Olympus Camera Division to be sold to Japan Industrial Partners
by the end of 2020. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed today. JIP is an investment fund which will restructure and turn around the fate of the Camera division which suffered 3 consecutive fiscal years of losses. Research functions, production and product support will not stop.
(43 Rumors, The Verge)
(43 Rumors, The Verge)
Yeah sad news, however, there are some interesting points that are positive to take from it all:
- JIP want to make Olympus Imaging profitable
- Olympus "will launch new products as planned"
https://www.ephotozine.com/article/breaking-news---olympus-imaging-business-to-be-sold-to-jip-inc-34806
- JIP want to make Olympus Imaging profitable
- Olympus "will launch new products as planned"
https://www.ephotozine.com/article/breaking-news---olympus-imaging-business-to-be-sold-to-jip-inc-34806
I think they’re going to have to adopt a different pricing strategy if the brand is to survive.
I like the products - well built and of course Olympus’ IBIS is second to none. But they’re just too damn expensive for what they are - that applies particularly to lenses and it’s a strategy which has changed from the early days. In recent times they’ve released a slew of sharp but quite slow lenses (especially taking into account the format) at premium prices.
I’m still invested in the format, but since the release of the original EM1, virtually none of my money has gone In Olympus coffers. I’ve spent in the meantime several grand on Panasonic’s offerings. I do like (prefer) the ergonomics of the Pannys, but I don’t think the products are in n a different league - you just get more for your money and for the sort of photography I do any shorter focal lengths need to be reasonably fast.
I doubt I’m alone in this. Olympus has tried high margin at low volume, it’s clearly failed. I can’t see how JIP can suddenly make it work without a shift in direction. It’s a shame.
I like the products - well built and of course Olympus’ IBIS is second to none. But they’re just too damn expensive for what they are - that applies particularly to lenses and it’s a strategy which has changed from the early days. In recent times they’ve released a slew of sharp but quite slow lenses (especially taking into account the format) at premium prices.
I’m still invested in the format, but since the release of the original EM1, virtually none of my money has gone In Olympus coffers. I’ve spent in the meantime several grand on Panasonic’s offerings. I do like (prefer) the ergonomics of the Pannys, but I don’t think the products are in n a different league - you just get more for your money and for the sort of photography I do any shorter focal lengths need to be reasonably fast.
I doubt I’m alone in this. Olympus has tried high margin at low volume, it’s clearly failed. I can’t see how JIP can suddenly make it work without a shift in direction. It’s a shame.
Quote:
I doubt I’m alone in this. Olympus has tried high margin at low volume, it’s clearly failed. I can’t see how JIP can suddenly make it work without a shift in direction. It’s a shame.
It is difficult to comment on the future prospects.
Presumably the 3 consecutive trading losses do not include 1/4/2020 to 31/3/21 - which due to Covid will likely result in increased losses.
Olympus Cameras are now a relatively small part of the Olympus Group turnover.
It seems Olympus has decided there is no economic prospect of returning the camera division to profitability in the next 2-3 years.
My understanding is that the sale to JIP is the only legal way for large corporations to ax divisions and lay-off personnel in large numbers in Japan. JIP is not the sort to revive a company. It strips assets. It will likely sell the Olympus name, patents, etc to some Chinese knock off company that will cheapen the cameras and lower the prices to try to get by. MFT will have to survive as simply a part of Panasonic which wisely is diversifying itself with the L mount, some few fixed lens cameras, MFT, and video cameras. In such company MFT may survive.
What most interests me about Olympus' sale of its camera business is who is next. This event had been rumored for sometime. Back and forth it went with rumors that it would and wouldn't happen. Well, now it has happened. Given that, then what of the other persistent rumors? And, don't bore me with the same nonsense that went on for years about Olympus. We now know what the truth was. Is Nikon next? Is Ricoh/Pentax next? Someone is next, that is for sure. Olympus is only the beginning. Who is next, is what I'd like to know.
What most interests me about Olympus' sale of its camera business is who is next. This event had been rumored for sometime. Back and forth it went with rumors that it would and wouldn't happen. Well, now it has happened. Given that, then what of the other persistent rumors? And, don't bore me with the same nonsense that went on for years about Olympus. We now know what the truth was. Is Nikon next? Is Ricoh/Pentax next? Someone is next, that is for sure. Olympus is only the beginning. Who is next, is what I'd like to know.
Quote:Who is next, is what I'd like to know.
Phase One ?
Was splitting off their Capture One software into a separate entity an indication of problems with the hardware
( cameras / backs / lenses ) side of the business ?
C1 appears to be looking for more market share, the deal with Sony a few years ago, Fujifilm last year and now Nikon this year .
Noticeably there is nothing for Canon, so perhaps that is also an indication of " Who Is Next "
Quote:"Camera"...... wassat then? Oh yeah, the thing grandad uses to take pix when everyone else is using their phone - he's so funny!
......... you get my drift.
Yes. I get it. And, so do the camera manufacturers. But, they keep trying to ignore it. The Samsung NX interchangeable lens camera was way ahead of its time. But, that is the way to go, now. Thanks for your astute observation. 😉
The writing has been on the wall a long time. I first drew attention to the tiny scribble, on here, about 15 years ago.
