Olympus Corporate Plan

[Guest]

Hi

This was posted over on Dppreview so I thought I'd bring it to the attention of people over here. Apparently, the new Olympus Corporate Plan re DSLR Camera's talks about concentrating its "investment in technology and product development on the micro 4/3rd standard". No mention is made of ordinary 4/3rd:

http://www.olympus-global.com/en/news/2010a/nr100512visione.html

I wonder if this puts into content the comments made by Olympus US earlier this year that, if I remember correctly, that the EVF would replace the OVF within five years.

I know we've been told that there will be an E5, probably sometime later this year. But after that? Is anyone concerned?

[Zuiko]

Re: Olympus Corporate Plan

I wouldn't worry too much, that is a business plan for a financial report. Naturally, they are placing the emphasis on MFT in the imaging sector, because that's where the bulk of the future growth and profits will be comming from. That doesn't mean the E-System will not be developed, indeed Olympus have already intimated that the E3 replacement is on the agenda and new models in the range have not exactly been lacking over the last few years. However, I think we have to be realistic and acknowledge that MFT will get overall priority because the future of the imaging division hangs on its success.

[theMusicMan]

Re: Olympus Corporate Plan

I know we've been told that there will be an E5, probably sometime later this year. But after that? Is anyone concerned?

Nope, why should I be...?

1 - I have a camera that surpasses my ability.

2 - There may be a new model that surpasses that ability further.

3 - I have a plethora of 1st class lenses available.

Even if 1,2 and 3 were not true, why would I be concerned...?

It's a camera.

OK,OK,OK... I don't mean to be cynical in response to your legitimate question, but really... I always have a choice.

[Zuiko]

Re: Olympus Corporate Plan

Nope, why should I be...?

I have a camera that surpasses my ability.

That would apply in my case even if I only had a Holga!

I can understand why Oly owners are concerned, to most people their camera system represents a substantial investment and there is always a lurking fear of being stuck with a dormant system while the competition streaks ahead. However, MFT has strengthened the Olympus Imaging Division substantially and IMO makes continued development of FT more viable. We must, however, accept that MFT (being the main earner) will take priority, but don't forget that improved features and technology can generally be applied across systems so ultimately FT stands to benefit.

As for myself, I really cannot afford to replace a flagship model every two years. Just because there will be an E-5 doesn't mean I'll be getting one. Probably not an E-6 when the time comes, either. I would not have spent so much on the E-3 if it did not deliver all that I need. It fulfilled all my requirements, and more, two years ago, it still does now and it almost certainly will continue to do so in ten years time.

I'm not saying I wouldn't upgrade if I could afford to do so, but the irony is not lost on me of paying a premium for a camera with the build quality to last a lifetime only to discard it two short years later.

[Guest]

Re: Olympus Corporate Plan

That would apply in my case even if I only had a Holga!

I can understand why Oly owners are concerned, to most people their camera system represents a substantial investment and there is always a lurking fear of being stuck with a dormant system while the competition streaks ahead. However, MFT has strengthened the Olympus Imaging Division substantially and IMO makes continued development of FT more viable. We must, however, accept that MFT (being the main earner) will take priority, but don't forget that improved features and technology can generally be applied across systems so ultimately FT stands to benefit.

As for myself, I really cannot afford to replace a flagship model every two years. Just because there will be an E-5 doesn't mean I'll be getting one. Probably not an E-6 when the time comes, either. I would not have spent so much on the E-3 if it did not deliver all that I need. It fulfilled all my requirements, and more, two years ago, it still does now and it almost certainly will continue to do so in ten years time.

I'm not saying I wouldn't upgrade if I could afford to do so, but the irony is not lost on me of paying a premium for a camera with the build quality to last a lifetime only to discard it two short years later.

Mainly I concur with John.

I think it's worth asking what needs developing in FT, is it the prism, the viewfinder, the sensor, the processing engine, the focussing system, the metering, lenses

Well I'm pretty happy with the prism/viewfinder on the E-3, can't see what needs improvement. And anyway that's pretty mature technology, probably not much scope for other than minor change

I haven't got any quarrels with the metering.

