OM System’s E-M1 Mark III Astro Now In Europe

credits: OM-System

After launching exclusively in Japan last year, the OM System E-M1 Mark III Astro has finally landed in Europe. This special version of the 2020 Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is designed specifically for astrophotography. Its key feature is a modified IR-cut filter that allows Hα rays to pass through, making it possible to capture images of red emission nebulae that most regular cameras just can’t. Olympus also bundles the camera with light-pollution filters and includes several settings and modes for astrophotographers, including a custom Starry Sky AF mode and dedicated presets for night shooting.

For those of you who are not familiar with the camera: it keeps the proven 20.4MP Micro Four Thirds sensor and TruePic IX processor, offering solid image quality with excellent low-light performance. The 5-axis in-body stabilization system can be useful for handheld or tripod-based long exposures. Perhaps most interesting for astro shooters is how Olympus leverages computational photography: the “Handheld High Res Shot” mode can stack 16 frames into a single 50MP image with reduced noise and increased detail and when used on a tripod or equatorial mount, it can even correct for star movement or tracking errors.

Beyond the astro-specific stuff, the rest of the E-M1 Mark III remains unchanged. You still get 121-point all cross-type phase-detect autofocus, 4K video, weather sealing, and a fully articulated touchscreen. It’s also quite lightweight at just over 500 grams. Pricing for the camera is at 2,200€.

You can see full details on OM-System’s website here