Masanori Sako from Olympus: We plan to launch many new cameras and lenses in 2020!

On March 3 the French magazine Photorend interviewed Masanori Sako from Olympus. Here are the highlights:

2020 goal:
Our objective in 2020 is to stabilize and strengthen our position on the market. To achieve this objective, we are actively carrying out marketing activities and have also set up a roadmap of interesting products. We will continue to develop future technologies for photographers and videographers, such as new cameras and new lenses in 2020.

E-M1X sales:
E-M1X, but it is selling pretty well. The addition of the Starry Sky AF function on the OM-D E-M1X is under consideration.

Full Frame:
Full format is interesting in many cases, but many customers are looking for a more compact and lighter interchangeable lens system and we are almost the only ones able to offer this kind of product on the market. In fact, we are not afraid to be “alone” and we are proud to have the Micro 4/3 and to offer unique features for photographers.

Camera business shutdown rumors:
Some people thought that Olympus was planning to reduce or even close its imaging business, but that is not the case. Imagery continues to play an important role in the business, by being at the forefront of technologies or innovations. We will therefore certainly maintain the imaging activity as an important part of Olympus society. The rapid pace of technological development could help accelerate certain developments in medical devices or life sciences. The photo division is also our public face, and contributes to the fact that many people know about Olympus, which should promote the presence of the brand.

Coronavirus effect on Olympus camera business:
Olympus has been affected to some extent. We don’t see any significant impact at the moment, but we will see. Our factories are now in Vietnam, although some parts are purchased from Chinese companies, so there could be some impact.

New higher resolution MFT sensors:
We are also studying how to use higher resolution sensors in the future. There is no limit, but our priority is to obtain a final image of quality and usable.