Best full-frame		Canon RP		SEE IT	The full-frame sensor inside is bigger than the rest on the list. That’s good news if you have a lot of old Canon lenses.
All around champ		Fujifilm X-T200		SEE IT	This compact body borrows some high-end features from cameras above it in the lineup.
Shake buster		Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV		SEE IT	The built-in 5-axis image stabilization system is very handy for avoiding shaky shots.

Choosing a good camera for beginners is more complicated than simply selecting the latest and greatest model in the line. Entry-level cameras typically offer beginner-specific features that help new shooters learn the nuances of advanced photography. The best mirrorless camera for beginners, however, also leaves room to grow as your skills evolve. 

Rather than sending you out into the complicated mirrorless digital camera world alone, we’ve put together this simple guide to help you choose your tool. The secret to success: Identify the most important features that you’ll need and emphasize them. You don’t want to end up paying a lot of extra cash for features you’ll rarely use. That could be lens money.

• Best overall: Fujifilm XT-200
• Best full-frame: Canon RP
• Best for bloggers: Sony A6400
• Best small: Nikon Z 50
• Best for image stabilization: Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

The best mirrorless cameras for beginners: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Fujifilm XT-200

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Our expert’s pick for the best mirrorless camera for beginners overall is the Fujifilm X-T200. This DSLR camera embodies a classic SLR shape with an eye-level finder and a grip on the right-hand side. Inside, you’ll find Fujifilm’s renowned 24-megapixel APS-C sensor, which handles color differently than other digital sensors. That makes it uniquely capable of capturing pleasant-looking images with no editing required. It even emulates famous Fujifilm film stocks. The 3.5-inch vari-angle screen punches above its weight at this price and the camera gives you tactile controls with knobs and buttons that make for super-quick navigation once you get the hang of it. 

Best full-frame: Canon RP

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This affordable Canon mirrorless full-frame camera for beginners offers a very nice 26.2-megapixel resolution for just under $1,000 retail. It shoots 2160p video and employs Canon’s facial tracking focusing system. The body looks and feels a lot like a DSLR so it will be an easy transition if you’re making the switch. It will also work excellently with Canon’s huge back catalog of EF lenses if you get the simple adapter to go with it.

Best for bloggers: Sony A6400

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This isn’t the most recent addition to the Sony A6X00 line, but you can find it for a solid deal including a lens and it will give you lots of room to grow into it. The sensor employs Sony’s 4D focusing system, which is meticulous when it comes to keeping faces in focus, even when you’re moving around. The screen flips up to face you so it doesn’t stick awkwardly out to the side of the camera. Plus, it shoots beautiful 4K footage of your lovely mug.

Best small: Nikon Z50

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This isn’t the smallest mirrorless camera on the market, but the Nikon Z50 is smart about the space it uses. The whole thing weighs less than 14 ounces, which is a pittance compared to some DSLRs. Despite its small size, it still offers a selection of tactile controls and a chunky handgrip to go with its 20.9-megapixel sensor and advanced AF system.

Best for image stabilization: Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

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The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a tiny little camera with some impressive specs. Its Micro Four Thirds sensor moves in five different directions to try and counteract the movement of your hands as you press the shutter—it’s the best mirrorless camera for beginners looking for image stabilization. It promises up to 4.5 stops of shake correction, which is up there with the best of them. Despite its small size, you also get a solid collection of tactile controls including a mode dial and control knobs.

Choosing the best mirrorless cameras for beginners

It can be hard to understand exactly what the phrase “mirrorless camera” means, so we’ll run through the basics here quickly. If you’re already schooled on the nuances of the DSLR vs. mirrorless camera debate, you can probably skip straight down to the recommendations. 

For the uninitiated, mirrorless cameras get their identity from something they lack: a mirror. DSLRs (and their film-based SLR predecessors) rely on mirrors inside the camera body to reflect light coming in through the lens up to the focusing sensor and through the optical viewfinder. DSLRs dominated the advanced digital camera market for years before advanced CMOS image sensor tech changed the game. 

Mirrorless cameras simply funnel light through the lens directly onto the imaging sensor. That sensor pumps out a live feed of what it sees through to an electronic viewfinder or the screen on the back of the camera. Attached lens cameras worked like this for years before interchangeable-lens mirrorless cameras came along. 

Why are mirrorless cameras desirable?

Without the mirror inside the body, mirrorless cameras can keep the lens much closer to the sensor, which typically reduces the overall size of the camera itself. 

Because mirrorless cameras rely on their main imaging sensor for focusing, they’re also less likely to need adjustments than DSLRs. That sensor-based focusing also allows the camera to perform more advanced focusing features like precise image tracking and facial recognition. 

Some beginners also prefer mirrorless cameras because the image they see in the viewfinder looks very close to what the final result will be. With a DSLR, you see a simple reflection, but the camera settings may leave you with a shot that’s blown out or too dark. Mirrorless cameras reduce that chance. In fact, they will allow you to see, in real-time, how changing your settings will affect your overall picture. That’s great for learning purposes.

What’s not so good about mirrorless cameras?

DSLR’s advantages over mirrorless cameras have waned over the years. Some shooters still prefer the zero-lag experience of looking through an optical viewfinder. 

DSLRs also typically natively accept older lenses. So, if you’re upgrading from a Canon EF or Nikon N system, your lenses will probably still work with a new DSLR. You’ll have to use an adapter if you want to put them onto a mirrorless camera

Don’t give up on features you’ll want later

It’s easy to get lost in camera spec sheets when you’re out there shopping. The best mirrorless camera for beginners, however, isn’t always the most advanced model on the block. Ideally, you’ll choose something that’s easy to navigate and won’t drown you in buttons, dials, and endless menu screens. Some advanced Canon cameras, for instance, have more than five menu screens dedicated just to changing focus settings. That’s great for a working pro who knows just what they want. But, for a beginner, it can get overwhelming quickly.

As you hone into your personal style, you’ll likely figure out exactly what camera you want when you upgrade. To get started, though, you want something with a well-rounded feature set that you can grow into without getting discouraged. 

If you aspire to professional work, it also can’t hurt to get something capable so you can use it as a backup body even after you’ve upgraded. Buying into a system can get really expensive so you’ll want to choose wisely at the start. 

Moving up to a full-frame mirrorless camera

When photographers talk about “full-frame” cameras, they’re typically referring to those that have a sensor the size of a single image shot on 35mm film. With a sensor that size, your lenses work exactly as you’d expect them to. When you use a smaller sensor, however, the smaller chip can only capture part of the image circle so your final image looks cropped. It can make it difficult to get truly wide-angle views or achieve the same kind of buttery blurry backgrounds when shooting on fast lenses. 

