OM System to Launch Retro M4/3 Camera in 2025: OM-1 or OM-3?

Since OM System took over the Olympus camera division, many loyal fans have felt a bit let down by the new offerings. The OM-1 II and the OM-5 were decent, but they didn’t have the same groundbreaking appeal as the beloved Pen-F, which won over Micro Four Thirds enthusiasts. However, it seems OM System might be moving away from simply relying on the Olympus legacy, especially if recent leaks hold any truth.

Exciting Teasers for 2025

An observant user on Reddit noticed that OM System Malaysia shared a teaser on Facebook hinting at a new camera set to debut in 2025. The details about this upcoming camera are still scarce, but the leaked image contains some interesting hints.

The image is divided into two sections. The upper part reads “1972” and shows an old Olympus camera body, while the lower part is marked “2025,” reflecting something with the caption “Revive the past, create the future.” This strongly suggests that the camera launching in 2025 will have a retro flair, but there are additional insights to uncover from the visuals provided.

A Nod to the Past

The “1972” label and the vintage camera depicted above seem to reference the iconic Olympus OM-1 35 mm film camera, which debuted that same year. The OM-1 name has made its way into modern Micro Four Thirds models, like the OM-1 II, hinting that this new retro design could be a reimagined version of the current OM-1 flagship.

Regarding specifications, it’s uncertain if OM System will take a page out of Fujifilm’s X100VI or Nikon’s Z f (currently priced at $1,996.95 on Amazon) and Z fc (currently priced at $1,099.99 with a 16–50 mm kit lens at Best Buy) playbook, simply repackaging existing tech in a fresh case with altered controls. Right now, fans of OM System and M4/3 are keeping their fingers crossed for a fresh sensor and image processor, but that might be a long shot since the OM-1 II was introduced quite recently in January 2024 (currently $1,849.99 on Amazon).

Speculations on the New Model

A follow-up leak from the well-known leaker Andrea Pizzini on YouTube claims that the new camera will be called the OM-3, placing it between the OM-1 and OM-5 series. Whatever the final product looks like, it seems to be leaning towards a compact design. In Pizzini’s video, images of the potential new retro camera suggest it might share a similar shape with the OM-5, possibly blending features from both the OM-1 and OM-5 into a single body.

Pizzini’s visuals also hint at numerous tactile controls for the new model, which would put it in direct competition with cameras like the Fujifilm X100VI rather than the Sony A6700 (currently $1,398 on Amazon).

Lastly, Pizzini speculates that the OM System OM-3 could feature a new 43 MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, although no concrete evidence supports this theory.

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