Robin Wong quits OMDS as brand ambassador


one eye jack

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Jun 11, 2011
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Robin Wong is no longer brand ambassador of omds. He felt let down by Malaysian local representative which did not support him with regards to information or product launches from omds. He will still continue his YouTube channel and use Olympus cameras for his professional work. He thanks all his channel followers for their support. All the best to him.

 

reproduced from Robin Wong’s post.

“Allow me to first clarify that the local representative for Olympus/OM System brand, which is a camera retailer in Malaysia, OMD World Imaging, they have been nothing but extremely supportive to me over the past year. I have had an amazing relationship with them, I have no issues with the local representative and I look forward to future collaborations with them if there is any. The issues that I am about to mention that I have are with the JIP/OM Digital Solutions based in Japan, that carved out the imaging business from the original Olympus company. “
 

Thank you for correcting my error of the Malaysian distributor. So the reason is solely about OMDS. After reviewing Robin's video I can only sympathise with him but I think he should not be emotional about the issue especially taking one comment from someone who claimed that a youtuber who had only 200 subscribers got om1 pre release camera for review and not Robin who is more deserving. So I tried to verify the accuracy of the 200 subs. I could not find om1 reviewer who had that number but perhaps after 2 weeks his subscribers would have increased?

The nearest I could find is 3.5k ( as of today ) subs of a young Australian chinese
Reviewer. I have every respect for Robin but I feel that OMDS made their decision who best can market their om1. That's life, sorry for Robin, Jimmy Cheng, Peter Fosgard and Rob Trek for not recieving om1 for review.

My only thinking is that the 4 official Olympus ambassadors' video format are largely similar in presentation though nothing is wrong with that but I feel that their format is a bit less exciting or dynamic. Contrast this of the Aussie Chinese intro video sequence it is well more eye catching. I don't blame OMDS if they felt that using the younger youtuber could possibly do wonders for om1 considering that Australia is a much bigger potential market. In life one has to roll with the punches I guess.

 

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Rubbing salt into wound, another new ambassador gets loan om1 but with slightly half of Robin Wong's 55k subscribers Vs 22.4k.
The irony of it but omds is marketing to the wildlife and sports enthusiasts which Robin is not primarily concentrated in that genre.

 

Rubbing salt into wound, another new ambassador gets loan om1 but with slightly half of Robin Wong's 55k subscribers Vs 22.4k.
The irony of it but omds is marketing to the wildlife and sports enthusiasts which Robin is not primarily concentrated in that genre.

This guy only switch from Canon APSC to Olympus 2-3 years ago. However, his contents matched OM-system outdoor actions theme as he does alot of snow hikes, mountain biking and shooting in wet condition etc carrying the 300mmmf4 + EM1x. It's a good choice to invite him as a new ambassador. Nothing to do with high subscribers rate I believed. Robin on the other hand is a city and street photographer. When he tests the 100-400mm in bird parks it only focus on sharpness, most om system users nowadays really wants to see how the system are handled in "wild" and rough situations. This is what OM system is trying to move into. IMHO.

But it is really a loss to OMDS to not to renew Robin's contract. He has done so much since the 4/3 DSLR days and some of his videos on tips using OMD bodies are really useful
 

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@JW73 , Robin Wong quit as his contact expired February 2022. Feeling OMDS did not give him due respect as ambassador. You can read his blog.

 

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Update of Robin's ambassador saga at 12:00

 

Robin Wong lately has continued to make videos about Olympus digital cameras (although the camera brand is already DEAD). Now it is OMDS.
Something is disturbingly wrong here. It is almost sad to perceive.
Being loyal is a great quality, but do not confuse it with servitude, especially when one has been humiliatingly rejected and unceremoniously cast out.

It is as though he has dropped so deep into the hole, that he cannot climb out of it.
So he continues plodding along to make videos about the DEAD brand's products- as though he is still an "ambassador" or "visionary".
Whatever fancy label they like to use for "paid salesman".

