WHATS NEXT FOR M43, after Olympus, what future is left?
one eye jack
Senior Member
Jimmy Cheng of Red35 is going to Japan in first half of February and he is not telling. 
one eye jack
Senior Member
Why I think China can and will be a formidable photography power house because of DEEPSEEK. Remember the name.
Since some china photographic companies are signed on to the m43 alliance.
The shocking news.
What is Deepseek.
How to use it for a small timer.
The real reason for China's technological explosion. @19:50 photography related.
Note this is not Elon Musk voice but ai mimicking, too perfect crunching text.
Impact of DEEPSEEK.
Thread views: 122K
Since some china photographic companies are signed on to the m43 alliance. The shocking news.
What is Deepseek.
How to use it for a small timer.
The real reason for China's technological explosion. @19:50 photography related.
Note this is not Elon Musk voice but ai mimicking, too perfect crunching text.
Impact of DEEPSEEK.
Thread views: 122K
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BCN report for 2024 is out for the top 10 cameras.
2 of the sports are by M43 cameras with a combined market share of 7%.
This is decent enough to keep OM and Panasonic M43 dept going
and hopefully innovate products in 2025 and beyond.
www.sonyalpharumors.com
2 of the sports are by M43 cameras with a combined market share of 7%.
This is decent enough to keep OM and Panasonic M43 dept going
and hopefully innovate products in 2025 and beyond.
These were the ten best-selling cameras in Japan in 2024 | sonyalpharumors
2024 is over and BCN finally shared the accurate data showing the top 10 best selling cameras of this year: Sony VLOGCAM ZV-E10 - 16.0% market share Canon EOS R50 - 11.6% market share Canon EOS R10 - 6.7% market share Sony α6400 - 5.8% market share Sony α7C II - 4.9% market share Nikon
www.sonyalpharumors.com
New OM-3 image and UK priced leaked! – 43 Rumors
www.43rumors.com
Looks good to me, but the price a little steep for a backup camera body (about $2800 sgd).
I am considering getting a OM-1 (mk1) or the OM-3 as a backup camera body as these 2 use the same sensor as my OM-1ii.
Depending on the detailed features on the OM-3, it may be better for me to get a used OM-1 as a back up body
This junk is MFT.
Priced too high.
May sell to die-hard fans.
May sell to those with sunken costs.
Unlikely to attract many new buyers due to outclassed sensor size.
They took away the manual focus clutch and made the price higher for 2 lenses.
Claimed splash proof but only IPX1.
OM System instead of Olympus on front of camera is a 100% turn-off.
If body is size is same as film OM3 - please remember film OM3 was full frame 35mm film.
This junk is MFT.
Want to cash in on retro fever started by Fuji X100 VI,
Priced too high.
May sell to die-hard fans.
May sell to those with sunken costs.
Unlikely to attract many new buyers due to outclassed sensor size.
They took away the manual focus clutch and made the price higher for 2 lenses.
Claimed splash proof but only IPX1.
OM System instead of Olympus on front of camera is a 100% turn-off.
If body is size is same as film OM3 - please remember film OM3 was full frame 35mm film.
This junk is MFT.
Want to cash in on retro fever started by Fuji X100 VI,
I did thought of getting a more compact setup and I did had a good look at the Fujifilm X100vi.
Rather than looking at the wordings of a brand eg. OM vs Olympus, which is superficial and does not affect the photo experience.
Seriously, what is so great about having the words Olympus or Nikon or Sony engraved on my camera? Bragging rights?????
On the more practical side on the x100vi, what's turn me off on the is the fixed lenses.
My thoughts were.... if only I can change lenses instead of being fixed with 23mm (35mm) and resort to wide angle and teleconverters, which is a real bummer to be. And I went on to check out the PenF. Unfortunately, there has not been an update for a long time, and I am not pleased with the old sensor compared to the OM-1 sensor which I find is pretty good.
