OM System Wow Camera

[Pitachu]

Can't wait to Peek at the OM System Wow Camera to be announced on 24 Feb 2022.

Top of my wishlist
1) Program Mode comes Computational Photography similar to iPhone / Samsung
Because there are times when the camera is in my hands and there are some candid photo opportunities with no time for me to whip out my mobile phone
2) HDR Video - (as capable as the one on the latest iphone)
3) Better connection to mobile phones (I have tried Olympus, Canon, Sony and I think all of them are clunky!)

I really hope the WOW camera is not just a camera with only higher resolution or wider dynamic range (I can just get another camera eg. Sony A7R4 if that is what I want and there is nothing to WOW about)! I really want a camera where I do not have to whip out my mobile phone as a secondary photo or video camera to cover whatever shortcomings my current cameras have.

Sneak peek: OM Digital Solutions teases its new OM System camera

On its CP+ 2022 event summary webpage, OM Digital Solutions has shared an image that appears to show off the new ‘Wow’ camera that is expected to be the first under the OM System brand.

www.dpreview.com

 

[JW73]

Some sources say the announcement will be 15 Feb 2022.

 

[Pitachu]

Yep. The following are the rumors so far.

OM Digital published the OM-1 launch teaser for February 15th – 43 Rumors

www.43rumors.com

 

[Pitachu]

More OM-1 Specs:

(FT4) More OM-1 specs: 2 stops improvement, new battery, new artificial intelligence… – 43 Rumors

www.43rumors.com

Hmm.... getting exciting
Price point is a little high though
US$2K = S$2700 +

 

[ricohflex]

Announced today. 15 Feb 2022.
dpreview

USD$2200 is about SGD 2960.
Limited to 20.4MP.
Due to sensor. Like a dwarf grow to a certain height and cannot grow anymore.

Probably for those already dropped into the hole and have huge sunken costs in Olympus MFT equipment.

May not thrill new users in a world of better APS-C or full frame models from other brands.

This is the canary in the tunnel for OMDS. If it fails in the market and does not sell well, then no more arguments about staying with MFT.

If Nikon Z6 II can sell at (say) SGD$2,700 what do you think a new user will choose between the two.

 

[Pitachu]

OK, first of all, the OM WOW camera did not wow me.
I do appreciate that OM Systems compile the EM1 Mk3 with the EM 1Mx and addressed several shortcomings (eg. narrow ISO, focusing speed, video, etc) on the OM-1. But this is most incorporating what is available on other brands of cameras. They should NOT have called it a WOW camera. Maybe my expectations are too high, but I am really expecting to see some features I have not seen on other cameras yet.

Unlike Ricohflex, I have no issues on the resolution. After all, anyone who have some experience in photography and gotten into M43, would have known that we are trading in resolution for a smaller form factor. So far, sensor technology has not allowed us to increase a M43 sensor to higher resolution without compromising of Image Quality. And also, my output is at the most 12 x 18 photobooks so I have no issues with 20mp. If resolution is the main priority, then don't even get started with smaller formats and keep complaining about the 20mp. I chose M43 so that I can have the 2x factor and have the option to carry a tiny 600mm lenses and a few other lenses on my hiking trips.

But the price point USD 2200 could be an obstacle for reach higher sales volume.as a Sony A7iii is about USD 2000.
And the Olympus EM1 iii is only USD 1500. Unless current EM1 iii users have a need for the additional focusing speed and features, they may not want to upgrade.

Just penning my thoughts based on the specs revealed for the OM-1.

 

[JW73]

Waiting to see more real life review of the nature subjects AF tracking performance and Higher ISO performance vs the EM1ii/iii.x.

 

[swifty]

Hmm.. given it has 80M pixels on a m43 sized sensor, somehow I doubt the sensor size is a limiting factor
Output is 20MP since it's using quadpixel AF (meaning 4 pixels are arranged under one microlens), which is a departure from half-masking OSPDAF as used in previous Olympus cameras as well as Sony and Nikons. This is somewhat similar to Canon's dual-pixel AF but now it's cross-type arrangement meaning it should be sensitive in both perpendicular axis but has the drawback of having to readout 4X the pixel data for the effective resolution. BTW, I've seen quad-pixel AF arrangement patents from Canon, Sony, Nikon, Olympus (OMD) so it looks like it may be something they're all looking into.

