OM System did seriously consider making full-frame cameras

OM System published a new 9-minute conversation between Setsuya Kataoka (Managing Director and COO) and Eiji Shirota (Head of the OM System Business Unit) at OM Digital Solutions.

OM System did seriously consider making full-frame cameras

OM System (formerly Olympus) did seriously consider entering the full-frame or APS-C market, but ultimately decided against it to preserve the core identity of the Micro Four Thirds system. The discussions were not merely hypothetical; proposals for larger-sensor cameras “surfaced periodically” within the company, and COO Setsuya Kataoka personally pondered the move shortly after the business was acquired from Olympus. A mentor’s advice crystallized the decision to remain exclusive to MFT: master the existing format before seeking another. This led leadership to conclude that switching formats would not serve the company’s mission of delivering a compact, lightweight, and highly mobile photographic system, especially for telephoto and field work where portability is decisive.

Here is a recap of the interview:

• Micro Four Thirds remains the company’s strategic focus. OM SYSTEM believes the format offers a distinctive combination of compactness, lightweight equipment, and high image quality.
• The company has repeatedly discussed larger sensors internally. Proposals to develop APS-C and full-frame cameras have come up several times over the years, but OM ultimately decided to concentrate on Micro Four Thirds.
• Image quality is not the only priority. OM believes camera size, weight, portability, and the ability to take equipment into demanding environments are equally important.
• Computational photography is a major part of its strategy. Technologies such as High-Res Shot and other computational features help overcome some of the inherent limitations of smaller sensors.
• The gap between Micro Four Thirds and full-frame is acknowledged. OM executives recognize that the formats will not become identical, but believe MFT image quality can reach a level that satisfies most of its intended customers.
• Different sensor formats serve different needs. Full-frame is attractive for photographers prioritizing maximum image quality, while Micro Four Thirds is particularly suitable when portability is important.
• Ruggedness is a key competitive advantage. Weather sealing, dust resistance, and low-temperature operation are important elements of OM SYSTEM’s product philosophy.
• Extreme outdoor photography is central to the brand. The executives discussed photographers working in challenging environments, including the Amazon rainforest, Mongolia, and temperatures as low as -40°C.
• Equipment must be practical to carry. The executives emphasized that a camera that is too large or heavy to take along is of little use. Compact equipment also makes it possible to carry additional lenses.
• OM SYSTEM wants to become the No. 1 outdoor camera brand. Its strategy is built around the tagline Discover More Adventure, supporting photographers through products and services that encourage exploration and creativity.
• Long-term technology development remains important. The company wants to continue investing in its manufacturing capabilities, technologies, and future product development rather than concentrating exclusively on short-term results.

OM System acknowledged proposals to develop full-frame or APS-C cameras

Via 43Addict