OM System OM-3 gets mixed pre-launch leaked impressions as retro M43 camera tipped to get AF improvements and chunkier OM-5 body

The OM System OM-3 is an upcoming Micro Four Thirds camera that looks to be launching on February 6. From the outset, it doesn't seem as though OM System has been all that concerned about the retro-themed camera staying under wraps. Aside from early leaks confirming a February launch date and some basic specifications, OM System itself more or less revealed the entire retro-themed design in a recent brand video. 

Most recently, though, a group of early testers, including some influencers, have apparently spoken to 43rumors and shared their thoughts about the OM-3. While most of the teases are relatively positive, there are some concerning titbits that have been revealed. 

"It has some minor new features over the OM-1II…so there are improvements especially in autofocus."

Meanwhile, another quote confirmed that the OM-3 will be bigger than the OM-5 (curr. $999.99 on Amazon), elaborating that it remains a lightweight camera. This suggests that it will fall somewhere between the OM-1 II (curr. $2,399.99 on Amazon) and OM-5, which has promising implications for battery life. 

"Yeah, its bigger than the OM-5 but it still feels light.. What’s surprising are the colours and filters…like them more than the Fuji!"

Not all news is positive, though, with one early reviewer effectively confirming that any dreams of a ~$1,500 flagship-tier Micro Four Thirds camera with retro styling are basically dead in the water. 

"The beautiful Om-3 contains all the last and the best technology currently available from Om System. But technology and high construction quality have a price, it is better to accept it (so start putting some money aside)."

Previous leaks and rumours were conflicting, with some claiming that a price somewhere around the $1,500 mark was likely and others hinting that the OM-3 would land closer to $2,000 or more. Now, it looks like the latter may have been more accurate, meaning the OM-3 will cost more than twice as much as the OM-5, which is OM System's next tier down with similar retro styling. 

The news of improved autofocus is likely to be positively received, however, since AF performance has previously been one of the shortcomings of the M4/3 system as a whole. It now also seems likely that the OM-3 will pack similar computational photography features as the OM-1 II, which would make it a very attractive prospect in the hands of those coming from smartphones.