Hence, I was really excited when the OM-3 is announced, using the OM-1 sensor, with almost all its computational features eg. ND, GND etc.
Only setback is a slight drop in IBIS and FPS. And to be honest, I do not have much small compact primes on my OM-1ii as I used most long teles.
So I am not choosing the OM-3 because I am tied down with lenses. But OM-3 has access to so many tiny compact primes for me to pair with.
Plus, a lot of times although I can simulate those film and saturation effects during post processing, there are also times I would just like to shoot and share direct from my camera, especially when I using a small compact camera.
I think the OM-3 is another niche by itself. I cannot think of any compact interchangeable lenses mirrorless camera that has so access to so many compact primes. If you look at the Panasonic S9 it only has 1 zoom and 1 prime. On the Sony 7C series, the prices are not exactly that compact, especially the faster 1.4 and below.
Rather than looking at the wordings of a brand eg. OM vs Olympus, which is superficial and does not affect the photo experience.
Seriously, what is so great about having the words Olympus or Nikon or Sony engraved on my camera? Bragging rights?????
On the more practical side on the x100vi, what's turn me off on the is the fixed lenses.
My thoughts were.... if only I can change lenses instead of being fixed with 23mm (35mm) and resort to wide angle and teleconverters, which is a real bummer to be. And I went on to check out the PenF. Unfortunately, there has not been an update for a long time, and I am not pleased with the old sensor compared to the OM-1 sensor which I find is pretty good.
Hence, I was really excited when the OM-3 is announced, using the OM-1 sensor, with almost all its computational features eg. ND, GND etc.
Only setback is a slight drop in IBIS and FPS. And to be honest, I do not have much small compact primes on my OM-1ii as I used most long teles.
So I am not choosing the OM-3 because I am tied down with lenses. But OM-3 has access to so many tiny compact primes for me to pair with.
Plus, a lot of times although I can simulate those film and saturation effects during post processing, there are also times I would just like to shoot and share direct from my camera, especially when I using a small compact camera.
I think the OM-3 is another niche by itself. I cannot think of any compact interchangeable lenses mirrorless camera that has so access to so many compact primes. If you look at the Panasonic S9 it only has 1 zoom and 1 prime. On the Sony 7C series, the prices are not exactly that compact, especially the faster 1.4 and below.
If having a smaller sensor size makes it junk, then all handphone cameras are junk!
Why do 90% of the population prefer to use their mobile phone than a SLR as their camera?
Some brands take the opportunity to sell newly released products at higher prices during the first 6 months of release as there are always customers willing to pay higher just to get it first. Check out the prices of the Fujifilm x100vi and the Sony A9iii when they first launched and the current prices and you see what I mean.
You concept of "sell to those with sunken costs" don't work here.
Those with Sunken Cost already have the Pen-F and OM-1 will not buy LOL
The OM-3 is for those (like me) who want:
1) a compact camera but not the fixed lenses type,
2) have enough fast and small compact primes and zooms to choose from
3) have enough creative options like colour/mono/film simulation without having to post process
4) other computational photography features like Multiple Exposure, Light Composite, ND, GND etc
This is another of photography for me, which most of my current OM body and lenses for nature/ birding is not ideal.
(again nothing to do with sunken cost why I am choosing OM).
I will listing it as one of the possible "Travel & Street Photo" Cameras in the coming future.
I do agree the price is high at the moment and will wait for the price to drop first.
Why do 90% of the population prefer to use their mobile phone than a SLR as their camera?
Some brands take the opportunity to sell newly released products at higher prices during the first 6 months of release as there are always customers willing to pay higher just to get it first. Check out the prices of the Fujifilm x100vi and the Sony A9iii when they first launched and the current prices and you see what I mean.
You concept of "sell to those with sunken costs" don't work here.
