July 15, 2020
In an interview with Digital Photography Review, Olympus VP of Global Strategy Setsuya Kataoka shed some light on Olympus' direction as they move to sell their imaging division later this year.
Olympus currently manufactures some of the best cameras for underwater use, particularly the Tough TG-6 waterproof compact. In good news for Olympus fans, Setsuya expects that the transition will have a positive effect on their imaging business and that production of existing models will continue.
"I don’t expect that anything will happen that will not be good for our users. In all of our conversations about the transfer, ‘user first’ has been the bottom line." - Setsuya Kataoka, Olympus VP of Global Strategy
Setsuya foresees increased focus on the high-end market including micro four-thirds cameras and lenses. OM-D, PEN, and Zuiko series products are expected to continue to evolve.
Setsuya ended the interview by thanking Olympus customers and promising continuation of the release of new products through 2020 and beyond.
"We believe that our OM-D lineup offers unique benefits that other camera manufacturers cannot. Not only the compactness and light weight of the system, but many technologies that competitors cannot match, such as high-resolution lenses, strong stabilization and outstanding dust-proofing and weather-sealing." - Setsuya Kataoka, Olympus VP of Global Strategy
Olympus recently released a lens roadmap with several interesting new offerings on the way, including an ED 8-25mm f/4.0 PRO model which may turn out to be an excellent choice for underwater shooting.
The sales agreement is expected to be in place by September with a new company formed to take over the imaging division as early as January 2021.
Read the full interview on dpreview.com...
Additional Reading
Getting Correct Strobe Exposure with the Olympus Tough TG-5 and TG-6
Wide Angle Fisheye to Macro on the Same Dive with the Olympus Tough TG-6
First Look Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Underwater Housing
RC1 TTL Receiver for DS Strobes & Olympus TG-5 Camera Review
How to Accessorize the Olympus Tough TG-5, TG-6 System