Many pros rely on full-frame mirrorless cameras but don’t let anyone tell you that they’re absolutely necessary. There are some truly wonderful and capable APS-C options out there (some of which are on this list). The best mirrorless camera for beginners depends more on features than pure imaging power.

For aspiring vloggers

If you’re shooting video on your own, there are a few things you should consider. First and foremost, you want something light and compact. If you’re going to be holding a camera at arm’s length with the full weight of a Gorillapod weighing you down, you don’t need a bulky camera adding to the load. 

You’ll also want to make sure that you have a solid screen. Look for a screen that flips forward, but maintains a sturdy connection to the body without sticking out too far. Moving screens are good. Screens that stick out and get cracked off in a subway door are not. Trust me. 

You’ll also, of course, want to make sure that the camera captures top-quality video. People these days don’t smash those link and subscribe buttons for blurry, grainy footage.

Looking for the best mirrorless camera for beginners with smaller hands?

DSLRs have big mirror boxes inside of their bodies taking a lot of space. Mirrorless cameras don’t need all of that. As a result, the bodies can be smaller. That’s not always the case. Large sensors, wide lens mounts, and lots of electronics can clutter up some mirrorless cameras until they bloat to the size of their DSLR pals.

You want to go small with your camera, but make sure it still includes the features you want and feels comfortable in your hand. If a camera is too small, your hand can actually cramp trying to hold onto it (trust me on this one, too). As you move up to higher-quality lenses, they also tend to increase in size and include more heavy glass. In that case, you want something sturdy to counterbalance the weight of the lens. It’s literally all about balance.

Keep it steady with image stabilization

You can’t change the laws of physics. And those laws say that too much camera shake will result in blurry images. Luckily, modern cameras have advanced tech inside that can prevent those ruined pictures. Some cameras rely on lenses with built-in vibration reduction. They work well, but those lenses typically demand higher prices than non-stabilized glass. 

Some cameras, however, offer internal image stabilization systems that actually require the sensor to move around inside the body. You’ll often hear these systems rated by a number of stops. Those measurements have a specific meaning, but they’re also meant to represent absolute best-case scenarios that don’t translate into the real world. Just know that a larger number is typically better there.

FAQs

A last word about the best mirrorless cameras for beginners 

Don’t be afraid to take the leap into mirrorless cameras. Now is the time to do it. The market is saturated with the best mirrorless camera for beginners that will help you learn and then let you shine when your skills are honed. Even if you can’t afford something new, there are some great older options out there on the secondary market. The Sony A7 II? Still awesome. Whatever you get, be sure to get out there and shoot until you’re sick of it. You probably won’t get sick of it, though.

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Best for professionals		Olympus OM- E-M1X		SEE IT	The full-sized body balances big lenses nicely.
Best for videos		Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III		SEE IT	It offers many of the same features as the flagship camera.
Best for traveling		Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV		SEE IT	It may be small, but it’s no slouch on the spec sheet.

Olympus has a long history in the photo industry, producing a wide range of cameras since 1936: medium format, rangefinder and 35mm film cameras, including the unique Pen half-frame 35mm camera. (The latter was the late fashion photographer Bill Cunningham’s first camera.) The company moved into digital in 2003 with the E-1 DSLR built around a 5-megapixel Four-Thirds sensor and then transitioned into mirrorless using Micro Four Thirds (MFT) sensors. 

In the early days of digital, Olympus was innovative and developed new features before any other manufacturer. For example, the E-1 was the first digital camera to offer live view (albeit a cruder version that today’s cameras). The company also created a mechanism to shake dust off off sensors, to name just a couple of features that were on the leading edge. That experience prepared Olympus to bring some notable technology to its present day cameras so you have plenty of options to choose from.

Now, the company has sold off its digital camera division, but many of its most popular lines will continue on under the OM Systems name. In the meantime, here are the best Olympus cameras for any type of shooting.

• Best for professionals: Olympus OM- E-M1X
• Best for beginners: Olympus PEN E-PL10
• Best for videos: Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
• Best for traveling: Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
• Best tough: Olympus Tough TG-6

How we picked the best Olympus cameras

The writers and editors at PopPhoto have collective decades of experience and have shot with every camera system under the sun. This list comes from a mixture of personal experience and community-based research. It also pulls from in-depth spec comparisons based on technical features. 

The category-specific recommendations take into account the wants and needs of different kinds of photographers, but many of these bodies can work across genres.

The best Olympus cameras: Reviews and recommendations

Best for professionals: Olympus OM- E-M1X

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Why it made the cut: It handles like a pro DSLR and can churn out up to 18 fps with the electronic shutter mode making it our choice for the best Olympus professional camera. 

Specs: 

• Megapixels: 20.4
• Sensor size: Micro Four Thirds
• FPS: 18 (electronic shutter)

Pros:

• Grip provides more room for batteries
• Super-fast image capture
• 5-axis image stabilization
• Extreme weatherproofing

Cons:

• Bigger than other M43 bodies

Capturing photographs of athletes in action, dancers, birds and other fast moving subjects requires a camera with speedy response. The continuous number of frames per second that a camera can shoot is one key specification. At, say, five frames per second (fps) you may be able to freeze the motion of relatively slow action like a baseball player at bat or a ballerina moving leisurely from one position to the next but a bird in flight or a hockey player skating across the ice at breakneck speed will easily elude a slower fps rate. But at accelerated continuous shooting speeds, your odds of capturing great shot of peak action is vastly improved.

But high speed capture doesn’t mean much without continuous autofocus that’s fast (and accurate) enough to keep up with a camera’s burst rate. Keep in mind that at extreme shooting speeds, the camera may lock focus and exposure on the first shot rather than making continuous adjustments throughout the burst. Newer and higher end cameras sometimes provide special options to fine-tune how AF works when shooting different scenarios. 

Whether you’re photographing birds in your backyard, athletes on the soccer field or race cars zipping around the track, the Olympus OM-D E-M1X keeps pace with up to 10fps shooting speed (18fps with the electronic shutter). Tweak autofocus sensitivity and choose the subject, such as cars or aircraft, for even better tracking. The camera is a bit large and pricey but handles action shooting very well.

Best for beginners: Olympus PEN E-PL10

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Why it made the cut: A classically designed body wraps around modern imaging tech to create a stylish, capable camera. 

