I received this message from a 43rumors reader and wanted to ask you if this is a one-off exception or if you have also had this experience:

Hi. Potential story and genuine question for you about the financial robustness of om systems.  I’m an engineer not a finance person but I’ve heard the phrase ‘cash is king’ so first sign of difficulties is a company not paying what they owe people… May be interesting to ask/poll people who bought into their cashback offer in November last year – I bought the fantastic 8-25 f4 expecting £300 cashback. Their customer support people say it has been approved but guess what – still not received yet 3 months later (Feb 2025). I wonder how long they are going to avoid paying my refund!  I for one am not risking any more of my money in om until I can be more certain of their future.  Cheers. Mark.
PS. Thx for all your hard work, have been reading this site for years but this is first time contacting you :-)

As I said, no company is perfect, and this could be a rare mistake by OM Digital. But let me know what you think about it in the comments section.

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Lensvid analyzed the official CIPA shipment data and concluded:

2024 was the first year since 2017 where we have seen a year-to-year increase in the number of cameras sold/shipped globally – from 7.8 million in 2023 to 8.3 – an increase of over 6%.

And they attempted a forecast:

Looking ahead to 2025 we don’t expect big changes. If anything we believe that unless some big global changes occur this year (again), we are going to see mostly more of the same with possibly a slight increase in sales (especially with mirrorless cameras at the expense of DSLRs) and maybe even an increase in compact cameras thanks to the interest in the X100 line from Fujifilm (and possibly a new RX1 replacement) and some of the instant cameras (even basic compacts have seen a renewed interest, especially in Japan).

Ask me anything: Get creative with the new OM SYSTEM OM-3

Today deals at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, FotoErhardt DE, FotoKoch DE.
Slowing down outdoors (Olympus Passion).
I Purchased a New Micro Four Thirds Lens to Replace Many (Geeky Nerdy Tech).
The Challenges of Shooting Photography and Videography (42West)
The Logistics of Shooting Destination Weddings (Explora)

Plenty of news on the facebook OMD group, Panasonic FF and the GH5 group.
I kindly invite you all to follow me on Youtube, Instagram, Threads for more broader camera talk.

so, Lumix have a new compact camera in 2025…

Today deals at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, FotoErhardt DE, FotoKoch DE.
Mastering Light: From Camera Flash to Studio Strobes (Explora)
Why I Switched From Full Frame to Micro Four Thirds (WaterfallJoe).
“OM-3” vs “X-T50” by Asobinet.
Unique Photography Techniques You Probably Haven’t Tried Yet (42West)

Plenty of news on the facebook OMD group, Panasonic FF and the GH5 group.
I kindly invite you all to follow me on Youtube, Instagram, Threads for more broader camera talk.