When Japan Industrial Partners acquired the Olympus Imaging Division, it wasn't entirely clear what the future would hold for its storied lines of cameras. For fans of the cameras, there is a bit of good news: we can expect to see a new high-end camera from OM Digital Solutions at some point.
In a recent interview (seen above), Mark Thackara, OM Digital Solutions Digital Content and Community Senior Manager, discussed the future of the company's products, suggesting a new high-end camera that is likely on the way in 2022, perhaps a successor to the OM-D E-M1X. However, Thackara acknowledged that the devotion of resources to research and development for a new flagship could delay an update of the E-M5 line, as the company wants the higher-end camera to be the first with a new sensor. The mention of a new sensor is great news, however, as the cameras absolutely need an update, particularly if they want to compete with more modern and larger APS-C and full frame options. For devoted fans of micro four thirds, it is certainly fantastic news that we can expect more development in the sector. Check out the video above for more from the interview.
And where exactly, do they expect to get the funds for this? PIC has a bit over $100 million in cash on its own. When Olympus gave them their photo division (with a couple of other minor items), they also gave them around $300 million which is needed to keep the company running for the next eight months to a year, if they’re very careful.
It can take a lot of money to upgrade an existing model, but several times as much for a new one. We’re talking a good $50 million.
Additionally, there is no word in the industry that Sony has any interest in beginning work on the new 4:3 sensor they abandoned over a year ago. There is the possibility that they might upgrade the existing sensor, which is now almost five and a half years old. But I’ve heard no talk about that.
The real question is whether PIC has any interest in doing any work on its own. As it is, Olympus contracted with, if I remember correctly, Tamron for at least two of their Olympus branded, but essentially Tamron designs that are already out. That shows that Olympus was already financially unable to design, and make, everything they needed. I’m not as hopeful as some are that PIC will be able to do what Olympus, a much bigger, and much more experienced company in photography, couldn’t, and wouldn’t do.
"Additionally, there is no word in the industry that Sony has any interest in beginning work on the new 4:3 sensor they abandoned over a year ago. "
Sony has already introduced at least two new 4/3 sensors which haven't been used in Olympus cameras yet.
Sony will either build a sensor for potential future customers or on demand. Like the X-Trans sensor, it was built by Sony but the configurations was specified by Fujifilm. Possibly if Fujifilm did not have interest in having such a sensor built, Sony probably would never had built it.
You maybe right, they may not have interest building a M43 to have on hand but when a customer places an order and they have the money, I'm sure Sony will build it.
They have the a ability to build a higher megapixel M43 because they already have a 20mp 1" sensor. There is rumored that Sony is building a new M43 and there is a 47mp already built back in September 2019 that possibly was design for 8k Sharp Camera, when ever the heck that comes out.
It will be a new m4/3 camera the size of a Pentax 6x7...
Longtime micro four thirds user here.The only thing that would make me buy another micro four thirds camera is significantly improved low light performance. Could not care less about all the other whizz bang features in new models.
(By the way: video not visible/shows up private for me)
Same here. I almost exclusively shoot wildlife in shady forests on cloudy days, so I would love a great leap in ISO performance and also focusing capability in the dark.
The "whizz bang" features are great, but I never have the time to use them. The sensor is what matters the most.
Me too. Judging on the Sony 1" 20mp sensor, if Olympus requested an updated version of the 20mp or bump it up to 24mp, maybe BSI and a new processor it most certainly will have better ISO performance. Then they could also make a higher megapixel sensor camera too.
It would make sense to have the new 24MP sensor as the new "default" sensor and then introduce an E-M1R with the ~40MP one. I'm not interested in the 40MP version but understand the demand for it.
Longtime 4/3s and m43s user here. I'm willing to give the new company some time to get its house in order. I like m43s, and I am inclined to stay with it until it becomes impossible to use. I'm more interested in the smaller bodies, I have an E-M10 II and an E-M5 III. But if a M1X series helps insure a future for m43s, I might consider buying one. There ARE feature in the current "X" I would find useful.
What is needed is the engineering in the EM-1X fitted into EM-1/5 body, along an improved sensor. I can live without higher res if you give me greater dynamic range and less noise, I don't care if it's 16 megs. The EM-1X is an embarrassment to M4/3. If I want a large body camera I'll shoot with my full frame Nikon.