Astrophotographers, take note: OM SYSTEM’s latest camera, which will be made to order after initial availability in March 2026, is an optically-specialized variant of the powerful OM-3. The OM-3 ASTRO sports a customized IR-cut filter and custom modes crafted specifically to make the night sky fun to shoot, with reduced frustration in capturing the images of which you dream.
The OM-3 is a beast of computational photography, combining OM SYSTEM’s most powerful processor, the TruePix X, with a 20.4 MP Stacked BSI Live MOS sensor. By adjusting the IR-cut filter in front of the imaging sensor, the OM-3 ASTRO has been made to allow approximately 100% transmission of Hα rays for clear reproduction of magnificent astral reds and faint nebulae.
Custom profiles include finely-adjusted modes for capturing red nebulae (C1) and starry landscapes (C2); a hand-held mode is even included (C3). Color modes COLOR1 and COLOR2 let you instantly choose between capturing intensely colored outer space or more “natural” night-time colors, making the OM-3 ASTRO an ideal choice whether you’re including terrestrial landscapes or zeroing in on your favorite constellations and distant nebulae.
As an OM SYSTEM camera adhering to Micro Four Thirds standards, this camera offers not only consistently impressive image quality, but is also housed in a compact, durable frame. Did someone say IP53 certified weather sealing? (OM SYSTEM did—fear no dust, rain, and cold in your quest to capture the night!) You can use one of the many high quality Micro Four Thirds optics or grab an adapter to use an astronomical telescope as your lens if you want to really get serious about the dark skies.
High Res Shot Mode is one of OM SYSTEM’s computational modes of particular interest to astrophotographers, delivering extraordinary detail without requiring stacking in post. Handheld High Res Shot, in particular, creates images of approximately 50 MP using 12 quickly captured images, automatically correcting diurnal motion of stars. An equatorial mount is recommended to correct tracking errors.
OM SYSTEM has also created two (optional) body mount filters which slot cleverly inside compatible cameras, sneaking in between the sensor and any lens… yes, including fish-eye lenses and others which may not be optically compatible with filters mounted to the front of the lens. These include the BMF-LPC01 Light Pollution Suppression filter (what it says on the tin) and the BMF-SE01 Soft filter, which helps visually emphasize brighter stars to avoid the way starscapes captured as equal dots in an image can flatten out.
More OM-3 features which may be of special interest to this specialized group include:
- Starry Sky AF: AF designed for accuracy when seeking the stars.
- Live Composite: yes!!! Multiple exposures, in-camera!
- Digital level: nail the horizon, even in pitch (hah) dark.
- USB PD: keep the juice flowing with compatible power sources for nights filled with long, long, looong exposures.
- Night View: scenery in dark conditions is automatically brightened to help make satisfying star-centric landscapes.
These can’t sell out, as they will be made to order, but you’ll still want to minimize that processing time by placing your order today. The serene and sublime await…
Sample image gallery
File size reduced for web. Please leave a comment if you’re interested in originals.