Specs:

• Megapixels: 16.1
• Sensor size: Micro Four Thirds
• 4K video at 30 fps

Pros:

• Very attractive
• Weighs well under a pound
• Pop-up flash

Cons: 

• No eye-level viewfinder
• Relatively low megapixel count

Before everyone had a cell phone, small, point-and-shoots were the defacto entry level cameras. That category of digital camera has pretty much gone the way of the dinosaur. And that’s not all bad news because now even entry-level cameras offer features—like in-body image stabilization—that you’d never find on a point-and-shoot. At the same time, these more sophisticated models are snapshot easy to use. With one-touch shooting modes to match most picture-taking situations, entry level cameras can do all the work to make great photos.

At the same time, extra features, these cameras provide more room to grow than the early point-and-shoot models. That also makes them more capable than the best camera phones, especially under less than ideal shooting conditions. Of course you won’t want to give up selfies or posting on social media, so look for a flip LCD and Wi-Fi connectivity.

With its flip down selfie touchscreen and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity, this petite camera offers all the benefits of the camera phone in your pocket and a whole lot more. Although there’s no viewfinder, the best beginner Olympus camera, the PEN E-PL10 offers in-body image stabilization to help prevent blurry images when shooting in low light. And you’ll get 4K video, too. 

Best for videos: Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

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Why it made the cut: With 4K video capture and a 5-axis image stabilization system that works during movie capture, this is the most well-rounded option for video shooters.

Specs

• Megapixels: 20.1
• Sensor size: Micro Four Thirds
• 4K video up to 30 fps

Pros: 

• Burly weatherproofing
• Small and light
• Lots of physical buttons for control
• Solid eye-level electronic viewfinder

Cons:

• Can feel cramped due to its size
• Just OK in super low-light

All camera manufacturers have upped their video features over the past few years, with most offering an option to shoot 4K. Not everyone needs the super-resolution of 4K. 

In addition to resolution settings, look for a variety of fps, although you’re not likely to find as many fps options for 4K as for full HD, HD and SD. But it’s always good to have a choice of 30p, 24p and 60p. If you want to get creative, a slow motion feature is always fun.

Other specifications to consider include in-body image stabilization to keep your footage steady while you’re on the go. And having a microphone jack is key to getting the best sound. A headphone jack is a bonus but generally only found on high-end models. 

In addition to 4K video, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is the best Olympus camera for video because it’s equipped with IBIS (in-body image stabilization) to keep your footage smooth and steady. The camera has a mic jack so pick up an external microphone to ensure good audio. And, if you’re up to post-processing color grading, this camera has a flat profile so you can apply your preferred look and aesthetic.

Best for traveling: Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

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Why it made the cut: Despite weighing just under a pound and sporting a super-small form factor, this full-featured mirrorless camera can do pretty much anything.

Specs

• Megapixels:
• Sensor size: Micro Four Thirds
• Weight: 14.5 ounces

Pros

• Very small and light
• Solid weatherproofing
• 5-axis stabilization

Cons

• Can feel cramped for people with big hands
• Feels ridiculously small when attached to big lenses

When you spend your hard-earned cash on a vacation, you want to be sure you come back with great images. Even when your outing doesn’t stray far from home, you’ll want to capture some of the sights you’ve visited for the day.

Naturally, size matters. You’ll likely be doing a lot of walking, so look for a smallish camera body and a lens that doesn’t add much to the size/weight of the rig but still gives you the focal length flexibility you’ll need. Although accessory flashes are available for mirrorless cameras,  having a built-in flash is preferable so it won’t add to the builk, weight or cost of your setup.

Weighing less than a pound (without a lens), this camera won’t weigh you down during your travel explorations. A built-in flash, 5-axis image stabilization and a tiltable LCD enable creative shooting angles. 

Because it’s so small and weighs under a pound, you can attach a compact lens to it and have a walk-around camera that will fit in a purse or, if you’re feeling fun, a fanny pack making it our pick for the best Olympus travel camera.

Best tough: Olympus Tough TG-6

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Why it made the cut: You can literally take this 8x-zooming tough camera diving to a depth of 50 feet and capture 12-megapixel photos and 4K video.

Specs: 

• Megapixels: 12
• Waterproof down to 50 feet
• 8x zoom

Pros:

• Fully waterproof with no case needed
• 8x zoom built-in
• Built in instruments like a compass and GPS for recording data about photos

Cons:

• Small sensor
• Relatively slow lens when zooming

The compact camera market has all but disappeared thanks to smartphones. But, the waterproof models have stuck around because they can go places your iPhone can’t. Olympus has been making its line of Tough cameras for more than a decade. The TG-6 is the best Olympus tough camera because it’s fully waterproof down to 50 feet and it also protects against dust getting into the delicate electronics. 

It doesn’t just survive underwater, the TG-6 thrives there. It offers several underwater-specific shooting modes designed to overcome common challenges that come with shooting while submerged. For instance, it can remove some of the gnarly blue cast that can show up while diving. It can shoot 4K movies or lower the resolution to catch HD footage in slow motion. It’s great for really capturing your friends’ bad decisions so you can play them back later. 

What to consider when shopping for the best Olympus cameras

Like any digital camera, selecting the best Olympus camera model depends on your photographic interests, intentions, and skill level. If you plan to shoot sports or birds, you’ll need an Olympus camera that provides high speed capture with equally adept autofocus. Want to keep things simple and uncomplicated? Check out one of Olympus’ beginner cameras. Need to take pictures around (or in) the pool or at the beach? There’s an underwater camera for you, too.

Ruggedization

Despite their relatively small size, high-end Olympus cameras like the OM-D E-M1-series offer some of the best ruggedization and weather proofing around. Just know that the pro models really amp up the protection while the more consumer-oriented models don’t go quite as hard. If you’re planning to take your camera body up into the mountains or out into gnarly weather conditions, it’s worth paying extra for the burlier models.

Understanding the crop factor

One of the specifications to keep in mind when choosing the best Olympus digital camera is that the company’s mirrorless cameras pack Micro Four Thirds sensors, which create a 2x crop factor on lenses. That’s great news for photographers who want or need the extra reach from their lenses. It also translates to using shorter, lighter lenses for telephoto photography. For example, a 100mm-400mm lens delivers the same field of view as a 200mm-800 lens. And given Olympus digital cameras’ excellent in-body 5-axis image stabilization (IBIS) on some of their cameras, shooting telephoto and low light (slow shutter speed) images is not a problem.

At the same time, keep the 2x crop factor in mind when choosing a wide angle lens for landscapes or astrophotography. 

The Olympus MZuiko Digital ED 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO lens ($1,349) is a good choice and delivers a 14mm-28mm 35mm-equivalent field of view. Sigma and Panasonic offer MFT lenses as well, so you have options other than the Olympus branded optics.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best Olympus cameras

With a wide variety of cameras, at a range of price points, Olympus has made it easy to find a model with the features and specifications you need to make great pictures. From speedy burst modes for wildlife and bird photography to excellent in-body image stabilization for low light/slow shutter speed shots and even a rugged camera that works under even the toughest of conditions, we’re sure there’s a model for you.