Those with Sunken Cost already have the Pen-F and OM-1 will not buy LOL
The OM-3 is for those (like me) who want:
1) a compact camera but not the fixed lenses type,
2) have enough fast and small compact primes and zooms to choose from
3) have enough creative options like colour/mono/film simulation without having to post process
4) other computational photography features like Multiple Exposure, Light Composite, ND, GND etc
This is another of photography for me, which most of my current OM body and lenses for nature/ birding is not ideal.
(again nothing to do with sunken cost why I am choosing OM).
I will listing it as one of the possible "Travel & Street Photo" Cameras in the coming future.
I do agree the price is high at the moment and will wait for the price to drop first.
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I came across a comment in dpreview.com forum which I thought was a very good summary.
By a member named MK82.
I will repeat his comment verbatim here.
Quote {
Just watched all the videos and specs.
The body is E-M10 mixed to E-M5.
Idea is PEN-F with OM-5.
I think it is failure.
Didn't see anything new since 2016 to 2018.
OM System is grasping straws on their way to the past, and this is legacy of the Olympus.... Innovative for 10 years before Sony, Canon, Nikon, Pentax or Panasonic.
Now... It is just same old wrapped to new plastic.
And how did they save so much money and effort to have those three with the camera? Presentations were lifeless, didn't hit anything.
Dressing, talking points, locations, demonstrations etc... All were technically ok, but soulless and lame by style.
} UnQuote
By a member named MK82.
I will repeat his comment verbatim here.
Quote {
Just watched all the videos and specs.
The body is E-M10 mixed to E-M5.
Idea is PEN-F with OM-5.
I think it is failure.
Didn't see anything new since 2016 to 2018.
OM System is grasping straws on their way to the past, and this is legacy of the Olympus.... Innovative for 10 years before Sony, Canon, Nikon, Pentax or Panasonic.
Now... It is just same old wrapped to new plastic.
And how did they save so much money and effort to have those three with the camera? Presentations were lifeless, didn't hit anything.
Dressing, talking points, locations, demonstrations etc... All were technically ok, but soulless and lame by style.
} UnQuote
That is probably by a user who did not look deeper on the improvements and potential usage of the Pen-F, Olympus & OM-Systems.
I appreciate especially the front dial after I went on a Photo Outing where the lecturer is sharing on the situations where the photo could look very different in Black and White. I could do that in that in my other cameras but it was a pain toggling the menus to and fro colour/BW.
Also, do bear in mind that camera technology has reached a plateau. For example, even Sony used the same sensor for its A1ii with minimal improvements except ripping the 4axis screen from the A7v and taking the 120fps and ProCapture feature from Olympus.
The only problem I see the OM-3 have is the initial steep pricing. The OM-3 has what I wanted when I first began my "tiny street travel camera" with the Olympus EM5 Mkiii. I love it and brought it to everywhere I go. OM System has focussed on its niche wildlife/outdoor market for the last few years on the OM-1 after it took over from Olympus. I do enjoy my OM-1 a lot on wildlife trips but it is a little too bulky at times and have been waiting for an update on the Pen-F with the OM-1 sensor (where there is quite significant improvement where the OM-1 cause quite a stir in the market).
So I accepted OM System explanation that the existing Pen-F body is not possible to improve on the weather sealing and the OM-3 is probably the best iteration it came up with. Honestly, I do not know what else or features to ask from the OM-3, except the price. It is currently selling higher than the OM-1ii in some shops..... LOL. Met a friend who bought the OM-1 (mark 1) from a shop in USA for S$1800. Maybe that's the time I jump on the OM-3 to relive my EM-5iii days
I appreciate especially the front dial after I went on a Photo Outing where the lecturer is sharing on the situations where the photo could look very different in Black and White. I could do that in that in my other cameras but it was a pain toggling the menus to and fro colour/BW.
Also, do bear in mind that camera technology has reached a plateau. For example, even Sony used the same sensor for its A1ii with minimal improvements except ripping the 4axis screen from the A7v and taking the 120fps and ProCapture feature from Olympus.
