What results for OM System in 2024? Between l’OM-1 Mark II et two new objectivesthis year allowed the manufacturer to consolidate its presence in the nature photo.
A look back at the brand’s highlights, as well as the major trends that are emerging for the months to come.
OM-1 Mark II: the Micro 4/3 hybrid on steroids
About System (ex-Olympus) started the year with a bang by unveiling the OM-1 Mark II. This 2nd iteration of its Micro 4/3 hybrid high end still benefits from a stacked and backlit sensor, even more advanced stabilization, a AI-boosted AFa more capacity buffer and algorithmic refinements (see below).
However, this new model has aroused the wrath of certain OM-1 (Mark I) owners, as the new features are linked to the software. Also, the brand quickly published an update to its case (v1.7) to allow it to benefit from some improvements linked to l’AF.
In any case, OM System has a particularly well-positioned case for sports, nature and wildlife photography. We simply regret that its definition is not a bit higher…
M.Zuiko 9-18 mm and 150-600 mm: two interesting new zoom lenses
Side opticsOM System revealed two zooms at the very beginning of 2024. The M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18 mm f/4-5.6 II is a “rebadged” and modernized version of the lens formerly named « Olympus ».
In return, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600 mm f/5-6.3 IS is more amazingsince it identically repeats the features (and the size) of a well-known zoom… Sigma. But here, with the 4/3 sensor, we obtain a maximum focal length equivalent 1200 mm and the lens is compatible with OM System teleconverters. We can thus achieve a equivalent focal length… 2400 mmsorry.
Test & Wow program: a relevant initiative!
How to do it discover to photographers all the advantages of an ecosystem in real conditions… before purchasing? It is in response to this thorny question that OM System designed its Test & Wow program.
The principle: upon simple online request, any photographer, whatever their level, can receive a camera body and several lenses on loan. Several kits are offered, centered around the OM-5 and the OM-1 Mark II. The whole thing for freeand for a period of 5 days.
A excellent initiative to test all the functionalities of these two boxes. What soon inspire the competition? We wouldn’t say no!
OM System, champion of computational photography?
Beyond the different hardware aspects, OM System boxes are distinguished by certain “algorithmic” features very thorough – and sometimes completely unpublished. We are thinking in particular of the system of stabilisation ultra-performantwhich allows you to capture views of several seconds freehandwith minimal effort.
We also think (and above all) of the functionalities of Pixel Shiftwhich allows you to obtain images in very high definition freehand. Or even filters Live GND et Live ND128. So many features that allow OM System to stand out, as the brand highlighted during our interview last February.
What’s new from OM System for 2025?
For the moment, the brand has not provided information regarding its new features for 2025…which does not prevent us from indulging in a few speculations.
In recent times, OM System has largely focused on photography of nature. However, the Olympus Pen series was very popular with street photographers. Will OM System deign to deliver us a Nice E-P8 next year? It is still too early to know. But the idea is attractive.
In all cases, OM System seems to favor start of the year for the launch of its new products. Who knows, maybe the brand is already preparing one for us (small) surprise for the first months of 2025!