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Micro Four Thirds system users will soon have a new 180mm equivalent, image-stabilized macro lens to consider for their arsenal. The forthcoming OM Digital Solutions M.Zuiko 90mm f/3.5 Macro IS was just unveiled on the brand’s lens roadmap. Part of OM Digital’s prestigious”Pro” line, it joins other highly-capable, tough-built glass like the M. Zuiko 300mm f/4.0 IS Pro and the M. Zuiko 20mm f/1.4 Pro, to name two favorites.

Wait, what happened to Olympus?

Olympus Corporation still exists but its imaging division was sold off a few years back to the newly minted OM Digital Solutions, who seemingly got right to work (or rather, continued working) on new Micro Four Thirds products. This year alone, OM Digital has rolled out a new flagship camera in the OM System OM-1, along with the impressive new 20mm f/1.4 Pro lens.

Who’s the 90mm macro for?

According to OM Digital Solutions, the new 90mm features an 180mm equivalent field of view with an impressive 4x maximum image magnification. This will allow users to make tiny subjects appear larger than life. The 90mm is also the brand’s furthest reaching and only Pro-series macro.

Rated IP53 against dust and moisture, the OM Digital 90mm macro should also be supremely well protected from the elements, potentially making it a fantastic option for close-up photographers working in the field. Insect and nature photographers in particular might benefit from its tough-built, image-stabilized design.

When can I buy an OM Digital’s new lens & what will it cost?

The new OM Digital 90mm macro should be available “sometime” in 2023, for a yet-to-be-announced price. We will update this story as soon as we know more.

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Hong Kong’s homegrown lens brand Meike has been on an absolute tear this year, releasing new lenses at a truly astounding rate. Last month alone, the company launched five new lense—including an incredibly affordable 85mm f/1.8—and in the first half of the year, it has already announced a total of nine lenses and two mount adapters. Yet the brand shows no signs of letting up any time soon, as just two weeks to the day after its last PopPhoto mention, the company is already back with another new launch.

This time around, the new Meike 10mm f/2 lens is a fully-manual prime intended for use with crop-sensor mirrorless cameras in one of five different mounts. And as is typical with Meike’s announcements, information about the new optic is rather sparse. That’s a bit of a pity, as it’s actually quite an interesting lens. And it only has one rival which, as we’ll see, is actually quite distinct itself.

Available on five mounts, but one has an existing rival

Related: Best mirrorless cameras of 2022

There are a fair few 10mm f/2.8 lenses on the market, and Panasonic’s Leica 9mm f/1.7 for Micro Four Thirds also comes fairly close. But to date, this is only the second 10mm f/2 we’re aware of after Venus Optics’ well-reviewed Laowa 10mm f/2 Zero-D. This latest Meike attacks it head-on at a similar price point, and importantly it’s shipping not just for Micro Four Thirds but also for Canon RF-, Fujifilm X-, Nikon Z-, and Sony E-mounts.

The new Meike is much heftier than Laowa’s lens

So what do we know, beyond the focal length, maximum aperture, and mount? Meike’s product listing reveals only a rather hefty weight of 1.2 pounds (550g), more than quadruple the weight of the Laowa. Clearly, if portability is your primary goal and you’re a Micro Four Thirds shooter, you’re going to want to stick with that lens. But with 15 elements in 12 groups, Meike’s optical formula is certainly more complex than the 11-element, seven-group Laowa.

Other than that, the only information Meike has to offer is a one-foot minimum focusing distance and information on viewing angles. Some more information can be gleaned from between the lines, however.  For one thing, from the provided viewing angles we can infer 35mm-equivalent focal lengths of about 16mm for APS-C bodies and 21mm for Micro Four Thirds. That, in turn, suggests that the actual focal length is just a little above 10mm.

10-pointed sunstars and big, chunky filters

And from the focal length and minimum focusing distance, we can also calculate the maximum magnification as around 0.04x, as compared to 0.15x for the Laowa which can focus to just 4.7 inches. The sample images contain two shots with 10-bladed starbursts, indicating that the aperture diaphragm must contain either five or ten blades. (Five would be a match for the tiny Laowa, but given this lens’ greater heft and price, plus its more complex optical formula, we’re hopeful for the latter.)

Beyond that, we can see the minimum aperture is f/22 and that the lens features multi-coatings and a metal mount plus 77mm filter threads up front. (Again, that’s far larger than the 46mm threads of the tiny Laowa.) But that, sadly, is all we can glean for the time being.

Price & availability

The new Meike 10mm f/2.0 prime is available immediately for Canon RF-, Fujifilm X-, Nikon Z-, and Sony E-mount cameras, as well as Micro Four Thirds. Pricing is set at $449 regardless of the mount. That’s approximately 13% higher than the Laowa, which currently lists for $399.

Meike 10mm f/2.0 sample images

Meike has provided the following sample images showing the new lens in use.

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It’s proving to be a rather active summer for the folks at Hong Kong’s home-grown lens brand, Meike. We’re barely through telling you about the brand-new Meike 85mm f/1.8 for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras, and the company has already launched another optic, this time for five different sub-frame mirrorless lines. Meet the new Meike 50mm f/0.95.

The new 50mm f/0.95 lens will yield a 35mm-equivalent focal length of about 75mm for Fujifilm, Nikon, and Sony shooters, 80mm for Canon shooters, and 100mm for those using Micro Four Thirds cameras. It will also face significantly more competition than the aforementioned 85mm, with at least two direct rivals on every available lens mount.

Who the Meike 50mm f/0.95 for?

Thanks to its focal length and extremely bright maximum aperture, the Meike 50mm f0.95 should prove useful for situations where you want to isolate your subject from the background and/or foreground, such as in portraiture. This coupled with a very affordable price tag could make it an appealing option, so long as you’re willing to live with its entirely manual design.

On every single mount, direct competitors include the 7artisans 50mm f/0.95 and TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95 lenses, although it’s the former which is by far the nearest rival. For Canon EF-M, Fujifilm X, and Micro Four Thirds shooters those are also the main alternatives, though the Voigtlander Nokton 42.5mm f/0.95 and 60mm f/0.95 are at least in the same ballpark for Micro Four Thirds, albeit at double the price and with much more bulk.

Nikon Z and Sony E shooters, meanwhile, may also see it as a rival to the nearly-as-bright, full-frame-friendly 7artisans 50mm f/1.05, which is nearly 40% more affordable and offers a much more portable design. All other rivals on every mount are at least triple the price of the Meike, though, and in some cases also come equipped with modern conveniences like autofocus and electronic aperture control.

