cut filter produces a strong red colour bias, making it unsuitable for general daylight or portrait photography without heavy correction.

What makes the OM-3 Astro different from the standard OM-3?

The Astro version uses a modified infrared cut filter that allows Hα wavelengths to pass through, enabling direct capture of red nebulae.

Does the camera support tracked astrophotography setups?

Yes. The body can be mounted on an equatorial mount or telescope adapter using Micro Four Thirds-compatible accessories.

How does High Res Shot work for night sky imaging?

It combines 12 frames into a single approximately 50 MP image, correcting star movement on a tripod or tracking errors on an equatorial mount.

Can it autofocus on stars?

Yes. Starry Sky AF detects and focuses on small point light sources such as stars.

Are body mount filters required?

No. Filters are optional and sold separately and extend creative control but are not required for basic astrophotography.

Is the OM-3 Astro weather sealed?

Yes. The body is rated to IP53 for dust, splash and freeze resistance.

To find out more, including more about mount options and settings read our blog post How is the OM-3 Astro Camera Different?

OM System OM-3 Astro Sample images

Sample OM-3 Astro with M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm F/2. Camera settings: Exposure 10 seconds. f/2.0. ISO 12800

Sample 03 OM-3 Astro with OM-System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm F/1.8. Camera settings: Exposure 40 seconds. f/2.8. ISO 3200

Sample OM-3 Astro with M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F/4 IS PRO. Camera settings: Exposure 60 seconds. f/4.0. ISO 6400

What’s in the box

• OM-3 Astro camera body
• Battery
• Body cap
• USB cable
• Shoulder strap
• Instruction manual
• Warranty card

OM System OM-3 Astro Camera Specifications

Specifications