OM System releases astro enhanced E-M1 Mark III

By Mike O'Connor | 14 September 2024

OM System has released an astrophotography enhanced version of its E-M1 Mark III camera to the Australian and New Zealand markets.

The company says the OM SYSTEM E-M1 Mark III ASTRO Body Mount Filter set is on a made-to-order basis, and takes advantage of the Micro Four Thirds System standard that has 'perfect optical characteristics' for astrophotography.

Image: OM System
Image: OM System

The set includes two types of body mount filters, and is based on the E-M1 Mark III interchangeable lens camera, with a modification to allow it to capture the colours of red nebulae, which are much loved by astrophotographers.

The modification is an IR-cut filter in front of the sensor, with optical characteristics tuned to pass through 100% of the Hα rays that are vital to astrophotography. OM says this allows it to capture the shapes and colours from Hα rays emitted by nebulae, which are difficult to shoot with standard cameras.

Interestingly, as the camera captures images with a strong reddish cast, OM does not recommend using it to capture general subjects other than celestial bodies.

Image: OM System
An image captured with the Astro enhanced OM EM-1 Mark III. 60 seconds F2.8 ISO 3200. Image: OM System
Image: OM System
An image captured with the standard E-M1 Mark III with the same settings as above. Image: OM System

In addition, the set comes with two filters, which can further improve results in the night sky. The BMF-LPC01, is described as a useful filter for astrophotography that cuts down on light pollution from artificial light sources such as street and city lights.

The BMF-SE01 soft filter works by highlighting point light sources to emphasise their colours and make stellar objects stand out.

Both filters can be mounted on the interior of the camera body, between the mount and the image sensor.

OM says the OM SYSTEM E-M1 Mark III Astro body can also be mounted to an astronomical telescope using a commercially available Micro Four Thirds compatible adapter.

The OM SYSTEM E-M1 Mark III ASTRO Body Mount Filter Set will be available on a made-to-order basis. It retails for $3,199, and is available now. 

You can find out more at OM System's website.