Olympus executive interview: mirrorless is growing because as the market declines, mirrorless is remaining the same size
Imaging Resource published a new interview with Shigemi Sugimoto, Head of Imaging Business Unit, Olympus Corp. Here is the recap courtesy of 43addict:
- Olympus’ top business area is medical, but their imaging technology is used in that division as well.
- Operating income improved 77%
- Mirrorless is growing because as the market declines mirrorless is remaining the same size.
- Camera shipments are going up so things might be stabilizing
- The camera market has become more like the film days when your camera will last you 4-5 years without becoming outdated.
- Firmware updates have helped to keep cameras useful longer.
- In Japan, users are switching to the E-M1 Mark2 from other brands now.
- Mirrorless Full Frame can’t compete with m43 because they require large lenses.
- Olympus doesn’t make cheap cameras they only make higher value-added cameras.
- They do not have a price-driven strategy.
- PEN-F did pretty well and almost met expectations so it will continue on.
- Olympus sees value in having multiple form factors.
- Olympus Pro Advantage and Pro Service are meeting expectations.
- Size is a big selling point because you don’t have to carry 20lbs of gear.
- Also, the ruggedness is a big selling point.
- People that value mobility value ruggedness.
- Investments in imaging help the whole business.
- The imaging division directly helps the medical, which is Olympus’ main source of revenue.
- Olympus would rather spend money on R&D than marketing
Via Imaging Resource