Olympus (or OM System) is back, and it has made some impressive steps forward with the new OM-1 mirrorless camera that re-establish it as a competitive camera manufacturer. No camera is perfect, of course, and this great video discusses where OM System should invest time and money next to continue to reassert the brand.
Coming to you from DP Review TV, this interesting video discusses what they would like to see now that the new OM System OM-1 mirrorless camera is here. Our own Ivor Rackham was quite impressed by the camera, and certainly, with features like 50 fps burst shooting with continuous autofocus or up to an incredible 120 fps with locked autofocus, the OM-1 is not messing around. I definitely agree that OM System should continue to focus strongly on the computational side of things. Both Pentax and Olympus built loyal followings for their unique but useful feature sets, and I think for OM System, particularly when dealing with the smallest standard sensor size, that distinguishing point will be very important going forward, especially with the mirrorless market and associated innovations evolving at a breakneck pace and putting constant pressure on all manufacturers involved. Check out the video above for the full rundown.
I think price is important for context: there is much talk of how the $2000 OM-1 is lacking compared to cameras that are $5500. If you spend an equal amount, an OM-1 with two great pro lenses will massively outperform a flagship body with a single cheap kit lens from other companies.
I don't think the OM-1 is revolutionary or groundbreaking on any level. It also trails behind many other manufacturers offerings with larger sensors and equal or greater specs. However, I think the OM-1 gives amateurs and enthusiasts an affordable entry point into advanced photography. Depending on the type of photography/photographer, this camera can be used for pro jobs as well. Since it's a micro 4/3 mount, there's really no need to worry about lens availability or the high costs associated with other brands. 3rd party support is great as well. As long as the camera is reliable, glitch free, and works as advertised... I think it deserves some attention.