The EVF experience will be something I'll be keeping an eye on. Unless you consider secondhand A9, currently I doubt any camera of any formats will give the type of experience for the price. It looks like it really requires the data bandwidth of stacked sensors to achieve this.
Also despite being 20MP resolution output, it remains around equal highest pixel density of any format (Canon's 32MP 1.6X crop sensor has similar density) which has some advantages in genres such as macro and proximity-limited wildlife photography such as birding.
Adding some carried over Olympus goodies like HHHR, live composite as well as probably the best IBIS system and this looks to be a pretty sweet upgrade for m43 users.
I'll be watching what Panasonic releases next week. I'm not so much interested in a GH6 but let's see what the tech reveals and what that might indicate for a photocentric model. My G9 still serves me well but above all, the EVF experience may be what prompts me to upgrade.

I think it'll be an exciting few months to see all the cropped sensor formats get an update, especially if they all receive stacked sensors. The GH6 is next week, the Fujifilm XH2 will be in a few months. And rumour has it Canon, Nikon and Sony are all considering high end cropped sensor models.
So I do still think OMD has it tough but that takes nothing away from the OM-1.

 

[one eye jack]

Best non fanboy review of pre production om1 in my opinion. Short and precise without the superfluous small talk to the point.
Photo and video. Highly recommended for travel and adventure use.

 

[one eye jack]

Om1 camera porn from an omds ambassador.

 

[one eye jack]

Even Hong Kong got one om1.
It's for those who like to shoot xmm. Look at the colour grading of the photos. Excuse the Cantonese but with English subs.

 

[one eye jack]

Unfortunately Malaysian Robin Wong did not get om1 for review ( wonder why) but yeah he was not wowed. Nevertheless I think it's a good start for omds.

 

[ricohflex]

Robin Wong said it is not a ground breaking camera. And thus is not in the wow category. Although there are improvements.
Another reviewer said most buyers are not looking for "Flagship Camera" model. They just want something cheap and good enough.
OMDS dares not brand this as OM Digital Systems. Because few may buy if they see in the shop.

What competitors do affects OMDS product sales to New users.
Nikon can offer Z mount full frame mirrorless at a good price point.
Not sure if Canon can offer a new cheap full frame entry level RF mount body. Canon is famous for crippling its own products.

Heart of the matter is - will Panasonic and OMDS cling on to an unpopular sensor MFT format in 2022 and beyond?
And if so, why? It is a dying market.
APS-C has answered the small light cheap question that was once the reason for MFT.

 

[Pitachu]

If you have gotten into MFT because it is small light and cheap, I think you have not understood what MFT is about.
I strongly recommend that you get a disposable camera, which is smaller, ligher and cheaper.

And if you think FF or APS-C is the magic success formula,
1) Pentax last FF camera was introduced the K1mk2 in 2018 and has not a new FF model since. Why?
Answer is obvious: Not enough sales and Pentax has been sold to Ricoh.

2) Nikon has just closed all its DSLR factory in Japan. (see article below)
Nikon also does FF and APS-C.

https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/news/nikon-confirms-that-its-closing-two-factories-in-japan

There is nothing wrong with any format, each has its pro and cons.

So don't cling on to the idea that Panasonic & Olympus is dying because of choosing the wrong format.
Almost every camera manufacturer is facing a dying market now. The remaining market are the professionals and die-hards.

Heart of the matter is - will Panasonic and OMDS cling on to an unpopular sensor MFT format in 2022 and beyond?
And if so, why? It is a dying market.
APS-C has answered the small light cheap question that was once the reason for MFT.

 

[one eye jack]

According to UK omds ambassador Jimmy Cheng who intimated that there may be another new camera to be announced "soon" but he can't talk about it. See @ 26.40 of the live stream plus other discussion. Something to also look forward to. The om1 is going to be the last camera to have the Olympus branding as was told by Peter Fosgard for the 50th anniversary of the film format camera of the same name which was introduced in 1972.

 

[ricohflex]

From canonrumors.com
{ A pretty solid source with a decent track record has told me that Canon is aiming to release a full-frame RF mount camera for under $800 USD in 2022 }

If it happens, then more pressure on OMDS. New buyers have more alternatives. Full frame and cheaper. Open into RF system.
Lowering the entry level price barrier to RF full frame mirrorless is very significant.
Don't need bells and whistles. Just a basic camera. And cheap. It can be nail in OMDS coffin.