Build quality

Unfortunately, Meike has yet to reveal the dimensions of its new optic, and so all we have to go on are its weight and filter size plus a visual estimation of the dimensions. With that said, the Meike 50mm f/0.95 tips the scales at 14.8 ounces and sports 62mm filter threads afront a barrel which is likely somewhere near a 2.5-inch diameter. The mount appears to be metal but otherwise, the materials are unstated.

That’s exactly the same weight and filter size as the 7Artisans 50mm f0.95, which measures 2.3 inches long, and is likely pretty similar in its dimensions as well. Among other rivals, the Voigtlander 42.5mm f/0.95 is the closest in terms of weight, but it’s still fully one-third heavier.

Next up on the list, the 7Artisans 50mm f/1.05 is a touch heavier again and has by far the longest barrel of the group. Then there’s a big step up in weight to the TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95 which is two-thirds heavier than the Meike. Finally, the Voigtlander 60mm f/0.95 is by far the heaviest of the bunch.

The TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95, 7Artisans 50mm f/1.05, and Voigtlander 42.5mm f/09.5 all opt for smaller 58mm filter threads, while the rather chunkier Voigtlander 60mm f/0.95 uses comparatively huge 77mm filters.

Focus

The manual focus ring of the Meike 50mm f/0.95 is mechanically connected and will allow the lens to focus to a minimum distance of just 18 inches. That equates to a weak macro performance of 0.15x or 1:6.9, just fractionally better than the 7Artisans 50mm f/0.95 which focuses from two inches further back.

You’d need to be fractionally further away again for the 7Artisans f/1.05 and TTArtisan lenses, but both Voigtlanders will focus far closer than the rest of the group and allow up to 0.25x (1:4) magnification.

Optical design

Meike’s new lens features a total of seven lens elements in five groups, and if there are any exotic element types or coatings used, the company doesn’t mention this. Also sitting in the optical path of both 7Artisans lenses is a 13-bladed aperture that can be stopped down to f/16. Again, all of these specs are identical to those of the 7Artisans 50mm f/0.95.

The other lenses all blow this out of the water for optical complexity, with 11 elements in eight groups for all but the 7Artisans f/1.05, which has 10 elements in 7 groups. With a 14-bladed aperture, the TTArtisan 50mm f/0.95 should yield the roundest bokeh when stopped down a little, while both Voigtlanders surprisingly skimp on 10-bladed apertures despite their much higher price tags.

Pricing and availability

Available immediately for all but Nikon Z-mount customers, the Meike 50mm f/0.95 is priced at $250. No planned availability date has yet been revealed for the Nikon-mount version. The Meike’s nearest rival, the 7Artisans 50mm f/0.95, is just a tad more affordable at $236 list, but every other rival has a list price of at least double to triple as much as the Meike.

Meike 50mm f/0.95 sample images

Meike has provided the following sample images showing the new lens in use.

The post New gear: Meike 50mm f/0.95 for APS-C mirrorless appeared first on Popular Photography.

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The Technical Imaging Press Association (TIPA) has just announced the winners of its 2022 World Awards. Even if you haven’t heard much about the association, you’ve likely seen its logo and “award winning” pop up in advertising for camera gear over the past 30 years. 

What are the TIPA awards?

The TIPA World Awards are presented by the Technical Imaging Press Association, a group of 26 independent photography magazines from around the world. (In the US, Rangefinder and Digital Imaging Reporter are members.) The group has been giving out its awards since 1991.

Of course, over the years the categories have changed somewhat. Originally, they celebrated film cameras and film stocks, before transitioning to DSLRs and then mirrorless cameras. For 2022, for example, the aard categories were updated to remove the “Expert” tier of gear and combine the three APS-C categories down to one, while adding the Best Rangefinder Camera, Best Micro Four Thirds Camera, and Best Camera Innovation categories, and splitting Best Professional Hybrid Camera into 4K and 8K sub-categories. 

While this kind of shuffling and adding niche categories could make it easier for companies to win awards (which is a fair criticism), we feel the categories are also a reasonable reflection of the state of the industry. APS-C cameras simply aren’t as relevant as they were five years ago—though with Canon’s announcement of the R7 and R10, that may change.

Do these awards matter?

Sure, to the camera companies who can now use “award winning” in their advertising, the TIPA World Awards are useful, but we’re long past the point where this kind of publicity could make or break a camera. They’re a fun legacy but if you want to know whether the Canon EOS R7 is the sports and action camera everyone hopes it will be, you aren’t waiting for the 2023 awards: you’re reading things like our preview and checking out YouTube videos right now. 

Our takes on some of the winning cameras 

MFT Camera: OM System OM-1

SEE IT

“OM Digital Solutions Corp says they have refocused on the adventure genre with this new release, and the features they packed into this small camera reflect that. The improved autofocus and burst shooting speeds mentioned above will be excellent additions for adventure sport or wildlife photographers documenting fast action.” —Abby Ferguson

APS-C Camera: Nikon Z fc

SEE IT

“On paper, the spec sheet looks as you’d expect for a camera at this price point. The heart of the camera, a 20.9-megapixel DX-format sensor, is roughly 25 percent smaller than full-frame FX-format full-frame sensors. That choice makes sense for the camera’s $959 price, which aims squarely at the enthusiast market. The autofocus system covers roughly 85 percent of the frame in either direction and face tracking and other convenient modes that make mirrorless cameras appealing.” —Stan Horaczek

Full-frame expert camera: Sony a7 IV

SEE IT

“The a7IV brings some worthy updates, making it an excellent full-frame mirrorless camera suitable for many photographers and videographers, from sports and wildlife to portraits and vlogging. This latest version comes with a handful of new features and specs, including a new 33-megapixel sensor and an enhanced body design. It also has even better video and improvements to the already impressive autofocus system, making this one capable camera.” —Abby Ferguson

Full Frame Professional Camera: Nikon Z9

SEE IT

“Nikon decided it wasn’t interested in moderation when it designed the relatively absurd Z9. It’s a mirrorless camera without any kind of mechanical shutter. Its sensor reads out super fast so it can capture huge bursts at 20 fps with full AF tracking and AE metering going the whole time. It’s built like a tank with lots of weather sealing, so it’s meant to last for years, even under harsh punishment. If you can find one in stock and afford it, there’s literally no situation in which this camera body would be out-classed.” —Stan Horaczek

