The Return of Olympus

Sometimes a lens is more than just a lens.

A recent example is the announcement of the OM System 20mm f/1.4 Pro. The optic itself looks terrific. But the real story is that it’s the first tangible product from a new entity, OM System.

If you haven’t been following this story, Olympus carved out their imaging division and sold it. We’ve seen this tale before, and it usually ends badly. So many of us crossed our fingers and repeated, “Maybe this time it will be different.” Then in early November 2021, we get the official rebranding, OM System, and a new lens.

For those of us in the press, there have been other positive signs as well. We’re working with the same people in media relations that we did in the Olympus days. The procedures are familiar, and in many ways, it’s like nothing ever changed. In this case, that’s a good thing.

The real test, however, will be a new camera. If OM System can produce a worthy follow up to the impressive OM-D E-M1 Mark III, that would truly throw down the gauntlet.

The Micro Four Thirds system is a good fit for modern enthusiast photographers. It combines excellent image quality with portability and innovative technology. Pair a MFT body with a couple of your favorite optics and a current smartphone, and you’re prepared to capture just about any opportunity the world presents.

At the moment, there are two major players in the MFT arena: Panasonic and OM System. We need them both because they serve different needs. Panasonic is excellent at creating high performance video devices. And if making movies is just as important to you as still images, they have the tools you’ll want.

OM System leans a bit more in the photography direction. Their camera bodies are the better choice if that’s your priority. In order for Micro Four Thirds to flourish, we need both companies to be on top of their game.

So now we wait. I’m not sure if OM System can deliver the camera that we want by December. But if they could in the first quarter of next year, then Micro Four Thirds fans can breathe a sigh of relief.

And start 2022 with a new camera.