The only problem I see the OM-3 have is the initial steep pricing. The OM-3 has what I wanted when I first began my "tiny street travel camera" with the Olympus EM5 Mkiii. I love it and brought it to everywhere I go. OM System has focussed on its niche wildlife/outdoor market for the last few years on the OM-1 after it took over from Olympus. I do enjoy my OM-1 a lot on wildlife trips but it is a little too bulky at times and have been waiting for an update on the Pen-F with the OM-1 sensor (where there is quite significant improvement where the OM-1 cause quite a stir in the market).
So I accepted OM System explanation that the existing Pen-F body is not possible to improve on the weather sealing and the OM-3 is probably the best iteration it came up with. Honestly, I do not know what else or features to ask from the OM-3, except the price. It is currently selling higher than the OM-1ii in some shops..... LOL. Met a friend who bought the OM-1 (mark 1) from a shop in USA for S$1800. Maybe that's the time I jump on the OM-3 to relive my EM-5iii days
Yep, I realize how useful ProCapture is when I was with my Sony A7CR one day trying to capture the exact moment a Pelican is catching the fish in between it's beak when the keeper throw fishes to it. Fortunately, I managed to capture after 5 to 6 tries. With an Olympus with ProCapture, this shot would have been so easy and I get to select the exact position I want the fish to be with its high FPS. Best part is even my previous EM-5iii bought in 2019 costing $1500 can do this.
It is not the OM-3 that try to cash in on the retro fever.
On the contrary, it is the Fujix100vi and the Panasonic S9 Full frame that want to cash in on the retro look
which Olympus already had set on the Pen F in 2016.
The OM-3 is an advancement from the Pen-F adding the new sensor and computational features which Olympus/OMDS
have developed over the 9 years since 2016.
On the contrary, it is the Fujix100vi and the Panasonic S9 Full frame that want to cash in on the retro look
which Olympus already had set on the Pen F in 2016.
The OM-3 is an advancement from the Pen-F adding the new sensor and computational features which Olympus/OMDS
have developed over the 9 years since 2016.
OMDS answered the Kickstarter call of 2208 voters to have a Pen Fii.
And OMDS did more than what it did to upgrade the EM5 to OM5.
It has made several improvements including weather sealing and include the OM-1 sensor with better AF and Dynamic Range.
It has also thought of new conveniences like Live GND, CP button and added film simulation profiles onto the front dial.
It has also added more video capabilities.
All these are the request it received from feedback from the market.
Look at how little Sony improved on the A1ii from the A1 and you will see that OM has actually done more.
And for both Sony and OM, they saw that it is more important to preserve the try and tested sensor which a lot of user like rather than trying something new. Panasonic tried using the 25mp sensor on the G9ii but seems that now much people are wow by it. Resolution is no longer the priority of users nowadays. Just look at the statistics. The most popular cameras are those at about 20 to 25mp.
Just because OMDS did not go full frame or increase resolution, you called the OM-3 useless?
Panasonic went full frame, did you go and get the Panasonic?
I was a Panasonic G9 user before changing to Olympus and I DID NOT buy Panasonic Full Frame system.
I bought Sony Full Frame camera instead, because of the much wider choice of lenses.
If OM is to go full frame and abandon it's very range of superb M43 lenses, I WILL NOT buy their Full Frame system until they have a similar range of lenses like their M43 lenses.
And OMDS did more than what it did to upgrade the EM5 to OM5.
It has made several improvements including weather sealing and include the OM-1 sensor with better AF and Dynamic Range.
It has also thought of new conveniences like Live GND, CP button and added film simulation profiles onto the front dial.
It has also added more video capabilities.
All these are the request it received from feedback from the market.
Look at how little Sony improved on the A1ii from the A1 and you will see that OM has actually done more.
And for both Sony and OM, they saw that it is more important to preserve the try and tested sensor which a lot of user like rather than trying something new. Panasonic tried using the 25mp sensor on the G9ii but seems that now much people are wow by it. Resolution is no longer the priority of users nowadays. Just look at the statistics. The most popular cameras are those at about 20 to 25mp.