Now the writing is huge, screaming things like "Phone with 8K video". And with social media, convenience is king.
The camera will become a specialist high-end tool, like a microscope. Something you use only when nothing else will do. And mostly for professional use rather than amateur dabbling.
Now the writing is huge, screaming things like "Phone with 8K video". And with social media, convenience is king.
The camera will become a specialist high-end tool, like a microscope. Something you use only when nothing else will do. And mostly for professional use rather than amateur dabbling.
Quote:The writing has been on the wall a long time. I first drew attention to the tiny scribble, on here, about 15 years ago.
Now the writing is huge, screaming things like "Phone with 8K video". And with social media, convenience is king.
The camera will become a specialist high-end tool, like a microscope. Something you use only when nothing else will do. And mostly for professional use rather than amateur dabbling.
Well the demographics is with you. If you go into sites like Flickr you will see there truly is a generational gap between smartphone users and those still using hand held cameras. When the camera users die off then it will become as you've said. But, not until then. So there's still life in the old cameras, for a time anyway. Am just wondering how long the manufacturers are going to hang on before they fall one by one by the wayside.
I think CB has a point in that for many people a phone is good enough, in fact if I look at it video is more popular amongst people as well.
I'd I go back to last century when all we had was film the popular camera choice would be a compact not the more enthusiasts choice of SLR or range finder. With digital there was a rush and increase in people buying more complex cameras but then the phone has developed to cover what most people want. So there was a rise in DSLR sales above the previous level for such kit and due to technology pace some people were buying new cameras every 2 or 3 years
Does all this mean the complex enthusiasts cameras are going to die? Personally I think not but it will change the market size and offering. I use a phone for photographs but of choice will reach for a camera when I care about it.
For me the process of taking the photo is just as important. So handling etc matters. As such I see a market, probably a smaller to one, where camera lives are longer and you get more sharing of core parts such as sensors (after all in the past you could use any film). A smaller market aimed at enthusiasts with a higher price per unit and some brands no longer on sale.
I hope Olympus survive, following an injury I no longer have the arm strength and mobility I used to. An OM D E5 has proven to be a revaluation for me where the compact lenses and low weight have been brilliant, the handling is good too (shame about the menu but once configured it's great).
So I hope M4/3 continues as it has its place as a compact low weight quality system. I am not going to say it out performs full frame, but say for a range of uses it works well and gives a result that is good enough.
For the moment I will continue to enjoy using Canon and Olympus cameras each for their own merits.
I'd I go back to last century when all we had was film the popular camera choice would be a compact not the more enthusiasts choice of SLR or range finder. With digital there was a rush and increase in people buying more complex cameras but then the phone has developed to cover what most people want. So there was a rise in DSLR sales above the previous level for such kit and due to technology pace some people were buying new cameras every 2 or 3 years
Does all this mean the complex enthusiasts cameras are going to die? Personally I think not but it will change the market size and offering. I use a phone for photographs but of choice will reach for a camera when I care about it.
For me the process of taking the photo is just as important. So handling etc matters. As such I see a market, probably a smaller to one, where camera lives are longer and you get more sharing of core parts such as sensors (after all in the past you could use any film). A smaller market aimed at enthusiasts with a higher price per unit and some brands no longer on sale.
I hope Olympus survive, following an injury I no longer have the arm strength and mobility I used to. An OM D E5 has proven to be a revaluation for me where the compact lenses and low weight have been brilliant, the handling is good too (shame about the menu but once configured it's great).
So I hope M4/3 continues as it has its place as a compact low weight quality system. I am not going to say it out performs full frame, but say for a range of uses it works well and gives a result that is good enough.
For the moment I will continue to enjoy using Canon and Olympus cameras each for their own merits.
"I'd I go back to last century when all we had was film the popular camera choice would be a compact not the more enthusiasts choice of SLR or range finder. With digital there was a rush and increase in people buying more complex cameras but then the phone has developed to cover what most people want. So there was a rise in DSLR sales above the previous level for such kit and due to technology pace some people were buying new cameras every 2 or 3 years"
I think you are right. Back in my film days - the late 1960's - I had a ranger finder and SLR, just as you said. But, my range finder was the smallest they made at the time and thus took up the space of the compact, too - a Petri 35. Throughout the digital era I have most preferred the compact Canon Powershot s100 for example. My interchangeable is the small but capable Oly PM2. I think, except for capability, most anyone prefers small and light over large and heavy. Which explains the allure of Sony's and Fuji's small ILC's. These will survive for that very reason. The rest are just too little too late, I think.
I think you are right. Back in my film days - the late 1960's - I had a ranger finder and SLR, just as you said. But, my range finder was the smallest they made at the time and thus took up the space of the compact, too - a Petri 35. Throughout the digital era I have most preferred the compact Canon Powershot s100 for example. My interchangeable is the small but capable Oly PM2. I think, except for capability, most anyone prefers small and light over large and heavy. Which explains the allure of Sony's and Fuji's small ILC's. These will survive for that very reason. The rest are just too little too late, I think.
