OM announces the OM-3 ASTRO, a dedicated M43 camera for astrophotography
OM System has announced the OM-3 ASTRO, a dedicated astrophotography camera designed to more effectively capture red nebulae by optimising sensitivity to hydrogen-alpha (Hα) light.
The OM-3 ASTRO is based on the OM-3 mirrorless camera, and features a modified infrared cut filter positioned in front of the sensor, tuned to achieve close to 100 percent transmission of Hα wavelengths.
These wavelengths are commonly emitted by nebulae but are typically suppressed in standard digital cameras.
According to OM, the changes allow for more vivid reproduction of nebulae and faint astronomical detail, albeit with a strong red colour bias that makes the camera unsuitable for general photography.
The OM-3 ASTRO pairs its modified filter with a back-illuminated stacked Live MOS sensor and the company’s TruePic X image processor. OM says the combination improves colour reproduction of stars and faint nebulae, particularly when shooting at high sensitivities.
In addition, astrophotography-specific colour profiles are preconfigured in the camera’s custom modes. COLOR1 is optimised for deep-sky imaging such as red nebulae, while COLOR2 is designed for starry landscape photography.
These profiles can be accessed via custom modes C1 to C3 on the mode dial, alongside presets tailored for stacking and handheld night sky shooting.
The camera also retains OM’s computational photography features, including High Res Shot mode. When used with Handheld High Res Shot while mounted on a tripod or equatorial mount, the OM-3 ASTRO can generate a single approximately 50-megapixel image from 12 captured frames.
OM states this process can reduce noise and correct for star movement or tracking errors during compositing, depending on shooting conditions.
Other astrophotography-oriented features include Starry Sky AF for autofocus on stars, Live Composite for in-camera star trail capture, Night View for low-light composition, and USB power delivery support for extended shooting sessions.
The OM-3 ASTRO is compatible with the full range of M.ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses, and can also be mounted to astronomical telescopes using commercially available Micro Four Thirds adapters.
The OM SYSTEM OM-3 ASTRO will be available in Australia from March on a made-to-order basis, with a recommended retail price of $3,399 AUD.
More information and detailed specifications are available via the OM SYSTEM website.