Yes I do want a better sensor, lighter anti-alias filter and better processing engine to handle it.

The focussing system, well I rate it as pretty good, certainly it meets my needs for both wildlife/macro/architecture/landscape. But tuning of what we've got will always be welcome.

Lenses, well with the exception of the 100mm macro and a longer tele, what are we really short of?

To satisfy my requirements all Olympus need do is drop a 14mp sensor, usable up to 24,000 with a bit better dynamic range into the E-3 body.

So the bit I really want is common with mFT. A far better position than 3 years ago when there was little commonality between the P&S range and the DSLRs.

Keep in mind that I was sceptical of mFT when it came out, I acknowledge that its development has to some extent taken the emphasis off FT and may have delayed the E-4/5/6.

But I re-iterate my primary point, what needs enhancing in FT is mostly common with what needs developing in mFT.

Nick

[Zuiko]

Re: Olympus Corporate Plan

Mainly I concur with John.

I think it's worth asking what needs developing in FT, is it the prism, the viewfinder, the sensor, the processing engine, the focussing system, the metering, lenses

Well I'm pretty happy with the prism/viewfinder on the E-3, can't see what needs improvement. And anyway that's pretty mature technology, probably not much scope for other than minor change

I haven't got any quarrels with the metering.

Yes I do want a better sensor, lighter anti-alias filter and better processing engine to handle it.

The focussing system, well I rate it as pretty good, certainly it meets my needs for both wildlife/macro/architecture/landscape. But tuning of what we've got will always be welcome.

Lenses, well with the exception of the 100mm macro and a longer tele, what are we really short of?

To satisfy my requirements all Olympus need do is drop a 14mp sensor, usable up to 24,000 with a bit better dynamic range into the E-3 body.

So the bit I really want is common with mFT. A far better position than 3 years ago when there was little commonality between the P&S range and the DSLRs.

Keep in mind that I was sceptical of mFT when it came out, I acknowledge that its development has to some extent taken the emphasis off FT and may have delayed the E-4/5/6.

But I re-iterate my primary point, what needs enhancing in FT is mostly common with what needs developing in mFT.

Nick

Very well analyzed, Nick.

14mp useable up to ISO 24000? That's a big ask.

[Guest]

Re: Olympus Corporate Plan

Very well analyzed, Nick.

14mp useable up to ISO 24000? That's a big ask.

In the interest of forming this coalition I might concede a temporary postponement on one zero, provided a matching concession is made to achieve 14mp within the first year.

Nick

[Zuiko]

Re: Olympus Corporate Plan

In the interest of forming this coalition I might concede a temporary postponement on one zero, provided a matching concession is made to achieve 14mp within the first year.

Nick

On that basis I think we might be able to explore areas of mutual agreement and form a consensus that enables us to put our remaining differences aside and work together for the common good whilst still retaining our seperate identities and principles.

[Zuiko]

Re: Olympus Corporate Plan

On that basis I think we might be able to explore areas of mutual agreement and form a consensus that enables us to put our remaining differences aside and work together for the common good whilst still retaining our seperate identities and principles.

BTW Nick, my middle name is David so it bodes well!

[OlyPaul]

Re: Olympus Corporate Plan

I'm not concerned, you just have to look at the investment Sony have made in there answer to micro ft and how they have pulled all the stops out to get a share of that lucrative market (just like compacts there is a potential wider audiance) but that does not mean they have abandoned their dslr's so why think the same of Olympus?

I'm guessing Canon and Nikon are standing in the wings ringing there hands at this lost potential market to them and I really expect to see something from them very soon. Possibly a sensor bigger than a compact/bridge but a little smaller then 4/3 to get a size advantage over the other three

[Daveart]

[Zuiko]

Re: Olympus Corporate Plan

Dave

Would you be up for one of those if they did one?

[Daveart]

Re: Olympus Corporate Plan

Yes probably would be up for one, Id have to save the pennies or pounds rather for one though, I think at lot more would also a f2.8 or f4 though.

Iknow that they would be quite big prob 5 or 6 kgs I'd expect.

Dave