OM System OM-3 looks sharp in new leaked images alongside basic specs leak mere hours ahead of official launch

We've known for a number of weeks now that the OM System OM-3 is coming, and that the new camera was slated to fall somewhere between the OM-1 and OM-5 when it comes to specifications and the overall packaging. Now, on the eve of the new Micro Four Thirds camera's launch, a slew of official marketing images and a whack of the press release text has leaked. While a complete spec sheet is still unavailable, the new leaks give us an indication of what to expect on February 6, when the OM-3 officially launches. 

Perhaps the most important part of the leaked press release (via 43rumors) has to do with the OM-3's sensor specifications and computational photography and video features. As predicted, the OM System OM-3 will feature the same 20.37 MP stacked BSI Live MOS Micro Four Thirds sensor as the flagship OM-1 II (curr. $1,999.99 on Amazon. This sensor is paired with the TruePic X image processor, meaning we will likely see identical or better AF performance than the OM-1 II. 

Additionally, the OM-3 will have similar computational photography features, including a handheld hi-res mode, Live ND/GND, Focus Stacking, and Multi Exposure support. Those computational photography features will be directly accessible via a hardware control dial and button on the camera, and they should be helpful to bridge the gap for smartphone photographers and social media influencers looking to move away from their smartphones. 

The OM-3 will also pack 5.5-stop, 5-axis in-body image stabilisation, which can be boosted to 7.5 stops when combined with a Sync IS compatible lens. The leak doesn't go too in-depth into the video specifications, but it does mention impressive video record times: 30 minutes at 40° C and unlimited recording at 25° C. If these video recording times are accurate, it would make the OM-3 a rather impressive all-rounder and video camera for everything from wedding photography and YouTube video recording to wildlife and travel photography and videography. 

Images of the OM-3 that leaked alongside the press release exclusively show off the front of the camera, which features a decidedly retro design, reminiscent of the OM-5. The OM-3 does, however, have cleaner lines on the metal plates, and the obvious addition of the colour mode dial on the front sets it apart from the OM-5. While these images only show off the front of the OM-3, we have seen the OM-3's back and control scheme in a previous leak. The combination of these two leaks also confirms that the camera will be available in both black and silver colourways. 

While price is still unconfirmed, leaks and rumours point to a price point around $2,000, which would put it slightly below the standard retail price of the OM-1 II (although the OM-1 II is currently on sale for $1,999.99). OM System is expected to launch the OM-3 on February 6, with availability starting shortly after launch.