OM-3 Astro Edition

[BDennis]

I’ve just had an email announcing this OM-3 version for astrophotography

https://explore.omsystem.com/gb/en/om-3-astro

Same deal as what they did with the Em1Mk3 version - “IR-cut filter for capturing Hα rays” and some optimal body mount filters. An interesting development. They’re pushing using the HHHR mode for astrophotography, it would be nice to see some astrophotography specific firmware updates some time to improve this and add a red night vision mode to the LCD although a red filter screen protector might solve it. The existing night vision mode just kills my actual night vision, I could try and dim the screen.

Bill

[Ian]

Good catch, Bill 👍

Ian

[wornish]

Same here, I got the mail this morning.

Its not clear if they have modified the tripod-mounted HHHR mode firmware to better handle star movement due to the earths rotation. If so, then it would be nice for that to be offered in a firmware update to existing users. The current release only works using the handheld mode, and even then, it's hit or miss.

The optional in-body light pollution filter itself looks interesting. It is compatible with a good range of OM cameras. (though not in stock yet)

If you really want good astro pictures, then a smart telescope costs less than 1/3 of the price, and they include auto targeting and tracking. Allowing longer exposures.

So sorry OM It's not for me.

[Ian]

Same here, I got the mail this morning.

Its not clear if they have modified the tripod-mounted HHHR mode firmware to better handle star movement due to the earths rotation. If so, then it would be nice for that to be offered in a firmware update to existing users. The current release only works using the handheld mode, and even then, it's hit or miss.

The optional in-body light pollution filter itself looks interesting. It is compatible with a good range of OM cameras. (though not in stock yet)

If you really want good astro pictures, then a smart telescope costs less than 1/3 of the price, and they include auto targeting and tracking. Allowing longer exposures.

So sorry OM It's not for me.

There is a lot of sense in what you say. I'm not well acquainted with the capabilities of the Astro versions of these OM-3s - can they be used for normal photography without much fuss?

Ian

[BDennis]

There is a lot of sense in what you say. I'm not well acquainted with the capabilities of the Astro versions of these OM-3s - can they be used for normal photography without much fuss?

Ian

I was thinking the same on using it for daylight photography. I had a look in the OM-3 Astro Extensions manual linked from the downloads page and it says this:

“The OM-3 ASTRO is a dedicated astrophotography camera. Compared to the base OM-3 model, this version features significantly improved Hα ray (which has a wavelength of 656 nm) transparency for images with stronger reddish tones. Although the white balance settings can be adjusted to achieve more natural colors, it is not always possible to obtain an appropriate color balance, which is why we do not recommend the OM-3 ASTRO for photographing normal subjects.”

So you’d probably have to do a fair amount of PP to sort colours out or maybe get another clip-in filter to reverse it?

I have a feeling this doesn’t have specifically modified firmware but comes with some custom mode settings for astrophotography setups. It might be something worth looking at if visiting the Photography show. I’d like an OM-3 with this but would also like to use it for daylight photography especially given the number of cloudy nights we’ve had here! I don’t really want a dedicated smart scope due to the amount of gear to keep track of and store. Too many things on the wish list!

Bill

[Dennis Russ]

So here I go again, probably to be told off...What is the point of this camera? It is NOT what the Majority of Olympus/OM Systems owners want. Looks to me they be scraping the bottom of the Barrel. There are already great cameras out there for Astro photography some costing less than this (to me) useless waste of time/energy. I don't think many are going to buy it. I'll say no more of where I think OMSystems are going.

[mrendee]

What a joy it is to read your comment. I'd love to hear where you carry out your market research, you're obviously well informed, probably more than OM Systems.

[R99C99]

I understood the conversion of the older EM1iii to make something a bit different (and possibly use up old stock). I don’t understand why they’ve picked the relatively new OM3 for this purpose. Unless they have a significant surplus of stock of OM3s. I would have thought the OM1 i or ii would have been a better option.

I'm assuming of course, these updates can be done post original build.

[Keith-369]

The flat front of the OM3 might be better for mounting the camera to scopes etc.
Just a thought.

[BDennis]

Hard to know what their motivation is for this. Maybe excess stock of OM-3 bodies and minimal development costs allowing them to dip their toe in the water to assess the market for more astro features in a flagship camera update perhaps.

The OM-3 modification is not a bad decision - it has 5 custom modes so you have 2 spare without over-writing the 3 pre-configured astro configs (I wonder if they provide backup settings for those?). Also it doesn't have that lump of a grip the OM-1s have, I find the grip gets in the way on a tripod mount especially with zooms for astrophotography when trying to get awkward sky angles or change from landscape to portrait. OM-3 is 100g lighter too but I do wonder about if it is better at losing the heat from processor and sensor compared to the OM-1 which can affect noise.

Park Cameras have one of the better write-ups I've seen, they must be hoping to make some sales

https://www.parkcameras.com/blog/buying-guides/how-is-the-om-3-astro-camera-different_omas-1

Bill

[wornish]

The Park Camera writeup is very good.
However, a word of caution.
The two sample images at the end using the 300mm f4 pro are excellent. They are 60 sec exposures and imho must have been taken using a tracking mount, or more probably an EQ mount with a separate guide camera. They have certainly been processed in some astro software; the stars are just too perfect.
Just wanted to set the correct expectations.

[Ian]

So here I go again, probably to be told off...What is the point of this camera? It is NOT what the Majority of Olympus/OM Systems owners want. Looks to me they be scraping the bottom of the Barrel. There are already great cameras out there for Astro photography some costing less than this (to me) useless waste of time/energy. I don't think many are going to buy it. I'll say no more of where I think OMSystems are going.

I suspect there's a niche market, worthwhile serving. The modifications are relatively minor. They wouldn't do it just for fun.

Ian

[R99C99]

The park writeup is really interesting and has reminded me that ‘I don’t get it’ because this isn’t my niche. It’s obviously aimed at those who do need something like this spec. In this niche, I hope it does well.

[Ian]

The Park Camera writeup is very good.
However, a word of caution.
The two sample images at the end using the 300mm f4 pro are excellent. They are 60 sec exposures and imho must have been taken using a tracking mount, or more probably an EQ mount with a separate guide camera. They have certainly been processed in some astro software; the stars are just too perfect.
Just wanted to set the correct expectations.

I guess the key point is just how much better these sample images are compared to similar attempts using a standard OM-3.

I suspect that the modifications didn't cost OM System much to do, and they can charge a decent margin. They might not need to sell more than a few hundred units to break
even.

Canon did something similar with an optimised R-series model, but it's listed as discontinued. Nikon hasn't made a mirrorless astro model, but did make DSLR astro models. OM System may be filling a gap in the market.

Ian

[Ross the fiddler]

So here I go again, probably to be told off...What is the point of this camera? It is NOT what the Majority of Olympus/OM Systems owners want. Looks to me they be scraping the bottom of the Barrel. There are already great cameras out there for Astro photography some costing less than this (to me) useless waste of time/energy. I don't think many are going to buy it. I'll say no more of where I think OMSystems are going.

I'll say my bit, not all camera models or lenses are for every body! OK?

[Dennis Russ]

Hi Ross the fiddler--Probably destined for the scrap heap...There I've said it..lol