Olympus Changes to OM System
Olympus changes to OM System in the big announcement that had been teased for October 27. It’s interesting that not only Olympus had a less-than-exciting announcement, but so did the Lumix folks. On October 27 we heard a bit more about the new Olympus camera that’s coming and even less about the Lumix GH6. To call both these announcements anti-climactic would be an understatement.
New OM Systems “Wow” Camera
Though there was not a lot of updated information on this new camera from OM System, they did provide an inspirational video about their place in the camera industry. A vision that carves out its niche as a leader in small, mobile, bulletproof quality for photographers who want to “break free.”
And I think it’s a compelling promotional video. You have to get through the first part of the new CEO talking about what’s happening, but about mid-video, you get a better idea of what they have planned. You can follow this link to read more about my take on all things Olympus.
There were a few darkly lit photos released of the new camera as well. From these pictures, it seems OM System plans to go with the same push-button feature on the left-hand side of the camera, top deck, that we have on current OM cameras. I was hoping they would adopt the Panasonic feature that does the same thing with dials on the top deck. I personally think the dials on the G9 are much quicker and easier to operate than a push-button system.
Panasonic Lumix GH6
The folks at Panasonic were also making announcements, but they weren’t quite as enthused as OM System. In a press release translated by Google, they talk about concentrating on the cinematography aspect of the GH6 with new lenses and the like. There was much hope there would be much more information than what they gave. In particular, everybody dreaming of an announcement of a new autofocus system for the GH6.
Conclusion
As I said at the beginning, it was a fairly anti-climactic announcement from both companies. But of the two, it seems OM System was more excited to be in the game. I guess only time will tell.
Tim McCulloughOn Dec. 19th, 2021
I agree Dan, I don’t find the top left push-buttons on my M1X to be as immediately responsive as they should be and, as they are with the left-side dial on my G-9’s! Could be improved and as the Olympus system’s complicated nomenclature, could be streamlined for simplification . . . waay too many options!
Tom GrossOn Nov. 22nd, 2021
I had an OM-2 also. Incredible metering system. I wish they had introduced an auto focus version.
Tom GrossOn Nov. 14th, 2021
Is the G9 auto focus poor?
Daniel J. CoxOn Nov. 14th, 2021
For static subjects, No. But for anything moving quickly like flying birds, yes the G9 AF is very disappointing.
Mircea BlanaruOn Nov. 11th, 2021
These news even if are not very detailed are a big step forward and they bring rays of light over the Micro 4/3 system’s future. At least for me the new OM and Panasonic cameras are not a black horse but a white one that don’t break free but bring the happiness in the hearts of many photographers around the entire world!!! Thinking about the new sensor I believe that it will be problematic to launch a 33.2 or 35MPixels one right now while the detractors (from the other companies) will cry about the inherent noise that will appear at higher ISO. Unfortunately the very solid image stabilization system of so many F-stops seems not to convince these guys. I think, like you, that a further enhance is the already superb AF system will be seen very soon. Of course I will be very happy if the 35Mpixels will appear earlier!!!!Thank you!!!
Jan ZebisOn Oct. 31st, 2021
If you want the dail on the G9 by all means buy a G9. I love the buttons on the O-MD E-M1 also they are a part of the history and DNA of OM System. The buttons work fine for me.
Daniel J. CoxOn Oct. 31st, 2021
I had an Olympus OM-2 and it never had the buttons I wished would get replaced by the dial. As far as buying a G9. I have two already but they don’t do as well as the E-M1X with autofocus. Therefore I would love to see dials replace most of the buttons on the left side of the camera. You like the current setup. I don’t. We have a difference of opinion that’s all.
Mike GOn Oct. 29th, 2021
I’m always happy to see micro four thirds announcements, even if they’re not very exciting. It keeps my faith in the system alive.
Daniel J. CoxOn Oct. 29th, 2021
I agree Mike.