Olympus XA3

The Olympus XA3 is a compact camera for 35mm film. It is also part of the XA series from the Japanese camera manufacturer. The design of the black camera is therefore practically identical to the Olympus XA.

The range of functions, however, is more like the Olympus XA2. The biggest difference to the latter is that the XA3 can adjust the sensitivity of the film material in it by the DX encoding of the cartridge itself. Also, the range of usable film has been expanded to ISO 1600 film. So any 35mm film (eBay / Amazon*) between ISO 25 and ISO 1600 can be used with the XA3.

Another feature that was missing on the Olympus XA2 is backlight correction (+1.5).

Used Prices

The current average price for this camera is 173,20 € based on 85 offers, as of 6.7.2026.

Average Price per Year

• 2026: 161,69 €
• 2025: 159,61 €
• 2024: 152,85 €
• 2023: 153,16 €

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ about the Olympus XA3

Is the Olympus XA3 a good camera for beginners?

The Olympus XA3 is a simple point-and-shoot camera, making it quite user-friendly for beginners. Its compact size and straightforward operation make it ideal for learning the basics of film photography. However, manual focus might require some getting used to.

What kind of film does this little camera use?

The XA3 uses standard 35mm film. It's compatible with a wide ISO range, from ISO 25 to ISO 1600, giving you flexibility in various lighting conditions. This means you can choose film suited to your shooting environment.

How does the camera adjust to different film speeds?

The Olympus XA3 cleverly reads the DX code on the film cartridge to automatically set the ISO. This removes the need for manual ISO adjustment, simplifying the process for the user.

Does this compact camera have any special features?

Yes, it features a built-in backlight compensation (+1.5), which is helpful for shooting in bright conditions. This counteracts the effects of strong backlighting, leading to better-exposed photographs. This wasn't available in the previous model.

Can I take pictures in bright sunlight with the camera?

Yes, the XA3's built-in +1.5 exposure compensation helps in bright sunlight, preventing overexposure. Remember that using a slower shutter speed or a lower ISO film is also a beneficial measure to avoid blown-out highlights.

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