The new mirrorless OM1 by OMDS is for those already with huge sunken costs in MFT. It is an improvement.
They say last camera to have "Olympus" brand on top plate.

Will buyers want to buy anything with "OMDS" brand on top plate? Hmm.... maybe not. Brand image and recognition take years to cultivate.
But then again, people may be attracted to this particular model due to sentimental value. It being the LAST camera to have "Olympus" name.

 

[Pitachu]

I think the rumor is that Canon is introducing APS-C to their RF system and this new Canon is likely to be APS-C.
But at US$800 it is attractive. It is not likely to be on par with EM1 Mkiii or the OM-1, but it is likely to challenge mid range cameras like the EM5 iii.

When first introduced, it is likely that Canon will only have about 2 RF APS-C lenses, like when the RF lenses first introduced. There isn't even a ultra-wide or a Macro lenses available until very much later. So it is unlikely to kill off other cameras right away within the first few years.

And for those of us who have more than a few MFT lenses, a US$800 camera will not make us migrate to another system.

From what I see, The new mirrorless OM1 by OMDS is more for Action Sports, Adventure and Wildlife Photographers.
You can probably buy the Canon RF APS-C for US$800, but look at the lenses available. Are you going to use their 600mm F11 (Yes F11) lenses sports and wildlife or the Olympus EM5 iii (about USD 800) and 300mm F4 (600mm equivalent at F4)?

From canonrumors.com
{ A pretty solid source with a decent track record has told me that Canon is aiming to release a full-frame RF mount camera for under $800 USD in 2022 }

If it happens, then more pressure on OMDS. New buyers have more alternatives. Full frame and cheaper. Open into RF system.
Lowering the entry level price barrier to RF full frame mirrorless is very significant.
Don't need bells and whistles. Just a basic camera. And cheap. It can be nail in OMDS coffin.

The new mirrorless OM1 by OMDS is for those already with huge sunken costs in MFT. It is an improvement.
They say last camera to have "Olympus" brand on top plate.

Will buyers want to buy anything with "OMDS" brand on top plate? Hmm.... maybe not. Brand image and recognition take years to cultivate.
But then again, people may be attracted to this particular model due to sentimental value. It being the LAST camera to have "Olympus" name.

 

[JW73]

Buying decisions are not just because if there is a cheaper FF or APSC vs MFT body.
It boils down to the available lenses to cater your style of handling & using the system to achieve the end results. There are deeper costs to consider when building that system choice. If not a mobile phone camera with the tiny sensor is good enough.


Mirrorless SYSTEM is the future for hobbists and pros. EF mount (FF/APSC) from Canon or A mount from Sony are already dead. And M43 is still coming out new lenses and bodies are good indication for the future. Panny GH6 is rumoured to have a 25 or 30MP new M43 sensor.

Btw as the n43 sensors are from Sony, i am sure if m43 sells, Sony will be happy too.

 

[swifty]

Ironically the further technology progresses, the larger the shooting envelope that smaller sensor formats encompasses which makes them more relevant today.
We're at a technology bump moment where flagship mirrorless cameras get a huge data bandwidth boost with stacked sensors and it brings with it a whole host of improvements from AF to EVF performance.
So m43 will enjoy a period where this sort of flagship performance arrives at the sensor format for a lower price point than flagship larger formats. But it may not last long as the tech will work its way up to the larger formats' 'affordable' non-flagship range at some stage too but how long it takes is anyone's guess.
But until that happens, these new crop of m43 flagships (OM-1 and soon to be announced GH6) will have the best performance in that ~$2k+ USD range other than the sensor size advantage that larger formats have.
Which goes back to the first point though, if the current progress in m43's shooting envelope already encompasses the majority of one's needs, what does going up to a larger formats achieve? Added to this, for certain genres the higher pixel density is an advantage over larger formats with less pixel density.
But that's a question only we can answer for ourselves depending on our personal shooting needs and habits.

So I dare say that m43 actually fulfils photographer's needs in this shrinking market very well, much better than yesteryears actually as tech progresses so it's probably a more relevant format today. But it's too bad many will never discover it as the larger formats will always have the marketing advantage. It's just human nature.

 

[ricohflex]

Will the OM-1 mirrorless cannibalize sales of Olympus EM-1X and the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III?
Probably. At this stage, OMDS may not care about products made by the previous regime.
As many reviewers have pointed out, this is for those with Sunken Costs already deeply invested in the MFT system. New buyers? No chance.