WHATS NEXT FOR M43, after Olympus, what future is left?

[Pitachu]

The Sony A9 iii with its Global Shutter is touted to be a competitor to the OM-1 120 fps (currently the only SLR with this frame rate).
However, on a Full Frame camera, it does come at a compromise. Looks like some of the Sony users who are also using OM-1 for the high FPS have to think twice again before jumping back to Sony, too see if the image quality cost is acceptable.

Dpreview tested the A9III and says Global shutter comes with an image quality cost – sonyalpharumors

www.sonyalpharumors.com

 

[JW73]

OM-1 120fps is restricted to single af mode. 50fps is for single / continuous af mode.

A9iii 120fps is for single and continuous af. It is more powerful of course due to the pricing. You will need a super fast and huge memory card.

 

[one eye jack]

They dare to say...

Matti Sulanto share the same thing I said before M43 should concentrate on mass market model rather than high profit high end model to gain market share.

1 inch sensor DJI pocket 3 beat fullframe? Watch!

 

[ricohflex]

{ M43 should concentrate on mass market model } for the masses.
Told you already. Small Light Cheap is MFT mantra for survival.

MFT for professionals?
Well, the client decides which professional he wants to hire.

If a professional is highly paid and the client has an important product advertisement and he has hired ultra expensive fashion model.
And a so-called "professional" turns up at the photo shoot with a MFT camera, the client should tell the "professional"to get out.
Because clearly, the person is not fit to be called a "professional".

 

[Octarine]

{ M43 should concentrate on mass market model } for the masses.
Told you already. Small Light Cheap is MFT mantra for survival.

MFT for professionals?
Well, the client decides which professional he wants to hire.

If a professional is highly paid and the client has an important product advertisement and he has hired ultra expensive fashion model.
And a so-called "professional" turns up at the photo shoot with a MFT camera, the client should tell the "professional"to get out.
Because clearly, the person is not fit to be called a "professional".

Asking as a normal user: What professional experience do you have to get to such a conclusion?
Looking at all your postings it seams to me that you are good at picking up YT videos from all corners of the platform to support your opinions. But where is your real knowledge and expertise?

 

[JW73]

{ M43 should concentrate on mass market model } for the masses.
Told you already. Small Light Cheap is MFT mantra for survival.

MFT for professionals?
Well, the client decides which professional he wants to hire.

If a professional is highly paid and the client has an important product advertisement and he has hired ultra expensive fashion model.
And a so-called "professional" turns up at the photo shoot with a MFT camera, the client should tell the "professional"to get out.
Because clearly, the person is not fit to be called a "professional".

Since 2020 when Olympus camera brand are sold, it is not meant to be for mass market. Mobile phones are for mass market.

Om1 still consider the best wildlife camera by Neo Geo.

The best digital cameras for travelers in 2023, according to National Geographic

These are the cameras our photo engineering team likes for everyone from beginners to street photographers and those on a budget.

www.nationalgeographic.com

 

[one eye jack]

Since 2020 when Olympus camera brand are sold, it is not meant to be for mass market. Mobile phones are for mass market.

Om1 still consider the best wildlife camera by Neo Geo.

The best digital cameras for travelers in 2023, according to National Geographic

These are the cameras our photo engineering team likes for everyone from beginners to street photographers and those on a budget.

www.nationalgeographic.com

That is precisely OMDS need to do, a wow mass market camera. What is the use of state of the art camera and the company still go under. There are Japanese camera companies that have gone that way.

Already Hasselblad has been acquired by DJI , a 2 billion dollar company which is facing an impending total ban in USA and fighting for it's life.

He talks about Singapore @3:38.

Because DJI make it too easy to fly drones that people do stupid things and govt. step in. ( aside from geo political reasons ).

 

[Pitachu]

The Mass Market for cameras, besides the obvious Mobile Market, is actually the Vlogging Camera Market.
Sony ZV series account for 48.4% of its unit camera sales. Why do you think Sony has released so many models of ZV series and Panasonic is getting back its G85? Obviously they have done their market research. (see also article below).

Why do you think Sony also released the A7Cii and A7CR? Why do you think Sony is also releasing Lighter and Smaller lenses?
Yes, professionals still go for Full Size and probably FF DSLRs, but many enthusiast are now starting to look at smaller bodies and compact lenses.
Me and many of my buddies actually prefer doing street and travel photos with a A7Cii or A7CR with maybe a 40mm compact price lenses.

