OM System has introduced the OM-3 Astro, a dedicated version of its OM-3 camera designed specifically for astrophotography and tuned to capture the deep red tones found in nebulae.
The OM-3 Astro modifies the infrared cut filter in front of its 20.4-megapixel stacked BSI Micro Four Thirds sensor to allow full transmission of Hα wavelengths.
That adjustment enables the camera to record the vivid red and pink emissions from nebulae that standard digital cameras often suppress through conventional IR filtering.
The OM-3 Astro draws directly from the standard OM-3, which we found delivers strong build quality and extensive creative controls within a compact Micro Four Thirds format.
Astrophotographers frequently target objects such as the Horsehead and Flame Nebulae, where enhanced Hα sensitivity can dramatically affect colour accuracy and detail.
Features built for night skies
OM System has also added dedicated colour profiles, including a COLOR1 mode optimised for red nebula imaging and a COLOR2 profile aimed at starry landscape photography.
The camera includes Starry Sky AF, which allows users to autofocus directly on stars instead of manually fine-tuning focus in low-light conditions.
Live Composite mode lets photographers build long exposures in-camera without blowing highlights, a useful tool for capturing star trails or light-painted foregrounds.
Night Vision mode overlays a red interface on the display to preserve the photographer’s natural night vision while adjusting settings in the dark.
The OM-3 Astro also supports High-Res Composite shooting which combines 12 images into a single 50-megapixel file, with the option to use the feature on a tripod or equatorial mount.
OM System says this stacking approach reduces image noise while correcting for the apparent motion of stars caused by Earth’s rotation.
The mode dial includes preset astrophotography configurations across C1, C2, and C3, covering stacked deep-sky shots, starry landscapes, and handheld night scenes.
New body-mounted filters
Alongside the camera, OM System has unveiled two new body-mounted filters that sit between the lens and the camera body.
The BMF-LPC01 Light Pollution Suppression Filter reduces the impact of artificial light, particularly near the horizon where skyglow is most pronounced.
Meanwhile, the BMF-SE01 Soft Filter subtly diffuses point light sources to emphasise star size and colour, creating a more dramatic night-sky effect.
Both filters are compatible with the OM-3 Astro as well as the standard OM-3, OM-1, OM-1 II, and Olympus E-M1 Mark III.
The OM-3 Astro is expected to be launched in March at $2,499.99 in the US. The BMF-LPC01 filter will cost an additional $339.99, while the BMF-SE01 will retail for $229.99.
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