Just because OMDS did not go full frame or increase resolution, you called the OM-3 useless?
Panasonic went full frame, did you go and get the Panasonic?
I was a Panasonic G9 user before changing to Olympus and I DID NOT buy Panasonic Full Frame system.
I bought Sony Full Frame camera instead, because of the much wider choice of lenses.
If OM is to go full frame and abandon it's very range of superb M43 lenses, I WILL NOT buy their Full Frame system until they have a similar range of lenses like their M43 lenses.
Here is why you may NOT want to buy camera based on market share or popularity.
Look at the Top 3 cameras or Top 50 cameras in the list below.
1. The flagship cameras eg. Sony A1, Sony A7R5, Nikon Z9, Canon R5, R1 etc etc are not in the list
2. Most of the cameras are not even full frame
3. All the cameras are not of the highest resolution or dynamic range
There is nothing wrong chasing after flagship cameras, full frame or highest resolution like @ricohflex, provided the model serves your needs.
But it certainly shows that there is nothing wrong with M43 models it serves your need.
I know of users who bought the Sony ZV-E1 / A7S3 for the noiseless ISO 12800 to shoot video.
I also know of users who bought the Olympus EM1 / EM5 for the Live Composite to shoot light trails.
And of course users like me who bought the OM-1 simply because I want a light (and lower cost
) to be able to shoot wildlife with a 600mm F4 lenses (300mm F4 on M43) or have a 1.8kg lenses that can reach 800mm at F4.5 with Built in TC to 1000mm.
No cameras are useless, all manufacturers have done their research on users needs before putting a camera into production.
Just do your research and buy what best meet your needs and don't be influenced by market share, popularity etc.
Look at the Top 3 cameras or Top 50 cameras in the list below.
1. The flagship cameras eg. Sony A1, Sony A7R5, Nikon Z9, Canon R5, R1 etc etc are not in the list
2. Most of the cameras are not even full frame
3. All the cameras are not of the highest resolution or dynamic range
There is nothing wrong chasing after flagship cameras, full frame or highest resolution like @ricohflex, provided the model serves your needs.
But it certainly shows that there is nothing wrong with M43 models it serves your need.
I know of users who bought the Sony ZV-E1 / A7S3 for the noiseless ISO 12800 to shoot video.
I also know of users who bought the Olympus EM1 / EM5 for the Live Composite to shoot light trails.
And of course users like me who bought the OM-1 simply because I want a light (and lower cost
) to be able to shoot wildlife with a 600mm F4 lenses (300mm F4 on M43) or have a 1.8kg lenses that can reach 800mm at F4.5 with Built in TC to 1000mm.No cameras are useless, all manufacturers have done their research on users needs before putting a camera into production.
Just do your research and buy what best meet your needs and don't be influenced by market share, popularity etc.
The core of any camera system is of course the lenses available. (look a the video from 6:15)
M43 users have a OM 8-25mm (equal to 16 to 50mm F4) which is a great street photo lenses, giving us 16mm to shoot interesting buildings and tight interiors, 24mm for wide scenes and 35mm & 50mm for street portraits.
M43 also have a Pana-Leica 25-50 F1.7 (equal to 50mm to 100mm) which is ideal for shooting outdoor models at 50mm, 85mm and 100mm.
This is a wonderful lenses to bring along for photo trips with models as the Tamron 35-150 is a lifttle clumsy and heavy.
M43 users have a OM 8-25mm (equal to 16 to 50mm F4) which is a great street photo lenses, giving us 16mm to shoot interesting buildings and tight interiors, 24mm for wide scenes and 35mm & 50mm for street portraits.
M43 also have a Pana-Leica 25-50 F1.7 (equal to 50mm to 100mm) which is ideal for shooting outdoor models at 50mm, 85mm and 100mm.
This is a wonderful lenses to bring along for photo trips with models as the Tamron 35-150 is a lifttle clumsy and heavy.
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