I hope OM-System will update their Pen Series with a sensor with good low noise level and able to capture good videos in 4k 60fps (a 20mp sensor can already capture 4K).

It is not about Sensor size. It is about Camera body size including Lenses Size!!!!! And usability features (eg. Subject Recognition etc).

Sony’s VLOGCAM series accounts for 48.4% of unit sales, growing into a pillar of the digital camera business – sonyalpharumors

www.sonyalpharumors.com

 

[ricohflex]

The future will definitely be defined by sensor size.
I don't doubt that.
Sensor size to digital photography is analogous to storage size in computer storage media.

Hard mechanical spinning drives improved from MB to GB to TB.
Then they evolved to SATA SSD.
And then to M.2 NVME SSD.

The improvement of digital sensor sizes will follow the same path.
Now digital photography is in its infancy or young stage.
Film photography evolved over 100+ years.
In the future what we thought impossible today or very hard to imagine today - will become reality.

Consumers adapt quickly to new norms.
In 2002, they may be satisfied with Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC20 -- it had 2 megapixels.
The sensor size was 1/2.7" (5.312 x 3.984 mm).

In 2023, will consumers be happy with 2 megapixels and a 1/2.7" (5.312 x 3.984 mm) sensor?
Hmm.... maybe not.

Thus it will be the same with MFT in the near future.

The crucial factor is bringing down the cost.

 

[Pitachu]

Future defined by sensor size?
Why did Large Format Cameras disappear?
Why did Large Format and Medium format has a much smaller market share than Compact cameras and M43?
Why did Mobile Phone with the smaller sensor produce millions of times the number of digital images produced compared to DSLRs?

The future will definitely be defined by sensor size.
I don't doubt that.
Sensor size to digital photography is analogous to storage size in computer storage media.

Hard mechanical spinning drives improved from MB to GB to TB.
Then they evolved to SATA SSD.
And then to M.2 NVME SSD.

The improvement of digital sensor sizes will follow the same path.
Now digital photography is in its infancy or young stage.
Film photography evolved over 100+ years.
In the future what we thought impossible today or very hard to imagine today - will become reality.

Consumers adapt quickly to new norms.
In 2002, they may be satisfied with Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC20 -- it had 2 megapixels.
The sensor size was 1/2.7" (5.312 x 3.984 mm).

In 2023, will consumers be happy with 2 megapixels and a 1/2.7" (5.312 x 3.984 mm) sensor?
Hmm.... maybe not.

Thus it will be the same with MFT in the near future.

The crucial factor is bringing down the cost.

 

[ricohflex]

He says. He is entitled to his opinion.
OMDS is not listening. They have PAID (directly or indirectly) ambassadors to sing praises of MFT products in YouTube.
Cannot blame the ambassadors. It is a job. They do as they are told. Or else they are fired.

Die hard fans take it very personal. And sometimes they attack some one who gives an opinion.

Happy viewing.

 

[Pitachu]

All that is said by @ricohflex are not mentioned in the video.
Matti Sulanto keep repeating M43 and not Olympus or OMDS.
He gives a very good analysis of M43 situation.
And he did say that M43 is a good camera for hobbyist and even professionals.

Of course M43 is not doing well, that cannot be denied.
And Matti also said that it is not that M43 manufacturers do not want to do anything,
but it is very competitive out there.

All of us has chosen M43 for certain reasons. If it is giving us the features and quality that we want, keep it.
Otherwise, if there is so other features you need in other brands by all means just go for it, especially if you need it to do paid jobs.
(eg. using the Sony A7R5 or A7CR pixel shift feature to produce a 240mp image for a client for a wall poster).

There is no point speculating what will happen to M43!

He says. He is entitled to his opinion.
OMDS is not listening. They have PAID (directly or indirectly) ambassadors to sing praises of MFT products in YouTube.
Cannot blame the ambassadors. It is a job. They do as they are told. Or else they are fired.

Die hard fans take it very personal. And sometimes they attack some one who gives an opinion.

Happy viewing.

