OM System OM-3 ASTRO camera body

OM System OM-3 ASTRO system camera

The OM System OM-3 ASTRO is a special version of the popular OM-3 body, built purely for one purpose: to capture the beauty of the night sky, deep space objects, and red gas nebulae in a way that ordinary cameras cannot.

This camera combines the OM-3's top-notch performance, compact size, and best-in-class weather protection with optical modifications that make it the perfect tool for astrophotography. As a special detail, the camera's menus can be set to red-tinted to maximize low-light vision!

Please note: This camera is specifically designed for astrophotography. Due to changes in the filter in front of the sensor, it is not suitable for normal everyday photography, as regular images will be rendered with a strong red tint.

Optimized for astrophotography – the power of H-alpha light

The biggest difference between the OM-3 ASTRO and the base model is found deep inside the camera. In standard digital cameras, a filter in front of the sensor cuts infrared light to balance color reproduction to match the human eye, but at the same time it wastes much of the most beautiful light in space. In the ASTRO model, this filter has been replaced with optics that are tuned to pass through almost 100% of H-alpha (H?) wavelengths.

Why is H-alpha important? Many nebulae emit light at this wavelength. The OM-3 ASTRO captures these objects as vibrant red and detailed, whereas a conventional camera would leave them faint or invisible.

Computational description of the starry sky

OM System is known for its "computational photography" features, and in this model they have been harnessed to serve the astrophotographer:

• High Res Shot Stacking: By utilizing the “Handheld High Res” mode with a tripod or tracking device, the camera automatically stacks multiple images into a single high-resolution 50-megapixel file. This not only increases detail, but dramatically reduces noise, which is critical when shooting in the dark.
• Starry Sky AF: Forget the pain of manual focusing in the dark. This autofocus locks onto stars with pinpoint accuracy at the touch of a button.
• Ready-made astro settings: The camera's C1, C2 and C3 customization modes are pre-programmed for various astrophotography situations, such as stacking or landscape astrophotography.

Ready-made shooting profiles make working in the dark easier

The camera has three customizable Custom Modes to match the most common astrophotography situations. This makes it faster to start shooting in the dark, with the basic settings and color profiles immediately correct.

C1: Deep Sky Objects (Astrophotography Stacking) This mode is designed for use with a tripod or equatorial mount. The setting is optimized for stacking images of deep sky objects such as gas nebulae. The mode automatically uses the COLOR1 color profile, which is tuned to specifically emphasize the red tones produced by H-alpha radiation and bring out the details of the nebulae vividly.

C2: Starry Landscape Stacking This setting is intended for situations where the image includes both the ground and the landscape. The mode utilizes the COLOR2 color profile, which is adjusted to balance the tones of the starry sky and the ground for a more natural result. The setting is optimized for tripod-based stacking, reducing noise and improving dynamics.

C3: Handheld Starry Landscape The OM System's mastery of computational photography. This mode is intended for "Starry Landscape" photography without a tripod. It utilizes the camera's powerful image stabilization and Handheld High Res technology, allowing you to shoot the starry sky handheld in places where it is difficult to take a tripod. However, this mode can also be used with a tripod.

Compatible with frame filters

The OM-3 ASTRO supports new separately sold Body Mount filters that mount directly into the camera's bayonet in front of the sensor. This is a clever solution, as you can use a light pollution filter or a star-enhancing soft filter even with wide-angle lenses that cannot be attached to traditional screw-on filters.

Familiar OM-3 top features

Although the inside is new, the exterior and usability are of familiar and reliable OM quality. The body has a stylish retro feel, but the mechanical quality is of a modern, top-notch level. The buttons and adjustment rollers are made of metal, and the feel is solid.

• IP53 Weatherproofing: Moisture and dew are a constant companion for astrophotography. The OM-3 ASTRO is splash, dust and frost resistant, so you can shoot on damp autumn nights or in freezing winter conditions without fear for your equipment.
• Night View mode: The viewfinder and screen image are brightened to help you compose in the dark without losing sight of the stars.
• Digital spirit level: Straightening the horizon is easy, even in pitch darkness.
• Compact size: Astrophotography equipment often weighs a lot, but this body weighs less than 500g with the battery. It can be easily carried to even the most remote shooting locations and puts less strain on the tracking tripod.

Can the OM-3 ASTRO camera be used in daylight?

Because the infrared filter in front of the camera sensor is optimized to pass through almost 100% of the H-alpha wavelength, this radically affects the camera's color reproduction in normal light. According to the manufacturer, this causes a strong red tint to ordinary photos.

For this reason, OM System does not recommend using the camera for anything other than stargazing. Although modified cameras have traditionally been used in daylight by attaching a separate IR-cut filter to the front of the lens and adjusting the white balance, we cannot yet confirm whether this method achieves completely natural colors. We recommend that you be prepared for the fact that this body is dedicated only to shooting the night sky.

Specifications:

• Compatibility: Micro Four Thirds (M43) lenses
• Optimized IR-cut filter: ~100% H-alpha transmission
• Image sensor: 20MP Stacked BSI Live MOS
• Processor: TruePic X (optimized for astrophotography)
• In-Sensor Image Stabilizer: Yes (Effective also in High Res stacking)
• Weather protection: IP53 (splash, dust and frost resistant)
• Special functions: Starry Sky AF, Live Composite, Night View, Digital Level
• Power supply: USB-C PD (allows long shooting sessions with a power bank)
• Viewfinder: Electronic OLED viewfinder, 5.76M dots
• Display: Rotating touchscreen
• Memory card slot: 2x SD UHS-II
• Size: 139.3 x 88.9 x 45.8mm
• Weight: 496g (with battery)

The sales package includes:

• OM SYSTEM OM-3 ASTRO frame
• USB cable
• Neck strap
• BLX-1 Lithium-Ion battery