Camera Innovation: Canon EOS R3

SEE IT

“Rather than trying to ratchet up the speed on its high-resolution cameras, Canon purpose-built a camera for sports photographers. It has a super-rugged coating on the outside and a deep grip that makes it very easy to hold, even when there’s a huge lens attached to the front. The autofocus menus have pages and pages of customizability, but the people and object tracking works fantastically right out of the box. The viewfinder is big and bright, thanks in part to the Eye AF system, which tracks your eye to determine where to focus. If you’re a sports shooter, I think this is the best camera you can buy at the moment.” —Stan Horaczek

Rangefinder: Leica M11

SEE IT

“With the M11, Leica created a photographer’s camera. It handles just as you’d expect an M-series body to. It doesn’t have autofocus. It doesn’t shoot video. It’s about as pure as it gets. But, don’t let that fool you into thinking it lacks advanced technology. The new 60-megapixel sensor inside offers three different resolution settings. You can capture the full 60 megapixels for maximum data, reduce it down to 36 megapixels for increased dynamic range, or drop it all the way to 18 megapixels for max dynamic range and improved low-light performance. It’s a clever system that gives this camera a ton of flexibility.” —Stan Horaczek

Professional 4K Hybrid Camera: Panasonic Lumix DC-GH6

SEE IT

“Last year’s announcement promised that the GH6 would be a highly portable, video-centric Lumix G-series flagship designed to take the reins from Panasonic’s extremely popular GH5 series. The company also pledged that it would deliver this new camera at a price tag of around $2,500. With a body-only price of under $2,200 and some very impressive specs, the GH6 looks not only to have delivered everything it promised… but for even less cash than we were expecting. Given the supply chain issues and inflationary woes the world has been faced with of late, that’s got to be commended.” —Mike Tomkins

Medium Format Camera: Fujifilm GFX 50S II

SEE IT

“Medium format digital cameras used to cost about as much as a family sedan, but Fujifilm’s GFX cameras have brought that price down considerably. The GFX 50S II offers many features you’d expect from a pro-full-frame mirrorless camera, including an in-body image stabilization system and advanced object tracking AF.” —Stan Horaczek

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Earlier this week, Om Digital Solutions launched the OM System OM-1 Micro Four Thirds camera, the final camera ever to carry the Olympus badge. But wait, how did we get here? Last year, Olympus sold off its imaging division to Japan Industrial Partners, who then launched OM Digital Solutions with the intention of keeping the Olympus camera tradition alive. 

And while we’re happy to see the DNA of the brand live on, this is a bittersweet moment. Olympus began manufacturing cameras all the way back in 1936 (one year before the first issue of Popular Photography magazine landed on newsstands). And in the time since, there have been countless Olympus cameras worth celebrating for their innovations and/or sheer awesomeness. 

What follows are nine of our all-time favorite models, from the half-frame Pen F to the Micro Four Thirds OM-D E-M1. 

Olympus Pen F

Released in 1963, the original Pen F looks like something you’d expect to see Don Draper from Mad Men toss in his bag along with his booze stash. At the time, the Pen F was the smallest 35mm system camera, in large part because it only shoots frames that are half the size of a normal 35mm image. Load a 36-exposure roll of film into the camera and it will produce 72 vertically oriented photos that measure 24mm tall by 18mm wide. 

There’s no pentaprism hump on top of the camera for a viewfinder. Instead, Olympus built a system of mirrors inside the camera in order to keep the top of the body flat. The original version requires two strokes of the advance lever in order to go to the next frame, similar to the original Leica M3. The Pen F feels old school because it is and that’s what we love about it. With film prices what they are now, we can also appreciate getting twice the frames per roll.

Olympus OM-1

Pick up an original Olympus OM-1 from the early 1970s and you’ll quickly notice some subtle differences between it and some of the other popular film SLRs of the time. Both the aperture and shutter speed controls reside on the lens, so there’s no shutter dial on the compact, well-laid-out body. 

Fire the shutter and you’ll also notice how quick and quiet the sound is. Olympus built an air damping system into the shutter mechanism to cushion the impact from the mirror box as it flips up and down every time you take a photo. 

It even allows photographers to swap out the focusing screens through the lens mount, which means you don’t have to disassemble the camera to get a different view through the finder. 

Scour the secondary market today and you’ll still find a ton of OM-1s out there, fully functional and ready to shoot, which is a testament to Olympus’s efforts to make a durable, compact, and relatively affordable camera that would last decades with just a little bit of TLC.

Olympus XA 

The Olympus XA is a compact, aperture priority-only film rangefinder that debuted in 1979. One of the stranger cameras in the Olympus catalog, it features an all-plastic design centered around a sharp 35mm f/2.8 lens paired with a 4-blade aperture. A sliding lens cover protects the camera when not in use and doubles as an on/off switch.

A vertical slider along the front of the body allows users to adjust the aperture—a needle display in the viewfinder shows the camera’s corresponding shutter speed. And a side-mounting flash unit adds to the XA’s versatility.  The only exposure override is a small lever on the bottom of the camera that adds +1.5EV to an exposure. 

According to the brand, this was the first “full-featured” Olympus camera to make use of a mostly plastic construction. Still, these cameras are built tough and can easily be found in working condition, for not much coin, today. 

In fact, they’re a great option for those seeking a tiny and robust, yet highly-cable manual focus camera. They’re also fantastic cameras for “shooting from the hip,” due to the unique design of the shutter release. But sausage fingers be warned, the controls can be a bit fiddly. 

Olympus OM-10

Off the shelf, the OM-10 is a fairly straightforward film SLR that, like the Nikon EM, only operates in aperture priority mode with a few exceptions for flash syncing and bulb exposures. A port on the front of the camera, however, allows users to attach a small dongle with a shutter speed dial that converts the camera into a full manual body. 

It’s not quite as refined or durable as the single-digit OM bodies, but Olympus made a ton of these cameras, so you can still find them on the secondary market, today, for much cheaper than many of its more popular counterparts. We own several and have never paid more than $30 for one. Ultimately, it’s a clever little camera that deserves more credit than it got.

 Olympus OM-4Ti

In 1989, Olympus released the last and most advanced version of the OM-series film SLRs. The OM-4Ti is lighter and more compact than the Leica M6. Plus, the OM-4Ti’s top and bottom plates utilized titanium (hence the name) to add durability and save weight. 

Functionally, it feels a lot like the OM SLRs that came before it, but it had a few very notable upgrades. It was the first 35mm camera with a film plane shutter to sync with a flash, at any shutter speed. 

You can still find OM-4TI bodies on the secondary market, but you can expect to pay a premium for them. The relatively high price is due in part to their rarity, but also due to the fact that they’re built for longevity. And hey, they’re still a lot cheaper than a Leica.

