Covering Micro Four Thirds Cameras & Lenses

Imaging-resource interviewed Shigemi Sugimoto, Head of Imaging Business Unit, Olympus Corp. below you can find excerpts from the lengthy interview.

• 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• The camera market has become more like the film days when your camera will last you 4-5 years without becoming outdated.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