OM System 2025: A Camera and Lens Triumph, But What’s Next?
▼ Summary
– OM System, unlike Panasonic, continued supporting the Micro Four Thirds format in 2025, which is crucial as it’s their entire business, though they didn’t fully address concerns about the format’s future.
– The OM-3 camera was a well-received, stylish, and high-performing travel camera, though its $1,799 price was considered steep.
– The OM-5 II was a refined but familiar update to its predecessor, lacking significant innovation and leaving reviewers disappointed by its minimal progression.
– OM System released three upgraded lenses with better build and weather sealing, and one excellent, all-new professional 50-200mm f/2.8 zoom lens that offers hope for the Micro Four Thirds system.
– Overall, while the OM-3 and the new 50-200mm lens were highlights, the year’s offerings were insufficient to strongly justify Micro Four Thirds against competing formats, earning OM System a “C+” grade.
The year 2025 saw OM System reaffirm its commitment to the Micro Four Thirds format with a mix of capable new gear, though the overall pace of innovation left some observers wanting more. While the company delivered a standout new lens and a compelling camera, the broader product updates felt incremental, raising questions about the system’s competitive edge in a crowded market.
The company introduced two cameras, though one felt more like a genuine new offering than the other. The first, the OM-3, impressed with its vintage-inspired design and a capable 20-megapixel sensor shared with the flagship OM-1 II. It’s a sleek, feature-rich camera well-suited for travel and outdoor photography. The primary drawback is its $1,799 price point, which positions it as a premium compact option. The second release, the OM-5 II, was marketed as a refined travel camera but offered very few changes from its 2022 predecessor. It remains a good value, but the lack of meaningful upgrades was a missed opportunity to inject excitement into the mid-range lineup.
On the lens front, OM System presented three refreshed optics and one entirely new model. The updates to the 100-400mm f/5-6.3 IS, 25mm f/1.8, and 17mm f/1.8 lenses brought welcome improvements in build quality and weather sealing, now matching the IPX1 rating of the toughest OM System bodies. However, these were evolutionary steps rather than revolutionary changes.
The true highlight of the year was the all-new OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm f/2.8 IS Pro lens. This professional-grade zoom delivers a 100-400mm full-frame equivalent range with a constant bright f/2.8 aperture, showcasing the optical advantages possible with the Micro Four Thirds mount. It arrived as a much-needed signal of high-end ambition for the system. While its $3,699 price is significant, it provides a compelling professional option that sits below the cost of the system’s most exotic super-telephoto lenses.
Evaluating OM System’s year requires a balanced perspective. The OM-3 is a very good camera and the 50-200mm f/2.8 Pro is an exceptional lens. Yet, the modest refresh of the OM-5 II and the minor lens updates did little to shift the narrative. In a market where APS-C and full-frame cameras offer compelling quality at competitive prices, Micro Four Thirds needs to consistently justify its unique value proposition. The system has dedicated fans and clear strengths, but 2025’s offerings, while competent, didn’t fully address the need for broader, more impactful innovation across the entire product line.
(Source: PetaPixel)