Olympus Stylus/mju & Stylus Epic/mju-II

The Olympus Stylus/mju and its high-coveted younger sibling, the Stylus Epic/mju-II—also known as “the soap bar” for its unique shape— are pocketable, plastic, point-and-shoot film cameras sporting super-sharp 35mm lenses and straightforward functionality. The former features a 35mm f/3.5 lens, the latter a 35mm f/2.8. 

Both of these cameras debuted in the 1990s. The original Stylus was a huge success, with over 5 million units manufactured. The Stylus Epic, which debuted in 1997, was also incredibly successful. And these days, both sell for a premium on the used market.

A sliding door acts both as an on/off switch and a lens cover. And both cameras offer a multitude of flash modes, reliable metering, and accurate autofocusing. Which is to say, they’re as easy to use as they are capable. No wonder you’ll find so analog-loving street and candid photographers working with them. 

Olympus E-1

Back in 2003, Olympus kicked off its foray into DSLRs with a camera and lens system built specifically for digital photography. The sensor inside the Olympus E-1 was a Kodak-sourced CCD (which was common before CMOS came and made it obsolete) that measured 18mm x 13.5mm. Olympus stuck with that size, which was known as Four Thirds for the extent of its DSLR run during which it created some really excellent and compact lenses. 

Even back then, Olympus emphasized toughness and durability in its cameras. The E-1’s magnesium alloy body came with burly weather sealing to help it survive in the wild. While the camera’s specs look ancient at this point, it was novel for the time and represented a big commitment from Olympus to its advanced digital offerings.

Olympus PEN E-P1

The Olympus PEN E-P1, announced in 2009, was named after the legendary Olympus Pen 35mm half-frame camera that debuted 50 years prior. It was also the first Olympus interchangeable lens camera to be compliant with the then-new Micro Four Thirds standard.

But it doesn’t just share a name with its distant 35mm relative, it also conveys a similar look, feel, and design to the classic Pen. The angular body is built from aluminum and features a 3-inch LCD on the back—there’s no viewfinder, but an optional optical finder was sold alongside it.

At the time of its launch, the E-P1 was one of only two Micro Four Thirds cameras on the market, offering a pleasant contrast to the Panasonic G1, an SLR-shaped camera with a built-in electronic viewfinder, and mostly plastic construction. 

The E-P1’s 12-megapixel sensor was lauded in its day for punchy JPEGs and solid detail capture. And the camera as a whole was celebrated for its retro-tastic design, something Olympus would continue to lean into for future digital PEN models.

Olympus OM-D E-M1

The OM-D E-M1 is arguably Olympus’ most important digital camera ever. Launched in 2013, this flagship Micro Four Thirds camera packs a highly-capable 16-megapixel sensor into a supremely compact and lightweight body with a tank-like construction—including robust dust and weather-sealing—and plenty of direct controls.

A comfortable camera to shoot with, the E-M1 also offered a sizable, high-resolution electronic viewfinder for it its time. And the camera’s 5-axis in-body image stabilization system was also at the top of the class for this era. 

Now in its third iteration, the latest OM-D E-M1 Mark III hasn’t strayed far from the design and ethos of the original. In fact, the new flagship OM System OM-1 is essentially a distant sibling of the original E-M1. Moreover, the E-M1 is still a camera we’d gladly pick up and shoot with right now, despite its 9-year-old status. 

Do you have a favorite Olympus camera we missed? Shout it out in the comments below.

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Fifty years after the original release of the iconic OM-1 35mm film camera, OM Digital Solutions Corp is paying homage with a new OM System flagship camera by the same model name. And while the Olympus badge will be on the camera body—just like the original OM-1—this will be the last camera to sport it. All OM Digital Solution Corp cameras going forward will instead have an OM System badge.

For those just tuning in, OM Digital Solutions Corp is a new company, formed after Olympus sold off its imaging division to Japan Industrial Partners last year.

Key specs

• 20-megapixel stacked BSI Four Thirds sensor
• Top native ISO of 25,600
• 5-axis sensor-based image stabilization provides 7-stops of stability (up to 8-stops with certain lenses)
• 120 fps burst shooting with AF locked, 50 fps with AF
• 1,053 on-sensor cross-type AF points
• Improved subject detection (now with dog and cat detect)
• 5.76-million dot EVF with 120 fps refresh rate
• 4K/60p video capture with no record limit
• IP53 dust and splashproof rating
• Dual UHS-II card slots
• Seperate AF-On and AE-lock buttons
• Updated menus

The OM System OM-1 is a Micro Four Thirds camera built around a 20-megapixel stacked, backside-illuminated (BSI), Live MOS sensor. In addition, it has the latest TruePic X image processor, which is supposedly three times faster than previous models. These hardware features allow for a considerable jump in frames per second when shooting RAW files, going from 60 fps on the E-M1X and E-M1 Mark III with a max of 50 consecutive RAW files, to 120 fps and up to 92 consecutive RAW files on the OM System OM-1. 

The autofocus on this new flagship camera is also much improved. It uses a quad-pixel design with 1053 cross-type focus points, compared to a measly 121 on the E-M1 Mark III. The entire sensor is covered by focus points, which increases autofocus accuracy and creative control. The subject detection system has been upgraded and can now detect even more vehicle and animal types. They’ve also gone with a blackout-free OLED viewfinder instead of an LCD panel, making it easier to compose and focus your images through the viewfinder (even when wearing sunglasses). 

Who’s it for?

OM Digital Solutions Corp says they have refocused on the adventure genre with this new release, and the features they packed into this small camera reflect that. The improved autofocus and burst shooting speeds mentioned above will be excellent additions for adventure sport or wildlife photographers documenting fast action.

The OM System OM-1 has a lightweight, magnesium alloy body with impressive weatherproofing that adventure seekers will love. It is splashproof, dustproof, and freezeproof down to 14°F with an IP53 rating. For comparison, the E-M1 Mark III has a rating of just IPX1. So those wanting something that can withstand some seriously rugged conditions should be pleased.

Videographers will appreciate this camera as well, as it can shoot 4K at up to 60p with no time limit. The battery life is 90 minutes, but another unique feature of the OM System OM-1 is that you can continue shooting while plugged into a battery pack or other power source, meaning the only real limit is storage. It is also capable of high-speed movies with Full HD at a maximum of 240p. In addition, the OM-1 can record internal 10-bit footage in either OM-Log mode or in HLG capture mode—the former is ideal for grading in post-production, the latter is great for viewing footage direct on an HDR display. There’s also an option to output 12-bit RAW video to a dedicated capture device.

Two new lenses

Not only is OM Digital Solutions Corp bringing us a new camera, but there is also an update to an existing lens and an entirely new lens release. Both lenses are getting the same weatherproofing as the camera body with the IP53 rating and freezeproof performance to 14°F. They will also have fluorine coating on the front-most lens to repel water, oil, and dust and make cleaning easier. 