 

[Pitachu]

What's for M43 in 2024? (see video below)

For me, I hope OMDS will released the Pen-F ii with the OM-1 sensor (with lessor noise) as I prefer something even smaller for Street and Casual photos.

I don't think I will like a bigger OM-1x, as I find the OM-1 pretty quite OK with the 150-400 lenses.

I am not sure OMDS will put the new Sony 47 mp sensor into the OM-1x or Pen F ii
What OMDS is for the stakeholders to nod their heads to commit a huge enough order for the sensors before Sony will make for them or for OMDS finish using their current batch of sensors for the OM-1. Otherwise they can put the OM-1 sensor and trickle it down to OM-5 mk2

This is the Micro Four Thirds gear that might be announced in 2024! – 43 Rumors

www.43rumors.com

 

[ricohflex]

Read this excellent article.

Panasonic + how it mishandled MFT

Panasonic (and also Olympus) forgot the MFT principles of
• Small
• Light
• Cheap

Instead both tried to slug it out with the big rivals - producing giant bodies, big lenses and very wide aperture F1.2 expensive lenses.
Maybe it was an irresistible ego trip.

But Panasonic camera division has a doting parent company.
Never mind if you lose mountains of money each year. Please continue the mismanagement.

Olympus Camera Division is not so lucky.
Its parent company is not so forgiving after enduring many years of terrible losses.

 

[Pitachu]

1. Only Olympus tried to produce 1 giant body EM-1x, trying to penetrate the sports photographers market. The Olympus and Panasonic top range models EM-1 or OM-1 or GH6 or G9 are generally lighter than top end models of Canon, Nikon and Sony FF bodies.. I don't think they are slugging it out with the big boys. In fact, Sony probably produce the sensors for them. LOL. And Sony has been tempting Olympus and Panasonic to use Sony higher end 47mp sensor (M43 size).

Both Olympus and Panasonic have been focussing on their Niche instead. Olympus/OMDS on Outdoor Nature Photography and Panasonic on video.

2. Very wide aperture? Olympus and Panasonic did have some but it was not their focus. Look at the latest lenses released by Olympus and Panasonic since 2021.

3. You are repeating history. Olympus Camera division was bought over by JIP more than 3 years ago. It has since been operating very leanly since. Surprised that you are still lamenting Olympus has no parent company to pour money...........blah blah blah. Make me suspect you own an Olympus Camera and still crying over the fact that Olympus has changed hands? LOL. All your predictions were wrong. JIP did not close down Olympus after 1 year and after 2 year as mentioned in your previous post LOL

4. @ricohflex where did you get those MFT principles from? Probably that is what is in your mind when you got your M43 camera???????

For me, I got my Olympus because of the 2x Focal Multiplier so that my tele lenses can be smaller and lighter. Their costs are usually lower but I would not call them cheap.

Read this excellent article.

Panasonic + how it mishandled MFT

Panasonic (and also Olympus) forgot the MFT principles of
• Small
• Light
• Cheap

Instead both tried to slug it out with the big rivals - producing giant bodies, big lenses and very wide aperture F1.2 expensive lenses.
Maybe it was an irresistible ego trip.

But Panasonic camera division has a doting parent company.
Never mind if you lose mountains of money each year. Please continue the mismanagement.

Olympus Camera Division is not so lucky.
Its parent company is not so forgiving after enduring many years of terrible losses.

 

[one eye jack]

From the excellent article...

Micro Four Thirds could have been like a mini Leica M range for under $2000. Small fast primes, with autofocus (something not offered on the Leica M rangefinders), equally small bodies with high-end design and all lovely metal casing, to compete with the build quality of Leica. Small, unique designs, and artistic images. It would have sold copiously.

A Leica M system for the masses.

Instead we have ended up with basically Sony/Canon-knock offs – large bodies, high prices, big bulky zooms and this never-ending failed ethos of trying to compete for the same customers as full frame rather than being different.

I agree fully with the author, Panasonic has lost it's way. As I said before M43 need a wow camera for the masses. Small, light ,cheap, packed with powerful features. It can still be done if both Panasonic and OMDS still want to survive but the author thinks G9ii will not sell and therefore will end m43
but the decline started with GH3
so the rot has been a long time coming. As the author said why should Panasonic listen to it's American marketing team. Like the saying stuffing worm into one's ass. Oh well I did mention Leica.