 

Ricohflex you don't like don't see why make yourself Tulan? 10k views in 2 days show other people want to see. Buy Robin a cup of coffee la. Actually you have done him a favour by highlighting this video. Thank you.
 

I am sad that Robin Wong is no longer an ambassador. I really enjoy his reviews as I felt they are closer to our local context and environment. I don't think it is Olympus or OMDS fault of no longer continuing with Robin Wong. I have been invited for discussion to be an ambassador for some other products too and also have been begging for sponsorship for my Photo Association.

Even those bigger boys with much bigger budgets need to pick and choose as bigger budgets does not mean unlimited budgets.
And a lot of times is luck, timing and your relationship with these big boys.

Robin Wong not being an ambassador in not necessary a bad thing. All of us can sense that while being Olympus Ambassador, he is restricted by what he can say about Olympus equipment. At least now, we know that whatever he says about OMDS, he is not paid to say it.

Anyway, so far the best way to see whether an equipment suits you or not is to borrow one and test it out instead of depending on all those reviews.

Robin Wong lately has continued to make videos about Olympus digital cameras (although the camera brand is already DEAD). Now it is OMDS.
Something is disturbingly wrong here. It is almost sad to perceive.
Being loyal is a great quality, but do not confuse it with servitude, especially when one has been humiliatingly rejected and unceremoniously cast out.

It is as though he has dropped so deep into the hole, that he cannot climb out of it.
So he continues plodding along to make videos about the DEAD brand's products- as though he is still an "ambassador" or "visionary".
Whatever fancy label they like to use for "paid salesman".

 

@Pitachu, it was Robin's own decision to quit . All boils down to my guess is he felt disrespected but that could be his personality. A few ambassadors have quit citing reasons similar to Robin's, anyway it's water under the bridge, move on as they say. My layman analysis is although Robin does a variety of photo genres, namely, weddings, portraits and events somehow the situations or circumstances are out of his control like covid which wiped out many photographers around the world. But he had through his hard work gained a following on the platforms he chose to concentrate on. Does he know how to market himself?

Now that covid is behind us new opportunities will open up again, the trick is, Robin's preference to still concentrate on his core specialist photography or try others that can offer growth and development , more importantly income like travel, wildlife which he does not do, architecture , interiors and real estate genres or product , fashion, social media photography. Albeit new equipment, cameras, lighting and studio. Here is what a lady photographer in a foreign country did to establish herself. Hope Robin take a hint.. haha.
Everybody has a camera but how to stand out?

 

The correct term is "Olympus" visionary.
Not "OMDS ambassador".
OMDS is not the same legal entity as Olympus. They are two completely different things.

Robin Wong was never officially appointed as an OMDS ambassador, by OMDS.
See the title of this video.
Robin Wong himself makes this clear.


It is time for Robin Wong to move on, away from the DEAD camera brand formerly known as "Olympus".
It is not shallow to give up loyalty to a DEAD camera brand formerly known as "Olympus".
Moving on to newer and better things is called Progress.

Technology improves over time. In 2008 era, MFT was good. By 2022, MFT is (from a market share point of view) obsolete.*
Just like the 5¼ inch floppy disk was good during its golden age ( for a few years after1978).
The MFT era has been eclipsed by APS-C & Full Frame. Just like 126 Instamatic film (1963) was overtaken by 35mm film.

* Recently the staff of a big camera shop informed that their boss will never again want to stock Olympus MFT cameras and lenses after clearing their current stock in a sale.
 

From the features introduced in OM-1 and OM-5, it is quite obvious that OMDS is probably targeting the wildlife and outdoor travel segment, for photographers who want a lighter setup and weather sealing etc. Unfortunately, Robin is not in this niche and therefore, he is one of the visionaries which OMDS has "dropped".

But don't keep thinking M43 is fead and taken over by APS or Full Frame and is obsolete.. A smaller format is definitely useful for certain applications. I already got 2 friends who bought the Nikon P1000 (built in 24mm to 3000mm) zoom) to shoot planets and stars. Though the sensor is much smaller than M43, the images of the night skies are stunning. If you think a Full Frame can do that, try it, and see how much you have to spent and the weight you have to carry!

I also have tons of friends who use GoPros and Insta360 on their outdoor activities. They do have Full Frame, but why they left them at home and use smaller formats???? I am not taking about very rugged use like White water rafting or mountain biking. They used it on their sailing and fishing trips where it is still possible to use a Full Frame Camera.

Bigger may be better, if you are prepared for the trade offs. I just went on a xmas photoshoot with a group and one of them brought along a Hasselblad Medium Format camera. Sure, it is more clumsy, he move around less often then us and took fewer shots, but he just want a few good shots at super high resolution.

There is a niche for every camera format. If you keep bitching about which format is better, you have not understood the uniqueness and advantages of each format!!!



The correct term is "Olympus" visionary.
Not "OMDS ambassador".
OMDS is not the same legal entity as Olympus. They are two completely different things.

Robin Wong was never officially appointed as an OMDS ambassador, by OMDS.
See the title of this video.
Robin Wong himself makes this clear.


It is time for Robin Wong to move on, away from the DEAD camera brand formerly known as "Olympus".
It is not shallow to give up loyalty to a DEAD camera brand formerly known as "Olympus".
Moving on to newer and better things is called Progress.

Technology improves over time. In 2008 era, MFT was good. By 2022, MFT is (from a market share point of view) obsolete.*
Just like the 5¼ inch floppy disk was good during its golden age ( for a few years after1978).
The MFT era has been eclipsed by APS-C & Full Frame. Just like 126 Instamatic film (1963) was overtaken by 35mm film.

* Recently the staff of a big camera shop informed that their boss will never again want to stock Olympus MFT cameras and lenses after clearing their current stock in a sale.
 

Maybe OMDS didn't like his over-articulation :p. I personally find it painful and cringey to watch his videos on my big TV with his constant hand movements, making them feel amateurish.
On top of that, he doesn't take kindly to criticisms and is quite emo.
 

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You don't know artists are emo?
Of course big TV makes his gestures more annoying to you. :D

Maybe OMDS didn't like his over-articulation :p. I personally find it painful and cringey to watch his videos on my big TV with his constant hand movements, making them feel amateurish.
On top of that, he doesn't take kindly to criticisms and is quite emo.
 

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Have you seen any photography YouTuber so many pattern like him ? KNN Rob Trek so much better than him.

Aiyo,. everyone is unique . It will be boring if all act and behave the same way. All YouTubers want their own special signature. Live and let live. Life is short.
 

Actually I pay more attention his tips and findings on the Olympus equipment he tried.
I especially like when he shared Malaysia photos which I can relate too as I go there quite often.
Yes, presentation wise he has lots to improve compared to the more eloquent Ang Mos :cool:


Have you seen any photography YouTuber so many pattern like him ? KNN Rob Trek so much better than him.
 

On top of that, he doesn't take kindly to criticisms and is quite emo.

Concur with your point, he is emo with lightest of critique to the point of being illogical. Not a suitable trait for a “visionary” or “ambassador” for any reputable brand.
 

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If Robin Wong hopes to be ambassador or visionary for another brand, he has to cut this link to the DEAD brand Olympus.
Robin Wong latest video 6 January 2023 is about a compact LX10.

It is a change from him constantly talking about past Olympus (DEAD brand) products.
Which is good for Robin Wong.
It makes sense.

Olympus has stopped making cameras.
So if a YouTuber continues to upload videos about past Olympus cameras 1 year or 3 years or 10 years from today.
It will become a historical channel or he will have a diminishing YouTube audience.

Small, light, cheap are selling points.
Actually Olympus MFT is not cheap. If one thinks about building a system in the long term. Some lenses are expensive.
Unless there is a fire sale once OMDS decides to finally throw in the towel or Panasonic decides to kill the MFT range of products.

What the competition can offer, has killed the Olympus MFT market share.
Sony has A7c (Full Frame) and the range of 6600, 6500, etc... APS-C bodies.
Nikon has Z6 (Full Frame) and Z50, Z30 (APS-C).

Credit: https://digital-photography-school.com

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