The M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II hasn’t undergone many changes, but it is said to have improved image quality in the same compact, lightweight body as the original version. It can focus as close as 7.9-inches across the entire zoom range, which means you can use it for macro photography. Being able to shoot macro images with a wide focal length can open up some unique perspectives and creativity. The MSC (Movie and Still Compatible) focusing system allows fast and quiet focusing. When paired with the impressive autofocus of the OM System OM-1, you should be able to reliably and quickly get your subjects in focus.

The M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F4.0 PRO is a compact, lightweight telephoto zoom. It comes in at only 3.9-inches long and 13.5 ounces, lighter and more compact than any other fixed aperture telephoto zooms for the system. It can focus as close as 27.6 inches at any focal distance, making it useful for macro photography as well as capturing subjects in the distance. This versatility is helpful for remote adventures where extensive lens kits aren’t feasible, especially when you factor in the size and weight of the lens.

Pricing and availability

The OM System OM-1 and lenses mentioned above will be available from retailers in early March. The camera will be available as either a body only or kit version. The body will cost you $2199.99, and the kit, which comes with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II lens, will be $2799.99. The kit lens on its own will be $999.99. The M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F4.0 PRO will be listed at $899.99.

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Hot on the heels of an official rebranding, OM System—the brand formerly known as Olympus cameras—has just announced its first lens under the new banner: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 20mm f/1.4 Pro for Micro Four Thirds cameras. It will be available at the end of December for $800. 

OM System 20mm f/1.4 Pro lens specs

The OM System 20mm f/1.4 Pro is very much a continuation of Olympus’ legacy and it’s the 13th lens in the “M.Zuiko Pro” line. 

With a focal length of 20mm, the new lens will give a 40mm full-frame equivalent field of view on Micro Four Thirds cameras. That’s slightly wider than standard, but still suitable for landscapes, portraits, street and travel work, and pretty much anything else you’d like to shoot. 

The max aperture of f/1.4 is great, especially in such a small and light package. OM Digital Solutions (the company behind the OM System brand) claims it offers “beautiful feathered bokeh”, which is a big promise in a lens that weighs just 8.7 ounces, is roughly 2.5-inches tall and wide, and takes a 58mm filters. As a lightweight travel lens, it has a lot of potential, especially on a rugged and compact body like the E-M1 Mark III. 

Despite the featherweight stats, there are still 11 optical elements in 10 groups inside. This includes three extra low-dispersion (ED), one Super ED, two super high-refractive (HR), and two aspherical elements. OM Digital Solutions says it will offer “sharp imaging from the center to the farthest corners of the frame.”

One spec that jumps out at us is the minimum focus distance of 9.8-inches While it’s far from a macro lens, it should still be capable of nice close-up shots. 

Further cementing its travel and adventure potential, OM Digital Solutions says the ED 20mm is “dustproof, splashproof and freezeproof.”

How to buy the OM System 20mm f/1.4 Pro

The OM System 20mm f/1.4 Pro is due to be released at the end of December, though given how global supply chains have been, we wouldn’t count on seeing it widely available in shops, immediately. It’s available for preorder now for $799.

The post First look: OM System 20mm f/1.4 Pro lens for Micro Four Thirds appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Olympus’ long and storied history of making cameras came to an end late last year when its imaging division was sold off to Japan Industrial Partners and rebranded as OM Digital Solutions. This new company has just unveiled an incredibly over-the-top website to announce that going forward, all “interchangeable lens cameras and lenses, compact digital cameras, audio products, binoculars, and other services” will be sold under the “OM System” brand name.

But what’s more exciting than the name change, is the fact OM Digital is also teasing a new Micro Four Thirds OM System camera. 

What happened to Olympus? 

Cameras were always just one part of Olympus’ business, the brand also makes microscopes, endoscopes, and other scientific and medical imaging devices. With the digital camera market shrinking, it makes sense that Olympus sold off its low-performing division to focus on the profitable scientific/medical side.

Japan Industrial Partners, a financial investment group, bought the struggling imaging division earlier this year and changed its name to OM Digital Solutions. When that happened, we assumed it would only be a matter of time before they dropped the “Olympus” name completely. And that time is now. Olympus cameras are now OM System cameras.

(Yes, we understand that this is all convoluted and silly—but that’s corporate deals for you). 

What does this mean for my old Olympus cameras?

OM Digital Solutions is at great pains to tell you that OM System is just a natural continuation of Olympus’ heritage. In fact, they’ve produced several slick-looking YouTube videos to make sure you remember. 

For photographers, this is a really good thing—even if there’s a lot of marketing speak being thrown around. It means that OM Digital Solutions is serious about its new camera business. It clearly wants its no-longer-legally-allowed-be-called-Olympus cameras to succeed. Which, again, is great for photographers; we love Olympus (whoops, I mean OM System) cameras here at PopPhoto and don’t want them to go anywhere.

If you have an Olympus camera sitting around, there’s no need to sell it and switch to another brand. In the future, any new lenses or other gear you buy will be OM Systems branded instead of Olympus branded. But they’ll still be compatible. 

And it seems there are no plans to end support for any of the current product lines. Though there are plans to introduce a new product…

What do we know about the new camera? 

OM Digital Solutions has also announced that it’s developing a new Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera under the OM Systems brand. Other than that, we have little in the way of concrete details. And lots in the way of vague hints and promises. 

The press release declares:

[OM Digital Solutions] are leveraging the Micro Four Thirds System standard to make more compact and lightweight systems, strengthening the photographic support functions that broaden the field of photography, and accelerating the improvement of image quality and photographic expression through the use of computational photographic technology.

While the website states that OM Digital will use five “key technologies”—“sensor”, “processing”, “optics”, “stabilization”, “compact design”, and “ruggedness”—to offer “core benefits” like “mobility”, “high-speed performance”, and “run-n-gun filmmaking”.

Seriously, the only clear bit of all that is that OM Systems intends to bring “computational photography,” which has mostly been used in smartphones, to a mirrorless camera. How it will work and what features will be offered remains to be seen. 

Is this all a bit ridiculous? 

In short, yes. OM Digital Solutions is clearly in the midst of a big marketing campaign. (And seemingly a successful one since we’re writing about it.) There is lots of hype and promises floating around, though no real product to speak of just yet. 

Still, though, it’s quite exciting to see the brand-formerly-known-as-Olympus get another lease on life. Let’s hope this pans out like the Impossible Project which, against all reasonable expectations, saved the brand-formerly-known-as-Polaroid. 

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