@ricohflex the article is opposite of your argument about the rationale of ff. There is a reason for m43 if Panasonic and OMDS remained focused on the principle of m43.

Also in the excellent article which I mentioned before Panasonic's attempt at the GF series of compact cameras.

The GH3 was the moment Panasonic started to abandon the original ethos of Micro Four Thirds. They had mishandled the GF line turning into a Micky Mouse entry level camera but with the GH2 they had a huge hit on their hands. It had opened up a whole new market, in filmmaking.

 

[ricohflex]

Unfortunately for OMDS and Panasonic, they failed to see the potential of a "poor man's Leica".
These clowns have been sleeping. (see? they deserve to lose mkt share).
The hopeless fools.

But Nikon, Fuji & Sony spotted the vacuum in the market for such a type of camera.
They jumped in FAST to fill the vacuum.
Now they probably own that segment of the market.

Nikon has Z50 and Zf.

Fuji has the X100V. Non-changeable lens. High demand by consumers and now discontinued.
New X100V is rumored.

Sony has the 7C II (full frame ILC). 33MP.
7CR (full frame ILC). 61MP.
Users can use Sony lenses or a wide range of cheap 3rd party E mount lenses.
Some users can buy a TechArt adapter to use with their Leica M lenses.

Sony also has the RX1R mark II.
Full frame. 42.4 MP and (fixed) Carl Zeiss 35mm F2 Sonnar lens.
High end compact.

Remarkably to cover all bases, Sony makes
ZV-E1 Full frame
ZV-E10 APS-C
ZV-1 II 1 inch
ZV-1 1 inch
ZV-1F 1 inch

 

[Pitachu]

Of course Olympus and Panasonic did.
Olympus with their Pen series and Panasonic with their GX Series.
And Olympus caused quite a stir with their Pen series.
And my brother loves his GX series!!!!

@ricohflex have you been hiding under a rock?
Plus Nikon Zf and Z50 is not exactly a mini Leica LOL.
Just google and look at their shapes and size.

Unfortunately for OMDS and Panasonic, they failed to see the potential of a "poor man's Leica".
These clowns have been sleeping. (see? they deserve to lose mkt share).
The hopeless fools.

But Nikon, Fuji & Sony spotted the vacuum in the market for such a type of camera.
They jumped in FAST to fill the vacuum.
Now they probably own that segment of the market.

Nikon has Z50 and Zf.

Fuji has the X100V. Non-changeable lens. High demand by consumers and now discontinued.
New X100V is rumored.

Sony has the 7C II (full frame ILC). 33MP.
7CR (full frame ILC). 61MP.
Users can use Sony lenses or a wide range of cheap 3rd party E mount lenses.
Some users can buy a TechArt adapter to use with their Leica M lenses.

Sony also has the RX1R mark II.
Full frame. 42.4 MP and (fixed) Carl Zeiss 35mm F2 Sonnar lens.
High end compact.

Remarkably to cover all bases, Sony makes
ZV-E1 Full frame
ZV-E10 APS-C
ZV-1 II 1 inch
ZV-1 1 inch
ZV-1F 1 inch

 

[JW73]

There are some cult classic m43 cameras in the 2nd hand market namely Lumix GM1 and GM5. The 2nd hand Olympus Pen F is also much sought after nowadays. It is much sought after due to the true concept of m43 size/ design. Not many selling and if these items are post for sale in carosell etc it will be sold very soon and at higher than expected price. If Panasonic is going to make these new models for this line, it will be a good comeback.

 

[ricohflex]

The future of MFT depends on whether OMDS and Panasonic can sell enough MFT cameras/lenses to break even.
If both continue to lose mountains of money each year.
Their continued survival is reliant on the sense of charity of their parent companies.

Panasonic has a (so far) indulgent and doting parent company.
OMDS parent company is JIP who are by nature Accountants (bean counters).
Bean counters are NOT forgiving when huge losses are made year after year.

The ex-Olympus Camera Division already has its head proverbially chopped off.
For making terrible losses by insisting on MFT.

In both cases of OMDS & Panasonic Camera Division, the CEOs will not stick to MFT - if the huge losses (probably hundreds of millions) came out of their own pocket/bank account.
But they are happy to lose OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY.